Once you have the perfect prom dress (you do, don’t you? If not, check out Decode 1.8’s gorgeous line of dresses), you’ll want to make sure the rest of you is polished from head to toes. 

Here are some tips to help you shine on the night you’ve always dreamed of.

Don’t make any big changes

The pressure is on, and of course you want to look your best, but this is not the night to try anything super-new.  That goes for hairstyle, makeup, beauty routine, you name it. Say you want a whole new hairstyle — if you try anything drastic and it doesn’t work out, you’ll be stuck with it on prom night (which will make you uncomfortable). It will spoil prom for you because you’ll be highly conscious of not looking the way you were hoping to.

Think of it this way: Your date asked you the way you look now. They’ll be perfectly happy with a dressed-up version of who you are right now.

Do a trial run

At the same time, a week-or-two before prom, do a practice run. Don your dress, shoes, accessories, fix your hair the way you want it to look, and unless you’re having your makeup done professionally, practice that, too. Now’s the time to try out the lotion or spray tan. If you don’t like the look, there’ll be time for it to fade before prom. Look in the mirror. Take selfies, get feedback from close friends, practice dancing. Are your shoes comfortable? Will your makeup last through the evening without smearing, flaking, etc.? Will it look shiny or greasy in prom photos?

Choose your hairstyle wisely

Stick with classic styles that won’t look dated in years to come. Simple is always best. This isn’t the red carpet, and even many of those ladies opt for subtle do’s. Again— this is not the time for anything radical that may or may not suit you on the big night.

Enhance, but don’t change, your features with makeup

Classic works here, too. Except for the classic red lips. They will not only require a lot of upkeep during the evening, but your date won’t thank you for lipstick smears on his tuxedo jacket. Exotic cat eyes and shimmery blue eye shadow is probably not the best choice, either. We can’t repeat this enough: You want to be the best you, you can be, not somebody else.

If you have no idea how to do classic, classy, age-appropriate makeup, it might be worth your while to get professional help. Most hair salons offer makeup as well as hair styling. If you have a favorite stylist, find out if they also makeup, or ask them about someone who does.

Treat your feet

If your dress is long, opt for comfy; that is, low-heeled. You may not realize it, but if your feet are hurting, no matter how well you think you’re covering, the pain will show up on your face (and in your pictures). If you like them and there’s just a spot or two on them that are a bit snug, any shoe store has a shoe-stretching liquid for about $5. But comfortable is really the better way to go. Your feet will thank you for it. Sparkly ballet flats can not only be easy on the feet but as dressy as you’d like.

The Day Before

Don’t starve yourself. You’ll need your energy to dance all night, as well as a good night’s sleep. Eat well, including plenty of protein. But avoid anything that will make you bloated (this includes vegetables like broccoli, as well as salt and sugar).

The Day Of

Give yourself plenty of time to get ready. The day will zip by faster than you think it will. Relax, pamper yourself, eat plenty of protein during the day. If you feel yourself getting nervous, try to use up some of that energy: go for a long walk, preferably in nature; take a long, soothing bubble bath; put on some music and dance the nervous energy away.

You’ve been dreaming of prom for a long time. The best gift you can give yourself is to prepare as best you can ahead of time, then relax and enjoy it. It’s your night, so have fun!