Kathryn Winter speaks to prom experts about the most sustainable and budget-friendly ways to get your perfect prom look.
After two years of restrictions, prom is officially back, and we can sense the excitement building. It’s an event you may have spent your youth dreaming about and watching in the most iconic films, so, understandably, you want to feel your best. However, we’re aware of the concerns around the traditionally expensive and unsustainable reputation the prom industry has. Taking all of this into account, we’ve created you a sustainable yet budget-friendly guide for achieving your perfect prom look.
Sustainable and Budget-Friendly Prom Outfit Tips:
Our first tip is to start looking for your outfit early, particularly as we recommend beginning with charity shops - which requires time, patience and an element of luck.
We also appreciate that even the lowest priced outfits remain out of reach for many people. But, don’t worry, a few years ago, prom enthusiast Ally Elouise, set up a free prom outfit lending charity called PromAlly, to support those without the financial means. If you think you might qualify for this service, visit the PromAlly website to find out how to be referred.
If you do have a small budget, another tip is to look for shops that offer low-cost outfits to hire. Ally has also just launched Eco-Wardrobe, an online outlet that allows anyone to rent evening attire for around two weeks at super low prices. The profit from this service go straight back into funding PromAlly. “This way, customers can afford an expensive evening look while being sustainable and charitable,” Ally says. You also won’t have the burden of trying to sell it later.
Prom outfit hiring websites:
If you do end up buying your outfit, we encourage you to either sell it or donate it to a charity like PromAlly for future prom-goers to enjoy.
Prom outfit donation websites:
Ally suggests measuring yourself properly before ordering or trying on suits and dresses to avoid the expense of returning them. “For most young people, prom will be their first time wearing a suit or evening gown which fit differently to the jeans and tops they are used to wearing,” she says.
Measurement Guides for:
Budget-Friendly Prom Hair and Makeup Tips
Doing your hair and make-up for the big day can be daunting, so we reached out to 24-year-old makeup artist, Elle Carter, for some advice. “If you’re set on having your makeup done professionally, then try and get a group of you to book in with someone all together," says Elle. "This way, you can usually negotiate a better overall price to divide between everyone - it will also be more fun." She also recommends finding a salon or freelance professional who can provide you with a package for both hair and makeup, which will save you time and money.
But for the majority of you who will do it all yourself, Elle says: “Makeup artists and hairstylists now post great tutorials on TikTok. They show you how to create loads of different looks in simple steps while often using excellent, affordable drugstore products.”
“Practice is key. The more you do it, the better you’ll get at it,” she says.
Elle encourages you to “really go for it and express yourself through your hair and makeup, as this is the one night when you can. It’s also a great way to upgrade your look”.
But for her, the real beauty tricks are the least expensive. “Staying hydrated is the key to glowing skin,” says Elle. So drink plenty of water and moisturise regularly on the days before. “Make sure you are getting your vitamins through good food - for healthy hair, skin, nails and everything else,” she says.
Budget-friendly moisturisers recommended by Elle:
Drier skin - Weleda
Oilier skin - Neutrogena
Ultimately, Elle says: "Get enough sleep beforehand and prioritise having a laugh - as this will make you look and feel ten times as beautiful.”
Leave us your prom questions below and we'll try our best to help you out!
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