It’s that time of year again when girls don long dresses, guys put on ties, and curfews are extended. Prom season is exciting, but it can be overwhelming, too, especially if you’re not used to dressing up or putting on makeup.
When it comes to prom makeup, makeup artist John Pagaduan advises girls to keep it simple. “Since you’re wearing a fancy outfit, going all-out in your makeup can make you look too ‘costume-y,’” he says.
Emphasize one feature and keep the rest of the face natural. If you plan to go with bright red lips, skip the smoky eyes. Going for an edgy, smoky eye? Make sure to skip the cherry lips and go for a soft peach or baby pink—this will help your makeup look “now” and not look like that which your mom would’ve worn to her prom.
Fresh-faced beauty
Perfect for: The girl who doesn’t want to wear too much makeup.
Get the look: Use a sheer base like BB cream or tinted moisturizer to help even out your skin and hide any dark spots or discolorations. Apply loose powder over your foundation to help make it last through a night of dancing. Look for a bright rose blush with a hint of shimmer to bring a glow to your cheeks. Keep your eye makeup simple by using a neutral palette in shades of champagne, gold or sand to define eyes without looking heavy. Apply two coats of mascara on curled lashes to make eyes look bright and wide awake. Finish the look with a sheer, glossy lip color.
Lash flair
Perfect for: The adventurous artist
Get the look: Prom is also the time to have fun and experiment with your look. Show off your personality through your makeup. Pastel hues or bright neon pigments can help make eyes sparkle. Colored or embellished lashes will also help highlight your peepers. Balance out the bright colors by brushing on a subtle peach blush and keeping lips coated with clear gloss instead of color.
Punk princess
Perfect for: The rocker chick
Get the look: Achieving the smoky eyes may seem time-consuming and difficult, but it actually is one of the fastest ways to make you look party-ready in no time. The trick to a great smoky eye is to start working on the upper and lower lash line and working your way up. Keep color darkest around your lash line and blend outwards to your lids. Finish off with three coats of mascara for added oomph.
Keep your smoky eye modern by pairing it with a light lip color and dewy skin.
Tress to impress
Keep these tips in mind to get the best hairstyle for your prom.
1. Ponytails are hardly boring.
Who says the ponytail is made just for soccer practice and bad-hair days? A ponytail done well can rock your prom, too. Distinguish a party ponytail from a regular one by adding texture and lift at the crown. Curl the ends or keep everything sleek and straight.
2. Make a mess.
Going for an updo to show off a great neckline or back detail on your dress? Avoid a dated bun or French twist by making sure your updo looks casual and messed-up. Look for inspirations from your favorite Hollywood or K-pop star for what disheveled updo works best for your face shape.
3. Make waves.
Let your hair down and be the center of attention by setting your long locks in beach-y waves. Give fine hair a boost by spritzing a volumizing spray like Kiehl’s Super Thick Volumizer before styling hair with a curling iron.
Photography: Toto Labrador
Makeup: John Pagaduan for Shu Uemura
Hair: Avril Seguin
Model: Cora Waddell of Elite
Shot on location at Pipino Vegetarian Makati
(www.pipinovegetarian.com)