4 Makeup Looks and Hairstyles Perfect for Virtual Prom

Michelle Li
·5 min read

Editor's note: This shoot was done prior to the coronavirus pandemic, but we still wanted to share it with you. We hope it gives you some solace or escape in this trying time. Currently, our whole team is social distancing as we work from home. We sincerely hope, if you are able to, you are, too.

Just because we’re socially distancing doesn’t mean we have to miss out on the fun of a milestone moment like prom. In celebration of Teen Vogue's virtual prom we’ve put together the best tips and tricks to party with us from home. Join us (and tag us!). #TVGoestoProm

Hot take: The best parts of prom are the moments leading up to it. While the COVID-19 pandemic is causing the cancellation of proms nationwide, that doesn’t mean you should miss out on the glitz and glam of getting ready for the big night. We’re taking this opportunity to celebrate and encourage the joy of getting ready with your friends via FaceTime, Google Hangouts, Zoom, or the video-chat platform of your choice. Sometimes doing a new makeup or hair look requires some virtual hand-holding from your best friends. Testing a new eye shadow while gossiping about crushes or putting on way too much glitter and having to start over again is better when you have someone to experience it with.

Left, on Santa: Moon Choi dress. Right, on Mycky: Rodarte x Universal Standard dress, $200, at Universal Standard; Georgina Trevino Tejana earrings, $100, at Georgina Trevino.

Celebrating prom at home doesn't mean sacrificing your original beauty ideas. You're going to want to get extra-dressed up for virtual prom. It's your moment to shine via your webcam. Crimp your hair, create a makeshift corsage, alter your mom’s old dress or your dad’s vintage velvet suit. We’re braver and more daring with our hair and makeup looks when we’re with our friends. There may not be dancing (or grinding) IRL, and your dresses and suits may only be seen from the waist up, but cue up a playlist and create TikToks to fully capture the moments.

And while you’re at it, binge-watch some of our all-time favorite rom-com dance scenes (Romy and Michelle’s High School Reunion, 10 Things I Hate About You, Juno). Below, we reinterpreted some of our favorite ’90s hairstyles and makeup looks and gave them our own Teen Vogue prom twist. So get your tripods and ring lights ready, with your best friends on speed dial! See you at virtual prom!

On Monica: Markgong shirt; Nomia knit pants, $295, at Nomia; Jiwinaia earrings, $246, at Dover Street Market.

A New Way to Sparkle

Glittery eyes are a given regardless of IRL prom or virtual prom, but switch it up and add some dimension with two different glitter colors. When it comes to creating a look that will last a whole night of dancing on live streams or make it to the 50th take of a TikTok dance challenge, makeup artist Rachael Krutchkoff, who did the makeup for this shoot, suggests: “Keep the foundation light and focus on spot-treating with concealer or opting for a CC cream to even out your skin tone. To keep makeup looking fresh, finish the look with a dewy setting spray, like Tatcha's Dewy Skin Mist if you have dry skin.”

On Mycky: Rodarte x Universal Standard dress, $200, at Universal Standard; Georgina Trevino Tejana earrings, $100, at Georgina Trevino.

Color Clash

“There are no rules, but mismatching colors look best if you choose shades that are complementary on the color wheel,” advises Krutchkoff. A matte lilac eye and red dress are an unexpected match, but we’re all for surprises, even at home. Throw your hair up in a high pony à la Tyra Banks for impressive hair flips and swirls.

Right, on Charlie: Gucci cotton bouclé top, $980, at Gucci; Gucci silk organdy skirt, $1,700, at Gucci.

A Twist on the Classics

Crimped hair and a red lip is the ultimate ’90s popular prom look. But times have changed. While a red lip never goes out of style, we’re giving crimped hair a modern twist. To achieve this, hairstylist Sergio Estrada advises: “Don’t actually use a crimper. Instead, braid your hair in five or six braids from scalp to ends and either sleep with them in or, if your hair is damp, run mousse throughout your hair prior to braiding and then diffusing. Once you wake up the next morning—or when your hair is dry—take the braids out and it’ll give your hair a modern crimp style that is wearable.” Crimped hair, 2020 version!

On Santa: Moon Choi dress.
On Santa: Moon Choi dress.

Glammed Up

Sometimes you have to go all out. In this case, that means, hair and makeup done to the nines. There’s nothing that says "Spring is here, and so am I" like an eye-catching makeup look. “This peridot rhinestone eye was inspired by using jewelry as makeup. I used Swarovski rhinestones as a liner and glued them to the lash line using eyelash glue. This look paired with a bright coral lip felt like a really fresh spring beauty look, perfect for prom,” Krutchkoff explains. Give a nod to the ’90s by incorporating some butterfly clips into your updo. Wear them however you see fit. Hairstylist Sergio says: “It should fit your own personal style and not try too hard. Throw your hair up in a loose bun and pin some clips on it for a little bit of flair, or incorporate a few small braids into your hair and pin the clips on the ends for a pop of color.”

From left, on Monica: Markgong shirt; Nomia knit pants, $295, available at Nomia; Jiwinaia earrings, $246, at Dover Street Market. On Santa: Moon Choi dress. On Mycky: Rodarte x Universal Standard dress, $200, at Universal Standard; Georgina Trevino Tejana earrings, $100, at Georgina Trevino. On Charlie: Gucci cotton bouclé top, $980, at Gucci; Gucci silk organdy skirt, $1,700, at Gucci.

Credits:

Photographer: Lenne Chai

Fashion stylist: Michelle Li

Hair: Sergio Estrada

Makeup: Rachael Krutchkoff

Nails: Yukie Miyakawa

Prop Stylist: High Gloss

Models: Charlie Nishimura, Mycky, Monica Awuor, Santa

Casting: Morgan Senesi

Art Director: Emily Zirimis

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue