School will be back in session in no time, so it’s a prime time to plan for your upcoming classes. While creating your list of everything you’ll need for a successful and enjoyable academic year — cute stationery, home goods and cleaning supplies — don’t forget to stock your makeup bag with some important staples. Before you go shopping, though, make time to clean it out, throw out expired products (yes, even your favorite ones) and replace your worn-out makeup sponges so you can start the new semester with a clean slate. (Trust us, your skin will thank you.)
And if you’re feeling up to it and have extra cash, feel free to buy a completely new bag. It’s sure to lift your spirits, especially if you’re not excited to go back to campus just yet. You have hard work ahead in the coming months, the least you can do is treat yourself.
After that’s been sorted, it’s time for some new makeup. If you’re having trouble figuring out what you should buy, no worries. Ahead, we’ve compiled all of the key items every makeup wearer should have in their makeup kit, no matter their personal taste. A lot of them are multipurpose so you can wear them multiple ways, ensuring your bag is as lightweight as possible while still being able to create any beauty look your heart desires.
[ Next: 12 Multipurpose Beauty Products Every College Freshman Needs ]
What To Pack In Your Makeup Bag for Back to School
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Brow Gel
Glossier Boy Brow, $16 at Glossier
Well-defined brows are always an easy way to look put-together in an instant. This cult classic from infinitely cool brand Glossier gives your brows a bit of oomph without looking overdone.
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Nude Lipstick
Mented Cosmetics Lipstick, $16.50 at Mented Cosmetics
As effortless and classically beautiful nude lipsticks are, finding the right one for you is like searching for a needle in a haystack. To solve that issue, Mented Cosmetics has an array of different nude options for a wide array of complexions.
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Everyday Eyeshadow and Highlighter Palette
Tarte Love, Trust & Fairy Dust Eye & Cheek Palette, $39 at Tarte
You can easily create a romantic eye look or something more neutral or smoky with this breathtaking and practical palette that includes a highlighter in the middle for an otherworldly glow.
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Versatile Eyeshadow Palette
Morphe The Jaclyn Hill Eyeshadow Palette, $38 at Morphe
This expansive palette from beauty guru Jaclyn Hill can work for any and every eye look your heart desires, especially on those days when you want to go to town with color and shimmer.
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Mascara
L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Lash Paradise Mascara, $6.99 at Ulta Beauty
A mascara worth its weight frames your face beautifully while giving your lashes a boost. Well, one swipe of this fan favorite from L'Oréal Paris and you’ll achieve both elements instantly.
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Foundation
Flesh Firm Flesh Thickstick Foundation, $18 at Ulta Beauty
Like a canvas to a painter, a good foundation is a necessary and important base for creating stunning, sleek makeup looks — and to even out your skin tone. Flesh’s stick foundation comes in 40 inclusive shades with a variety of undertones.
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Concealer
Maybelline Fit Me Concealer, $6.99 at Ulta Beauty
For those days when you’ve pulled an all-nighter but don’t want people to know, concealer will be your fix to fake as if you’ve gotten a full eight hours of sleep. This classic option from Maybelline has a variety of shades so you’re bound to find a match.
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Lip Palette
Anastasia Beverly Hills Professional Lip Palette, $48 at Anastasia Beverly Hills
Who likes lugging around more makeup than they need? No one, right? This compact lip palette has all the colors you’ll need to match any and every outfit. You can even mix shades to create your own — just do it on the back of your hand so as not to ruin the colors.
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BB or CC Cream
Maybelline Dream Fresh BB Cream, $8.99 at Ulta Beauty
BB and CC creams are amazing when you’re limited on time but still want a bit of coverage. Maybelline has an impressive selection of shades in its Dream Fresh line and they all have the added benefit of sun protection.
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Blush Palette
NARS NARSissist Wanted Cheek Palette in II, $59 at Sephora
A dab of blush on the cheeks is a surefire way to enliven your visage. This blush palette from NARS has incredibly flattering shades plus two beautiful highlighters for strobing. There’s also the Wanted I version with lighter colors best suited for those with fair skin.
