There’s a lot to consider when you’re getting ready for prom. Your hair, your makeup, whether you want to take a date… ah! Here’s a handy prom checklist that will make the preparations super easy. You’ll look so flawless, your friends will never guess how much time you spent grooming.

01 of 08

Your Hair

PriceGrabber

To make sure your hair is as shiny and healthy as the manes in those shampoo commercials, treat your locks to a hair mask about three days before prom. I recommend Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak.Then, during your pre-prom shower, after all the shampoo and conditioner is washed out of your hair… rinse your hair with cold water. Sure, it’ll be uncomfortable for a few seconds and it might make you squeal, but the cold water will cause your hair cuticles to close tightly, which locks in shine and makes for a smoother appearance.

02 of 08

Your Face

PriceGrabber

We all get zits. To try and minimize pimples as much as possible before prom, consider doing an at-home facial a few days before that opens up and cleans out all of your pores.Start by cleansing your face with Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towelettes. They aren’t as harsh as soap and will grab all the dirt and makeup on your face. Compare PricesGently exfoliate your skin using an exfoliating glove. Move your hands in small, slow circles on your face.Steam. Now it’s time to steam your face and open your pores. If you have a clothing steamer, hold it about three feet away from your face and let the steam gently waft onto your skin for about ten minutes. If you don’t have a steamer, you can lay washcloths soaked in hot water over your face (leave room for your nose & mouth!) Relax and close your eyes as your pores open. Face Mask.Finish off your DIY facial with a face mask for your skin type. Rinse with warm water, then moisturize.The night before prom, relax with a face mask, again. It’ll give your skin extra glow.

03 of 08

Your Teeth

Crest

If your teeth are looking a little dull, consider a whitening regimen before prom. Crest 3D White Glamorous White Toothpaste whitens and brightens teeth in just a few days, and requires no extra work like whitening strips would. Hey, you have to brush your teeth anyway, right?

04 of 08

Your Hands

 Jacqueline Keller / EyeEm / Getty Images 

Your wrist will likely be sporting a gorgeous corsage that you’ll want to show off, so make sure your hands are smooth and your nails are presentable. If you want to save some cash, skip the nail salon and give yourself an at-home manicure. Practice at least once a week and a half before prom if you’re not so steady with the polish brush. Then, give yourself your prom manicure the night before. Here are some prom nail ideas that are totally DIY: Get the Ultimate Prom Nails

05 of 08

Your Feet

 Sven Hagolani / Getty Images 

Don’t forget about your heels and toes! About two weeks before prom, start breaking in your shoes, especially if they’re new. Blisters on the dance floor are no fun.The night before prom, before you do your manicure, exfoliate the bottoms of your feet and your heels using an exfoliating pedicure stone. Then, run a pumice stone over callouses and rough spots to smooth them out. Finish off with a thick, creamy moisturizer… like Shea’s Cocoa Butter.Then, give yourself an at-home pedicure. A bright polish looks so much better in peep-toe and open-toe heels. Compare Prices on at-home pedicures.

06 of 08

Your Dress

David’s Bridal

Some girls start prom dress shopping months in advance. Here’s my general rule:If you’re ordering from an online dress shop or a small boutique, it’s best to shop up to eight weeks in advance. It can often take 2-6 weeks for dress delivery, and you’ll need to factor in tailoring time if something needs to be taken in or let out.If you’re set on hitting local stores and boutiques, it’s best to shop four weeks in advance. That will give you time to try on a bunch of dresses and leave a week or two for the tailor if you need alterations.How to find dresses for my body type

07 of 08

Your Prom Plans

Getty Images

Should you go solo, with a friend, a group of friends, your boyfriend, or a date? Well, only you can truly decide. But let me offer you this advice: if you’re going on​ a romantic-type date, it’s best to decide who it’s going to be closer to prom. Feelings change, new crushes develop and hey, you might even meet a new guy that you’d rather go with if you accept a prom date too early. Two or three months in advance is way too early to accept a Prom-posal… but hey, that’s just me.

08 of 08

Your Post-Prom Plans

Getty Images

You’ve got your date, your dress and your ‘do figured out. What are you going to do after prom is over? You’ll want to have your post-prom plans figured out about three weeks before the big night. A school-sponsored after-prom party is a good idea. So is going to an all-ages club afterward. As is a sleepover at your friend’s house.Need more ideas? Check out these after prom ideas

There’s a lot to consider when you’re getting ready for prom. Your hair, your makeup, whether you want to take a date… ah! Here’s a handy prom checklist that will make the preparations super easy. You’ll look so flawless, your friends will never guess how much time you spent grooming.

