Prom Makeup Tips

Prom Makeup Tips Are Easy

It's a big night for high school students. Once you've settled the all-important matter of what to wear and splurged on a gorgeous dress, stylish pair of heels, and all the right accessories, you're ready to focus on makeup. The prom is a night you'll remember for years to come, so you'll obviously want to shine and put your best face forward! Do so with some of these tried-and-true prom makeup tips.

Foundation For A Flawless Face

If you normally use a heavy liquid foundation, skip it on prom night. Instead, opt for a lightweight formula that will provide minimal coverage that doesn't leave your makeup susceptible to caking. Avoid a makeup meltdown by applying a tinted moisturizer or light foundation. Dust translucent powder onto shiny areas for a flawless finish.

If, unfortunately, you happen to discover a blemish come prom day, don't fret. Use a concealer to target the spots that need special attention. Follow with your tinted moisturizer or light foundation.

The Dramatic Lip…or Eye

When it comes to making a perfect impression, consider this prom makeup tip. Your look will be fresh and dramatic when you focus on one specific facial feature. Choose to play up either your eyes or your lips, but not both. The end result will be over-the-top, garish and outlandish. Making the most of your pretty eyes or attractive lips will allow you to shine! Once you've made your choice, you're ready to have some fun.

• Showing off your eyes? Keep your lips subtle and romantic with a soft rose or pinky beige hue.

• Planning to make your lips the star of the show? Wash your eyelids with modest, sheer shades that complement your coloring. Brown, gold, beige and pink are all gorgeous and can easily be worn as neutrals.

Eye Candy

Whether girly shimmer or seductive smokiness is your preferred look, your eyes are sure to impress when you follow these prom makeup tips.

• Invest in a decent eye shadow base. Applying it over the entire eyelid will ensure your makeup stays put.

• Groom your brows, but don't shape them on prom day! Get them professionally done several days before the event. On prom day, tweeze strays early in the morning, ice any redness away and use a brow gel (if your brows are unruly) to keep them in place. Clean, shaped brows will open your eyes up and give you a fresh, awakened look.

• Don't match your eye shadow to your dress. Instead, choose shades that complement your complexion. Consider visiting a makeup artist for a complimentary consultation; expert advice is especially helpful if you are unsure of which colors to wear. Be sure to tell the artist what color your dress is.

• Amp up your lashes with lengthening mascara. If you have very straight lashes, consider a curling waterproof formula, which will help maintain the curl all night long.

• Sparkly lids and thick, bold lines are ravishing when your dress is dark and classic. Likewise, a rich, smoky eye can add drama when your dress is sweet and basic. Of course, there are no absolutes when it comes to makeup; a little experimentation will go a long way in leading the way to the right hues.

Pucker Up

There's nothing like a gorgeous pout to make you stand out in a crowd. Classic red lips are stunning with almost any color dress (save for a few obvious hues, like pink), but remember that a deep color will require some upkeep and maintenance throughout the night. Here are a few prom makeup tips to keep in mind when it comes to achieving the perfect pout.

• Smooth lips are a precursor to perfect lipstick application. To ensure that your lips are as soft and supple as can be, exfoliate your lips regularly. A toothbrush (used solely for this purpose, of course) is a great alternative to a regular exfoliating product, but brands like Aquafina and The Body Shop also offer versions that are suitable for scuffing off dead skin.

• On this night of nonstop sipping and chatting, you'll want your lipstick to last as long as possible. Fill your lips in with a liner that complements your lipstick to achieve optimum staying power. Follow accordingly with lipstick and gloss, or just gloss if you're going for a more natural look.

• Avoid whispers and giggles by making sure your lipstick stays off your teeth. Utilize this little trick. After applying color, insert your index finger into your mouth and pull it out. Any extra lipstick will stick to your finger.

• If you have thin lips, apply liner just over your natural lip line, but keep it realistic as it's easy to spot an exaggerated line. Apply a dab of shimmery gloss to the center of both lips to create an illusion of fullness.

A Gorgeous Glow

Flushed cheeks are a sign of youth, vitality and radiance. Highlight your cheeks with a shade of blush that mimics your natural flush. A soft pink or a warm apricot is always suitable. A product like Benefit's Benetint will enhance your natural glow while imparting a slight rose tint.

Don't Forget These Essentials

There's a reason for that space, however minimal it might be, in your cute, dressy handbag. Slip in some essential items and make your prom experience picture-perfect.

• Oil-blotting powder or blotting papers
• Lip gloss
• Hair clip
• Mints
• Carrying a mini-deodorant may seem embarrassing, but you'll be thankful you have it if excessive sweat becomes an issue.