A Makeup Artist’s Back-to-School Beauty Shopping List

Summer is coming to a close and it’s time to head back to school. That means early rising, rushing out the door to get to class on time, and, of course, showing up to make a good impression on the first day. Most people think that back-to-school shopping just includes clothes or supplies like pencils and notebooks, but it’s likely time to stock up (or restock) on some beauty essentials, too.

With the average school day ranging from 6 to 8 hours, you’ll need a makeup routine that won’t melt or fade away. As a professional makeup artist with over 18 years of experience, I’m here to help you build a long-lasting makeup kit for your back-to-school journey. Consider me your virtual beauty mentor as I walk you through a list of makeup must-haves for every day ahead.

Makeup Primer

First, you need a really good makeup primer. If you have oily skin, you’ll need a mattifying primer, like the One Size Oil Sucker Primer ($34), to help absorb oil and control shine. For dry skin, try using a gel-based, hydrating primer, like the Milk Hydro Grip Primer ($38), to lock in moisture and smooth dry patches. Personally, I have combination skin, so I prefer to use a mattifying primer in areas where I typically get oily (like my T-zone) and a hydrating primer along my cheeks where I sometimes get dry patches. Remember, your skin prep is there to support the lasting power of your makeup, so never skip primer.

Skin Tint

At school, less is more when it comes to complexion products, but ultimately, the level of coverage you go for is up to you. The Fenty Eaze Drop Blur Tint Stick ($36) is a great option for oily skin, while dry skin may enjoy the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Serum Tint ($36). If you want an affordable drugstore option that also works for combination skin, try the Maybelline Super Stay 24HR Skin Tint ($18).

Concealer

Pairing a skin tint with a full-coverage concealer is my favorite hack for flawless skin. This is how some of your favorite celebrities and influencers achieve base makeup that looks fresh while still covering blemishes and discoloration. For long-lasting, full coverage, try the NARS Soft Matte Complete Concealer ($32), or, for a more affordable pick, get the Revlon ColorStay Skin Awaken Concealer ($13).

To camouflage undereye circles or stubborn dark spots, try using an orange color corrector before your foundation and concealer. Also, adding a powder foundation on top will give you even more coverage without looking cakey.

Setting Powders and Sprays

Lastly, it’s time to lock everything in. To achieve pro-level makeup that won’t budge, try layering a setting powder, a finishing powder, and a setting spray — in that order. Setting powder works to lock your makeup in by removing excess oil and moisture while finishing powder blurs any unwanted texture in the skin. For setting powders, one of my favorites is the Tower 28 GetSet Pressed Powder ($28). A great finishing powder is the Charlotte Tilbury Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder ($48). (Pro tip: Press your setting powder in with a puff for a true matte finish.)

The last and final step to a good makeup routine is a setting spray. If you have dry skin, use a hydrating setting spray to bring moisture back to your skin, like the NARS Light Reflecting Hydrating Setting Mist ($26). If you have oily skin, make sure that you’re using a matte setting spray (or fixing spray if a matte finish isn’t what you prefer). I like the Milk Pore Eclipse Mattifying + Blurring Setting Spray ($38).

Now that you have the starting lineup to keep your makeup in place, good luck on your back-to-school journey. PS: don’t forget to pack a little touch-up bag with your lip of choice and pressed powder.

Jonet Williamson is a pro makeup artist and beauty educator with a belief that beauty should empower you and inspire others. Her work has been featured in commercial campaigns for Dolce & Gabbana, Nike, Barneys, Glow Recipe, and more. As a trusted voice in the beauty industry, Jonet’s expert advice has been featured by InStyle, Allure, Refinery29, Byrdie, Women’s Health, and more. Jonet is a PS Council member.