Makeup for Prom

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Yahoo Beauty editor in chief Bobbi Brown shares her makeup tips for prom. (Photo: Ben Ritter)

Headed to prom and deciding on a look that will be Instagrammed all night? Have fun with it. From how to prep to what makeup to try, here is my beauty advice:

  • If you’re going to do your makeup yourself, one option is to get advice from a makeup artist first. Many artists at department stores will give makeovers for free (find out the details first sometimes there is a purchase minimum). Ask the artist to help you pick an easy-to-recreate beauty look for prom (don’t forget to get a face chart). For eyes, have the artist do one, and you try the other to learn how to apply. You can buy the products you like there, or find similar shades at the drugstore.

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Do your research before prom night if you’re getting your makeup professionally done. (Photo: Ben Ritter)

  • If you have your makeup professionally done for prom, head to a beauty counter or salon to find someone that works frequently with teens. Find out what their rate is and try them out first. If you like the look they create, book an appointment for the day of. Same advice for hair.

  • When picking makeup, choose long-wear formulas, especially for eyes. You’re going to be having so much fun that you don’t want to spend time retouching your makeup. Long-wear formula are designed to hold up for hours.

  • Always test out your makeup, with your dress, beforehand. See if it lasts and how it looks in pictures. Sometimes a cool color can look one way in person—and totally different on camera. Make sure you like it both ways. Same advice for how makeup looks day and night. You’ll want a look that works for those late afternoon pre-prom pics, and then later when you’re on the dance floor.

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Don’t be afraid to try something bold and new on prom night. (Photo: Ben Ritter)

  • If you want to experiment with a totally different look than your everyday, go for it. Just remember sometimes bold beauty looks, like contouring or smoky eyes, are better in theory than in real life. A test run will help you determine if the makeup look you want is doable, and if you love it (or not). What’s important is that you feel comfortable and confident.

  • Do your nails the day before. Nails are a good place to do a really fun, cool color whether that is royal blue or classic red.

  • Tanning, self-tanner, or tanning beds are good things to avoid. You can end up an unnatural shade of orange that you can’t fix.

  • Getting ready should be fun. Give yourself lots of time (a couple of hours) and make it a party.

  • Remember that most young girls don’t need foundation. Hide any blemishes with a yellow-toned cover-up or a foundation stick. If you want a little bit more coverage, a tinted moisturizer is all you need.

  • Depending on your age and style your makeup changes. If you are younger, or just want a simple and fresh look go with a pale shimmer shadow on your lids, some mascara, and some smudged pencil liner in charcoal or black. Finish with a pretty blush and a pinky gloss.

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Pick a subtle and soft blush for a pretty look. (Photo: Ben Ritter)

  • For girls that want a look that’s more trendy or sophisticated, try a soft, smoky eye. You will want to put your lightest color from the lashline to just above the crease, the medium shade on the lower lid, and the darkest color in the crease and just above the lashline. You don’t want the darkest color all over the lid. You can also try the first two colors paired with a black gel liner. Finish with mascara. Then do a soft pink lip and pale blush. Another option is to try a bold lip, like raspberry or pink, and then keep your eye a little softer with just a little liner and mascara.

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