Prom night might be an evening, but prep starts way ahead. “Start with exfoliation to smooth everything out, then go in with a rich moisturizer or oil—hydrated skin makes any polish look instantly better,” Rebecca Isa, creative director of Zoya, tells Teen Vogue.

Julie K, who has worked with Rachel McAdams, Chloë Grace Moretz, Jessica Chastain, and more, has a three-step prep routine: “Soak in an Epsom salt bath, soften calluses, and trim nails.” She adds: “KISS has a full pedicure kit that will help get your feet prom-ready.”

You can, of course, keep it simple or go all in on the TLC. Isa says, “For next-level prep, [something like the] Rescue & Repair Kit helps strengthen and restore nails with a patented serum that mimics the nail’s natural moisture, while the Hydrate & Heal Kit, featuring a hyaluronic acid serum and ultra-nourishing cream, keeps heels and cuticles soft and smooth. It’s the easiest way to ensure your pedicure looks polished, healthy, and prom-ready.”

“Think of it as your mini reset moment before the big night,” she adds. Gina Edwards, who has worked with Rachel Zegler, Lila Moss, and more, says, “A fresh, clear coat and cuticle oil is an easy way to ensure your pedicure is looking fresh and shiny.”

Once you have your pedi style in mind, it’s time to plan ahead. “Just make sure your nails have dried fully before applying the nails or polishing,” Julie K shares as a reminder. “When painting, keep layers thin and finish with a glossy top coat. Pro tip: do it the night before so you’re not rushing day-of, and opt for a breathable, long-lasting formula like Zoya to keep everything looking fresh,” Isa says. Krystal Oh, who has worked with everyone from BLACKPINK’s Jennie to TWICE’s Momo, shares a similar sentiment. “Prom night is not the time to rush through a pedicure if you are using regular nail polish. You will smudge it if you try to rush,” she says.

“With regular polish, apply it the night before and give it a few solid hours before bed, otherwise you’ll wake up with sheet marks,” Oh continues. “Always finish with a glossy top coat for that fresh, glossy look, and take your time shaping. Clean edges make everything look more put-together.”

“My hot tip, whether or not you’re running late, is semi-cured gel nail strips,” Oh says. “They apply like nail stickers but adhere to nails with a UV lamp, so there’s no drying time required. They don’t smudge, they don’t chip, and they stay exactly how you applied them. Plus, you can choose designs with tiny details or micro motifs that feel fun but still polished.”