homecoming makeup
Shop the Look: Indescribable Poise Peach Ombre Satin Strapless Midi Dress, Ideal Season Ivory Floral Beaded Rectangular Clutch; Image via @madysenclarke

School’s officially in session again, which means homecoming will be here before you know it–so it’s time to plan! Putting together the perfect head-to-toe look for the big night involves a lot of decision-making, from finding the dream hoco dress to nailing your hairstyle to creating a photo-ready homecoming makeup look.

green floral jacquard mini dress
Shop the Look: Brighter Side Light Green Floral Satin Jacquard Mini Dress; Image via @llibbygardner

To help you pinpoint how you’re going to prep your face for the big night, we’ve rounded up some homecoming makeup ideas ahead. Whether you prefer a glamorous bold lip, a natural clean girl glow, or a trendy bright eye makeup moment, you’ll find all the inspo you need.

1. Keep That Summer Glow with Sunkissed Blush

sunkissed blush
SHOP THE LOOKCLASSIC ELEGANCE BLUSH SATIN SLEEVELESS MOCK NECK MAXI DRESSDIVINE CONNECTION 14KT GOLD PEARL MINI HOOP EARRINGS; Image via Jillian Gurley

You can never go wrong with a simple, easy look that lets your natural beauty shine through. This sweet sunkissed blush look uses two types of blush, a matte liquid blush and a shimmering powder blush, to give you a glowing, fresh-faced appearance that’s perfect for homecoming or any night out. Check it out here!

2. Sculpt Your Face With Underpainting

underpainting makeup
Shop the LookLet’s Get Away Light Blue Knit Twist Back Tank TopGood Future Gold Drop Earrings, Light Beams Gold Necklace; Image via Mariah Clayton

Underpainting is the hot new makeup technique that gives you a naturally-sculpted look. And the best part is that you already know how to do it– you just don’t know it yet! Learn the secret of this makeup look here.

3. Prevent Makeup Melting

summer wedding guest makeup
SHOP THE LOOKBEAUTIFUL SOUL TEAL GREEN FLORAL PRINT TWIST-FRONT MAXI DRESSBOLD EXPRESSION GOLD CHUNKY TEARDROP STATEMENT EARRINGS;Image via Rachel 

It’s often still hot when homecoming rolls around, especially if you live in a warmer climate, and heat and makeup don’t always mix. You know that old saying, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure? It definitely holds up here. Fight back against melting makeup with these hacks for preserving your makeup in the lingering summer heat!

4. Pretty Pink Perfection

pink monochromatic makeup
Shop the Look: Eternal Bond White Satin Ruffled Flutter Sleeve Maxi Dress, Ready To Be Regal Gold Pearl And Rhinestone Drop Earrings; Image via Kristina Rodulfo

A soft pink monochromatic makeup look is romantic and easy–and makes your outfit truly shine. You can apply this look with a single makeup product. Find out how to do it here!

5. Sparkle and Shine With Rhinestones

rhinestone makeup
Image via Sadhvi Babu by Sennia Kyle, model: Devon Fox

Homecoming is all about making an impression–it’s usually the first major event of the school year, so you want to make sure that you get the attention you deserve by lighting up the night with twinkling rhinestones. This homecoming makeup look will go perfectly with a shimmery sequin dress, or be the perfect complement for a romantic tulle dress. Learn how to do this look here!

6. Graphic Green Eyeshadow

green eyeshadow
Image via Sheila Wright Akinsete

Bold color makes your eyes and dress pop. Colorful makeup is big this season, so lean into the trend with some vibrant green eyeshadow. Learn how to create the perfect color combos here.

7. Bright, Bold Lips

magenta lipstick
Image via Sheila Wright Akinsete

Along with bright eye makeup, bright lip color is on everyone’s radar. There are lots of bold shades that will pair perfectly with your dress. Pick an exciting shade– don’t feel limited to reds and pinks. It’s 2023– anything goes! Check out our tutorial here to see how to make your lips pop.

8. No-Makeup Makeup

clean girl makeup
SHOP THE LOOK: The Way I Feel Tan Cutout Midi Sweater DressTantalizing Gold Hoop Earrings, Three-Way Tie Gold Necklace Set; Image via Kristina Rodulfo

“Clean girl makeup” is trending like woah on TikTok– and for good reason! This fresh, natural look highlights your skin’s natural beauty and will look amazing with any outfit. It’s one of our favorite homecoming makeup looks for its simplicity and versatility. Learn how to do it here.

9. Bright Blue Eyeliner

blonde model with blue eyeliner bright eye makeup`

Bright eye makeup is an ultra-fun way to add an unexpected pop to your homecoming look. Whether you match your dress hue, color block with a dress in a complementary shade, or amp up an LBD, you’re going to stand out–see how to achieve the look here.

10. Purple Eyeshadow

model wearing purple eyeshadow

Want to take the bright eye look up a notch? Try covering your lides in a highly-pigmented eyeshadow hue and keep the rest of your makeup subtle and natural. See here for instructions on how to pack on the color.

11. Pretty Natural Makeup

pretty natural makeup
Image via Sadhvi Babu

When in doubt, go pretty in warm natural tones and soft pinks. This simple homecoming makeup adds subtle definition to your eyes and an all-over glow to your beautiful face. See how to do it here.

How are you doing your homecoming makeup? Show us your looks on Instagram or TikTok @lulus or tell us in the comments–and head to our Homecoming Edit to shop for the big night!

This post was originally published in September 2019 and has been updated with new content.