What's In Your Prom Clutch?

By Joanna Douglas
Photo by Joshua Griffler

If you were thinking of making do with gum and mascara, you are dead wrong! After attending a handful of proms ourselves, we know what we were so happy to have with us and what we wish we'd remembered--d'oh!

Before skipping out to the limo with your date, RUN DOWN THIS CHECKLIST of must-bring items. And go get 'em, tiger.

1. No matter how much you shellac that 'do, after bumping around to "Fergalicious." you're bound to have some stray strands. Keep a mini mister close by for hair emergencies.

2. Eyeliner is muy importante Batting your lashes at your date might land you a juicy kiss, but reapplying mascara on top of old mascara is a one-way ticket to clump city. If you really want to make your eyes pop, leave your wand at home and bring an eyeliner pencil instead. There's zero mess involved and you'll notice a drastic change instantly.

Pro tip: You just know at some point things may get all "Waa... I can't believe this is our senior prom." Be prepared by using a long-lasting waterproof mascara like CoverGirl Remarkable Washable Waterproof Mascara ($6 at drugstores).

3. No nip slips here! Keep covered up and spare yourself the humiliating paparazzi photos. We love Hollywood Fashion Tape, $7, hollywoodfashiontape.com

4. Run in your hose? Do a little damage control before thing get messy; apply a few swipes of clear polish at both ends of the run to keep it from spreading.

Pro tip: While we love opaque stockings, bare legs are way hotter than covering up with sheer pantyhose. Use Jergens Soft Shimmer Skin Radiance Moisturizer ($8, drugstores) to whip your legs into shape.

5. It never hurts to have a couple spare bobby pins. The mini grooves on Scunci's make 'em stay put better than any others we've found.

6. If your date's boutonniere has come undone or your spaghetti strap ripped during "YMCA," safety pins can save you from all things unexpected.

7. Whether you're sweaty from shakin' it on the dance floor or cuz your date has you all hot and bothered, it's wise to have some deodorant tucked away your bag. Last dance smooching will NOT be ruined by funky odors and damp pits. Gross.

Pro tip: It might sound obvious, but if you're always getting deodorant stains on your clothes putting it on after you're dressed ain't a bad idea.

8. Goldie Mini Lip Glosses are so teeny you can bring a couple and switch up your style as the night goes on!

9. Those slingbacks and pumps looked so cute in the store but by hour three, your tootsies are paying the price. Keep the blisters at bay and throw some Band-Aids in your bag.

10. Whether you've wearing your hair up or down, it never hurts to keep a mini hairbrush handy. We're fans of Goody Ouchless Purse Size brush, $6, drugstores

Pro tip: Clean out your brush before you leave. You wouldn't want Mr. Hairball to come out with your prom ticket now would ya?

11. Chomping away on gum is fine, but it looks pretty unappealing in photos. Mini teeth whiteners (try GoSMILE Touch Up mini On-The-Go Smile Refresher in Pear-licious and Peach-licious, $8 each, sephora.com and gosmile.com) will combat punch and Pepsi stains, while making your breath smell like Bubblicious. Mmm...

12. When eye makeup starts running amok, running a cotton swab under your eyes can stop the raccoon effect. Q-tips are fab for re-applying, too!

Pro tip: What's the best thing for getting off makeup in a pinch? Your own saliva. Kinda gross, but at least you'll never run out!

13. With a dab dab here and a dab dab there, powder-lined sheets can disguise your very shiny nose just in time for photos. We like Biore Pore Perfect Shine Control Blotting Sheets, $7, drugstores

14. Did you happen to catch Britney Spears' appearance on Dateline, in which her false lashes-gasp!-fell off mid interview after she started crying? We're hoping if you get weepy, they will be tears of joy, but either way, stash the remaining lash glue in your bag to avoid further embarrassment.

15. Throw in an all-inclusive palette with everything you'll need to last you well into the after-party. We never leave home without Too Faced Mini Quicke Chronicle - The Life of the Party, $15, sephora.com

16. Be sure to bring cash, just in case. Your dude shelled out major bucks on prom tickets, so maybe you can treat him to some late-night Micky D's.

17. A picture is worth a thousand words so let's have less talking, more clicking. How can you resist a camera that matches your dress? Plus, who are you kidding--those babies are getting added to your MySpace first thing in the morning.

For more prom fashion and beauty tips, visit ellegirl.com/prom.