Back-to-School Self-Care Routine: Beauty & Skincare Tips to Keep You Glowing Under Stress

August energy is something else. Whether you're prepping for the first day of school or just resisting the urge to buy new pens, the back-to-school season brings a blend of nostalgia, stress, and schedule whiplash. As someone who's headed into back-to-school professional development with a room full of school principals next week, I know the mental load is real. If you're also craving a routine that supports your skin, calms your nervous system, and helps you look alive during 7AM meetings, this one’s for you.

Cleanse the Day Away

Late summer sweat, sunscreen build-up, and the occasional “oops, fell asleep in my makeup” moment are no match for a solid cleanser. Opt for a gentle formula that removes grime without stripping your skin barrier. If you wear SPF and makeup daily, double-cleansing is your friend. My product recs?

• SeneGence Melt-Away Deep Cleansing Balm OR Makeup Eraser resuable makeup remover cloths

• SeneGence 3-in-1 Cleanser

Use Cooling Tools & Ingredients

I know I'm not the only one with chronically puffy under-eye bags, and it's hard to say whether that issue causes my jaw clenching problem or if that's just the general WTF that work generates on the daily, but both problems benefit from cooling remedies. Here are my go-tos:

• Apply the serum of your choice (I like this one) and follow with a jade roller that's been chilling in the fridge

• Rock a sheet mask (my fav!) P.S., this is also awesome with the chilled jade roller

• Store your toner in the refrigerator for a quick refresh

Want some help figuring this out? Book a consultation in my studio and I'll send you home with some skin refreshing goodies.

Hydration=Mental Health

Your frazzled feelings are only amplified by dry skin. In addition to drinking all the water, lock in moisture with a lightweight daytime moisturizer and something richer at night. I like to use an essence like SeneGence Climate Control for daytime, and an actual night cream before bed. Want some extra hydration? Add a drop of SeneGence Nangai Oil to your evening moisturizer. Bonus: it smells amazing!

Pick One "Feel-Good" Beauty Step

Let's be real, while the whole back to school schtick is ramping up, it's still summer and no one wants a full face of makeup in the heat. Quick touches that pump up your look without weight:

• A bold lip color

• Brightening concealer (love this under my eyes!)

• Defined brows (if you haven't looked in microblading, you must!)

• Tinted moisturizer (I'll never stop raving about it!)

My personal go-to is the tinted moisturizer, but adding a bold red lip never hurts, especially when your to-do list looks like a CVS receipt.

Five-Minute Back-to-School Self-Care Routine

This isn't just about beauty products. Your whole body needs some love around this time of year, and there are many quick ways to take the stress-edge off!

• A 5-minute mediation (try the Calm app!)

• Slow stretching

• Box breathing, even better with some fresh air!

• A spritz of your favorite scent

Speaking of delicious fragrance, save the date of September 13, 6-9pm, for my Sparkle Studio Experience Launch party! My new DIY-fragrance bar will make its debut, along with all sorts of other fun interactive experiences!

Final Thoughts

You’re doing a lot. And while you may not have time for a spa day, you do have time to give yourself one small moment of calm, glow, or joy. Take the tips in this post and create your own custom back-to-school self-care routine. You'll be glad you did.

(And if you’re feeling like a dried-out highlighter by 3PM, that’s okay too.)

✨ Book your August studio appointment to refresh your skincare, test new products, and leave with your own mini back-to-school glow-up.

🎁 Bonus: Mention this blog and get a free lip mask or lip scrub sample at your visit!