The Best Skincare Prep for Homecoming & Prom: Midwest Teen Guide ✨

Homecoming and prom are some of the biggest nights of the year—photos, dancing, and memories you’ll keep forever. And let’s be honest, nothing feels better than stepping into the night with skin that’s glowing and confident. The good news? You don’t need a 15-step TikTok routine or expensive products to get there. Here’s a simple skincare prep plan designed just for teens in the Midwest.

Start Early: 3–4 Weeks Out

• Stick with what works: If you have a cleanser or moisturizer you already use, keep it. Now is not the time to try a brand-new product that might irritate your skin. 

• Hydration check: Fall and spring weather in the Midwest can be dry, so drink water and use a gentle moisturizer morning and night. This Face Mask is fun and the perfect way to hydrate a few weeks out. 

• Hands off: Avoid picking at pimples. They’ll last longer and could leave marks—so tough as it is, resist the urge. If you do get a pimple, try these Pimple Patches to help make those annoying visitors disappear. 

One Week Before the Dance

• Gentle exfoliation: Use a mild scrub or exfoliating pad 1–2 times this week to smooth out your skin (but don’t overdo it). This is a favorite scrub of mine, gentle yet effective! 

• Mask moment: Try a calming face mask, like aloe or oatmeal, instead of something harsh or “tingly.” This helps keep redness away.

• Sleep matters: Aim for a solid 7–8 hours of sleep. Dark circles show up fast when you’re running on fumes. 

Day Before the Dance

• Keep it chill: Wash your face gently, moisturize, and let your skin rest.

• Avoid new foods: Sometimes greasy fast food or loads of sugar can cause breakouts—save the pizza party for after the dance.

• Prep your lips: Use a lip scrub (or even sugar + honey DIY) and apply balm so your lipstick or gloss goes on smooth. Love this Lip Scrub & Moisturizer to prep my lips for a nice lip application!  

Prom/Homecoming Day

• Don’t skip moisturizer: Even if you’re wearing makeup, hydrated skin helps everything look smoother.

• Hydrate: Water is a magical cure for everything! Basic water is the best! But, if you like a little flavor, these are a fan favorite to help get those ounces! 

• Primer & setting spray: These aren’t skincare, but they’re lifesavers if you want your makeup to last through dancing and photos.

• Blot, don’t wipe: If your face gets shiny, use blotting papers or even a folded tissue to dab—wiping can mess up your makeup.

After the Dance (Super Important!)

• Remove all makeup: No matter how tired you are, wash your face before bed. Makeup + sweat = breakouts. 

• Moisturize again: Your skin just went through a long night—give it some love before you sleep. Face +++ Lips! Maybe, your feet too! We know those puppies put in some milage on the dance floor! 

• Bonus Tip: Wash your sheets that morning & toss from fresh pjs on your best before you leave so when it is time to cozy up, you will be all set for a night of sweet dreams! 

• Back to normal: The next morning, stick to your regular routine. Your skin will thank you.

✨ Final Tip: Skincare isn’t about perfection—it’s about helping you feel confident in your own skin. Whether you’ve got a few pimples or totally clear skin, what matters most is enjoying your night, dancing with your friends, and making memories you’ll never forget.

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