A morning routine is known to be quite complex for most teenage girls. Many wake up even hours before the bell rings to apply their skincare, perfect their makeup, and put on the ideal outfit to help them feel motivated and confident throughout the school day. But as they make their way to the first period, a nightmare of bad lighting, humid classrooms, and smudged mascara becomes all too real. The widely known (and hated) “School Air” phenomenon originated on TikTok when girls across the country found a shared connection in their daily struggles in school appearance. But many seem to wonder, is it possible to avoid falling victim to the sweat and grime that permeate the building? Or are we all facing inevitable doom?
Every day, teens dread the long hours spent at school. While most hate it, some use it as a personal fashion show. While most are rolling out of bed to rush out the door, others dedicate morning time to perfecting their appearances. Freshmen Cealia Papini wishes her flawless glow would last all day, free from any unwanted hair frizz or clumpy makeup. “As soon as I walk into North Atlanta, my lashes fall completely flat,” said Papini. “The struggle is real!”
With two years of high school under their belts, upperclassmen alike have succumbed to the harsh reality of being unable to escape school air. Many have recommended combating the issue with essentials like setting powder, dry shampoo, or no makeup at all. Maybe now, a clear face is the right choice. Junior Sophia Khorsandi prefers getting some extra shut-eye instead of wasting her time with makeup. “Why bother if it’ll just get messed up anyway?” said Khorsandi.
Ever notice how each floor feels like it has a completely different temperature? Some classrooms are icy cold, and others are humid and hot. Senior Sanjana Mendonca suggested that the issue could be fixed by regulating the temperature throughout the building. The sticky feeling classrooms don’t only ruin a makeup base, but it also causes a horrific sweat-stain crisis. “If all the floors could have the same brisk air conditioning, all our problems could be easily avoided,” said Mendonoca.
The daily struggle of most teenage girls is a common experience rooted in the frustration of being unable to maintain the look they left their house with. While many use the minimalistic approach of adding hydrating products to their routines, some think the “school air look” could be avoided with the help of fixed air conditioning units. The challenges posed by school air seem to be unavoidable in a highschool and force many to tweak their routines.
