Whether prom is your night to show up in all-out glam or to keep it simple and soft, feeling confident and comfortable is key for such an important high school experience. From long-lasting makeup tricks to unique hairstyles, we’ve gathered everything you need to look and feel amazing on prom night while minimizing the stress.

Preparation is key 

For many, the preparation for prom starts days, if not weeks, before. It is recommended that you have your look finalized about a week in advance to avoid hiccups on the day of. This includes making sure your skincare and makeup routines are nailed down, knowing what hairstyle you want and having your dress and shoes ready to go. Whether you are opting for professional hair and makeup or have mastered doing it on your own, trial running these processes beforehand is an easy way to decrease the stress that comes with getting ready before prom. Make sure all appointments are scheduled for an appropriate time to avoid unwelcome delays. If doing your own hair and makeup, try to stay away from any new products close to prom day to steer clear of any allergic reactions or unexpected results. 

The night before, make sure to wash and prep your hair with a hair mask or anything else needed. You can prep your skin with a face mask and under-eye patches and by doing gua sha to help reduce puffiness and inflammation. Also, pack any beauty bags you might need for touch-ups along the way. This way you can stick to the plan, take your time, eat and stay hydrated and focus on the inevitable fun the day brings. 

Makeup tips 

Many prom-goers enjoy matching their makeup to their dresses. You can experiment with colorful eyeshadow accents and soft and bold glam to see what works best with your complexion and dress. For pastel dresses, consider a softer look, and for dark-colored gowns, consider bolder makeup. However, at the end of the day, it comes down to what works best for you and what makes you the most comfortable on prom night. Remember that prom makeup can differ a lot from your everyday look, so make sure you allot an appropriate amount of time for getting ready. 

Be sure to consider the longevity of your makeup choices, as setting sprays, waterproof mascara and matte formulas will keep your makeup looking fresh all night long. Letting your moisturizer sit on your skin for 15 minutes before doing your makeup will ensure that the product is fully absorbed and allow your makeup to apply evenly for an airbrushed look. Also, make sure to take a few tester flash pictures before leaving the house to make sure that you are happy with how everything turned out. Using translucent powders, products with high SPF content or concealers that are too light can lead to flashback (a white cast that appears in photos), which many girls wish to avoid. Using a loose powder in the shade closest to your skin tone is an easy way to avoid this white cast. Opting for lip tints and lip stains can preserve your selected lip color for far longer than other products will. If you want to make sure your blush lasts all night, layer cream and powder to  increase its longevity. While you should have selected these well beforehand, cluster or strip lashes are a great way to elevate your look.

Hair tips 

There seems to be an endless number of up-dos and trendy hairstyles to choose from for prom night, however, it is important to make sure that you are picking the right one for you. When trying on your prom dress, examine the cut, color, and frills to see what you want to pair with that. Choose a style that compliments your outfit and neckline: for example, updos work well with strapless or detailed dresses. For more bold dresses, consider a more subdued look and vice versa for an overall more balanced appearance. Additionally, it is important to plan for the weather of the day. You might want to opt for some more humidity-proof products if it is likely to be hot or damp. 

Certain hairstyles can truly do no wrong for nights like this, such as a braid crown, French twist, waterfall braid, curled updo or a classic chignon. Having your hair out of your face is a must-do for many. You could also consider a half-up, half-down look, throwing in some traditional or bubble braids and loose waves for a fresh look. Adding a flower or two into your updo would be a great way to work in the theme for this year, At Last I See the Light. 

Bonus Beauty Tips

Outside of perfecting your hair and makeup, there are a few other factors to consider. If you want to get your nails done, remember to book an appointment ahead of time, as prom week will always fill the salons up. Otherwise, allow time to freshen up your nails at home with a fresh set of neutral or bold polish if you so choose. Also, remember that eyebrows frame your face. A quick brow tidy-up can enhance your overall look. 

Additionally, consider packing an ‘emergency kit’ to bring with you throughout the day, as some groups will start getting ready many hours before prom begins. Packing items like bobby pins, compact mirror, mints or gum, blotting paper, mini makeup touch-ups, small hair ties, beauty tape or a mini hairspray will help minimize any fashion crisis as it arises through the night. 

Prom is an important time to feel your best and with these tips, the night won’t go wrong!

Prom is right around the corner! If you still haven’t found a perfect dress or suit, don’t panic. Read below to find out how to find a fantastic outfit for prom-without the last minute stress!

With prom so close, ordering online may not be the most viable option due to potential delays or sizing issues. Instead, opt for local shops such as department stores, boutiques, thrift stores and even bridal shops. It may seem unconventional, but shops like these often carry hidden gems that can double as prom looks and make one stand out from the crowd.

Fast fashion retailers, like Windsor, Forever 21 and H&M, carry a variety of gorgeous prom dresses and affordable suit separates. These stores are typically located at nearby malls like Southpoint and Crabtree Valley mall, and are great for those who want to be trendy on a budget. 

Both of these options have quality clothing that can be tried on in person and taken home on the same day, making them fast and reliable ways to find prom attire quickly.

However, even the most beautiful garments won’t look great if they don’t fit properly. Many try on their dream gown or tux only to find that it’s too tight or loose. But there’s no need to put it back on the rack! Local tailors can make speedy adjustments in just a day or two.

Renting is also an option for those who want a high fashion dress or tux, but not the high cost. Many rent shops have shoes and ties, making them a one-stop solution. Local dress and tux rent shops include:

• Men’s wearhouse
• Generation tux
• VIP Formal wear
• Savvi Prom

If you’re really in a pinch, phone a friend or an older sibling! They may have a gorgeous gown or nice suit hiding in their closet somewhere that they’re willing to share. When borrowing, try it on in advance and ask for permission before making any irreversible altercations.

Prom shopping can be stressful, but try to stay calm. Being open minded to different colors and styles of prom attire broadens the range of attire to choose from. Additionally, any prom outfit can be elevated with good accessories, such as shoes, jewelry, ties and makeup. But remember, the best accessory is confidence.

Last minute doesn’t have to mean low quality! Use these helpful tips to maximize the chances of finding a stylish prom outfit. With creativity, flexibility and a positive attitude, it’s possible to build a last minute prom look that stuns on the dance floor.

To many, the highlight of prom is dressing your best to go out in style; yet one overlooked component of the perfect prom night is the dinner reservation. Having a restaurant equally as elegant as your outfit is essential for helping make one of the most important nights in high school one to remember. Securing a reservation before your peers helps ease the stress of planning your night, and if you need ideas for places to eat, we’ve got you covered.

Gravy

Gravy is located just four minutes from the Sheraton and provides a budget-friendly Italian dining experience. Featuring appetizers like bruschetta and calamari and handcrafted main dishes like vodka ravioli, carbonara and chicken cacciatore, Gravy incorporates a modern twist on traditional Italian cuisine to provide a unique atmosphere.

Figulina

Even closer than Gravy, Figulina is located just a block away from the Sheraton. At around roughly the same price point as Gravy, Figulina offers a similar Italian feel with their own twist on the cuisine. With appetizers like burrata and lamb tartare, and pastas like campanelle and bolognese, Figulina caters to the more adventurous palate, delving into more seafood options while sharing a passion for quality handmade pasta. 

Cuya Cocina Latina

Opening just one month ago in April 2025, Cuya Cocina offers an exciting perspective on traditional Caribbean, Mexican and South American cuisine. Located five minutes from the Sheraton hotel, their menu includes appetizers ranging from birria empanadas to oysters and entrees from a Peruvian stir fry to hanger steaks. Cuya incorporates food from across the South American continent and beyond, with entrees ranging from $15 to $40, to provide customers with a proper taste of Latin culture in a prom-ready atmosphere.

Second Empire

With their primary focus being seafood, Second Empire is the priciest option on the list thus far, but it offers a history like no other. Located in the Dodd-Hinsdale house in Raleigh, the restaurant was originally constructed in 1879 to serve as a home for the then-mayor William H. Dodd. Following a complicated legal trail of ownership, Ted Reynolds and his family converted the house into the restaurant that we know today in 1993. Maintaining its original architectural style and located three minutes from the Sheraton, Second Empire serves appetizers like grilled marinated shrimp & ahi tuna salad and a variety of soups, as well as entrees like pan-roasted swordfish, paella and cajun seasoned arctic kvarØy salmon. Their menu encompasses the best eats in the sea at a price, with entrees ranging from $28 to $64, to leave diners with an unforgettable seafood experience.

Crawford and Son

Taking pride in their “straightforward, honest food,” Crawford and Son keeps their menu to just four entrees and five appetizers. Known for its innovative atmosphere and menu, Crawford and Son features appetizers like rigatoni and kale caesar salad, along with entrees including sea trout and denver steak. With less variability than other restaurants, Crawford and Son offers high-quality food at a fitting price, with entrees ranging from $30-$40. Like the rest of the restaurants listed, Crawford and Son is just 5 minutes away from the Sheraton.

Rey’s Restaurant 

Founded in 2004, Rey’s Restaurant has long been committed to its craft in serving signature “New Orleans, French quarter-inspired” meals. Though Rey’s is located around 15 minutes from the Sheraton, if you’re willing to go the extra mile (and pay a pretty penny), then Rey’s provides a dining experience like no other. Offering appetizers like n’awlins crab cakes and grilled brie with entree dishes like beef tournedos, veal piccata and various cuts of steak, Rey’s kitchen caters to the expensive palette, and certainly does not disappoint, packing bold flavors in every bite.

With prom creeping ever closer, it’s best that you pick a restaurant that not only caters to your taste buds, but to your budget as well. In a city like Raleigh, your options are limitless, and picking the right restaurant might seem daunting, but hopefully, this guide has helped narrow down your options and will help make your prom night one to remember.