Promtastic Read online

  KEEP READING FOR

  PROMTASTIC QUIZZES,

  TIPS AND ACTIVITIES!

  PROM-PLANNING CHECKLIST

  Check all these off before the big day and you’ll be totally ready when it comes to prom night.

  Transport

  Dress

  Shoes

  Bag

  Accessories

  Date (optional)

  Hair

  Nails

  Makeup

  Ticket

  EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

  Don’t forget these! Make room for an emergency pack in your purse, you never know what you might need.

  Dental floss

  Mints

  Plasters

  Kirby grips

  Blotting pads

  Lip gloss

  Tampons

  FIVE IMPORTANT GETTING-READY TIPS

  1.Eat a hearty breakfast before you start getting ready. Once you’re working on your make-up or rushing to the salon to get your hair done, you might not have time to stop to eat, but there’s nothing more important than being well energized so you can dance all night!

  2.If you’re getting professional help, your nail appointment should be made for the day before prom day and your hair and make-up appointments should be made for the morning of prom. Do a test run and don’t be afraid to say if you don’t like something.

  3.If you’re getting dressed at home, plan to get ready with friends – it’s way more fun and they can help with the eyeliner that you can never quite get right. YouTube is great for tutorials, but don’t pick something so complex that you end up too stressed to enjoy it.

  4.Make sure you can put on your dress without smudging your make-up – if you can’t step into your dress, consider putting it on before doing your make-up. If you do put on your dress first, you can protect it from stains by wearing a robe or towel on top.

  5.Wait to put on your heels until the very last minute. No matter how comfortable they seem at first, even the best heels start to sting by the end of the night. Delay the painful must-take-off-these-shoes moment as long as possible by waiting until just before photos to put on your heels.

  NAIL TIPS

  Doing your nails on your own? Follow our tips for salon-perfect nails.

  Stage One: Preparation

  Wash your hands. Then clip and file your nails into your preferred shape (round, square or somewhere inbetween). Soften your cuticles with oil or lotion and push them back (gently!) with a cuticle stick. Exfoliate your hands, wrists and forearms with a hand scrub and then wash your hands one more time to create a clean surface for the nail polish. Make sure to clean under your nails. Use nail-varnish remover or acetone to remove any last impurities from your nail surface before you start any painting. Set up everything you need for the painting stage in easy reach, and make sure you’re working on a stable, even surface.

  Stage Two: Painting

  You might think a base coat isn’t needed, but your nails will be better protected and your varnish will stay on longer and look smoother if you use one. It will also hydrate your nails. Wait a full two minutes after applying the base coat, and then apply the first coat of colour varnish. Start by placing a drop of varnish at the centre of the nail, just above the cuticle. Push it down towards the cuticle with your brush and then move it up in a straight line to the top of the nail. Go back to the base of the nail and this time swipe the nail varnish along the right-hand side of the nail, then the left. Make sure to get the brush all the way down to the cuticle and along both sides of the nails. Don’t worry if it looks thin, you’ll be applying multiple coats. After two minutes, apply the second coat of polish. If the colour is still not as vibrant as you’d like, you can apply a third coat. Lastly, apply a top coat. This is another step you don’t want to skip as it prevents your polish from chipping and adds shine. If you’re using sparkles, glitter or any other nail accessories, add them before the top coat. The top coat will seal them in and prevent them from being knocked off.

  Stage Three: Waiting

  Clean up any mistakes by dipping a small brush or toothpick in nail varnish remover and running it along the edges of your nails. Leave your nails to dry for ten minutes, then carefully test them to see if they’re dry. This is the hardest part, but there’s nothing worse than ruining perfectly done nails by trying to use your hands too soon! Dipping your hands in ice water after they’ve air-dried for a few minutes can help them dry faster, but make sure to set up the bowl of ice water before you start painting your nails. Watch a movie or TV show while you wait. Once you’re sure your nails are dry, enjoy your perfect at-home manicure!

  HAIR GUIDE

  You’ve got your dress – but now you have to choose the perfect hairstyle to match! Read the guide below to help you choose a hair style to complement the neckline of your dress on prom night.

  Strapless?

  There are so many different varieties of strapless gown – sweetheart, V-neck, scoop neck, straight across – and because it’s such a versatile style, you can do a lot with your hair as well. You can show off the neckline of your dress with an up-do, or wear your hair loose without worrying about it clashing with straps. With a strapless dress, you have lots of choices, so choose something that fits your personal style!

  One shouldered?

  If you’re wearing a one-shouldered dress, try wearing your hair swept to the opposite side as the strap. A side part, with your hair styled in loose waves or a fishtail plait, will balance out the dress – and it will provide visual interest for all those group photos that will be taken with your side facing the camera.

  Thin straps?

  Give the straps on your dress a noticeable weight by pulling your hair back. A messy up-do with a few pieces of hair pulled loose at the front will frame your face beautifully, and complement the delicate nature of your dress’s straps.

  Thick straps?

  To balance out the thick straps on your dress, try your hair half-up and half-down. Pinning the hair near the front of your face back will allow the straps to be seen, but leaving the rest of your hair loose will prevent the straps from overwhelming you.