01 of 08

Your Hair

PriceGrabber

To make sure your hair is as shiny and healthy as the manes in those shampoo commercials, treat your locks to a hair mask about three days before prom. I recommend Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak.Then, during your pre-prom shower, after all the shampoo and conditioner is washed out of your hair… rinse your hair with cold water. Sure, it’ll be uncomfortable for a few seconds and it might make you squeal, but the cold water will cause your hair cuticles to close tightly, which locks in shine and makes for a smoother appearance.

02 of 08

Your Face

PriceGrabber

We all get zits. To try and minimize pimples as much as possible before prom, consider doing an at-home facial a few days before that opens up and cleans out all of your pores.Start by cleansing your face with Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towelettes. They aren’t as harsh as soap and will grab all the dirt and makeup on your face. Compare PricesGently exfoliate your skin using an exfoliating glove. Move your hands in small, slow circles on your face.Steam. Now it’s time to steam your face and open your pores. If you have a clothing steamer, hold it about three feet away from your face and let the steam gently waft onto your skin for about ten minutes. If you don’t have a steamer, you can lay washcloths soaked in hot water over your face (leave room for your nose & mouth!) Relax and close your eyes as your pores open. Face Mask.Finish off your DIY facial with a face mask for your skin type. Rinse with warm water, then moisturize.The night before prom, relax with a face mask, again. It’ll give your skin extra glow.

03 of 08

Your Teeth

Crest

If your teeth are looking a little dull, consider a whitening regimen before prom. Crest 3D White Glamorous White Toothpaste whitens and brightens teeth in just a few days, and requires no extra work like whitening strips would. Hey, you have to brush your teeth anyway, right?

04 of 08

Your Hands

 Jacqueline Keller / EyeEm / Getty Images 

Your wrist will likely be sporting a gorgeous corsage that you’ll want to show off, so make sure your hands are smooth and your nails are presentable. If you want to save some cash, skip the nail salon and give yourself an at-home manicure. Practice at least once a week and a half before prom if you’re not so steady with the polish brush. Then, give yourself your prom manicure the night before. Here are some prom nail ideas that are totally DIY: Get the Ultimate Prom Nails

05 of 08

Your Feet

 Sven Hagolani / Getty Images 

Don’t forget about your heels and toes! About two weeks before prom, start breaking in your shoes, especially if they’re new. Blisters on the dance floor are no fun.The night before prom, before you do your manicure, exfoliate the bottoms of your feet and your heels using an exfoliating pedicure stone. Then, run a pumice stone over callouses and rough spots to smooth them out. Finish off with a thick, creamy moisturizer… like Shea’s Cocoa Butter.Then, give yourself an at-home pedicure. A bright polish looks so much better in peep-toe and open-toe heels. Compare Prices on at-home pedicures.

06 of 08

Your Dress

David’s Bridal

Some girls start prom dress shopping months in advance. Here’s my general rule:If you’re ordering from an online dress shop or a small boutique, it’s best to shop up to eight weeks in advance. It can often take 2-6 weeks for dress delivery, and you’ll need to factor in tailoring time if something needs to be taken in or let out.If you’re set on hitting local stores and boutiques, it’s best to shop four weeks in advance. That will give you time to try on a bunch of dresses and leave a week or two for the tailor if you need alterations.How to find dresses for my body type

07 of 08

Your Prom Plans

Getty Images

Should you go solo, with a friend, a group of friends, your boyfriend, or a date? Well, only you can truly decide. But let me offer you this advice: if you’re going on​ a romantic-type date, it’s best to decide who it’s going to be closer to prom. Feelings change, new crushes develop and hey, you might even meet a new guy that you’d rather go with if you accept a prom date too early. Two or three months in advance is way too early to accept a Prom-posal… but hey, that’s just me.

08 of 08

Your Post-Prom Plans

Getty Images

You’ve got your date, your dress and your ‘do figured out. What are you going to do after prom is over? You’ll want to have your post-prom plans figured out about three weeks before the big night. A school-sponsored after-prom party is a good idea. So is going to an all-ages club afterward. As is a sleepover at your friend’s house.Need more ideas? Check out these after prom ideas

There’s a lot to consider when you’re getting ready for prom. Your hair, your makeup, whether you want to take a date… ah! Here’s a handy prom checklist that will make the preparations super easy. You’ll look so flawless, your friends will never guess how much time you spent grooming.

