Win a prom makeover for your teen

When you're 16, the end of school prom is the teen equivalent of the Oscars. Let's face it, there's not much to do by the way of social activities at that age. Too old for dolls and toys yet too young for nightclubs and booze; the prom is their time to shine. It's a high school institution, one which brings dress shops, hairdressers, flower shops, limo companies and suit rentals an end-of-term rush.

Held in the school or a village hall in the middle of nowhere, things prom-goers can expect are terrible music, a bad buffet, non-alcoholic cocktails, and a yearbook which they will look back at in years to come and wonder what they saw in that haircut. Whilst we can't do much about that, we can at least help this generation of school leavers look and feel good enough to really enjoy themselves...

Prom preparation tips for teens

1. Pick your dress well and stick to your budget. Unless you are hiring the gown, you can't take it back afterwards. Enjoy the search, take a friend, or even your mum or auntie (especially if they are paying). Remember to make it an opportunity to show your individuality and personal fashion sense.

2. Focus on what colour really suits you and if you're not sure, try a few dresses on first to see what looks best. Slimming colours are navy blue, dark copper, dark green, burgundy or even black. The little black dress is a legend and easy to accessorise. Matching shoes are a must. If you are brown-haired, jewel-inspired colours like emerald, sapphire blue or deep red gowns are worth having a look at, or go for the metallic look – pale silver and gold look stunning. Blondes look especially good in black or any hue of blue. Redhead? Go for the green.

3. Tall or short – be aware. If you are going with the cute boy who’s not that tall don’t overshadow him with huge heels. If you are shorter, this is the perfect opportunity to wear those skyscrapers for once, but be kind to your feet. Kick them off to dance.

4. Don’t overdo the sexy look. It may grab all the wrong kind of attention. Think classy instead. If you want the princess look go for sleeveless or sleeved gowns with a full flouncy skirt. Want to look more slinky? Go for a gown with a straight fitted skirt and a subtle split. Gothic is definitely out on this night.

5. For true inspiration have a look at what gowns celebrities wore at the Baftas or the Oscars this year. Flick through some recent copies of celeb magazines, but be realistic about your own body shape.

6. Make it a top to toe investment, but keep your eye on the budget. If you’ve splashed out on the dress and the hair you need to go easy on the rest, but don’t miss out. The look this year is golden and sunkissed. Make sure you choose a tan which is right for you. The best time to do it is a couple of days before the prom, so it looks really natural on the night. Don’t forget to shower and exfoliate before you have your spray tan and wear loose clothing to go home in afterwards. Make-up will depend on your dress colour, but there will be plenty of gold and silver sparkle this year.

7. Shop clever. Go to specialist boutiques rather than high street stores, and look for something different. Remember the way you accessorise can individualise a high street gown so be creative. More and more people are shopping online, so have a look at what the web has to offer.

8. Don't buy your gown a size too small, thinking that you'll lose enough weight to look good and have it fit well. 90 per cent of us just don't achieve that goal, and the stress can be terrible. It's best to buy what fits you now, at your present weight.

9. Don’t wear your grandmother’s real pearls or gold earrings or bracelets. Chances are they'll get lost and you don’t want to have to worry about them. Wear something stylish which matches the dress. Usually less is best.

10. Remember that once you have decided on your gown, your shoes, your hair and accessories, do get advice on make up. There is nothing worse than too much, badly applied.

Loved advanced skin clinic and beauty spa in Bramhall has slashed all its Prom Packages, so it is really cost-effective to get the look you want. Bronze, silver, gold and platinum treatments are all available. Bronze will give you a file and polish on fingers or toes plus a spray tan for just £30 (normally £48), silver includes an eyebrow shape as well for £45 (normally £70), gold adds in lovely looks for both fingers and toes, make up and individual false eyelashes for £85 (normally £140). Add to this a full set of acrylic or gel nails plus a leg or underarm wax and you have the top of the range platinum package at £110 (normally £175) to make you a complete stunner.

Loved has one Gold Prom Package up for grabs for one lucky prom-goer. All you have to do is fill in the details in the form below, stating which school your prom queen goes to, and how old they are.