3 Valentine's Day Makeup Looks

Every year on Feb. 14 it may feel like the whole world fills with red roses, boxes of chocolates and couples walking hand-in-hand. Some love it, some hate it, but no matter what the day brings, it definitely lends itself to a fabulous makeup look. So whether single or taken, here are three different looks for Valentine’s Day that will suit any evening or event.

For the base of all three, use an everyday foundation, concealer and powder. The difference between the looks below are in the eyes, lips and cheeks!

Soft and Sweet

If you’re going on a first date, or recently started dating someone, try to keep it simple and fresh. To achieve a soft and feminine look, use shades of pink and champagne on the eyes, lips and cheeks. This way whoever is sitting across the table can see a natural look that’s not overpowering.

Eyes
Sweep a matte nude shadow across the lids and up to the brow bone. Then apply a champagne color to the lids, making sure to stay below the crease of the eye. Try NYX Shadow in Sahara, ($5), for a beautiful shimmer. Next, use a clean blending brush to soften the color and diffuse it up by blending in the crease. To finish the eyes, use a black or brown pencil liner to line the top lash line and sweep on two coats of black mascara.

Lips
A soft pink lip gloss will complement the entire look and keep it soft and feminine. Try e.l.f.’s Studio Glossy Gloss in Berry Blush, ($3), for a perfect complement to a fresh-faced look.

Cheeks
Apply a soft coral or pink blush to the apples of the cheeks for a rosy glow. Cream blushes also work well to keep the look fresh and dewy. Try Stila’s Convertable Color in Petunia, ($25). To get more use out of the product it can also be used on the lips as a slight lip tint.

Clean and Classic

This second Valentine’s Day look is all about staying clean and classic with a bold lip. It’s perfect for a night out with the girlfriends or going out to a Valentine’s Day party. A classic red lip on Valentine’s Day will never go out of style but the trick, when choosing to rock a bold lip, is remembering to keep the eyes as simple as possible.

Eyes
Start by sweeping a matte nude shadow across the lid and up to the brow bone. Next, apply a liquid liner on the upper lash line and sweep out on the corners to create a cat eye effect. To add a little more definition, use a matte black shadow in the crease of the eye and blend it out with a clean blending brush. For the shadows try NYX’s Love in Florence Eye Shadow Palette, ($8), which contains both the nude and matte black as well as two grey tone and one peach shadow. For a liquid liner e.l.f’s Studio Precision Liquid Liner, ($3), is perfect for a cat eye look and easy to wing out on the edges.

Lips
To get that perfect pout, line the lips with a red lip pencil. To soften the harsh line of the pencil use a finger to lightly blend the line in towards the center of the lips. Apply a red lipstick either straight from the tube or with a lip brush for more precision. Finish by cleaning up the outer edges with concealer and the lips are done! MAC is known for their amazing products, especially when it comes to quality lip colors so try MAC’s lip pencil in Redd, ($15), and their classic lipstick in Russian Red, ($15).

Cheeks
With such a strong lip it isn’t necessary to use heavy blush. Lightly sweep a mauve or rose colored blush on the cheekbones, making sure to blend it up into the hairline. Try NYX’s Spice Blush, ($6), which is a beautiful matte mauve color.

Daring and Dramatic

This last look is very sexy with smoldering eyes and an oh-so-kissable pout, which is perfect for a romantic evening out with a significant other.

Eyes
For steps on how to achieve a perfect smokey eye in less than five minutes, check out 3 Steps To Shift Your Look From Daytime To Date Night.

Lips
Choose a lip plumping gloss for the lips that has a pink base. Try Soap & Glory’s Super-Colour Sexy Mother Pucker Lip Plumping Gloss, ($16), in Baby Doll. For a cheaper alternative try Sally Hansen’s Lip Inflation Lipinflation Gloss, Pink, ($8).

Cheeks
Use a vibrant blush on the cheeks to give the face color and life. Brighter pinks and peachy colors look great with a simple smokey eye, especially on Valentine’s Day. For medium or darker skin try NYX’s Pinky Blush, ($6), which is a matte hot pink. For fair or light skin try NYX’s Peach Blush, ($6), which is a matte baby pink blush.

With three looks to choose from, this Valentine’s Day makeup routine should be easy, fun and beautiful. All that’s left is a great outfit and even better company!

By: Flannery Underwood | Images: 1, 2, 3, 4