Back-to-school shopping is always a great time (who doesn’t like buying cute gel pens and lined notebooks?) but the real fun comes down to deciding how you’re going to look on your first day. We’ve all been there: agonizing over your closet the day before school trying to figure out what to wear for your first day back, hoping that your outfit leaves a good impression. While narrowing down your clothing options for this upcoming semester, don’t neglect your makeup — it can pull your overall aesthetic together or serve as the building block for the rest of the look.
That said, figuring out what makeup to wear when the semester starts can be as tough as locating your classrooms for the first time. Should you go bold? Keep it simple? Forgo makeup altogether? To get your creative juices flowing, these Instagram makeup gurus show us seven different looks to inspire you this school year. Maybe one will even become your signature.
[ Next: What to Pack in Your Makeup Bag for Back to School ]
7 Gorgeous Makeup Ideas for Back to School
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Fresh Faced
Glowy skin and natural-looking makeup (a bit of blush, subtle highlight and nude lips) requires little effort and looks great on everyone. Perfect for when you're short on time.
Image: @jaclynforbes
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Glowed Up
For an instant pick-me-up, swipe some natural-looking highlighter across the high points of your cheeks and down the bridge of your nose. It will revive your dull skin so no one will know you were up all night studying.
Image: @jasmeannnn
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Millennial Pink FTW
This dreamy look can be worn every day or for important occasions — and it’s simple to recreate. Simply tap a subtle shade of pink across your eyelids and finish off your face with a matte pink lipstick or a gloss if that's more your vibe.
Image: @katiejanehughes
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Peachy Tones
Upgrade your no-makeup makeup look with peach eyeshadow and a nude lip. It’s universally flattering and an easy way to add a hint of color to your face without overdoing it.
Image: @esteelalonde
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It's Electric
Want to play with color but don’t know where to start? An electric eyeliner color opens up the eyes and brightens the face all at once.
Image: @alissa.ashley
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Fiery Red
You can never go wrong with a red lip. It’s beloved by makeup enthusiasts because it frames the face well, looks incredibly glam (even if you’re not wearing anything on your face) and always makes you look like your life is together (even if it isn’t). Take it up a notch by adding some glitter on your eyes.
Image: @soothingsista
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Sultry Vibes
Take things up a notch with a smoky eye and deep-colored lips. If it’s too much for you during the daytime, consider rocking it for that party on Saturday night.
Image: @jackieaina
