This post may contain affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission if you make a purchase (at no cost to you!)
Prom season is in full swing at the moment and while you may have already picked out your dress and your shoes, makeup and hair is often something that gets left to the last second.
Whether you need some eye makeup inspiration to take to your makeup artist, or doing your prom makeup at home yourself, these makeup ideas will help you choose how you want to look on the big day.
I also want to share some of my favorite makeup tips and products that I know are going to last all night long and look great in photos. It’s time to get ready for your prom night with these glam makeup look options.
The Best Beauty Products for Prom Makeup
When you’re getting your makeup done for prom, you want to use products that are seriously long-lasting. This is more than just your everyday makeup routine, this is a look that you want to look great in photos and last all night long.
Here are some of the makeup products that I would always recommend for makeup that doesn’t budge.
Drunk Elephant Bronzing Drops
Ok, so this isn’t your typical long-lasting makeup product but it does a lot of the heavy lifting to make your skin look flawless.
These bronzing drops will give you the perfect golden glow, giving you a beautiful base that the rest of your makeup can go on top of. You put this on under all of your makeup, and I assure you that you’ll look flawless all night.
e.l.f Power Grip Primer
Primer is everything when it comes to long-lasting makeup, so make sure you’ve got a good one in your kit.
The e.l.f Power Grip Primer is a great budget-friendly primer that works just as well — if not better — than a lot of the high-end products I’ve used in the past. The primer really makes makeup stick to your face for however long you need it to.
Charlotte Tilbury Powder
My everyday makeup definitely leans more on the glowy side, but sometimes you’ve got to break out the powder if you want things to last more than a few hours.
It’s a bit pricey but the Charlotte Tilbury Powder is seriously worth the money. It gives your face that perfect airbrushed look with zero creasing, and sets your makeup in for good — especially for concealer which always seems to crease within a matter of hours without any powder.
Rare Beauty Blush
I feel like I’ve spoken about this blush from Rare Beauty so many times, but it’s a great option for prom makeup.
There’s a great range of colors to choose from but, what makes them so perfect, is that they are super pigmented and extremely long-lasting. There’s no glitter in the blushes so it will look great in photos, and no need to reapply throughout the evening.
Foolproof Makeup Tips You Should Follow For Your Prom Makeup Look
Prom night is your time to shine, and your makeup should be just as unforgettable! So, ditch the stress and let’s create a look that lasts all night long. Here’s the foolproof plan:
1. Primer: Before you do anything else, slap on some primer to ensure your makeup lasts all evening — no makeup meltdowns on the dancefloor for you!
2. Build up your foundation slowly: Don’t pile your foundation on, a light layer is probably all you need. If you do need extra coverage in certain places, build up your foundation in those specific areas, or just use a concealer.
3. Don’t forget bronzer: Add some warmth to your face with a swipe of bronzer under your cheekbones and along your forehead for a sun-kissed look. Don’t forget a hint of blush for a pop of color!
4. Now is the time to make a statement with your eyeshadow: Smoky eyes or glittery glam? The choice is yours! Play with eyeshadows to make your eyes pop. Apply mascara for fluttery lashes, and don’t forget a sharp eyeliner flick for extra drama (if that’s your vibe).
5. Finish everything off with setting spray: Setting spray will make your makeup waterproof and sweatproof, so you have nothing to worry about all through the night.
The Best Prom Makeup Ideas
It’s prom night, the night of glitz, glam, and unforgettable memories! Whether you want a full glam makeup tutorial, or a more natural prom makeup look, here are some current makeup trends to choose as your inspo.
Full Glam Makeup Ideas
Prom only happens a couple of times for most people, so why not go all out with your makeup? These full glam makeup looks are perfect for a special occasion.
#1 Glowing Goddess
To me, this is a classic prom makeup look. I love the subtle smokey eye with the dark brown smudged along the lashline, flawless complexion, and lots of shimmer highlighter across the cheeks and under the brow bone.
#2 Elevated Winged Eyeliner
Everyone loves winged liner, but this look shows how you can amp it up as a look for prom. Pair your liner with some matte eye shadow across your eye lid, some nude lipstick, and you’ve got the perfect look for your big night.
#3 Simple but sultry
This is another similar look that really plays up the average winged eye makeup look. Make your wing thicker and smudge some dark brown along the lash line to make everything perfect for prom.
#4 Pretty in Pink
The best makeup look for you will depend on the prom dress you’re wearing; you want makeup that matches your prom dress. If you’re wearing a pink dress, this makeup look would be absolutely perfect.
Soft Glam Makeup Ideas
If you’re not the kind of person who wears a lot of makeup, soft glam makeup could help you look and feel your best rather than intense glam.
#1 Sparkling eyes
This is such a pretty look that has that siren eyes vibe to it. The shimmery eyeshadow and a hint of pencil eyeliner help this makeup look like a prom-appropriate look, but it doesn’t seem too over the top.
#2 Simple and glowing
This is similar to some of the full-glam looks above, but it is toned down a bit. There’s a subtle cat eye there, but lots of glow that makes it perfect for your special night.
#3 All about the glow
When I see this makeup, it has makeup for prom written all over it. It’s simple and really focuses on complimenting the skin tone and making all of your features standout. I think this could be the perfect look for your special occasion.
#4 A subtle smoky eye
This look proves that you don’t need to use a bold lip and heavy eyeshadow to create a sultry look. With just a bit of dark shadow across the lash line, you still get that smokey eye look, but without feeling like you have too much makeup on.
Natural Makeup Ideas
Heavy makeup looks aren’t for everyone. If you’re more into your natural makeup looks, here’s some inspiration to make your everyday look a little more prom-worthy.
#1 Barely there and big lashes
This look is all about a great complexion, use a light foundation and concealer in areas you need it and then focus on using mascara to make your eyes pop. You could also use some subtle false lashes if you’d prefer.
#2 Subtle but pretty
Swipe a pinky eyeshadow across your lids and a similar color on your cheeks to complete this simple yet beautiful monochromatic makeup look. Top things off with a glossy lip, a bit of highlight in the inner eye area, and then a small amount of black mascara.
#3 Gold and glowy
This look is simple but the glittery shadow across the entire lid really grabs your attention. Add a bit of black eyeliner on the upper and lower lash line for a hint of definition and natural lip color and you’re good to go.
#4 Cheeks that pop
A good base starts with foundation but ends with a great blush color. I love the warm blush used in this look, and it’s easy to get the look with any shade that complements your skin tone.
You’re ready for prom!
