Yes, we’re shedding a single tear for the end of summer, but nothing dries our eyes quite like an avalanche of the best back-to-school sales tumbling into our open carts. Whether you’re shopping for your final semester at college, spoiling your freshly minted high school sophomore, or not even actively enrolled (hey, a sale’s a sale!), a new school year means a strained wallet—never mind the notebooks, pens, and binders. So, we implore you, spare yourself some of the stress by shopping these early 2024 back-to-school sales from the best retailers in the biz.
Best Back-to-School Beauty Sales
The Marc Jacobs Daisy Eau So Sweet is a perfect summer-to-fall perfume. It’s sparkly, fruity, and airy, and the bottle looks so cute on any dresser. Then there’s the Dyson Airwrap—a hair tool so good that it speaks for itself (but we’ve spoken about it quite a bit, too). If you’re more than okay with a refurbished tool—if there are any minor blemishes, they won’t affect functionality—you’ll save a cool $240.
Of course, Amazon has some of the best beauty stuff on sale. Like, of course. We don’t know about you, but we’ll be shopping the Laura Geller Spackle Primer (a hydrating, hyaluronic-acid-infused primer ideal for mature skin) and this beloved K-beauty product, the Anua 10% Niacinamide+ 4% Tranexamic Acid Serum (which brightens dark spots and tightens the look of pores).
Drybar’s Cocomint Float is an all-over shower treat you can use on your scalp and body (go off, science). The textured plant-based sugar moisturizes while nixing flakiness, and coconut shell and rice powder exfoliate all the while. Then, steal the show at your next formal with the help of Armani’s Lip Maestro Liquid Lipstick.
We’re diving into back-to-school face-first with Dermstore goodies. Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen is a must for everyday UV protection (that won’t put a wrench in your makeup), and the Best of Beauty-winning NuFace Trinity is the kind of at-home, delightfully sophisticated face massage we’re always after.
Aesthetic girlies rise up because Ssense has some winners. Whether you’re on the lookout for a lightweight moisturizer (this majorly-on-sale one from Mutha is formulated with ceramides, algae, and mushroom extract) or prepping for first-day photos with a hydrating hair mask, we’re here for it, and we hope you are too.
New school year, new fragrance. Ellis Brooklyn West Eau de Parfum is a real cake-taker for its essential, woody-citrussy, everyday elegance (especially after gym class). While you’re at it, grab a purifying, pore-unclogging mask from BeautyStat to help you wind down after a long day.
So you’re graduating from your beloved Naked Palette and looking for a little more color. Meet the Morphe 35Y Aurascape Artistry Palette, which features the perfect mix of neutrals and brights for all the best blending. Deck out your hands with these Glamnetic First Kiss Press On-Nails and you’re ready to rule the town—err, campus.
If your teen has been pleading for a Sephora trip but you’re not ready to spring for skin care she’s a little teensy bit too young for, the retailer’s sale section has some great, fun finds. She can play around with this set of Peter Thomas Roth masks during mother-daughter spa nights and toss this Fenty gloss in her purse for hydrating goodness at a moment’s notice.
Best Back-to-School Lifestyle & Fashion Sales
Ugg slippers are always in, and so is an organized vanity—meaning this duo from Nordstrom Rack is the MVP of your fall refresh. Grab these Uggs in a classic chestnut hue or a cool gray to mix things up.
A Hydroflask Water Bottle falls under our “need” category every time—the stainless steel build keeps drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 12, with no icky plastic taste involved. And literally, how could we resist this perfect set of stationery? Your professor is already jealous.
We pledge allegiance to Nordstrom’s sale section time and time again. Boost the vibes of your study space with a big ol’ candle and a handy table lamp that charges your Magsafe-compatible iPhone. It’s a sweet situation for your dorm or your kid’s desk.
Calling all collegegoers looking to amp up their bedding. Look no further than Brooklinen, which has tons on sale, like these super sweet pillowcases. And how could you possibly say no to this perfect, pink stripey bathrobe?
Now, onto sheets. Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Sheet Set comes in so many snooze-ready colors and is breathable, organic, and well-priced. While you’re at it, pick up these short-sleeve PJs and tuck yourself right in.
Rumor has it you can’t walk down the hall without seeing at least 20 Lululemon backpacks pass you by. Get in on the goodness with the Everywhere Backpack, which you can pair with these super soft pants.
Your first-day outfit calls for an Abercrombie haul. You were probably obsessed with the brand back in the day, but it’s still pumping out some of the cutest clothes on the market, like these High-Rise Tapered Jeans and this Mini Sunday Half Zip, which go together perfectly.
Looking for a vessel for all of your BTS beauty treats? Everlane’s The Renew Transit Catch-All Case is your new BFF. Frankly, so is The Rib Soft Knit Open Collar Polo, which can be dressed up or down like a dream.
Not done shopping? Check out more Allure-approved picks: