7 things every girl needs for her formal

For a girl between the ages of 16 and 18, the school formal is the equivalent to a wedding day. It’s a huge event with a massive build-up, and a fair amount of planning goes in to not only organizing the night, but also looking pretty incredible.

So, if you have your formal or another big event coming up soon, stock up on these seven products to make sure you look amazing all night long. Oh, and don’t forget to let your friends in on these tricks, too!

#1: a skin evening product

It’s never too early to amp up your skincare routine – after all, prevention is the ultimate cure! A product like L’Oréal Paris Skin Perfection Concentrated Correcting Serum is the perfect starting point, as it’s designed to improve the quality of young skin. It also contains a pore-reducing agent and helps to visibly improve skin’s surface.

#2: an incredible foundation

To look flawless in every photo, it pays to choose a foundation that covers a multitude of sins. Australis Paparazzi Perfect High Definition Foundation contains light-reflecting particles and skin-balancing pigments to even out skin, while white sapphire and pearl deliver a radiant finish. Better still, the formula features vitamin E and calendula oil to nourish skin and ensure your make-up stays put – even after you’ve been killing it on the dance floor.  

#3: a great brow groomer

Don’t look back at your formal photos in 10 years and cringe at your wayward brows. If you have dark, filled-in brows, opt for a clear brow gel to simply hold your brows in place all night. We love NYX Control Freak Eyebrow Gel because it’s not sticky and has strong staying power. If you’re a lighter-haired beauty who needs a little tint, try MeMeMe Arch Angel – it has a handy highlighter on the other end!

#4: a killer contouring kit

Kimmy K was definitely onto something when she snapped her epic contouring and highlighting efforts. You needn’t go to such lengths to get the same look, though – just try the Napoleon Perdis The Ultimate Contour Palette ($60, 02 8595 0911). Napoleon explains why this three-in-one face sculptor is a winner: “A contouring shade adds depth and definition, a rosy blush will create a healthy hue and a shimmering highlighter will diffuse light from your cheekbones.’

#5: a little bit of shimmer

Do you want to change up your ‘do a little? Whatever your hair colour, a little gold on the ends of your tresses or along a braid can give your hair that ‘wow’ factor. We love the Kevin.Murphy Gold Shimmer Bug ($24.95, 1800 104 204) as it can be wiped on and wiped off with ease, or set with hairspray if you’d like it to last longer. Check out our own Shimmer Bug braid tutorial…

#6: a brilliant hair base

No matter what style you choose to rock on formal night, big, bouncy waves are  a good foundation as they give hair volume and movement. VS Sassoon Big Hair Hot Rollers VS3038A are handy to have if you’re keen to style your own hair at home. They’re easy to use, and will save you a bit of cash. The extra-large 38mm rollers ensure controlled use and frizz-free results.

#7: a secret weapon

With cut-outs and funky straps all the rage now, chances are you’ll need to disguise any sign of a bra. The Hollywood Hidden Secrets Strapless Backless Bra is a lifesaver, as it provides stay-in-place support and enough padding to create cleavage and lift (score!). This little gem features clear straps at the back, making it perfect to wear with backless or strapless dresses.

What is your ultimate fail-safe beauty product for an important event?

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