Elite Daily

Prepare For The Ultimate Glow-Up

Can I get a show of hands for who feels like summer lasted exactly 0.08 seconds? One day, I’m lying outside on a towel, not a worry in the world, and the next, I’m lying in bed and dreading the return of colder weather. But the major beacon of light carrying me through summer’s end is the return of everyone’s favorite pre-fall season: back to school. It doesn’t matter if you’re heading back to undergrad, starting grad school, or just mourning the loss of sunny days — back to school means something different for everyone. No matter what this season entails, though, one thing’s for sure: The desire to feel fresh AF is never stronger than when you begin anew. And that’s where Elite Daily’s inaugural Glow Back To School Awards comes in.

Come on, you didn’t think we’d send you back to the ole grind without the latest swag to keep you calm, cool, and collected, now, did you? Well, I can assure you that the superb winners featured in our very first Glow Back To School Awards, to put it frankly, are no effing joke. After hours of testing hundreds upon hundreds of the latest and greatest beauty and fashion items launched in the last year, the Elite Daily editors have helped curate exactly what you need this back to school season. Forget binders. Ditch the colored gel pens. (Actually, don't ditch those. Those are cute.) It's your time to really shine. Whether your version of shining is pampering yourself, feeling hot, or shining quite literally with as much glitter as possible, we've got you (with some exclusive discount codes, I might add). Without further ado, feast your eyes on the standing-ovation-worthy Elite Daily Glow Back To School Award winners of 2018.

By Theresa Massony

Surprise Party

Even if you absolutely hate surprises, you’re gonna want to party with these favors in your goodie bag. Whether they're cleverly constructed or boast a hidden perk, these shape-shifters prove the delight is in the details.

Lush — Sleepy Lotion

Masquerading as regular ole lotion, this lavender hydrator lulls you to sleep the second your head hits the pillow.

$10

Edie Parker — Rainbow iPhone Case

Rainbows go high-tech: This chic case sticks to glass or mirrors so all your selfies can become plandids. Your Insta game just leveled up.

$45*

*Get 10% off using the code EdieParker10

Angela Caglia Skincare — Rose Quartz Roller

You may only associate crystals with your chakras, but rolling this rose quartz tool over your face depuffs skin and disguises any signs of an all nighter.

$65*

*Get 10% off using the code ELITE10

Tarte Cosmetics — Pretty Things & Fairy Wings Brush Set

Fluffy brushes and makeup stencils all in one, this set will make you all kinds of starry-eyed.

$29*

*Get free shipping using the code TARTExELITE

Foreo — UFO Smart Mask Treatment

This unidentified object can't fly, but it can heat up, cool down, and pulse over your pores to create a true at-home facial in 90 seconds flat.

$279

It’s Not Vanity, It’s Self-Care

Let’s get one thing straight: It’s not vanity to set aside some time for self-care. When the days are long and seemingly never-ending, these products all perfectly pair with a night of R&R. Throw on a face mask, throw your hair up in a bun, and throw all your cares out the window. You're getting sheet-faced tonight.

Hello FAB — Ginger Turmeric Vitamin C Jelly Mask

Whether you're over-stressed, overheated, or just generally over it, save face (and say ahhh) with this calming, cooling concoction.

$32*

*Get 20% off using the code ELITE20

Slip Silk — Scrunchies

Scrunchies are back in. But you know what's always been in? Coddling your hair in snag-proof, silky luxury as you sleep — and awaking without a crease in sight.

$39*

*Get 15% off using the code SCRUNCHIESAREBACK

Mary Kay — TimeWise Repair® Lifting Bio-Cellulose Mask

When the week gets you down, this skin-contouring mask lifts your face (and your spirit) in no time.

$70

ARCONA — Berry Gel Gommage

Bursting with natural exfoliants like cranberry and cherry, this clarifying scrub will leave your skin berry soft and smelling like an orchard.

