ÇaFleureBon's Editorial Assistant, Miranda Lichtenstein

It's Labor Day Weekend, and if you’re anything like me, you’re probably in a last minute frenzy of school preparation right about now. Maybe you’re lying down on your bed (a complete mess, of course) wondering how you’ve managed to reach the eye of the back-to-school storm. This rare moment of calm cannot be squandered, and you know what you just don’t have time for? Worrying about new makeup you’ll need for this year!  Don’t fret; I’m here to relieve you of that duty by bringing you my beauty on a teen's budget (and three splurge) for Fall. Now, just sit back and take a breather while I walk you through the little treasures of back-to-school beauty shopping.

 L’Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder, L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Concealer, and L’Oreal True Match Super-Blendable Powder

1. Pick the Right Foundation (yes you need it, even if it is sheer): Since beautiful skin is the start of any makeup look, find your perfect shade with L’Oreal’s True Match line. Use the concealer to hide any blemishes, and then top it off with the True Match Makeup ($5.99) for full coverage. If you want to go lighter on the foundation- because your skin is not as bad as you think it is, I promise- use L’Oreal Magic Nude Liquid Powder ($10.99) for a natural finish.  Set this with the True Match Powder ($6.99), toss it into your backpack and you’re good to go!

Top to Bottom: Essence Gel Eyeliner in Midnight in Paris, NYX The Curve Felt Tip Eyeliner, and NYX Roll On Shimmer in Onyx, Chestnut, and Taupe

2: Line your Eyes: For days when you roll out of bed 10 minutes before class starts, always have your secret weapon on you- your black eyeliner. Two great options are the Essence Gel Eyeliner in Midnight in Paris ($3.99) and NYX’s The Curve Felt Tip Eyeliner ($15.00), as both are easy to use and give fantastic color pay-off. If you find a few seconds, apply the NYX Roll On Shimmer ($4.00) for some extra brush-free glow. You don't want to look like the class clown so if you shimmer, I recommend staying on the neutral side, with NYX Roll On Shimmer in Taupe and Chestnut.

from Left to Right: Physicians Formula Va Va Voom Volume Mascara in Black, L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara in Black, and Rimmel Extra Pop Lash Mascara in Pop Purple

3. Don't neglect your lashes: For volume, try the Physicians Formula Va Va Voom Volume Mascara ($8.99), while for a more delicate look, chose L’Oreal Voluminous Butterfly Mascara ($7.19). If your eyes are begging for something playful, apply Rimmel Extra Pop Lash Mascara ($3.95) in your favorite color for an instant pick-me-up.

from Left to Right: Lorac Lip Lustre Gloss in Peach Lustre, NYX Matte Lipstick in Alabama, and Milani Color Statement Lipstick in Chilled Brandy

4. Play up your Lips: I am a firm believer that lips can alter an entire makeup look, so play to your personality here. If you want something muted, go for a nude gloss like Lorac Lip Lustre in Peach Lustre. Berry and wine are great colors for fall. My favorite is Milani’s Color Statement Lipstick in Chilled Brandy, or even better, the NYX Matte Lipstick in Alabama (that is what I am wearing in my picture). You don’t see other girls in school wearing red lipstick, do you? Good. You’ll definitely stand out, then.

Top to Bottom: Urban Decay 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencil in Deep End, Smog, and LSD

5: Splurge on a a few high end brands (or raid your mom's makeup-bag) For those of you willing to spend some of that summer internship cash on high-end makeup, check out Urban Decay’s line of 24/7 Glide-On Eye Pencils ($20.00). These liners are so awesome it’s almost too good to be true; the brand boasts an astonishing 40 colors, which range from the earthiest browns to the brightest magenta. Every color of the rainbow is there, and in a truly quality product, no less. It doesn't smear  and will take you from HomeRoom to Homework.  It would be a crime to keep this secret to myself and I suggest springing for it, even with the $20 price tag. Good luck picking just one, though.

Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush and Deborah Lippmann Shimmer Nail Polish in Wicked Game

Bonus points if you find the time to apply blush and still catch the bus; I recommend the Tarte Cheek Stain in Flush ($30.00) for an incredibly vibrant effect. There’s a reason this product is one of the brand’s best sellers and is so easy to use that you are guaranteed to avoid Raggedy Anne Rouge Syndrome and you can put it on without a mirror. To give you something to look at while you take notes, try the Deborah Lippmann line of Shimmer Nail Polishes ($18.00). Of all the colors, Wicked Game is my personal favorite, as the dual-toned purple and green will earn you plenty of envious gazes. Just remember to listen to the teacher while you’re thinking about how pretty your nails look!

I hope you enjoyed reading my Back to School BeautyTips, (even if you are not a teenager and you are going back to work, not school). There are so many great beauty steals for under $10 that Moms can save a ton of money and increase their daughters allowances!

Disclosure: Items from my personal makeup collection and I applied them myself. I did my entire make-up in five minutes in the photo of me above. You can purchase these products at many drugstores, Ulta, HSN, QVC or Sephora.

— Miranda Lichtenstein, Editorial Assistant