MANILA, Philippines - When YStyle posted news of the prom makeover, a head-to-toe do-over that includes everything from the dress to shoes to hair and makeup gratis, we received a flurry of email from teens desperate to get their moment in the spotlight. Hoping to get their 15 minutes — and a brand new outfit — was reason enough for most girls, but some sent more reflective notes, claiming that prom’s is one of life’s major events and they were afraid to screw it up.
That’s why we were drawn to besties Megan Real and Mei Anne Mendoza. The St. Paul juniors, who’ve been friends nigh on forever (in teen life, a year probably feels like forever), were a package deal. Follow their transformation from casual schoolgirl to prom queen.
Megan Real
Often seen in: Leggings, tank top and Ipanema sandals
Prom wish: “I love really dramatic colors!” says Megan.
The outfit: After slipping into hot pink sheaths and sedate black numbers, it was a vivid strapless dress that drew her eye. As soon as she saw Avel Bacudio’s floor-length stunner in scarlet, she didn’t want to look further. The look was finished with a pair of sky-high heels, a black fascinator and a vintage-inspired ring.
The hair and makeup: To show off the dress, Junie gave Megan some Veronica Lake curls. With the fascinator perched at a jaunty angle, he brushed the locks to one side. For makeup, he highlighted her cheekbones with a soft blush. “I want to show off her morena skin,” Junie says. Some shimmer around the eyes and a pale pink lip completes her look.
Mei Anne Mendoza
Often seen in: Oversize tee, leggings and funky sneakers
Prom wish: “I like dresses that are a little polished, really put-together,” Mei Ann explains.
The outfit: Though her casual days see her in loose-fitting ensembles, Mei Anne wanted to go in the opposite direction and try something preppy. Designer Avel Bacudio’s (a favorite for this makeover) selection of dresses at the boutique section of SM had plenty of options for Mei Anne. She finally settled on a cocktail-length ruffled number in black that was sweet and sophisticated. A pop of color in the form of orange high-heeled slides with a bow put a playful finish to her ensemble.
The hair and makeup: Danielle wanted to add pops of color to Mei-Anne’s face so she swept a pale blue over her lids to accentuate her eyes. “It looks fun,” Danielle explains, “and Mei-Anne is fond of color.” She set some loose curls to counter the conservative cut of the dress.