By: Naomi Shaw

It’s prom season, and that means that teens everywhere are dressing up and hitting the town. Like most kids, you’ve probably been dreaming about prom for years - what you’d wear, who you’d take, how you’ll win the coveted “Prom King” or “Prom Queen” crown. Now that the big day is here, we’ve got some tips to help you get ready!

Pick Out Your Outfit

Finding the perfect prom dress is no easy task. Start shopping early so you have time to find a look you love. And don’t be afraid to experiment with fashion trends - prom night is made for bright colors and bold prints. You’ll be taking a lot of photos that night, so make sure that you find an outfit that makes you feel confident!

Once you’ve found that perfect look, you need to make sure everything - and I mean everything - compliments your outfit. Do the shoes work with the dress? Does your necklace complement your neckline? Are your undergarments giving you the right kind of support? These little details can make all the difference between a carefree fun and a night of pulling up a strapless gown.

Wear Makeup From Ear to Ear

Whether you’re a makeup fanatic or a “gloss and mascara only” kind of girl, prom night is the time to take your makeup to the next level. Get some help from your friends (or a makeup professional). Try out a sultry smoky eye, a bright lip, or some luminescent highlight. As long as you sport a big smile, your mug will be magnificent!

But before you step out the door, here’s a little makeup secret: be sure to swipe a little foundation on your earlobes. Tearing it up on the dance floor can really raise your body temperature and leave you a little flushed. That extra makeup will keep your ears from looking red after a night of dancing, so you don’t look two-toned in your pictures. 

Get Smooth Skin

It may be important to have soft, smooth skin every day of the year, but that goes double on prom night! Remember, these pictures will be some of your most treasured memories from high school - make sure you look absolutely incredible! Your big smile and gorgeous dress (or handsome tux) will look even more astounding when you pair them with glowing, healthy skin. 

Take care of your skin in the weeks leading up to the big night by exfoliating, moisturizing, and drinking lots of water. Get a manicure, too, so your nails look fabulous when you slip on your corsage. And whether you’re shaving your legs, armpits, or face (I see you, boys) make sure you use the right skin treatments to prevent any razor burn.

Be Prepared for Anything

Even though prom can be a lot of fun, it can also be big trouble. Make sure that you’re prepared for anything - from fashion disasters to unsafe situations. Make sure you pack some lipstick in your purse to touch up your pout, and bring some bobby pins to keep your hair looking fabulous. This will keep you looking your best throughout the night.

Of course, not every prom problem can be solved with some extra lipstick. If you or your friends plan to drink that night, appoint a designated driver or have someone sober take you home. Do not - I repeat, do not - get behind the wheel of a car!

If you’re going to the prom with a date, have a plan to get away if things get uncomfortable. Remember, prom is supposed to be fun, so don’t let anyone pressure you into something you don’t want to do. Whatever you do, make sure that you’re safe - after all, you don’t want to miss out on all the milestones that are still to come.

Relax and Have Fun

There is a lot that goes into prom preparation, but there’s one tip that is more important than all the others: relax. Prom is simply a night out with your friends where you’ll dress up, dance, and have a good time. There’s no reason to deal with drama! If all the prep gets overwhelming take a moment to breathe and calm down. Then get out there and have fun! After all, that’s what prom is all about.