i think if u're inexperienced with makeup at first, it's best to go to make up counter and ask them to do the makeup for you on the formal day. like with many cosmetic counters, all you need to do is to purchase some products and they'll give you a free make over!! i reckon Laura Mercier girls did a great job for my Yr 12 formal. and i purchased like a tinted moisturiser from them which is a great product and i was able to use it later
or otherwise you can buy some products and try at home though. Here's what i'd recommend to get:
A good foundation: L'Oreal Cashmere (heard it's good!), Laneige (around $40 margin), Shiseido (alright but depends which line), Shu Uemura (quite good). If it's a good foundation with good coverage, you might not even need concealers or powder!
Eyeshadow: I prefer green shimmery eyeshadow from The Body Shop (around $16), But you said that your dress is blue, so i'll stick with shimery blue, dark silverish grey, and anything along the silver/blue/smokey line. Mac has an amazing eye colour range though i never used them.
Nice lip gloss: I would emphasize on eyes, and put a slightly tinted gloss, like the body shop's strawberry born lippy. ($5.95)
Cheek or brozing colours: Not an expert on this! usually i am really bad in applying cheek colours so i don't bother
so as you can see, if you just get individual products alone, it'll cost a lot!! so it might be a nice idea to get one basic that you're sure you'll use again, and get a makeover at the makeup counter!! I'll go for either one of this: Laura Mercier at City or Chatswood Myer, Mac, and Red Earth, some body shops do fantastic makeup as well!! I guess it depends on the lady (or guy) who does it for you!!
A few tips are that:
* make sure you use a really good moisturiser, moisturise your skin really well so that your makeup will be more natural and stay on skin
* If you have oily skin, you might need a blotting paper, Or a powder foundation (though this one tends to dry up skin and is the most heaviest among foundations!!)
* Browse through magazines for makeup tips!!
* go to.
www.makeupalley.com (they have some really nice reviews on products as well as tips i think), or the vogue forum.
good luck and have fun