$42

Nexxus — Keraphix Masque For Damaged Hair

Good things do come in small packages. Exhibit A: this elegant repairing mask, which mends strands and restores softness in just one use.

$5*

*Buy any Nexxus product and receive the Keraphix Masque For Damaged Hair free using the code ELITED

POND'S — Hydrate + Glow Sheet Mask

When you're ready to get sheet-faced, reach for this brightening, mood-boosting citrus situation and know it's about. To. Glow. Down.

$2

Color Your World

I don’t know if you’ve heard this one before (spoiler: you have), but not everything is black and white. In fact, there are, like, a billion colors in between. So maybe consider breaking up your all-black wardrobe moments for a pop of rainbow color. Don’t worry; I won't make you wear all yellow. (But some pink in your hair wouldn’t hurt.)

Rebels Refinery — Geometric Pineapple Lip Balm

There's no SpongeBob living in this pineapple, but you'll fall for this natural, oh-so-cute lip balm just the same.

$7*

*Get 20% off using the code ELITE

Kristin Ess — Rose Gold Temporary Tint

Remember when I said some pink in your hair wouldn't hurt? Try this temporary tint. It's worth its weight in (rose) gold.

$12

Eva NYC — Tone It Down! Blonde Shampoo And Conditioner

Just one wash with this purple shampoo and conditioner, and your strands will strike the right (cool, non-brassy) tone.

$12 each

Drybar — The Wrap Party Curling And Styling Wand

Once you give this wand a twirl, it'll be a wrap on long, boring hairstyling routines. Bouncy curls with serious staying power await.

$165*

*Get 15% off Drybar products and tools using the code ELITEDAILY when logged into your Drybar account

Bare Republic — Neon Sunscreen Stick

Forget everything you hate about SPF (greasy, messy, stinky): This mineral stick makes sun safety all fun, no folly.

$9

Method — Pure Peace Body Wash

More than clean ingredients that clean up nicely; the recycled-plastic bottle looks cute AF in the shower.

$7

Fire Starters

It's gettin' hot in here (so hot) so take off all — someone please stop me. When you wanna set whatever scene you’re stepping out on ablaze, keep these products in your back pocket, and you won’t need a match to start a fire. You’ll scorch the room all on your own.

Narciso Rodriguez — Narciso Rouge Eau de Parfum

One whiff of this sultry yet sophisticated fragrance, and everyone will know you've gone rogue — but they'll want to follow you.

$87

Urban Decay — Naked Petite Heat Palette

Perfectly sized for a person on-the-go, this palette of six neutral shadows is the kind of heat you want to be packing.

$29

Vita Liberata — Body Blur Sunless Glow

Last-minute invite? Not a problem for this party trick, which bronzes and blurs skin immediately and develops into a tan over time.

$45*

*Get 25% percent off site-wide using the code ELITE25

GHD — Gold Styler - Pure Gold

One pass with this speedy styler, and your hair ~lewk~ is pure gold and straight fire.

$199

NARS — "Ibiza" Highlighting Powder

It's not a trip to Ibiza, but this shimmering powder will be the highlight of your back-to-school season.

$38

Ban.do — Buddy Cylinder Bag

Carry with caution: The bold color and flirty silhouette of this bag will make any look (leggings, jeans, I dare you) sizzle.

$85*

*Get 15% off using the code ELITEDAILY

Neutrogena — Hydro Boost Plumping Mascara

Infused with hyaluronic acid, this plumping mascara will help you reach your own personal boiling point without drying out your lashes.

$10

All That Glitters

Mirror, mirror on the wall, who’s the shiniest of them all? You will be after slathering these glow-givers all over your body. Seriously, your future ~lewk~ is so bright, it’s blinding (in the best way).

Pinrose — Secret Genius Shimmer Mist

Seriously, which celeb didn't OD on body shimmer this summer? Take a fall-appropriate approach to the trend with a sweet perfume that packs a subtle sparkle.

