How to Do Prom Makeup

Build your prom makeup around one statement feature—bold eyes or lips, never both—using long-wearing formulas that photograph well.

Most prom makeup fails because people try to do everything at once—pick one feature to highlight and let everything else support it, not compete with it.

1. Prime and perfect your base. Apply primer to clean skin, then use a medium-to-full coverage foundation that matches your neck exactly. Set with translucent powder, focusing on your T-zone where you'll get oily under hot lights and from dancing.
2. Choose your focal point. Decide between dramatic eyes or bold lips—doing both creates chaos in photos. Most people look better with statement eyes and nude lips for prom because it translates better in group photos and under different lighting.
3. Create your eye look. Use eyeshadow primer, then build color gradually with a fluffy brush. Pack shimmer or glitter on the lid with your finger or a flat brush for maximum impact. Finish with waterproof mascara and consider false lashes if you want extra drama.
4. Define your features. Contour lightly under cheekbones and along jawline, then add blush to the apples of your cheeks. Fill in brows with small, hair-like strokes and set with clear gel to keep them in place all night.
5. Finish with lips. Line lips slightly outside your natural lip line for photos, then fill with lipstick. Blot, powder, and reapply for staying power, or use a liquid lipstick that dries down matte.