Can you believe it’s already back to school time? Whether you’re still in virtual school at home or heading back to campus this fall, we put together a list of beauty essentials that are total must-haves for the school year. Keep reading to see our top picks to make sure you keep these essentials on hand!

Must-Haves 

1. A Great Cleanser

One of the most important products in any good skincare routine is a cleanser! Whether using it in the morning or evenings, you’ll want a cleanser that can remove grime, makeup, SPF, pollution and sweat. We love a caffeinated face wash in the mornings to wake us up. For evenings, you can’t go wrong with a foaming cleanser that’s specifically formulated for a deep clean.

2. Under-Eye Cream or Serum

The best way to look wide awake for those early-morning classes after a late night is a combo of eye cream or serum and a really good concealer. An eye cream will help soothe puffy under eyes and reduce the appearance of dark circles so you look like you got a full night’s sleep. Bonus points if you bring along some under eye masks to keep cool in the fridge for extra depuffing action.

 3. The Perfect Moisturizer

Can’t forget a hydrating moisturizer to seal in your entire skincare routine. Depending on your skin type, you might want to bring along a lightweight moisturizer to soften and hydrate oily skin, or a thicker cream to target dryness and flaky skin. Or, bring both if you’re going to school in a location that experiences cold winters. 

 4. Targeted Serum or Treatment

Late nights and stress from studying for hard tests might cause a breakout or two along with dull skin. Make sure to bring a skincare serum or treatment that’s targeted for your specific skin concerns along with your other skincare products to stop dull skin in its tracks. We love a Vitamin C serum for morning to enhance your natural glow or a firming serum to perk up fine lines and wrinkles for smooth, plump skin. 

5. Masks and Treatments for Spa Nights

There’s nothing more fun than a spa night with your roomies, so make sure you bring some masks to do while you watch The Bachelor. Try our caffeinated sheet mask to treat dullness and wrinkles (and for some funny selfie opportunities) or our fun magnetic mud mask to banish clogged pores and give skin a fresh appearance. 

6. SPF

We always recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher in any skincare routine. Not only does it protect your skin from sun damage, but many SPFs these days also help protect against blue light or environmental stressors like pollution, which is especially important if you’re going to school in a city. Also, if you’re using any sort of acid or retinol in your skincare routine, it’s incredibly important to layer on an SPF because it increases your skin’s sensitivity to the sun.

7. Makeup Remover Wipes and Micellar Water for Late Nights

The jury might still be out on whether makeup wipes are good for your skin, but it’s not a bad idea to keep a pack on hand for those late nights when you can’t bring yourself to wash your face. Sure, they’re no substitute for a good cleanser, but at least you’ll be able to avoid staining your pillowcase with makeup and prevent clogged pores in a pinch. Micellar Water can also be a quick, easy option to cleanse when you’re short on time.

 Makeup Must-Haves

1. Concealer

Whether your dark circles are caused by late nights studying or late nights out, you’ll definitely want to bring a concealer that matches your skin tone in your makeup bag. It’ll help you look awake for that 8AM Bio exam even if you’ve just rolled out of bed. Plus, it can double as an eyeshadow primer if needed. Be sure to get one that’s non-comedogenic so it doesn’t cause clogged pores or breakouts.

 2. Mascara

Mascara is super easy to swipe on and helps you look polished and put together. Opt for a brown mascara for a more natural look, and black if you love the dramatic look of dark lashes, especially for a night out. Depending on your lashes, you might also want to throw an eyelash curler in your bag as well.

 3. Blush

Blush is so underrated, but it’s a great way to make you look awake and fresh-faced. If your skin is on the drier side you might like a cream or liquid blush, while oily skin types might opt for a powder or gel blush. 

4. Versatile Eyeshadow Palette

A versatile eyeshadow palette should have both matte and shimmery shades that complement your skin tones (cool or warm) and can be used for both day and night. It’s a great way to save space in your makeup bag by having one do-it-all palette that can be used for tons of different makeup looks. And in a pinch, darker eyeshadow shades can be used as eyeliner with the right brush.

5. Eyebrow Gel

Clean, nicely shaped eyebrows will frame the face and help pull your makeup look together. A clear or tinted brow gel is super easy to swipe on and brush through the brows in only a few seconds flat, instantly making you look more polished even on days where you want to go easy on the full makeup routine.

6. Lip Balm

Can’t forget lip balm! Whether you’re going to school somewhere cold and dry or warm and humid, a great lip balm that keeps your lips hydrated and plump is a must-have to throw in your backpack so you can reapply when needed.

If you’re off to school this year, how will you be prepping your skin? Or, if you’ve already finished your schooling, we’d love to hear from you! Let us know what your must-have beauty products were in the comments below.