While makeup might not be on the forefront of a student’s mind (rather, dreading going back to school is), it is a good idea to stock up on the basics. Going to class and sitting in the cafeteria might not warrant a full face of makeup, but there are some easy, inexpensive tools that every back to schooler should have. Check out these must go-anywhere must-haves for your back-to-school makeup bag.
Chapstick
One of the most important beauty tools that I could have while I was in school was chapstick. If you’re sitting in class for hours you may not be able to keep your body as hydrated as it needs to be. Keep your lips kissably smooth by keeping a small tube in your purse or backback. Choose a silky, vitamin packed formula like Yes to Carrots’s mint flavored chapstick. It’s organic and provides a nice minty tingle and a smooth finish!
Oil blotting sheets
If you’re like me and picked up the greasy genes, never go anywhere without having some oil control sheets with you! Also known as rice paper, these sheets not only blot the excess oils from your skin without adding bacteria, but also help your makeup look fresher after a few hours. You can pick up rice papers in any beauty supply store, or drug store, for under $5. They say good things come in small packages, and oil blotting sheets are a life saver! I like the Biore Shine Control sheets, which come with 65 sheets to a pack for about $5.
Moisturizer
There’s nothing more unattractive than dry, flaky skin. If you’re stuck in classrooms with nothing but recycled air coming through the vents, or in dorm rooms with heaters that could dry out the ocean, you’ll need a good moisturizer. Choosing a the best moisturizer for your skin type can be a great investment; it can make you look younger, more alert, and can prevent early-onset wrinkles all while giving your face a healthy glow! If you have oily skin like me, Cetaphil’s water-based SPF 15 moisturizer is a great way to go. If your skin is on the drier side, try a thicker cream such as Olay’s All Day UV Moisturizer (SPF 15).
Concealer Stick
You never know when redness will strike, so it’s always good to keep a concealer/blemish stick in your bag. These sticks are small and slim like a tube of chapstick, so it can easily be stowed away or whipped out at a moment’s notice. Pop it out between classes, dab it onto breakouts and blend it in to cover redness. A great tool is one that has both an acne fighting component and a concealer, such as the Almay Clear Complexion Concealer Stick + Treatment gel, which goes for about $10 and lasts for months!
Remember, you don’t need to have an arsenal of fancy makeup when you go back to school this fall. Take some time to invest in the basics that can fit into your busy student life!
