Prime your skin for perfection. Before you begin makeup application, minimize pores to create a flawless finish. Look for something silky, lightweight and complementary to all skin tones. We love Benefit the POREfessional $28, benefitcosmetics.com

See yourself in high definition. It may sound ridiculous now, but having HD-ready skin will be a must once you stand in front of an unflattering backdrop and harsh lights to have your photo taken. Avoid blemishes and/or makeup showing up to steal your spotlight in front of the lens. Don’t forget to seal any foundation with your favorite powder. We love Make Up For Ever HD Invisible Cover Foundation $40, sephora.com

If you’re not already glowing, fake it. Not everyone has the perfect natural blush and glow, but it’s okay to recruit a little help. A light sweep of bronzer where the sun naturally hits your face – cheeks, nose, forehead, chin – and a dusting of blush on the apples of your cheeks will make it look like you were vacationing instead of slaving away in class. We love NARS Blush and Bronzing Duo $40, narscosmetics.com

Don’t hide your eyes, make them pop. We’ve all been victims of the heavy eyeliner pencil crime – too much black surrounding your eyes in attempt to make them look larger. But in fact, you can make your eyes look lighter, brighter and bigger by using softer shadows to highlight and contour your peepers. A good kit that comes with some application how-tos is a great bet. We love Too Faced Naked Eye Soft & Sexy Eye Shadow Collection $35, sephora.com

Seal your makeup for a flawless look all night. Dancing, sweating, tearing – all things that could make your hard work fall to pieces. Using a professional makeup sealant will allow you to move and groove with no cares in the world. We love Model in a Bottle Skin Sensitive Formula $21, modelinabottle.com

What does your prom night beauty routine include?

Two teenage girls (16-18) applying make-up

From left: Oscar de la Renta Fall '11, DVF Fall '11 & Nina Ricci Spring '11

1. Start with an eye primer to create a perfect canvas. Eye shadow and liner can crease or stray after a few hours of wear. Apply a good primer all over your lid, from lash line to eyebrow, and underneath the eye before using concealer. My oily skin causes shadow to crease without fail, but Benefit Stay Don’t Stray keeps it looking fresh all day. Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion is another great product and comes in an adorable genie bottle.

2. Line your eyes with a dark shade. Whether black, charcoal, eggplant or any other smoky hue, eyeliner creates the drama for this sultry look. Line your top lashes from the inner to outer corners, dot in between your bottom lashes and line the inner rim. Smudge with an eyeliner brush for more drama. I swear by Benefit BADgal Waterproof Liner because it stays put and is equipped with a blending tip. The M.A.C. Eye Pencil provides rich, consistent color and the Sephora Professional Smudge Brush #14 is both precise and a great value.

3. Apply a medium powder shadow from top lashes to crease. Blend the shadow from the lid to the crease, using upward and outward motions. The matte, dark grey hue of Make Up For Ever Eyeshadow in Anthracite 40 is perfect for all complexions. If you want to try something funkier, Smashbox Eye Shadow in Cabernet is a deep wine shade with a touch of shimmer.

4. Dust a light neutral shadow along your brow bone. This will highlight your eyes and make them pop. Bobbi Brown Shimmer Wash Eye Shadow in Champagne is great if you want a touch of sparkle, and Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Eyecolor in Vanilla Sugar is perfect for everyday wear.

5. Add a light pearly shadow to the inner corners of your eyes. Doing this makes eyes appear larger and brighter. It’s not a necessary step but creates a gorgeous illusion if you have the time. Too Faced Glamour Dust in Pink Fire can also be used on the cheekbones for added drama.

6. Apply two coats of the deepest, darkest mascara you can find. This is like the icing on the cake… it is an absolute must to finish the look. Wiggle the wand from bottom to top so each lash is coated completely. Dior DiorShow 360 Mascara features a spinning wand and the most gorgeous, intricate brush you’ve ever seen. I’m a huge fan of Tarte Lights, Camera, Lashes! which is clinically proven to increase the appearance of lash volume by 424 percent.

I hope you found our How To guide for smoky eyes helpful. Will you be rocking this look over the weekend?