Prom Night, A Makeup Primer

Sarah Jessica Parker is famous for being the grand dame of high fashion, yet her make up for this years Oscars was a bust. Here are some makeup tips that will surely get you an approval from the snooty girls at school and make you shine on prom night.

Prepping

Proper makeup application is more than lipstick and mascara. Clean skin is a good start. Wash your face with a mild soap and water. Avoid using a washcloth or scrub as it will irritate your skin.

Your face would be naturally moisturized, but you still need to apply a light, oil-free coating of moisturizer for makeup to sit evenly. Now let your skin air dry before moving onto the makeup.

Zit Review

Before you apply makeup to your face, do an overall zit inspection of any area that your dress does not cover. This includes arms, shoulders, and upper back. Cover any zits by building up a thin, light coat of concealer, followed by a very light thin coat of neutral powder. If a pimple pops up in an area where you can't reach, have your mom or sister help.

The Main Event

Makeup can do wonders in small amounts. If good and clear skin is what you have, you can skip the foundation. You don't need it. Remember to accentuate the positive. If people say that your eyes are beautiful, then you can emphasize it with makeup. But don't overdo it!

Choose muted brown or grey eyeliner or anything that is a few shades darker than your skin and smudge it on. Unless you are after the Gothic look, avoid black eyeliner especially if you are very pale.

In the application of eye shadow, caking on the entire compact is not advisable, instead, blend several thin coats together. It will last you longer and make you look better. Remember to dab a light, shimmery color in the inside corner between your eye and the bridge of your nose to make your eyes sparkle. A think coat of waterproof mascara should finish the job.

The rosy cheeks effect will be achieved with the application of blush. The same rules apply here-go easy on the application. The most essential part of makeup is that no one should be able to tell that you have it on. Choose a color that is similar to your own natural tone. While facing the mirror, smile until your cheeks stand out. Blush should be applied there.

For your lips, a little gloss can go a long way, whether your lips are thin or they resemble Angelina Jolie's. And it's easier to keep it in your purse. Just swipe it across your lips and keep it in your purse if you need a touch up later.

If your skin is oily, finish it off your makeup with a very thin coat of powder to set the works in place. Once again,don't over do it otherwise it will come off on your gown or your date's tux. Do a final check and you're done!