8 things every girl must do before her formal

It’s officially October, which to me signals two things. Firstly, Christmas is (almost) here, and secondly, school formal season is upon us.
I think I speak for all teens when I say the latter event came around pretty quick.
But don’t panic, girls – we’ve got you (or your beauty look, at least.)
While I can’t make your date act his age, or the DJ play your favourite song, I can advise you on some key beauty steps that’ll take your look from so-so to absolutely stunning.
After all, you only get one shot at this night of nights, so you might as well give it your beauty best…
1. Up your glow game
You can always opt for a professional spray tan, but if you’re looking to cut costs, DIY is probably the best way to go. For my own formal, I used Dove Summer Glow Gradual Self Tan Body Lotion in the days leading up to build up just a hint of a glow. For a similarly fuss-free method, try St Tropez Gradual Tan In Shower, which you can apply in the shower and rinse off in all of three minutes.
2. Treat your teeth
This one’s a no-brainer. Why, you ask? Well, you’re going to be brushing your teeth as per normal in the lead-up to the formal – so why not use a whitening one? Try Colgate Optic White Express Paste, which is formulated to whiten teeth in just three days (it contains twice the whitening ingredient as other Colgate whitening products, if you were wondering). Then all you need is a pop of red lippie to get the sexiest smile imaginable. Try Ulta3 Matte Lipstick in Deep Red Rose.
3. Respect your tresses
Chances are you’ll be using some serious styling tools on the night, so give your hair a fighting chance with some extra TLC in the lead up. A nourishing hair mask such as TIGI Bed Head Urban Antidotes Resurrection will help reverse any pre-existing damage, and get your hair ready for more heat. Oh, and if you don’t use one already, a heat protectant spray is an absolute must. Try Schwarzkopf Extra Care Heat Protection Spray.
4. Prepare your footwear
I’m not going to try to tell you to wear flats to your formal – but I am going to (strongly) advise you to make your heels as comfy as possible. After all, if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to booty shake to Beyoncé right to the end. Check yo’self before you wreck yo’self with Hollywood Fashion Secrets Gel Heel cushions, which will help stave off tired, aching feet (and fit subtly into sky-high pumps).
5. Now, walk in them
It may seem obvious, but wearing your new stilettos around the house in the lead up to the big night is an amazing idea. Not only will your strutting give you the best chance of not stacking it as you descend your school hall steps, it’ll also give you the opportunity to perfect your posture. Push your shoulders back and tilt your chin up for a show-stopping entrance.
6. Practice makes perfect
Thinking of attempting a daring new make-up look for your formal? Firstly, you go girl. Secondly, make sure you have a good grasp of it well in advance. Typing 'school formal makeup' into Youtube will bring up thousands of step-by-step tutorials on how to perfect a glam makeup look, even if you're not experienced in the beauty department.
7. Don’t forget the details
When it comes to formal faux pas, there’s nothing worse than manky mitts. Take the time to file, buff and paint your nails a pretty hue. Try one of these 12 pastel polishes for a sassy spring feel. On the other hand, the top 10 red nail polishes will never go out of style. Whichever you chose, don’t forget to finish with a glossy top coat. Our Trial Team loved the OPI Infinite Shine Gel Effects Gloss Top Coat, just FYI.
8. Choose conifdence over style
When you're shopping for a formal dress, the temptation to go for a dress that is super trendy is real. But there's nothing worse than being uncomfortable all night, not feeling your best. Opt for a style that makes you feel conifdent and is inbetween trying something new and staying within your comfort zone.
Do you remember your school formal? Do you have any other formal beauty tips?
image credit: Gossip Girl, CW Network
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37 Member Comments
Thanks for tips, a little late for me formal days are over
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I can't believe how much is spent on formals these days - there's almost more prep & planning than a wedding!!
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I went to a girls school and unfortunately we never had a formal.
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Great tips. For girls on a budget, I'd recommend getting a spray tan/hair makeover/eyelash extensions/manicures done by student beauticians who offer it for free (or super cheap) if possible, as still do a perfect job. The nicest shoes and dresses can be bought at discount stores too. But sometimes this takes a bit more time and planning than what you've got to spare!
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I still remember my last school function but I have no idea what I wore.
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I kind of miss school formals. This year I will be going to my first uni ball, so it will pretty much be the same process! Except this time I don't know almost everyone who's there (unlike school).
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Great tips. I walked in my shoes before formal. Just think options and plan them head.
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I did distance education due to health problems so I didn't get to go to a formal. From what I remember my friends didn't make a big fuss about theirs. It sounds so expensive these days.
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I'm going to lend my 17 year old my Colgate Optic White Paste - she'll appreciate the tip and I'll tell her about this article and she can log in and read it all for herself too. Her Year 12 formal is next Monday!
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Oo i wish I read this guidline before my formal. It makes it a bit easier and you wont forget anything
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This article is so helpful! Going to refer my friends to to this. Thanks BH❤️
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I remember my school formal. Gosh the planning and prep that went into that one night seems ridiculous looking back now! I did do a lot of the things mentioned in the article, particularly the wearing in of my new heels. Wearing them in let me find out which parts of the foot were going to hurt, and I either put in cushion soles or a gel pad to lessen that.
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Girls of today are dressing much more mature than for 15-16 or 17-18 year olds.
I know for my year 10 formal I wore a dress from eBay for $30, heels for $20 from Payless Shoes, borrowed a clutch from my cousin and did my own hair and makeup! I was 15 at the time and had to pay for it all myself!
Year 12 I went a bit more dolled up, but none the less, I still dressed like I was 17 :P
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I remember my school formal. I wore a daggy dress and I had a horrible haircut!
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Oh how I wish BH was around in my formal days! I couldve been saved from a lot of beauty mishaps! I shudder when I look back at my formal photos!
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Great tips for any formal event :)
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Great ideas for special occasions as well as formals.
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My formal (or school dance as it was called) was quite some time ago, and things were much simpler then!
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My formal was 26 years ago, I don't know where those years have gone. I had my hair and makeup professionally done. Curls and baby's breath flowers in your hair were popular back then.
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We didnt have formals when I was younger. However my daughter did, and we got her a wonderful dress, she wore in her shoes and had an awesome time. I was so proud of her.
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I loved my year 11 formal but my makeup was not as on point for my year 12 formal.
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great tips although I don't have a formal these tips transition to other semi-formal parties especially those around christmas
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I did my own makeup and hair (the latter with help from my mum) and I loved how I looked on the day but if you're not confident in your skills, don't feel pressured to DIY it and leave it to professionals!
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