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These ideas will make you the star of the night.
Valentine’s Day is right around the corner, and whether you’re heading out for a romantic dinner, celebrating Galentine’s Day with your best friends, or treating yourself to a cozy night in, it’s the perfect occasion to elevate your makeup game. Nothing sets the mood quite like a dreamy Valentine’s Day makeup look that exudes confidence and charm.
To make sure you’re camera-ready and brimming with confidence, we’ve collaborated with renowned makeup artist Jordan Elias Sawyer to bring you step-by-step guides to achieve 16 mesmerizing looks. From sultry red lips to shimmering eyelids, there’s something here for everyone. Trust us, these celeb-approved looks will leave you feeling radiant, inside and out. Let’s dive in!
1. Play Up Your Lashes
Inspiration: Jennifer Lopez
JLo’s signature full-glam look is all about emphasizing the eyes. To achieve this, start with a dark eyeliner like MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder to define your eyes. Add warmth by using a bronzer (try the Nars Bronzing Powder) to create a soft, smoky effect. When it comes to lashes, the trick is layering. Apply a coat of volumizing mascara before carefully placing falsies. The Ardell Seamless Underlash Extension Kit is a great option for achieving that bold, natural volume that makes your eyes pop.
2. Bronzed Glow
Inspiration: Chrissy Teigen
If a sun-kissed glow is your go-to look, take a page from Chrissy Teigen’s beauty book. To recreate her radiant bronzed makeup, opt for the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit. Focus on applying the bronzer to the high points of your face—cheekbones, temples, and the bridge of your nose. Pair this look with a nude lip gloss to keep the emphasis on your glowing complexion.
3. Romantic Eyeshadow
Inspiration: Tracee Ellis Ross
Soft, romantic shades are a must for Valentine’s Day. To achieve Tracee Ellis Ross’s dreamy pink-red combo, start with a vibrant rose-toned eyeshadow. Use a blending brush to diffuse the edges for a gradient effect that fades beautifully. Pair the look with a classic red lipstick for a bold yet romantic statement. This pairing perfectly captures the holiday’s romantic essence.
4. Monochromatic Glam
Inspiration: Rihanna
Rihanna’s monochromatic glam is ideal if you’re looking for something dramatic yet cohesive. Use the Fenty Beauty Snap Shadows Palette #3 for a rich, smoky effect on your eyes. For lips, go bold with a deep purple like KVD Beauty Everlasting Hyperlight Liquid Lipstick in Dark Wisteria. Keep the rest of your makeup minimal to let these features shine.
5. Classic Hollywood
Inspiration: Timeless Elegance
Red lips are a Valentine’s Day staple, and nothing says classic like a perfectly lined bold red pout. Makeup artist Jordan Sawyer suggests using Makeup by Mario SuperSatin Lipstick in Tribeca for a shade that complements any skin tone. Add a touch of winged eyeliner to elevate this classic Hollywood vibe.
6. Ombré Eyes
Inspiration: Bold and Beautiful
Gradient eyeshadow is perfect for those who want to add drama to their look. To recreate this effect, choose complementary shades that bring out your eye color. Sawyer recommends Melt Cosmetics palettes for their vibrant hues and blendability. Start with the lightest color on the inner corner of your eyes and work your way out to darker shades.
7. Dewy Skin with Red Lips
Inspiration: Zoe Kravitz
Pairing fresh, dewy skin with a fiery red lip strikes the perfect balance between natural and bold. Use Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer to let your natural skin texture shine while providing light coverage. Finish the look with MAC Lady Danger Lipstick for that head-turning pop of color.
8. Roaring ’20s Glam
Inspiration: Constance Wu
For a vintage-inspired Valentine’s look, channel the glitz and glamour of the Roaring ’20s. Begin with a smoky eye, blending upward with a fluffy brush for a soft effect. Add a dramatic plum lip, like Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Believer, to complete the throwback vibe.
9. Shimmery Nude
Inspiration: Beyoncé
A soft, shimmery nude look is both elegant and versatile. Start with Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation for a flawless, natural finish. For the eyes, use Charlotte Tilbury’s Luxury Eyeshadow Palette and focus on the inner corners for a highlighted effect. This look is perfect for those who prefer understated elegance.
10. Angelic Glitter
Inspiration: Saoirse Ronan
If glitter is your thing, this angelic look is sure to make you glow. Pat Urban Decay Glitter Eyeliner onto your lids, spreading it lightly with your fingers before it dries. Pair this with a soft pink lip using Benefit Cosmetics Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint to keep the overall look subtle yet sparkling.
11. A Bit of Gloss
Inspiration: Michelle Obama
A glossy lip and subtle blush are a classic combination. Use Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder to create a smooth, blurred effect on your skin. Add a touch of gloss, like Buxom Collagen Infused Lip Serum, to give your lips a subtle sheen that’s perfect for any occasion.
12. Sparkling Silver Eyes
Inspiration: Joey King
Silver eyeshadow is an unexpected yet stunning choice for Valentine’s Day. To make blue eyes pop, apply Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow on your lids and keep the rest of your makeup neutral. This look is modern, fresh, and perfect for an evening out.
13. Lilac Lids.
Inspiration: Awkwafina
Monochromatic lilac lids are soft, playful, and perfect for Valentine’s Day. Use a cream blush as both an eyeshadow and cheek color. This cohesive look is easy to achieve with minimal products, making it ideal for makeup beginners.
14. Glitter All Day
Inspiration: Gabrielle Union
If you love bold and sparkly makeup, this is the look for you. Danessa Myricks Colorfix Pigment is a multi-use product that stays put all night. Apply it with your fingers or a dense brush for maximum glitter payoff.
15. Pretty in Pink
Inspiration: Priyanka Chopra
Pink smoky eyes are the ultimate Valentine’s Day statement. Use Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Palette for richly pigmented hues that stay vibrant all day. Remember to press the shadow into your lid for maximum color payoff.
16. Colorful Eyeliner
Inspiration: Lupita Nyong’o
For a creative twist, add a pop of color to your lower lash line with vibrant eyeliner. Pair it with a matching colored mascara, like L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Cobalt Blue, for a playful, eye-catching look.
With these 16 stunning makeup ideas, your Valentine’s Day is sure to be unforgettable. Whether you prefer timeless elegance or bold glam, there’s a look here to suit every style and occasion. Try one (or a few) and celebrate love—because you deserve to feel beautiful!