Prom season is the perfect time to get interested in makeup or just expand one’s knowledge. Prom weather is typically warm, and between dealing with group pictures outside and hitting up the dance floor, one may not want to have to stress about makeup. Different skin types pose challenges for this big night, but there is a plethora of cosmetic products to still maintain the sought after flawless finish.

People with dry skin will definitely benefit from using moisturizing products. As far as primers go, dry skin people should opt for something similar to the Photo Finish Hydrating Foundation Primer by Smashbox. Hydrating products will bring a bounce back to the skin, which will help eliminate the look that dry skin can embody. A light foundation like the Hello Flawless Oxygen Wow Foundation by Benefit Cosmetics will assist those with dry skin by giving them a less than matte finish. While applying foundation with a stippling brush or beauty blender, adding a few drops of beauty oil (such as the Tsubaki Beauty Oil by Boscia) to the applicator will give a more hydrated and luscious finish that will replenish the dryness. Generally speaking, when one has dry skin, setting the entire face with setting/pressed powder is not always the best idea. Layering too much powder can form a cakey appearance on dry skin, which is a nightmare in the makeup world. By only setting the problematic oil areas, such as the T-Zone will eliminate the temptation to over-powder. With dry skin, there is more freedom to use a wide range of products, but be warned that while using products geared towards oily skin, one may take on a cakier look. Finally, setting the face with dry skin is much different than with oily skin. The ultimate best friend of those with dry skin is the Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist which leaves makeup looking hydrated and dewy for hours.

For people with oily skin, mattifying products will reduce the unpleasant look of shine immensely. Starting with a solid base is the key to a gorgeous matte finish. Before applying a full face of makeup, one should prime the skin with either the Step 1 Skin Equalizer Primer by Makeup Forever or the Matte Rescue Primer by Benefit will give a finish that will reduce the appearance of pores, giving longevity to the makeup and most importantly, eliminate shine longer.

As for foundation, be sure to choose foundations that emphasize a “matte” or “demi matte” finish. Stay away from words like “luminous” or “dewey”. Although luminous foundations are beautiful, if you are prone to oil, it will turn into an oil spill mess. When choosing a foundation, keep in mind that fuller coverage foundations tend to combat oil better than tinted moisturizers or light coverage foundations.

Another important step for ensuring the elimination of oil is to set the face with some sort of powder. Translucent powder is definitely the safest way to go, and the Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder is the best performing power for the job. For setting the undereye, a banana shade powder (such as the Anastasia Beverly Hills banana shade from the Anastasia Contouring Kit) will perform the best because of its brightening abilities.

No makeup look is finished without a setting spray, and the best setting spray for oily skin is the De-Slick Setting Spray by Urban Decay. This will be the final barrier to fight oil and lengthen wear time by far. Once one starts using a setting spray, one will wonder how one ever got by without it.

When it comes to prom makeup, experimenting with products and techniques in advance is the best way to learn. Knowing one’s skin type, shade and tendencies are all things to take into account when formulating the perfect look for oneself. With all types of skin, developing a personal skin care regimen is a must (hydrating and exfoliating). Wearing SPF and staying out of direct sunlight as much as possible are things that will help one’s skin (avoiding sunburnt skin at prom is a plus) in the long run and give a better base for the makeup that will be blessing one’s face. Following these guidelines will help, but no matter what makeup one wears, be sure to wear it with confidence.