Primping for prom
Prom season occurs once a year and when it does, it comes in full force. It completely sweeps in the glory of strapless ruffled dresses, having a gown custom-made (for many, their very first) and gal pal bonding over what to wear and who’s going with whom. It signifies the end of an era and the beginning of university days while highlighting friendships whose bonds have been cemented through high school memories — the growing pains and gains of it all. Prom paves the way for masses of sweaty palms from nerve-racked guys and girls who are dating novices — and how can we forget those insanely awkward slow dances and the events that transpire post-prom?
One aspect that young ladies need not be anxious about is their makeup look as prom time ushers in the guise of ultra-fresh makeup meant to mimic the natural flush of teen skin. Looking your finest is très important as this is one event surely for the books (and Facebook, guaranteed).
Since you spring chickens don’t need to fuss much with your canvas because your youthful appearance is still supple (which is exactly what more mature people chase after), layering on foundation is unnecessary. Unless you have major pigmentation, you can forgo piling on the base. Even those who are prone to acne just need to dab on a bit of concealer to hide redness. A drop of Visine works well to reduce redness and to zap those zits, it’s best to use benzoyl peroxide in moderation lest your blemishes begin to peel from being totally dried out.
Eyes should be vibrant to enhance the thrilling moments of prom. Palettes in lavenders and baby blues work best for this age group, the season and the event. The Ombre Eclat eyeshadow from Guerlain is a harmonious palette that holds different shades for distinct purposes — to highlight (metallic), color (powdery), contour (creamy) and radiate (opalescent).
The best way to achieve sophistication according to Guerlain’s creative director Olivier Echaudemaison is by using all colors in the compact. Add the shimmering highlighter to the entire lid and the bold velvety powder from the bottom of the lid sweeping up towards the top of the eyelid. Using the matte design powder, create shape and depth by gently applying on the crease of the lid. Lightly apply the frosty contour powder to the base of the upper and lower lashes for radiance. I’d recommend a tinge of eyeliner to lightly line the rim of the eyes topped off with a few coats of mascara and you are good to go.
For the lips, a swipe of shimmering gloss in a candy colored hue will do the trick. Keep the shade on your lips light and opt for fizzy pinks and dazzling berry tones. Guerlain’s famous Kiss Kiss lipstick has been formulated into a gloss within a stick, which makes it so much easier to apply versus using a wand with sponge applicator. The pigments in Kiss Kiss stick gloss are evenly distributed and lend enviable sheen with light-boosting effects plumping up prom pecks. The Fleur de Feu line consists of eight fruity colors, perfect for spring and ideal for prom, and comes encased in a svelte white gold tube that looks like stacked ice cubes. The major pro about these glosses is that they spread evenly and stay on even in the hottest heat.
Overpowering makeup is a severe no-no. Enhance rather than mask the beauty. With just a touch of pink blush applied to the apple of your cheeks for a natural flush, the blooming look will be easy to attain with sincere exhilaration emitting from within.
Before slipping on your heels and stepping out to pre-prom party cocktails or even in the process of getting all dolled up, a spritz from Elle, the latest scent from Yves Saint Laurent Parfums, will definitely act as a pick-me-up. A feminine, fresh and colorful combo of citron, litchi and peony contrasted with freesia and berry, its floral and woody (very slight notes of patchouli and vetiver detected here) concoction is a bit whimsical — perfect for what the unpredictable night of the prom can bring. A little bit goes a long way, so lightly apply to pulse points to get revved up!
Nota Bene: For those non-prom goers, a.k.a. the chaperones in attendance, the ultimate way to gain the radiating appearance of the aforementioned teens is by slapping on the remarkable new serum from Guerlain, Orchidee Imperiale, made of the same formulation as the award-winning cult cream and fluid of the same moniker. Highly concentrated, this treasured serum contains a massive amount of the orchid’s molecular extract. It fights the sad and all-too-famous signs of aging — wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin — in a way not many products can boast of doing. Guerlain has perfected the performance of its Orchidee line and this subtle, elegantly textured serum stands apart from the other products in the range because of its biofilm which contains lipids, proteins, sugars and a synthetic molecule exclusive to Guerlain, similar to the lipids found in the corneal layer that firms up skin immediately. When layered underneath the cream, its benefits are overwhelming as the imperfections are instantaneously smoothed away. Results are astounding as it has age-defying properties derived straight from the actual orchid flower so you may be mistaken for a prom attendee rather than a drowsy chaperone. Just as prom is a ritual, Orchidee Imperiale serum should be incorporated into your beauty ritual.
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Guerlain and YSL are available at Rustan’s.
