How to achieve the perfect prom look

By Emily Wissemes, Editor in Chief

Prom is fast approaching. Not only is your dress important, but your makeup is essential. No one wants to look like a ghost nor do they want to look like an orange. Flawless makeup is easier than it seems. Follow these steps so achieve the perfect prom look.

Start with a makeup primer

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ULTA=
Olay Fresh Effects Clear Skin Mattifier $7.99
Neutrogena Shine Control Primer $13.99
TARGET=
e.l.f. Hydrating Face Primer $6.09

The camera is unrelenting. It will pick up every flaw and blemish. The purpose of a primer is to create a barrier between your skin and the actual makeup. It controls oil and shine while also concealing the skin’s natural imperfections. The primer will help control and diminish your pore sizes giving a, more or less, flawless canvas.

Don’t forget about your neck

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It Cosmetics CC Cream with SPF +50 $38.00
Real Techniques Expert Face Brush $8.99
TARGET=
Maybelline Fit Me! Dewy + Smooth Foundation $5.99
e.l.f. Flat Foundation Brush $3.00

Foundation is the most important part of your makeup look. The biggest mistake many girls make is forgetting to blend the foundations down your neck. No one wants two different skin tones. So, don’t stop your foundation at your jaw line. Take it further down your neck area and blend it well. You don’t need much either. Use the excess foundation left on your brush and that should be enough.

Powder

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Bareminerals Powder Broad Spectrum SPF 20 $29.50
TARGET=
Fit Me! Set + Smooth Powder $5.59

Too much shine and oiliness will definitely be picked up by the camera. No one wants to look like a disco ball. Apply an oil-free powder and set your makeup, this will avoid looking greasy. During the actual prom portion of the night, carry around blotting or oil absorbing sheets. They remove oiliness without disturbing your makeup.

BROWS, BROWS, BROWS!

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e.l.f. Studio Eyebrow Kit $3.00

Eyebrows bring definition and structure to your face. A couple of days before prom, get your eyebrows shaped and waxed. This will make it easier when filling them in. Once you have a desired structure, lightly sketch and fill them in with a brow powder or a matte pencil. The trick is, if you have lighter hair use a brow shade two times darker. And if you have darker hair use a shade two times lighter.

Contouring 

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Contour Kit $11.00
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e.l.f. Contour Pallet $2.00

The most important makeup trick is to use a warm bronzer on the hollows of your cheek bones. This brings definition and depth to your face. Powder contour palettes are easier to use.

Add some colour

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e.l.f Blush Palette $6.00

Everyone has natural rosy cheeks. Don’t be shy when it comes to using a brighter colored blush. Try a bright pink or a peach color to make your skin look healthy. The key is blending. Whether it be with your fingers or a brush, you want a seamless finish. Powder works better than cream because it is easier to blend. Using a matte finish or a blush with minimal sparkle will turn out better on camera than one with a dramatic shine. No one wants to look like Edward from Twilight in the sunshine.

Upgrade to liquid liner

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e.l.f. Precision Liquid Eyeliner $3.00

Liquid eye liner helps define the eyes better and make them appear brighter in photographs. You can also use a pencil or gel liner to lightly outline where the liner will go. Afterwards, use liquid liner to intensify the eyes.

Lashes

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e.l.f. Volumizing Defining Mascara $2.00

Everyone loves those butterfly lashes that last all night. The key is waterproof mascara. After curling your lashes, apply the mascara immediately so the lashes don’t lose their curl. Reapply at least two to three coats to make them stand out.

Apply lip liner 

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IT COSMETICS Your Lips But Better Waterproof Lip Liner Stain $20.00
NYX COSMETICS Full Throttle Lipstick $6.99
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RIMMEL LONDON Exaggerate Full Colour Lip Liner $5.99

Lip liners allow you to outline exactly where the lipstick will go. Try using a color close to your lipstick and blending it out before applying your lipstick. By blending it out the lip liner will appear less harsh. Then choose the closest lipstick color and blend.