Wednesday, May 1, 2013

PROM-PERFECT MAKEUP

Prom season is in full swing!  You've got your dream dress, matching shoes, accessories and an appointment lined up with your favorite hairstylist. Now it's time to make sure your makeup will go the distance. Here are some beauty basics to help you achieve that prom-perfect makeup look that is guaranteed to hold up while you dance the night away!

NUDE AND NATURAL

Dakota Fanning

Jordin Sparks

Jenna Ushkowitz
Even if you don't usually wear any makeup it's best to add a touch on this special night. It will help you look fabulous in your photos rather than unfinished. Keep it light and natural by using concealer or foundation only where you need it to create a flawless complexion. Try Clinique Moisture Surge CC Cream($35) a hydrating and color correcting moisturizer that will  leave skin smooth and radiant. A sheer wash of color on your eyes like Bobbi Brown Long-Wear Cream Shadow in Sandy Gold($24) will look fresh all night without creasing or becoming oily. Choose a lip color that closely matches your own natural lip tone and add a touch of mascara to accent and emphasize your eyes.




BOLD AND BEAUTIFUL

Kerry Washington

Emily Blunt
Emma Stone
 
KeKe Palmer














A"pop" of color is always a great makeup choice for a festive event like prom. A bold lip and a precisely lined eye shows you can be both modern and edgy at the same time. Stay closest to matte when choosing your vibrant lip shade  pink, coral, berry or red. Stila Long Wear Liquid Lipcolor($22) and Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lip Color($24) have many shades to choose from and you won't need to constantly re-apply. Tried and true black, brown, gray or navy eyeliner will compliment your formal attire without over-powering your statement lip. Smashbox Jet Set Waterproof Eyeliner($22) goes on creamy and looks amazing when winged out on the corner of the eyes. Or try a subtle hint of bright color on both eyes and lips like Keke Palmer is wearing. A soft bright cheek and lots of mascara or false lashes complete the retro feel of this look.

Bobbi Brown Creamy Matte Lipstick
 
 SMOKEY AND SULTRY                                                                                  
 

The smokey eye remains the most sought-after look not only for prom but most social occasions. Kim Kardashian and Miley Cyrus help popularize this trend  You can create a smokey eye using either deep or colored eyeshadow and a khol eyeliner pencil. Urban Decay's Vice Palette($59) works beautifully for both an intense and colored smokey eye.
The key to a great smokey eye is mastering the technique. Start at the outer corner of your lashes and draw a strong outline on both the top and bottom of the lash line, including the inner rim of your eye.  Begin by applying the most intense of your eyeshadow shades at the base of the lash line. Gradually soften and blend lighter shades as you move up toward your crease and brow bone. The lightest shade should be just below your brow. Now use that same intense shade you started with to outline under your lower lashes. Mascara and false lashes add drama.
 With all the focus on eyes your skin must be flawless, so full coverage foundation is a must! Covergirl Outlast 3-in-1 Foundation(about $10) works as a primer, concealer and foundation and looks fabulous for hours. Lancome Teint Idole Ultra 24H ($45) provides 24 hour wear, is oil-free, dries to a natural matte finish and is available in more than 20 shades.

 So go ahead and dance the night away. You won't need to check your mirror for hours!

Stay beautiful!
-Karol