01 of 08

Your Hair

PriceGrabber

To make sure your hair is as shiny and healthy as the manes in those shampoo commercials, treat your locks to a hair mask about three days before prom. I recommend Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak.Then, during your pre-prom shower, after all the shampoo and conditioner is washed out of your hair… rinse your hair with cold water. Sure, it’ll be uncomfortable for a few seconds and it might make you squeal, but the cold water will cause your hair cuticles to close tightly, which locks in shine and makes for a smoother appearance.

02 of 08

Your Face

PriceGrabber

We all get zits. To try and minimize pimples as much as possible before prom, consider doing an at-home facial a few days before that opens up and cleans out all of your pores.Start by cleansing your face with Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towelettes. They aren’t as harsh as soap and will grab all the dirt and makeup on your face. Compare PricesGently exfoliate your skin using an exfoliating glove. Move your hands in small, slow circles on your face.Steam. Now it’s time to steam your face and open your pores. If you have a clothing steamer, hold it about three feet away from your face and let the steam gently waft onto your skin for about ten minutes. If you don’t have a steamer, you can lay washcloths soaked in hot water over your face (leave room for your nose & mouth!) Relax and close your eyes as your pores open. Face Mask.Finish off your DIY facial with a face mask for your skin type. Rinse with warm water, then moisturize.The night before prom, relax with a face mask, again. It’ll give your skin extra glow.

03 of 08

Your Teeth

Crest

If your teeth are looking a little dull, consider a whitening regimen before prom. Crest 3D White Glamorous White Toothpaste whitens and brightens teeth in just a few days, and requires no extra work like whitening strips would. Hey, you have to brush your teeth anyway, right?

04 of 08

Your Hands

 Jacqueline Keller / EyeEm / Getty Images 

Your wrist will likely be sporting a gorgeous corsage that you’ll want to show off, so make sure your hands are smooth and your nails are presentable. If you want to save some cash, skip the nail salon and give yourself an at-home manicure. Practice at least once a week and a half before prom if you’re not so steady with the polish brush. Then, give yourself your prom manicure the night before. Here are some prom nail ideas that are totally DIY: Get the Ultimate Prom Nails

05 of 08

Your Feet

 Sven Hagolani / Getty Images 

Don’t forget about your heels and toes! About two weeks before prom, start breaking in your shoes, especially if they’re new. Blisters on the dance floor are no fun.The night before prom, before you do your manicure, exfoliate the bottoms of your feet and your heels using an exfoliating pedicure stone. Then, run a pumice stone over callouses and rough spots to smooth them out. Finish off with a thick, creamy moisturizer… like Shea’s Cocoa Butter.Then, give yourself an at-home pedicure. A bright polish looks so much better in peep-toe and open-toe heels. Compare Prices on at-home pedicures.

06 of 08

Your Dress

David’s Bridal

Some girls start prom dress shopping months in advance. Here’s my general rule:If you’re ordering from an online dress shop or a small boutique, it’s best to shop up to eight weeks in advance. It can often take 2-6 weeks for dress delivery, and you’ll need to factor in tailoring time if something needs to be taken in or let out.If you’re set on hitting local stores and boutiques, it’s best to shop four weeks in advance. That will give you time to try on a bunch of dresses and leave a week or two for the tailor if you need alterations.How to find dresses for my body type

07 of 08

Your Prom Plans

Getty Images

Should you go solo, with a friend, a group of friends, your boyfriend, or a date? Well, only you can truly decide. But let me offer you this advice: if you’re going on​ a romantic-type date, it’s best to decide who it’s going to be closer to prom. Feelings change, new crushes develop and hey, you might even meet a new guy that you’d rather go with if you accept a prom date too early. Two or three months in advance is way too early to accept a Prom-posal… but hey, that’s just me.

