Prom Beauty: Pretty in Pink

Whether your everyday high school look is au natural or totally glam, prom is the perfect time to change up your look. I recently went into the studio with celebrity hair stylist Bobby Eliot and the lovely Jorgi to come up with some beauty inspiration for your end of the year party.

The first thing that jumped into my mind was the classic 80’s teen movie,Pretty In Pink. If you haven’t already seen it, it’s worth a pre-prom movie night just to check out Molly Ringwald’s 80’s thrift store style. The movie ends (like most 80’s teen films) with the main character (a girl from the wrong side of the tracks) going to prom with her best friend (the quirky sidekick who secretly adores her) but then reconnecting with her true love (the handsome boy with a rich family) and having the best night ever. Taking inspiration from Molly’s all pink ensemble, Jorji and I picked out several shades of the color to work with. This monochromatic look is fresh, modern, romantic and of course, pretty.

The Makeup by Robin Black

Step 1

I began by applying Glossier Perfecting Skin Tint in Medium ($26), it evens out the skin tone and leaves a radiant finish without a “makeup-y” look. Blending from the center of the face to the edges and down the neck, I started with a foundation brush and then patted gently with my fingers to really set the product.

Step 2

We picked a hot pink for the cheeks which really pops on Jorji’s golden skin tone. Using a round cheek brush, I tapped a small amount of Urban Decay Afterglow 8-Hour Powder Blush in Quickie ($26) on the apples of her cheeks and following the natural line of her cheekbone, blended up toward the hairline. This slightly exaggerated blush shape adds a bit of drama.

Step 3

The eyes are actually really simple to do! Using an eye shadow blending brush, I swept Urban Decay Eyeshadow in Scratch ($18), a rose gold pink hue, from Jorji’s lash line to her crease and then blended upward, leaving space under her brow. If you have oily eyelids or want a more opaque look from the eyeshadow, I suggest starting with an eye primer.

Step 4

To add definition, I added two coats of Benefit BADgal Lash Mascara in Rich Black ($19) on the upper lashes and one on the lower lashes. I then used a disposable mascara wand to remove clumps and give the lashes more separation.

Step 5

Jorji has naturally amazing brows so I simply brushed and secured them into place using MAC Brow Set in Clear ($17). If you don’t have a brow gel handy, try a bit of hair spray on a clean toothbrush.

Step 6

We wanted lips that had a pink tint with good staying power but didn’t have the coverage of a typical lipstick. So first I filled in her entire lip shape with NYX Slim Lip Pencil in Sand Pink ($4) and then applied a coat of NYX Butter Gloss in Eclair ($5) over it. Filling in your lips with liner first adds lots of wear time to the gloss and it helps keep your lip shape more defined.

To compliment the “Pretty In Pink” makeup, Bobby created a hairstyle inspired by vintage Hollywood but made modern with a slightly distressed texture and a sparkling hair band.

The Hair by Bobby Eliot

Step 1

I started by misting Jorji’s hair with Oribe Texturizing Spray ($22), concentrating the product along the root area at the front hairline and then massaging the product into the roots with my fingers for added volume.

Step 2

I then gathered her hair into a high ponytail, securing it with a hook elastic (you can use a regular hair tie if you don’t have one available). Then I braided the ponytail and created a loose top knot.

Step 3

Using my fingers and a small amount of Oribe Rough Luxury Molding Wax ($36), I loosened up the hair along the hair line. This creates extra volume and it keeps the look for being too “done”.

Step 4

For a finishing touch, I added a chic Jennifer Behr crystal head band. Etsy also offers a wide variety of head bands or try your local craft store for a fun DIY project.

read more: green prom dresses