Dorm Shower Caddy Essentials Celebs Actually Swear By — Pack These Now
I’m Kai Montgomery and yes, I’m about to tell you things you should already know, because apparently people still show up to college without a functioning shower caddy.
Look, I do not want to be the one to lecture you, but this is basic survival 101. Celebrities like Gia Giudice, Ariana Madix, Paige DeSorbo and even WNBA star Angel Reese have publicly called out a few non-negotiables for shower life, and they are not asking for your permission. Gia bluntly told fans that if you are a freshman living in the dorms, a shower caddy is “1,000% necessary,” and she recommended one with quick-drying mesh pockets and a clear waterproof phone sleeve so you can still pretend you’re productive while singing in the shower. That phone pocket is less frivolous than it sounds; you can listen to music or watch a video without shoving your phone into a towel. Practical and slightly annoying, the way I like it.
Let’s get the boring but vital stuff out of the way. You will need shower shoes. Yes, sandals with drain holes. Gia said it plainly: bring them unless you want to grow a foot fungus in the communal bathroom. No, this isn’t cute, it’s necessary sanitation. Also pack a waterproof caddy with multiple pockets and even a zipper option so your bottles don’t stage a slow-motion escape onto the sidewalk when you trip over your own duffel.
Razors: Ariana Madix raves about a particular razor that gives a close shave with less clogging and fewer strokes, meaning fewer nicks and faster leg-smoothening. If you shave in the dorm shower, invest in quality and keep it clean. For hair care, follow Kenya Moore’s advice: use a detangling brush made for wet hair, especially if your hair is thick or curly. The wrong brush will turn your shower into a wrestling match and your hair into a hostage situation.
Skincare and body care products mattered enough for celebs to name-check them. A benzoyl peroxide foaming wash is versatile for face and body acne and can help with that awkward underarm breakout situation. Paige DeSorbo hyped an aluminum-free deodorant that she says smells like a “really expensive hotel,” which, fine, I’ll admit that’s a sell. Gia backs the deodorant for its longevity even with daily workouts. Also bring a small tub or stick of Aquaphor; Gia claims it never runs out and will save your lips, knees and elbows from becoming dry-cracked regret.
Beauty multitaskers get the green light too. There’s a popular makeup remover balm with rave reviews from Ariana and thousands of shoppers that dissolves makeup quickly and leaves skin moisturized — portable, fast, and merciful when you collapse into your bunk at 2 a.m. For bathing texture, African net sponges have gone viral on TikTok for creating a luxe lather and gentle exfoliation. Use them if you want a smoother finish without sandpaper scrub regret.
Yes, some of these picks are small luxuries: a mesh zipper caddy in cute colors, a clear phone pocket, a solid razor, specialized brush, the deodorant with five scent options, and fan-favorite skincare staples. No, you do not need to buy everything at once. Prioritize a sturdy caddy, shower shoes, a razor, and a reliable deodorant. Fill in the rest as you go, because college will force you to become an efficient consumer whether you like it or not.
So pack smart, stop procrastinating, and for heaven’s sake, bring sandals. That is the only public-service announcement you need from me today.
Well, that was useful. Now go pack your caddy and don’t make me come over with a checklist.
Sources: Celebrity Storm and E! News, Celebrity interviews (Gia Giudice, Ariana Madix, Paige DeSorbo), Product reviews and TikTok trends
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
