Back to School Beauty Tips

Don’t Cake it On-

There is nothing worse than cake-face, and heavy foundations are the the culprit. Sure you might look great during first period, but as the day goes on chances are you’ll start to melt and wind up looking like a hot mess before you even make it to gym class. Instead, opt for lighter, oil-free foundation. If you have good skin, tinted moisturizers are lightweight but give you enough sheer color to even out your skin tone. Just dab concealer over any blemishes and your good to go.

Keep it Fresh-

School days are long and chances are the makeup you apply in the morning is not going to last you ’til the end of the day. Luckily, there are a few steps you can take to stay fresh all day.

1. Blotting Sheets:

These little things can be a lifesaver on hot days. Most people tend to get shiny on their t-zone but layering powder throughout the day can end up looking cakey. Blotting sheets solve this problem. Just press it onto any shine, and they absorb the oil, leaving your skin matte without applying any product. The best thing is they are cheap. Elf carries a pack of 50 sheets for $1.

*Bonus Tip* If you are in a bind, hit up the nearest bathroom and rip a piece off a (clean) toilet seat cover. It does exactly the same thing, for free. It sounds kinda weird and gross, but it works.

2. Primers

Using makeup primers are great ways to ensure you are getting enough longevity out of your makeup. I love Smashbox’s Photofinish Primer. They also make a “light” version that is not as greasy as the original. Laura Mercier makes a great face primer as well. For eyes, try Urban Decay’s Primer Potion on the eyelid before applying eyeshadow and it’ll keep your shadows from creasing.

Smashbox- Photofinish Primer

3. Dry Shampoo-

Dry shampoo will save your life — it’s the perfect pick-me-up. Spray or sprinkle the powder in your hair, brush it out and you can save yourself another day before washing. Use after gym class, and your sweaty limp hair will be refreshed and ready for next period. I like Oscar Blandi’s Dry Shampoo (not the spray) or Tigi’s Rockoholic.

Tip Baby powder is a cheap way to soak up excess oils in your hair. Just make sure that you brush it all out ,or it can make your hair look grey.

Prolong Your Summer Tan-

Everybody is aware of how bad tanning is for your skin but it unfortunately does not stop people from continuing to laying out. However you earned your tan this summer, whether it be through frying in the sun or slathering on self tanner, follow these steps to make sure your bronze keeps glowing well into the school year.

1. Moisturize

Keeping your body moisturized will help prolong real tans as well as fake ones. Dry skin cracks, making your color fade much quicker. Lather on a moisturizer after you get out of the shower. Even better if it contains SPF! Avoid lotions with mineral oil as they break down fake tans quicker.

2. Switch to Gradual Self-Tanners

Once fall starts approaching, deep dark tans can look fake. Switch to a gradual self-tanner and control the color of your skin. Gradual tanners also tend to look more natural and give you a subtle glow.

3. Bronzer

Brush a little bronzer over your face for instant sun-kissed beauty. When applying bronzer, I like to only hit the spots of the face where the sun would normally touch: forehead, cheeks, chin and nose. Don’t go overboard or you can easily look dirty. I love NARS Laguna bronzer but N.Y.C also makes a great bronzer for ridiculously cheap (under $4).

N.Y.C Smooth Skin Bronzer

Multitask-

Products with multiple purposes make life a little easier. Check out these products that do double (and triple) duty, saving you some precious morning time.

Stila- Convertible Color: Lillium is a natural color that will brighten you up and give you a fresh look.

Nars- The Multiple: These come in 12  amazing shades. They are a bit more expensive but worth it.

Benefit- Benetint: Give your lips a rosy stain and your cheeks a sexy flush.

Fake It-

Chances are, you’ve been sleeping in all summer and getting back in the swing of things once school starts can be a challenge. Follow these simple tricks to give yourself that well rested look, even if you’re only running on a few hours.

1. White/Nude Eyeliner

Line the rim of your eyes with a white eyeliner and they instantly appear wider and brighter. If white looks a little too bright on you, try nude.

Stila- Kajal Eyeliner: Topaz (Apricot Nude)

2. Curl Your Eyelashes.

Using an eyelash curler does wonders at making you look like you’ve got an easy 9 hours of sleep under your belt. Follow up with some mascara and you’re good to go.

3. Put a Little Color On Your Cheeks.

Adding color to your cheeks can make a world of difference to a dull complexion. It’s an instant pick me up that brings life to your face. While you’re at it, dab some on your lips as well.

Photo Credit: Marie Claire