08 of 08

Your Post-Prom Plans

Getty Images

You’ve got your date, your dress and your ‘do figured out. What are you going to do after prom is over? You’ll want to have your post-prom plans figured out about three weeks before the big night. A school-sponsored after-prom party is a good idea. So is going to an all-ages club afterward. As is a sleepover at your friend’s house.Need more ideas? Check out these after prom ideas

There’s a lot to consider when you’re getting ready for prom. Your hair, your makeup, whether you want to take a date… ah! Here’s a handy prom checklist that will make the preparations super easy. You’ll look so flawless, your friends will never guess how much time you spent grooming.

01 of 08

Your Hair

PriceGrabber

To make sure your hair is as shiny and healthy as the manes in those shampoo commercials, treat your locks to a hair mask about three days before prom. I recommend Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak.Then, during your pre-prom shower, after all the shampoo and conditioner is washed out of your hair… rinse your hair with cold water. Sure, it’ll be uncomfortable for a few seconds and it might make you squeal, but the cold water will cause your hair cuticles to close tightly, which locks in shine and makes for a smoother appearance.

02 of 08

Your Face

PriceGrabber

We all get zits. To try and minimize pimples as much as possible before prom, consider doing an at-home facial a few days before that opens up and cleans out all of your pores.Start by cleansing your face with Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towelettes. They aren’t as harsh as soap and will grab all the dirt and makeup on your face. Compare PricesGently exfoliate your skin using an exfoliating glove. Move your hands in small, slow circles on your face.Steam. Now it’s time to steam your face and open your pores. If you have a clothing steamer, hold it about three feet away from your face and let the steam gently waft onto your skin for about ten minutes. If you don’t have a steamer, you can lay washcloths soaked in hot water over your face (leave room for your nose & mouth!) Relax and close your eyes as your pores open. Face Mask.Finish off your DIY facial with a face mask for your skin type. Rinse with warm water, then moisturize.The night before prom, relax with a face mask, again. It’ll give your skin extra glow.

03 of 08

Your Teeth

Crest

If your teeth are looking a little dull, consider a whitening regimen before prom. Crest 3D White Glamorous White Toothpaste whitens and brightens teeth in just a few days, and requires no extra work like whitening strips would. Hey, you have to brush your teeth anyway, right?

04 of 08

Your Hands

 Jacqueline Keller / EyeEm / Getty Images 

Your wrist will likely be sporting a gorgeous corsage that you’ll want to show off, so make sure your hands are smooth and your nails are presentable. If you want to save some cash, skip the nail salon and give yourself an at-home manicure. Practice at least once a week and a half before prom if you’re not so steady with the polish brush. Then, give yourself your prom manicure the night before. Here are some prom nail ideas that are totally DIY: Get the Ultimate Prom Nails

05 of 08

Your Feet

 Sven Hagolani / Getty Images 

Don’t forget about your heels and toes! About two weeks before prom, start breaking in your shoes, especially if they’re new. Blisters on the dance floor are no fun.The night before prom, before you do your manicure, exfoliate the bottoms of your feet and your heels using an exfoliating pedicure stone. Then, run a pumice stone over callouses and rough spots to smooth them out. Finish off with a thick, creamy moisturizer… like Shea’s Cocoa Butter.Then, give yourself an at-home pedicure. A bright polish looks so much better in peep-toe and open-toe heels. Compare Prices on at-home pedicures.

06 of 08

Your Dress

David’s Bridal

Some girls start prom dress shopping months in advance. Here’s my general rule:If you’re ordering from an online dress shop or a small boutique, it’s best to shop up to eight weeks in advance. It can often take 2-6 weeks for dress delivery, and you’ll need to factor in tailoring time if something needs to be taken in or let out.If you’re set on hitting local stores and boutiques, it’s best to shop four weeks in advance. That will give you time to try on a bunch of dresses and leave a week or two for the tailor if you need alterations.How to find dresses for my body type

07 of 08

Your Prom Plans

Getty Images

Should you go solo, with a friend, a group of friends, your boyfriend, or a date? Well, only you can truly decide. But let me offer you this advice: if you’re going on​ a romantic-type date, it’s best to decide who it’s going to be closer to prom. Feelings change, new crushes develop and hey, you might even meet a new guy that you’d rather go with if you accept a prom date too early. Two or three months in advance is way too early to accept a Prom-posal… but hey, that’s just me.

