STYLE

Prom night is quickly approaching! One of the fun parts of prom is the pre-prom activities—including getting ready for the special night. If you're planning on doing your own hair and makeup, we've got you covered with a few tips to make sure you achieve the perfect prom look. Some things are to be done in advance, while others are just important steps you won't want to skip as you get ready.

1. Skincare

@noemiemakeuptouch

Skincare is basically the key to knowing how your makeup will turn out. Develop a good skincare routine in advance and commit to it—or just do a full-on spa day the day before. If you have dry skin, try a rich moisturizer, a hydrating sheet mask or even slugging the night before. This way you'll be able to avoid any dry patches once you apply your makeup. If you have oily skin, try applying some niacinamide or salicylic acid to wake up to brighter, smoother skin with less oil. (P.S. Here's our guide to skin serums!)

2. Depuffing

@chloelolamakeup

Once your skincare has done its magic, it's time for some depuffing. Before you get started on your makeup, use an ice roller or a gua sha all over your face. This will help you look your best by waking up your skin—making it brighter and more lifted. Your undereye circles and any puffiness will look better in minutes!

3. Hair first, makeup second

@haleyodegard

Doing your hair first will make your life so much easier, and it'll guarantee a better makeup application. If you're doing your own hair, let's be honest—you might end up breaking a sweat, or your face will get oily from the heat and products. Regardless, by doing your hair first, you'll have time to wash your face once you're done to ensure a flawless makeup look. We also suggest starting with your hair if you need some time for your style to set—whether it's your pin curls or hair rollers.

4. Try out some lipstick shades

@cherie_flavor

Finding which shade of lipstick suits you best can be hard. To avoid stressing the day off, we recommend buying a lipstick set with various shades or just two or three shades to compare. Take photos with each and find which suits you best. We love Colourpop's just a kiss lippie stix vault, $32, colourpop.com. (And just in case you need it, here's our step-by-step guide to applying lipstick!)

5. Primer & setting spray = your BFFs

@shahmatova.ya

A good primer that fits your skin type well will do your makeup look wonders. Whether you want a glowy look or a matte look, the primer is where it all begins. Not only will it help make everything smoother, but it'll guarantee your amazing look stays put all night. As for setting spray, you *truly* don't want to forget this step. Setting spray seals everything in so your makeup will stay looking amaze for hours, while also making your overall look smoother and more vivid. Our personal fave is Benefit Cosmetics' The POREfessional Super Setter Setting Spray, $32, sephora.com.

6. Practice and take pics

@hannahmeloche

Playing around with different hairstyles and makeup looks is a must on the days leading up to prom night. Remember to have fun with it while you find your perf look, and you won't be stressed out the day of rushing to finish a brand new look. You could even invite some friends over and try out your looks together. For every look you try out, have a mini photo shoot to see exactly what you'll look like in your prom pics (and for some cute memories)!

Make sure to tag us in all your prom looks on Insta @girlslifemag!

Slider and top image: @rickyfraserhair

by Alaina Cintron | 4/30/2022