The Under-$20 Back-to-School Makeup Bag: A Full essence Routine

 That feeling in the air? It’s your back-to-school beauty haul calling! Fall is the perfect time for a fresh beauty start. The air is crisp, your budget is established and all you need to do is bring your fall beauty moodboard to life. Sounds easy enough, right? Well it is now. We’ve culled a $20 back-to-school makeup bag that packs the best beauty for the season. What’s better than a budget-friendly indulgence? The compliments you’ll get because of it, of course.  

So What Does a Good School Makeup Routine Need? 

More than any one product, your back-to-school makeup routine needs to punch above its weight. In other words, it has to work harder than you do. That means products that do double duty and save you time. It should also be realistic. We’re not saying you can’t go glam but natural makeup will give you the most consistent results for everyday wear. Think a no-brush makeup routine and lightweight products you can apply with your fingers.  

Meet Your Makeup Starter Pack  

These are the five products your back-to-school routine needs.  

#1 Make Me Brow Gel, $3

Good brows are a must-have in every makeup routine. Groomed, full brows don’t just make you look instantly put together, they also help frame your whole face. Swipe on this tinted brow gel for fluffy sculpted brows that look full and natural, thanks to the formula’s tiny fibres.  

#2 Extreme Lengthening Mascara, $5

Sure, natural lashes are a vibe but wait until you try a lengthening mascara that gives major definition. This formula delivers dramatic length in just a few coats saving you precious time in your morning routine. Its slim elastomer brush captures and separates every lash for the perfect fanned-out effect. For days that call for a little extra drama, this formula is also buildable for custom results. 

#3 Mousse Blush, $6

We’re still riding the blush wave and cream formulas can’t be beat for their natural yet radiant results. This innovative mousse blush melts into skin effortlessly, delivering a soft, matte finish that feels super comfy to wear. You can even swipe this lightweight formula onto your lids and lips for a monochromatic moment that’s perfect for daily wear. 

#4 Soft Glide Lip Pencil, $3

A reliable lipliner is so versatile and it can take your lips from zero to 60 in seconds. Whether you use it to overline your lips for a fuller effect or simply to add definition to your pout, this is one staple that’s worth stocking in your back-to-school starter kit. This creamy lip pencil delivers smooth, full-coverage color that contours and shapes lips beautifully. Its soft-glide formula is super easy to apply for an even and effortless application.  

#5 Juicy Bomb Lip Gloss, $3

You can’t beat a juicy lip gloss that coats your lips in major shine. This formula is back-to-school worthy because you can apply it straight from the tube onto your lips–even with your eyes closed. Its non-sticky texture, fruity scent and slanted applicator may become addictive to apply so consider this your friendly warning.