7 Things Makeup Artists Want Prom-Goers To Know

Prom season is upon us, and after you find the perfect dress, it's time to start thinking about hair and makeup for the big night. But if you've never gotten your makeup done professionally, you may not even know where to begin. Luckily, we got some tips straight from makeup artist Tiffany Lowry that will be super helpful for anyone who will be getting their makeup professionally done for prom.

It's important that when you get your makeup professionally done, you go in with realistic expectations and inspiration images that reflect what you actually look like — it'll be much easier to visualize how the makeup will look on you can see it on someone with a similar skin, hair, and eye color. Once you have your desired look picked out, you should find a makeup artist who specializes in that kind of makeup application. Check Yelp reviews or visit your favorite makeup counters at the mall — research is key! The last thing you want to do is go to a makeup artist who only does natural makeup when you desire a dramatic look!

Once you have your look picked out and have found a makeup artist who will absolutely slay, there are a few other things you can do to make the process as smooth as possible.

Here are seven things all makeup artists want prom-goers to know:

1. Let Your Makeup Artist Know If You Have Allergies

You definitely don't want to have an allergic reaction before or at prom. State your allergies right upfront.

2. Prep Your Skin Ahead Of Time

Simple Smoothing Facial Scrub, $5.99, target.com

If you can swing a professional facial a few days before prom, definitely do it. If not, gently exfoliate your face and apply a moisture mask a few days in advance so your makeup artist has a smooth canvas.

3. Pick Your Focus

Lancôme’s Shine Lover Lipstick, $26, lancome-usa.com

This rule is as old as time, but Lowry suggests highlighting one feature (generally lips or eyes) rather than playing up both. A bold lip is always a great way to go, but eyes are also fun. (Side note: I'm personally fond of a bright eyeliner, like the Lancome Le Stylo Waterproof Eyeliner in a fun color like Sapphire.) For a dramatic lip, consider Lancome's Shine Lover Lipstick — the color payoff is great, and thanks to its rose de muscat oil, your lips will stay hydrated all night long.

4. Request HD Makeup

e.l.f. High Definition Powder, $6, target.com

This is one you might not think about, but if your makeup artist can use HD makeup, you will only look that much better in your prom photos, advises Lowry.

5. Plan Ahead

NYX Blotting Paper, $5.99, target.com

Lowry suggests talking to your makeup artist ahead of time to make sure you will be able to touch up your makeup if you need to! Most likely they'll recommend blotting papers, but you might want to have the same lipstick he or she applied and some powder on hand as well.

6. Prepare For The Elements

Teint Idole Ultra Longwear Foundation Stick, $42, lancome-usa.com

Will your prom photos be taken outside? Or will you be inside all night? If you will be in varying temperatures, Lowry suggests letting your makeup artist know, that way he or she can work with waterproof products and fixatives so your look doesn't fade in the elements.

7. Show Your Artist Your Prom Ensemble

Perhaps your MUA will get inspired when they see your dress or will be better able to make a makeup recommendation. Or maybe the orange lip you desire will clash horribly with your shoes. By showing your makeup artist what you'll be wearing, they'll be able to ensure that your entire look is cohesive.

Images: Pixabay.com (2), Lancome-usa.com (2), Target.com (3), TiffanyColors/Instagram, LancomeOfficial/Instagram