12 Simple Prom Makeup Looks That Pair Well With Every Dress

1. Made (for) You Blush Simple Prom Makeup

Sabrina Carpenter has everyone blushing, and not because of her cheeky lyrics. The pop icon’s blush was all anyone could talk about when she first wore the pink hue during her Saturday Night Live debut. We’ve since learned (by way of her makeup artist, Carolina Gonzale) that it’s a blend of Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Cheek Tint in 53 Bold Pink and Luminous Silk Cheek Tint in 62 Delicate Mauve, which is then set with Armani Beauty Luminous Silk Glow Blush in 61 Desire. You can use these exact products to recreate Carpenter’s look yourself or you can follow in her (tiny) footsteps by finding a blush combo as unique as you. Don’t be afraid to experiment with some products before prom to ensure you settle on the right combination. Both the LUNAR BEAUTY Moon Prism Blush Palette and the BEAUTY FOR CERTAIN From Subtle to Saucy Cream Blusher Palette feature an array of shades that work for every skin tone.

2. Brat Eyes Simple Prom Makeup

We’re still in our brat era so who better to draw inspo from than the party girl herself, Charli XCX? Her signature sultry eye look pairs perfectly with any prom dress and is so easy to recreate. Start by swiping the LOTTIE LONDON AM to PM Kohl Eyeliner Pencil across your lash line and out to form a cat eye. You can make the wing as dramatic as you please. Don’t forget to line your waterline with the eyeliner as well. Then, give it a little smudge to create the lived-in look and you’re all set to tear up the dance floor on prom night.

3. Glittery Glam Simple Prom Makeup

Throwing on a little glitter can elevate any simple prom makeup look with the greatest of ease. “Adding a little highlight to the cheeks, or a subtle hint of glitter on the eyes, is fun and will easily take your look to the next level,” shares celebrity makeup artist Natalie Ventola. She shares that the key with glitter is to keep it subtle. “Get a fine-grind glitter in a neutral color. You can use your fingers to add a bit to your eyes and cheeks,” Ventola says. We love the COVER FX Glitter Drops because they add a multidimensional, sparkling finish to your eyes, cheeks, lips, and even body.

4. Angel Face Simple Prom Makeup

International artist Elyanna is the epitome of cool girl glam with this look created by Ventola, which she notes “is perfect for a timeless, beautiful glow.” To get this look yourself, start with your everyday foundation and fave blush. Next, go in with a cream highlighter (like the TRÈSTIQUE Mini Highlight Stick) on “the top of the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and on the eyelids for a magical glow,” says Ventola. 

5. Neutral Tones Simple Prom Makeup

International makeup artist Selena Marchand is all about the neutral tones for prom makeup. But going with neutral colors doesn’t mean your makeup will come out boring. Take this look on Lori Harvey, for example. The hues are all complementary to her skin tone yet they still highlight her features in the right way. 

Obviously, you’ll need some neutral products to recreate this simple prom makeup look. We love the shade range in the WANDER BEAUTY In Neutral Eyeshadow Palette; there’s a neutral shadow that works for everyone. The KAJA Cheeky Stamp Blendable Blush comes in a range of neutral shades, like their Toasted Toffee hue. For a neutral lip, pair the BEAUTY FOR REAL D-Fine Lip Pencil with the BOBBI BROWN COSMETICS Crushed Lip Color for a nude lip that wows.

6. No-Makeup Makeup Simple Prom Makeup

Just because you’re going to prom doesn’t mean you have to wear extravagant makeup that makes you feel like a stranger in your own skin. As Marchand notes, “If you aren’t used to wearing a lot of makeup, then keep things simple.” That’s exactly why the no-makeup makeup look is perfect for prom-goers who don’t want to do too much with their makeup. Skip the foundation and concealer, using a skin tint instead. Pop on some blush and highlighter (or don’t), then swipe on a soft lip and you’re ready to go.

7. Seeing Red Simple Prom Makeup

Red lipstick is timeless, classic, and perfect for prom. The best part? You can get away with wearing just a bold red lip and nothing else, and your face will look flawless because all attention will be on your pout. The key is to use the right red lipstick for your skin tone, and even though you might not wear other makeup, you can still follow a skincare routine for a complexion that glows under the disco ball.

8. Soft Glam Simple Prom Makeup

Marchand loves a soft glam look for prom because it enhances and elevates your features for a night out. She recommends starting with the MILK MAKEUP Hydro Grip Primer for a dewy base that’ll keep your makeup in place for up to 16 hours. Next, she suggests you use the IT COSMETICS Your Skin But Better® CC+® Cream with SPF 50+ because the full-coverage formula covers redness, blemishes, dark spots, minimizes the appearance of pores, and plumps fine lines and wrinkles. Conceal and powder (if you feel like you need it), then bronze and blush using the BAREMINERALS Complexion Rescue® Liquid Blonzer for a sun-kissed glow. Finish with a soft, smokey eye look and set your prom makeup with the ACE BEAUTÉ Seal It Makeup Setting Spray. 

9. Clean Girl Simple Prom Makeup

Clean girl makeup is everywhere, which is why Marchand recommends it as a simple prom makeup option. Not to be confused with no-makeup makeup, clean girl makeup generally utilizes more products to elevate your natural features. Think Hailey Bieber’s model-off-duty look: an even skin tone with flushed cheeks, a sun-kissed glow, groomed brows, and a glossy pout.

10. Purple Haze Simple Prom Makeup

Purple blush is having a moment, making it a perfect trend to try out for your simple prom makeup. While it may seem intimidating, there’s a way to sport the mauve hue without it feeling overwhelming. Start with minimal color and then build if you want more. We love how pigmented the KULFI BEAUTY Mehndi Moment Blush and the buildable cream formula lets you create a flush of color unique to you.

11. Ice Princess Simple Prom Makeup

Forget being prom queen, it’s all about being the ice princess. Frosty makeup looks are back from the 2000s and they’re better than ever. Focusing on the eyes and lips, the look utilizes winter-inspired hues to create an icy look that’ll send chills down your date’s spine. The ELEMAN BEAUTY Aqua Eye Shadow Palette contains the perfect blue and white hues to get your eye makeup just right. Use a highlighter, like the TOYFACTORY Dreamset™ Highlighter in Metaverse, to create a chilly glow across your complexion. Finish with the LARITZY COSMETICS Lip Gloss for the perfect frosted lip.

12. Colored Mascara Simple Prom Makeup

Blue, purple, pink, and even green—we’ve loved seeing colored mascara make a comeback over the years. Even if the rest of your makeup is simple, you can elevate your look with a colored mascara that accentuates your eyes or matches your dress.