Back To School Makeup Guide

With the shimmery clean-girl makeup look continuing to rise in popularity, this school year is keen on following the trend! After social media stars like Hailey Bieber and Addison Rae popularized the “clean girl” aesthetic, followers flocked to try their spin on the style. After doing my research, here's a detailed breakdown on how to achieve this charming look.

DO: First step, a lightweight base is a staple for this makeup look. The Bobbi Brown Skin Long-Wear Weightless Foundation provides full coverage while minimizing oily shine on the skin. By mixing the foundation with a body shimmer or sunglazed SPF, you’ll have a dewy base that gives a “second skin” effect. 

DON'T: The key to the clean-girl look is not piling on many layers; the second you’re skin starts looking “cakey,” you’ve done something wrong. If you already have clear skin with little to no texture, skip the foundation step and simply apply a bit of concealer. The Wet n Wild PhotoFocus Concealer will give you the same moisturized “second skin” effect without weighing down your skin barrier. To start, apply the product under your eyes, in the center of your forehead, and on the chin, then blend. 

Looks cakey? Nope? Good! Then you can continue applying anywhere else you might have little blemishes, but don’t go overboard!

Great, now you’re base is done. Next, we’ll go in with my favorite, blush! I like to use Mented Cosmetics – the brand offers a range of colors that blend beautifully on anyone's skin tone. Even better, their products are vegan & cruelty-free! 

But before you start shopping, keep in mind, undertones play a huge role in what blushes look best on you. Whether you have a pale or richer complexion, make sure you know whether your undertones are warm, cool, or neutral. Cool undertones work best with pinks and pastels, while warm undertones can wear red or coral. If you're a neutral like me, congrats! Neutrals can use a variety of colors, regardless of ethnicity, due to us having skin tones that often change depending on seasons and weather.

Once you know you’re undertone, let's factor in skin color! For fairer skin, I would apply a bubblegum pink color to the apples of the cheeks, that way it gives the flushed effect we want.

A medium skin tone (olive to caramel) should try a red or darker strawberry pink, apply these blushes on the cheekbones, you could even drag it up towards your temple for that striking “80s look”. 

If you have a darker skin tone, I’d recommend a fuchsia-colored blush; these might appear purple at first but melt into the skin lovelily. You can apply this on the cheekbones and even blend a bit on your nose for a doll-like look. 

Whew! That was a lot of info to take in, but don't worry, the rest of the steps are easy. 

Next, you’ll go in with your highlights. If you want a product that is affordable and long-lasting, I’d buy either the Jelly Wow Eyeshadow Pop or Glo Glitter’s Rose Gold Eyeshadow. Using one of these, take a small brush and apply a pint-sized amount on the inner corner of your eyes, the bridge & tip of your nose, on the arch of your eyebrow, and a dab on your cheekbones. 

Don’t go crazy with the highlight, we want a glowy look that makes your skin twinkle in the sun. If you go outside and look like a disco ball or notice a harsh white line on your inner corners, you applied way too much! But don't worry, you can easily blend it out with your finger or a Q-tip. 

Onto the last step! Mascara and lip gloss. For this, you could use any product of your choice. In my case, I use Revlon’s Colorstay Full Time Mascara. If you have feline or upturned eyes, I’d lean into the siren gaze. Apply less mascara near your inner corner and more on the end of your lash line to raise them. This technique is perfect if you want a cat-eye effect. 

If your eye shape is round or almond, doe eyes are calling your name! Mila Kunis and Cindy Kimberly are great examples of this. When applying your mascara, put less on the end of your lashes. Go in heavily on the center of your eyes, and the inner corner. Then apply a bit on your lower lash line to open them. 

Perfect, you’re almost done. I’d shy away from a lip liner or matte lipstick; these can look a bit too heavy for the clean-girl look we're going for. Instead, try a clear or sparkling lip gloss. Revlon’s Super Lustrous Glimmer is ideal for this.  

You want to make sure your look stays throughout the whole school day. Finally, spray some Skindinavia Finishing Spray on you’re face. It's pivotal that you use a setting spray and not a powder; if you do, it’ll completely undo all the past steps. We’re aiming for luminance, moist skin, and a powder will overpower. 

Yay, you’re all done! Hopefully, your makeup feels light and looks natural. Have fun back to school.