08 of 08

Your Post-Prom Plans

Getty Images

You’ve got your date, your dress and your ‘do figured out. What are you going to do after prom is over? You’ll want to have your post-prom plans figured out about three weeks before the big night. A school-sponsored after-prom party is a good idea. So is going to an all-ages club afterward. As is a sleepover at your friend’s house.Need more ideas? Check out these after prom ideas

01 of 08

Your Hair

To make sure your hair is as shiny and healthy as the manes in those shampoo commercials, treat your locks to a hair mask about three days before prom. I recommend Kiehl’s Olive Fruit Oil Deeply Repairative Hair Pak.Then, during your pre-prom shower, after all the shampoo and conditioner is washed out of your hair… rinse your hair with cold water. Sure, it’ll be uncomfortable for a few seconds and it might make you squeal, but the cold water will cause your hair cuticles to close tightly, which locks in shine and makes for a smoother appearance.

01 of 08

01

of 08

02 of 08

Your Face

We all get zits. To try and minimize pimples as much as possible before prom, consider doing an at-home facial a few days before that opens up and cleans out all of your pores.Start by cleansing your face with Pond’s Wet Cleansing Towelettes. They aren’t as harsh as soap and will grab all the dirt and makeup on your face. Compare PricesGently exfoliate your skin using an exfoliating glove. Move your hands in small, slow circles on your face.Steam. Now it’s time to steam your face and open your pores. If you have a clothing steamer, hold it about three feet away from your face and let the steam gently waft onto your skin for about ten minutes. If you don’t have a steamer, you can lay washcloths soaked in hot water over your face (leave room for your nose & mouth!) Relax and close your eyes as your pores open. Face Mask.Finish off your DIY facial with a face mask for your skin type. Rinse with warm water, then moisturize.The night before prom, relax with a face mask, again. It’ll give your skin extra glow.

02 of 08

02

03 of 08

Your Teeth

If your teeth are looking a little dull, consider a whitening regimen before prom. Crest 3D White Glamorous White Toothpaste whitens and brightens teeth in just a few days, and requires no extra work like whitening strips would. Hey, you have to brush your teeth anyway, right?

03 of 08

03

04 of 08

Your Hands

Your wrist will likely be sporting a gorgeous corsage that you’ll want to show off, so make sure your hands are smooth and your nails are presentable. If you want to save some cash, skip the nail salon and give yourself an at-home manicure. Practice at least once a week and a half before prom if you’re not so steady with the polish brush. Then, give yourself your prom manicure the night before. Here are some prom nail ideas that are totally DIY: Get the Ultimate Prom Nails

04 of 08

04

05 of 08

Your Feet

Don’t forget about your heels and toes! About two weeks before prom, start breaking in your shoes, especially if they’re new. Blisters on the dance floor are no fun.The night before prom, before you do your manicure, exfoliate the bottoms of your feet and your heels using an exfoliating pedicure stone. Then, run a pumice stone over callouses and rough spots to smooth them out. Finish off with a thick, creamy moisturizer… like Shea’s Cocoa Butter.Then, give yourself an at-home pedicure. A bright polish looks so much better in peep-toe and open-toe heels. Compare Prices on at-home pedicures.

05 of 08

05

06 of 08

Your Dress

Some girls start prom dress shopping months in advance. Here’s my general rule:If you’re ordering from an online dress shop or a small boutique, it’s best to shop up to eight weeks in advance. It can often take 2-6 weeks for dress delivery, and you’ll need to factor in tailoring time if something needs to be taken in or let out.If you’re set on hitting local stores and boutiques, it’s best to shop four weeks in advance. That will give you time to try on a bunch of dresses and leave a week or two for the tailor if you need alterations.How to find dresses for my body type

06 of 08

06

07 of 08

Your Prom Plans

Should you go solo, with a friend, a group of friends, your boyfriend, or a date? Well, only you can truly decide. But let me offer you this advice: if you’re going on​ a romantic-type date, it’s best to decide who it’s going to be closer to prom. Feelings change, new crushes develop and hey, you might even meet a new guy that you’d rather go with if you accept a prom date too early. Two or three months in advance is way too early to accept a Prom-posal… but hey, that’s just me.

07 of 08

07

08 of 08

Your Post-Prom Plans

You’ve got your date, your dress and your ‘do figured out. What are you going to do after prom is over? You’ll want to have your post-prom plans figured out about three weeks before the big night. A school-sponsored after-prom party is a good idea. So is going to an all-ages club afterward. As is a sleepover at your friend’s house.Need more ideas? Check out these after prom ideas

08 of 08

08