How a Beauty Editor Would Spend a $100 Gift Card at Target for Back-to-School

August 29, 2023

By: Jordan Julian | Makeup.com by L'Oréal

Ever since I was a little kid, one of my favorite things about fall has always been back-to-school shopping. Heading to the mall with my mom to pick out clothes, school supplies and makeup was an occasion that filled me with excitement for days leading up to it. If you’re in need of some inspo for your back-to-school beauty shopping this year, I’ve got you covered. Even though I’ve been out of school for quite a while now (and please don’t ask me how long), I still look forward to refreshing my makeup bag when the seasons begin to change. Keep scrolling to find out what I would buy this fall as a beauty editor with a $100 gift card to Target.

Back-to-School Beauty Shopping

L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick, $10.99

Matte lipstick is one of my makeup must-haves during the fall and winter, and this longwear liquid lip from L’Oréal Paris is my current fave. Formulated with hyaluronic acid, this lippie feels comfortable and hydrating, unlike some drying liquid lipstick formulas. It also delivers daring, intensely pigmented color with just one stroke. I’m adding it to my cart in the shade Le Rouge Paris, which I can’t wait to wear when the holiday season rolls around.

Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner With Snow Mushroom and Hyaluronic Acid, $14.99

I’ve always wanted to add a toner to my skincare routine. However, my combination skin is prone to dry, flaky patches, and I have been reluctant to introduce a product that could potentially dry me out more. The Thayers Hydrating Milky Toner is a great option for me because it removes impurities without disrupting the skin’s moisture barrier. Enriched with hyaluronic acid and snow mushroom, it also delivers up to 48 hours of hydration for softer, more supple skin.

NYX Professional Makeup Jumbo Multi-Use Highlighter Stick, $7.99

When my schedule starts to get busier in the fall, I rely on travel-friendly makeup products that I can easily stash in my bag for on-the-go touch-ups. Lately, I can’t leave my apartment without this multi-use highlighter stick. With a subtle pearlescent glimmer and a convenient, easy-to-use crayon format, this highlighter is an instant classic. Choose between six equally stunning shades.

CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel, $19.89

Need a new moisturizer for back-to-school season? Check out the CeraVe Ultra-Light Moisturizing Gel. This fast-absorbing gel moisturizer feels weightless and refreshing on the skin, so you can kiss greasiness goodbye. It’s a water-based formula that contains ceramides, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid for major hydration that will last.

Maybelline New York Lifter Gloss With Hyaluronic Acid, $10.99

I’m a firm believer that a person can never have too many lip glosses. Right now, I’m obsessed with this super shiny plumping gloss from Maybelline New York. With a swipe of its cushiony, XL wand, my lips look fuller, smoother, shinier and more hydrated — without feeling sticky. When it comes to lip gloss, I’m partial to baby pink shades such as Gummy Bear.

Garnier Whole Blends Hair Honey Repairing Serum, $8.99

TBH, over a decade of highlights has not been kind to my fine, thin hair, so I am always on the hunt for nourishing leave-in treatments. The Garnier Whole Blends Hair Honey Repairing Serum helps to visibly reduce breakage and split ends for smoother, healthier-looking hair. Bonus: It also acts as a heat protectant at up to 450 degrees.

Essie Expressie Unapologetic Icon Nail Polish, $12.19

White is my go-to nail polish color for my toes, regardless of the season. The Unapologetic Icon shade from Essie’s Expressie collection is the ideal bright, graphic white. I love using the quick-dry formula for DIY pedicures because I don’t have to worry about ruining my freshly-painted toenails when it’s time for me to put on shoes or socks.

ColourPop Pressed Powder Eyeshadow Palette in Blush Baby, $14.00

In case you couldn’t tell, I’m a sucker for pretty pastel pinks, especially when shopping for makeup. I swear I’ve seen this Blush Baby eyeshadow palette by ColourPop before in my dreams. Between the shimmery pink shades and blush-toned mattes, I could mix and match these nine shadows to create countless eye makeup looks.