  Sleeves?

  If your dress has sleeves, they were probably one of the draws of the dress for you, so you won’t want to cover them up. This is a great opportunity for an understated up-do – to let the sleeves shine. A low chignon of loose curls or a sleek bun would look beautiful and classic with this neckline.

  Something else?

  If your dress neckline isn’t covered here then it must be unique – do something fun and unusual with your hair to match! Try a high curled ponytail if your dress has complicated straps, wear your hair loose with a few delicate plaits woven in if your dress falls off the shoulder, or go for a giant bun if your dress has a high boat neckline or ties around your neck. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s fun and reflects your personality, just like your dress does!

  Short hair?

  People think there’s not a lot to do with short hair, but they couldn’t be more wrong. With short hair you don’t have to worry about the neckline as much, instead style your hair to compliment your dress in general. Wearing something understated and simple? Straighten your hair and have it neatly styled. Is your dress more elaborate? Then curl your hair or go for a more casual tousled style to complement the complexity of the dress. With short hair you can also have lots of fun with accessories like fresh flowers or clips – they’ll be noticeable and striking!

  PROM DOS

  1.Do give and accept compliments. You look great!

  2.Do allow your mum and dad that final cheesy photo. This is a big night for them too.

  3.Do hang out with your friends, even if you have the perfect date. Friends are for ever.

  4.Do dance the final dance. Even if your feet are killing you, you won’t regret it in the morning.

  5.Do stand up straight. Everyone looks confident with good posture.

  6.Do ta
ke pictures. You’ll want their help to remember this night for ever.

  7.Do leave enough time to get ready. There’s nothing worse than being rushed.

  8.Do eat something before you leave. Pictures take ages and you don’t want to get hungry.

  9.Do thank the organizers. They’ve been preparing for this night for months and they’re worried you won’t have fun.

  10.Do Relax. Have fun whatever happens. The things that go wrong might be the best stories in years to come.

  PROM DON’TS

  1.Don’t take your heels off until after photos – but don’t feel you have to wear them all night either.

  2.Don’t eat anything with tomato sauce while wearing your dress. Trust us.

  3.Don’t make any big plans for the next day. You’ll be exhausted and need a lie-in.

  4.Don’t be mean to anyone who asks you to dance. They’ve probably been plucking up the courage for months.

  5.Don’t be afraid to ask your crush to dance. This could be your moment.

  6.Don’t be mean about anyone’s dress. Seriously, it’s just not cool.

  7.Don’t get a manicure less than three hours before prom. It WILL smudge.

  8.Don’t worry if you don’t have a date. Going with friends can be just as much (if not more!) fun.

  9.Don’t worry if you don’t look like a celebrity – not even they look perfect in real life.

  10.Don’t let anyone ruin your fun. This is your night. Enjoy it, however you want to.

  PROM AFTER-PARTY IDEAS

  Just because prom is over doesn’t mean the night is! Any of these fun ideas could be the perfect end to your night and create lasting memories.

  Bonfire on the Beach

  There’s nothing more romantic than sitting around a bonfire, roasting marshmellows. Bring blankets and snacks and sit around chatting with all your friends and listening to the waves.

  Movie Night

  After standing around in heels and a dress all evening, nothing is better than lounging in pyjamas, rehashing all the gossip and snacking on popcorn. Invite all your girlfriends and stay up until sunrise.

  Brunch Party

  There’s something extra delicious about breakfast foods at midnight. And after all that dancing you’re bound to be hungry! Plan a waffle party with loads of toppings and let everyone make their own.

  PROMTASTIC QUIZ

  Which Promtastic girl are you? Take the quiz below to find out if you’re an Alex, Leigh, Charlotte, Grace or Kristyn.

  1. Prom night is approaching, how do you feel about it?

  a)You’ve been waiting years for this! You’re on the prom committee and you can’t wait to help make it a perfect night for everyone

  b)Ugh, you’re really not sure whether you want to go or not

  c)You’re looking forward to it, but you’re worried about looking right and finding a date

  d)Dresses, boys, friends, fun! You’re excited, but you have butterflies in your stomach too

  e)You think it’ll be fun, but it’s not the most important thing in your life right now

  2. What would your dream date involve?

  a)An amazing three-course romantic dinner and seeing a show

  b)There are so many options – maybe a gig or an adventure of some sort – as long as it’s not boring or clichéd

  c)You’d love your date to choose what you do – a surprise would be romantic

  d)Definitely a picnic, followed by rowing on a lake, ending with dinner in that cute new restaurant in town

  e)Something low-key – what you talk about is more important than where you are

  3. Which role do you play in your friendship group?

  a)You’re the organiser, the one who makes things happen

  b)You’re the quiet leader, even if you don’t always want to be

  c)You’re the listener, always there for everyone

  d)You’re the disorganised-but-loving one

  e)You’re whoever your friends need you to be

  4. What are you most likely to be doing on a Friday evening?

  a)An extra-curricular activity or volunteering

  b)It depends, but probably not at the party that half your year group is at

  c)At a house party with a big group of friends, but sometimes you’d secretly love to be in your pyjamas drinking hot chocolate, if only you weren’t worried about missing out

