The Perfect Aesthetic Makeup Look For You, Based On Your Back-To-School Vibe

It doesn’t get more “Gen Z sweetheart” than Olivia Rodrigo. This aesthetic involves cute matching sets, slip dresses, and dainty chains but lacks the makeup intensity of going full egirl. Instead, this look stays soft with small eyeliner wings, a good amount of light blush, a dash of highlighter in the inner corner of your eye, and a glossy lip. Oh, and don’t forget Rodrigo’s always brushed-up brows.

I’m obsessed with the return of pop-punk and the makeup it’s brought back into the trend cycle. With your oversized graphic band-tees layered over a long-sleeved T-shirt, wear an overly dramatic eyeliner wing that’s both thick and long. If you really want to go all out, you can add a little red undersmoke eyeshadow. Since this makeup has OG Gossip Girl actor and Pretty Reckless’ Taylor Momsen’s approval, no one can call you a poser.

The Bratz baddie look is for those willing to take a little extra time with their makeup in the mornings. This is for those who can and want to stomp down the halls in heels, put the effort into fly monochromatic fits, and could be in the Gossip Girl reboot. Taking a cue from Saweetie’s look on the cover of WONDERLAND, your Bratz baddie makeup should include the works: a heavy contour, overlined and glossy lips, a smokey eye (in any and all colors), voluminous false lashes, highlighter, and sculpted brows. For most people, it’s not an everyday look, but I’m positive all the baddies out there are up to the challenge.

Although going all-out fairycore before school may be a bit too much to ask of anyone (who has time in the morning for all the glitter and florals and rhinestones?), Euphoria’s lead makeup designer and artist Donni Davy shared a multicolored, pastel eyeshadow look that will still let you still rock your soft, fairy fantasies. But, if you have the time, have at adding pearls, rhinestones, and more to adorn this delicate look. The best part is, watercolor makeup, or soft washes of muted colors across your eyes and temples, is still in, so you don’t have to worry about mastering the perfect eyeshadow shape. Let your brush lead you where it wants to go.

Egirl makeup but with a twist. That’s what endlessly talented makeup artist Autumn Angelize served in the photo above. If you loved doing the full TikTok-viral makeup look but want to change it a bit for the new school year, take a cue from this look. While the makeup artist’s vibrant blush is still the star, Angelize brought it up the temples and lower on the cheeks rather than strapping it over the nose. That’s not to say, however, that her nose isn’t blushy. Rather, Angelize just gave this blush-heavy look a much-needed update.

What makes the return of the ‘70s so great? The makeup stylings are simple and still far out. To go with your sweater vest and bell bottoms, you can do a single, pigmented eyeshadow all over your lids. You don’t even need eyeliner technically, although, it’ll really sell the vintage edge you’re bringing if you load it on like Lily Collins did at the 2019 Met Gala. However, I would leaving the hair teasing to, maybe, two days a week.

Some days, you just can’t put in that much effort. So, to pair with your comfiest jeans and tossed-on sweater for your chillest days, I recommend the quickie, no-makeup makeup look: brushed-up brows, mascara, a little concealer, and a tinted lip oil. Emma Chamberlain, seasoned Internet cool girl, demonstrated this look above and added a little brown eyeshadow to her lids for extra definition. You’ll feel put together without needing more than five minutes to throw it all together.

Luckily, if you’re living for the return of cable-knit, polo shirts, and tennis skirts, you’ll be thrilled to know those trends aren’t going anywhere. And now, you need to go a little preppy with your makeup. For this, my mood board is exclusively filled with Madison Beer makeup. The singer’s inner eyeliner wings, soft-sculpted cheeks, and all-over glow make this look country club-ready without being too much.