8 Genius Ways to Take Your Prom Makeup to the Next Level
Photo: Getty Images1/10High school is over in four years, but prom pics last forever. Seriously — they’re excellent fodder for #tbt posts on Instagram. So why not use the endless photo opps (love you, mom) to take your beauty game up a notch? Switch up your standby looks — the smoky eye, that red lipstick — for these red carpet-inspired ideas that’ll make your prom pictures worth printing out, framing and showing off forever.
Photo: Getty Images2/10Swap the usual black liner for jewel-toned color.
An equally formal (and wearable) take on basic black liner are jewel tones—think emerald green, cobalt blue, amethyst purple. They eliminate the need for shadow (although you can feel free to pile it on if you want to) and look good on every skin tone. One like Guerlain The Eye Pencil will not budge.
Photo: Getty Images3/10Swap your smoky eye for metallic shimmer.
A smoky eye has its benefits (like being sultry as hell), but a drawback is that it can also make you look like you’ve aged 20 years. A fresher, more unexpected option: Throwing in a bit of shimmer, which brightens the eyes and still looks prom-worthy. (Try Dior’s Diorshow Mono Eyeshadow in Ribbon. If only J. Law’s Dior dress were as easy to get.
Photo: Getty Images4/10Swap your bronzer for a pink flush.
Bronzer is a girl’s best friend—especially in winter—but a rosy flush in the cheeks is an alternative that’s pretty and natural. Chances are that everyone else in your class is going to get a spray-tan (and definitely, definitely, not hit up a tanning salon), so a pop of pink is an easy way to stand out. We love Sephora Collection Perfection Mist Airbrush Blush for color that won’t disappear while you’re dancing.
Photo: Getty Images5/10Swap your signature red lipstick for a bright coral.
Red lips are classic, but a bright coral like Tom Ford Lip Color in Wild Ginger has just as much, if not more punch, especially if your dress is equally colorful (like Taylor’s). Plus, the orange in it warms up sun-starved winter skin and flatters every single skin tone.
Photo: Getty Images6/10Swap over-the-top makeup for a cool, monochromatic look.
It can be tempting on this most important day to go all-out with every single product in your makeup arsenal. Resist! Sticking with a single tone for your eye shadow, blush and lip color (try one like Nars The Multiple in Maui) is foolproof, especially if you’re doing your own makeup. The best part: There’s a 100% chance it will look good.
Photo: Getty Images7/10Swap a statement lip color for a nude lip.
The nude lip is incredibly overrated — probably because when it’s too nude, you can end up looking waxy and corpse-like (not a good look, prom or no prom). But with the right rosy tone, like that of Bite Beauty Amuse Bouche Lipstick in Fig a nude lip can look downright sexy.
Photo: Getty Images8/10Swap neutral shadows for a #tbt-worthy lavender.
There’s safety in shades of taupe and gray, but they can be Boring with a capital B. Nothing says spring like a pretty, saturated pastel eye shadow (a fave of RiRi, who’s never been afraid of a beauty risk). Plus, it gives a colorful touch that’ll set your makeup apart from the sea of easy neutrals. Go for one that isn’t frosty, like Lancôme Color Design Sensational Effects Eye Shadow, to keep it from looking too ‘90s.
Photo: Getty Images9/10Swap a perfectly contoured skin for a dewy glow.
Odds are you can probably contour your face with your eyes closed, but in this instance, it’s not worth it. A dewy glow (may we suggest RMS Beauty’s new Master Mixer?) catches the light so that like Bella Hadid, you shine in all the right ways.
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