  d)Having a sleepover with your closest friends, watching movies and eating popcorn

  e)At dinner or seeing a movie with either your bf or bff

  5. What do you want to do when you finish school?

  a)Something in the city – you want excitement and a bustling diary. Perhaps PR for a huge fashion label or working at an advertising agency

  b)Whatever you end up doing, it’ll be because you’re doing what you want to do, not what everyone expects you to

  c)A lawyer, doctor or other high-flying professional – you hope you have what it takes…

  d)Maybe something creative, or with animals or children – as long as you can give back to the world in some way

  e)Your parents want you to be a doctor, but you’re not sure. There are so many things you want to explore. You worry you might not choose the right thing

  6. How do you react to stressful situations?

  a)Tell yourself not to get emotional! You need a plan. You make a list and start checking things off

  b)Ignore the problem – it’ll go away

  c)You work well under pressure – you have it under control

  d)You hate stress and get a little overwhelmed sometimes

  e)You put on a brave face even though you might feel the opposite inside

  7. Which form of transport would you choose to turn up to your prom in?

  a)A helicopter would be great – something special and spectacular

  b)Well if you do go, you’ll choose something unique like a motorbike or quad bike

  c)You don’t really mind – you’ll do what everyone else is doing

  d)A vintage car – you love the thought of all those happy couples travelling in it over the years

  e)A chauffeur-driven limo with all your friends

  8. What’s inside your bag right now (other than the usual keys, money, phone…)?

  a)Everything you could possibly need! But one thing you always have is the lucky trinket that you’ve had for years

  b)Snacks, mascara and a copy of The Bell Jar

  c)Notepad, lipstick, phone and a bar of chocolate – that combo will solve any problem

  d)A diary, a leaking pen and loads of mementoes (receipts, ticket stubs, photos…)

  e)Your grandmother’s locket – you love having it, but it’s not really you

  9. Which word appeals to you the most?

  a)Success

  b)Originality

  c)Hope

  d)Romance

  e)Truth

  10. The boy you had a crush on has asked your friend to prom and she said “Yes”. How do you feel?

  a)You’re hurt but keep it to yourself – you’ll put your energy into finding a new date

  b)You feel betrayed by your friend, but convince yourself it’s a good thing – this boy was clearly not right for you

  c)You’re angry – it feels like a rejection from both your friend and the boy

  d)You’re devastated – you’ve spent months imagining how prom would be if you were together

  e)You’re a little sad but you hide it – if your friend is happy that’s the most important thing

  11. What’s your greatest fear?

  a)Failing your exams

  b)Being no different to everyone else

  c)Being left out

  d)Being alone

  e)Not being able to live the life you really want

  Mostly As – you’re like Leigh!

  You’re the top of the class and you’re passionate about everything you do – which is a lot, and it pays off! Your friends rely on you to make sur
e there’s always a fun plan in the diary, and if there are any problems, you’re usually the one to fix them. You get a little annoyed sometimes that others don’t seem to pull their weight as much as you do, but really, if you’re honest with yourself, you wouldn’t have it any other way. Sometimes you get a bit too caught up in trying to make everything and everyone perfect, including yourself. In fact, you’re harder on yourself than anyone, which is something lots of people don’t realize about you because of your composed exterior. But you’re a perfectionist because you see the potential in everything. You want everything to shine in the way you know it can! Try being a little easier on yourself from time to time and take a moment to pause and enjoy the brilliant friendships and achievements you’ve created.

  Mostly Bs – you’re like Charlotte!

  You’re creative, self-aware and you love being an individual – you refuse to conform to something just because everyone else does. People really admire the way you’re not afraid to be yourself, even if you’re not always what’s considered “cool”. You love variety and adventure and you’re always looking for the latest band or trend that no one else has heard about yet. Sometimes you get so caught up in trying to be different that you can be a little hard on those that go along with the norm. You often feel like people don’t understand you, which is hard, because you really understand yourself, much better than most people. It can make life lonely at times, but if you open up a bit to others and let yourself enjoy the wide range of experiences life has to offer, you might find that people understand you more than you imagine. And when you truly open up to people, you are capable of deep and lasting friendships and relationships.

  Mostly Cs – you’re like Kristyn!

  You’re spontaneous and fun (even playful) and you love to be at the centre of all the action. In fact, it’s hard for you when you’re not, and sometimes you can get a bit anxious about being left out. Because you understand what that feels like, you’re the person who really stands up for the underdog. People see you as strong, loyal and compassionate – qualities that you have in abundance, especially when you stop worrying about what people think and just let your true self shine through. It can take you a while to choose what beliefs to commit yourself to because there’s always so much to consider, but once you have, you follow through with conviction. It can therefore sometimes be hard for you to admit you’re wrong, but if you realize you’ve made a mistake you’ll do everything you can do make it right. You’ve been hurt in the past, and it can be difficult to let yourself trust people, but have some faith in yourself and others – you’re the best friend or girlfriend anyone could have.