Prom is a day everyone anticipates since middle school. The girls pick out a beautiful dress and the boys look handsome in their tuxes. Although the day looks picture perfect, the prep work can be stressful and overwhelming.

For the ladies, picking out their dress is just the beginning. Shoes, flowers, jewelry, tanning, hair and makeup all have to be taken into consideration.

Prom morning was exciting yet stressful for me trying to remember everything that needs to be done. I highly suggest making a list the night before so the next day all you have to do is check things off your list as you get them done.

The up-dos and fake eyelashes are difficult to execute by yourself, so many girls get them done professionally. Personally, I chose to go to the Rocco and Rocco salon in downtown Downers Grove, and I was not disappointed.

It is so important to make an arrangement no matter where you choose to get your hair and/or makeup done. I made my appointment three weeks before prom at 12:45 P.M. This gave me just enough time to finish up getting ready and head to pictures.

I know many girls tried to get last minute appointments and they were all taken. I would research your price budget, the hairstylist and makeup artist’s style and what times they have available that day. Also, be sure to come prepared with pictures of both the hair and makeup examples you like. This will give them a much better idea as to what you are looking for.

After doing all of this, I chose to go to Rocco and Rocco salon which is located in downtown Downers Grove. I didn’t ask for a specific stylist because I didn’t have anyone in particular that I wanted, however, Dana did my hair and Melody did my makeup.

When I first arrived I was overwhelmed. If you’ve ever been in Rocco and Rocco you know that there are full length mirrors everywhere, so you will randomly look in a mirror and see someone on the other side of the salon. They actually did this in order to present an Alice in Wonderland effect, because who doesn’t love Disney movies.

As I was waiting to get called I ran into MANY other DGS girls. Rocco and Rocco was definitely the place to be pre-prom. Some already finished their hair and makeup before 1 P.M. and looked fabulous.

I did get there fifteen minutes before my scheduled appointment, but ended up having to wait a half hour before I was called to get my hair done (I highly suggest getting your hair done first). This was understandable because it was so busy.

Dana introduced herself and was really friendly and nice. I showed her what I wanted and she said it was no problem, even making a couple suggestions which made me like it even more.

She began by curling my whole head, making me look like a poodle. I was nervous at first but she then started pinning all of the curls into a bun.

I was very happy when my hair was finished, although it wasn’t exactly what I had asked for. I asked her to make it into more of a perfect bun instead of all the curls just being pinned to my head, which is what she did.

When I got home I pinned the curls together giving it the shape I was looking for. Besides that I absolutely loved it, and the other girls who also got their hair done there seemed pleased as well.

Now it was time for my makeup. I was excited because I had never gotten my makeup done before. When I made the appointment the front desk told me to look up Melody’s Instagram to see other work she had previously done, (@makeovermelody) and she is amazing. Her eye shadow blending work is unbelievable.

Melody is newer to Rocco and Rocco, but her makeup skills are unmatched. She was the only artist doing makeup for every girl there, taking about 20 minutes per girl.

When it was my turn she asked to see pictures I liked to get an idea for what I wanted. Melody also asked how much makeup I usually wear and what my style is so she understood what I was comfortable with.

While she worked she was unbelievably nice, and every once in a while handed me a mirror and asked what I thought before she continued, constantly saying, “If you don’t like it I can fix it, I want you to like it.” This made me feel assured and comfortable telling her if I wasn’t thrilled about anything.

But I was, my makeup looked beautiful. It was better than I was expecting. Although I had a lot of makeup on, it didn’t look overdone. It was perfect for prom.

Melody also added fake eyelashes, which I highly recommend. They really make your eyes pop and add to the whole effect.

All together at Rocco and Rocco the up-do was $70, makeup $33 and false eyelashes $12. If you’re on a budget this may seem pricey, but compared to Mario Tricoci which is another popular salon, their prices range from $140-$160.

Of course it would be cheaper to do it all yourself, but even if you are good at makeup they use the best products that will last you the entire night. It was well worth it to indulge just a bit.

Overall I was beyond happy with the results. There was no way I could have done the hair and makeup myself, and if I did it would have been too much to worry about.

I highly recommend pampering yourself before prom, it gives you a few less things to worry about. Rocco and Rocco is the prime place to go because of the accommodating staff and amazing job they do on hair and makeup, you will have the picture perfect prom night.