$42*

*Get 15% off using the code SHIMMER15

Wet n Wild — MegaGlo Loose Highlighting Powder

Even though you probably own a million highlighters, it's written in the stars that this high-pigment, high-shine, zodiac-themed highlighter will bring you all the bright vibes.

$7

Zara — Transparent Vinyl Belt Bag

Fanny packs are in. Glowing like an alien is in. Are you in for this holographic belt bag?

$30

CoverGirl — Metallic Exhibitionist Lipstick

No matter what look you're going for, there's a shade of this high-shine lipstick that'll make your face light up.

$8

Rimmel London — Wonder Ombre Holographic Eyeliner

The eyes have it. And by "it," I mean a v cool holographic sheen that adds more visual interest to any makeup look (and helps you fake a full night of sleep).

$5

IGK — Pre Party Hair Strobing Glitter Spray

Glow 'head and spray a little (or, um, a lot of) glitter on your hair. The tiny flecks catch a lot more light than you think, without leaving hair stiff or crunchy.

$16

Clique Bait

How many influencers do you follow on Instagram? 10? 20? 100? Well, I now appoint you the newest influencer of your entire clique. With these buzzy, Insta-viral, yet verified kick*ss products, we’re giving you the bait. Now sit back and reel in the likes.

Fenty Beauty — Killawatt Freestyle Highlighter CLF Edition

Rihanna told us to shine bright like a diamond, and with "Diamond Ball-Out," you can. The ultimate silver lining? It's charitable, too.

$34*

*All proceeds go toward the Clara Lionel Foundation

Drunk Elephant — Protini™ Polypeptide Cream

This powerhouse cream softens and smooths to such epic proportions, you can expect strangers to enquire about your #NoFilter complexion (then direct them to your #Shelfie).

$68*

*Get 20% off using the code ELITEDRUNKELEPHANT

Anastasia Beverly Hills — Soft Glam Palette

If this palette is giving you heart eyes now, just wait until those little Instagram hearts start pouring in from all your new eye looks.

$42

Fiyah — Chunky Trainer White

If you're gonna twirl on your haters, best to do it in trendy AF, comfy-as-hell dad sneakers, am I right?

$50

Lawless Beauty — Soft Matte Liquid Lipstick

With names like "George," "Leo," and "Romeo," it's clear a liquid lipstick by any other brand would not look as sweet.

$25*

*Get 15% off using the code ELITE15

Sephora Collection — The Bubble Mask

Who would've thought a detoxifying sheet mask could look so effing cute in a selfie?

$6

Crap Eyewear — The Sweet Leaf Sunglasses

All I have to say is, wearing these shades, you can't see the haters 'cause of the rose-colored lenses in the way.

$85

Take Five

Go on a journey with me for a sec: You’re peacefully sleeping, dreaming about what life would be like with no student loans, only to awake from your slumber and realize you’re hella late, with only five minutes to get ready. Don’t fret. Take 10 seconds to breathe. Then for the other four minutes and 50 seconds, let these quick-and-easy picks do the rest.

IT Cosmetics — Bye Bye Foundation Full Coverage Moisturizer™ with SPF 50+

Yes, no matter what anyone tells you, you can apply your sunscreen, your moisturizer, and your foundation all at once.

$40

C'est Moi — Visionary Makeup Crayon

Imagine a brand new pack of crayons, but for your face. JK, you don't have to imagine. It's right here, and it's easier than ever to use.

$8*

*Get 15% off using the code ELITE15

Joico — Beach Shake Texturizing Finisher Spray

Just because you left the beach, doesn't mean you have to leave the effortless, textured waves behind.

$20

Dove — Refresh+Care Fresh Coconut Dry Shampoo

A few spritzes will refresh your hair in seconds. The subtle lime and coconut scents will make you wish you were putting them together and drinking 'em both up.

$4