15 Valentine’s Day Makeup Ideas For Every Viral Aesthetic
February 13, 2024
Romantic in Red
We’d be lying if we said we didn’t love a classic red lip: the chic, timeless look practically screams romance. But if you’re looking to level up your go-to hue, try “glazed apple lips.” Start by lining your lips with a soft brown lip liner, blending the color toward the center of your mouth to create a subtle ombré effect. Then, apply Valentino Beauty Rosso Valentino Refillable Lipstick in Too Hot to the center of your pout. Top the gradient look with clear lip gloss for a sweet Valentine’s makeup look that’s almost good enough to eat.
Heart Accents
Wearing your heart on your sleeve is so 2023. This year, we’ll be wearing hearts on our eyes. Recreate this kitschy makeup look by covering your lid with a shimmering pink shadow, then using a long-lasting liquid eyeliner to paint miniature heart shapes on the inner and outer corners of your eyes. Complete with a few coats of mascara and—if you have the patience—by adorning your artwork with a few thoughtfully-placed miniature rhinestones.
Neon Pink Lips
Red lipstick is classic, but a jolt of neon pink adds an electric flair to your Valentine’s Day makeup look—especially when paired with a high-shine finish. To achieve this high-octane lip look, snag NYX Professional Makeup Duck Plump High Pigment Lip Gloss in the shade Bubblegum Bae. The ginger-infused gloss visibly plumps the lips while coating them in bold, intense color.
Midnight Eyes
This Valentine’s Day, unleash your inner grunge queen with a smoky, smudgy look inspired by the inky night sky. Recreate this moody look by packing a matte black eyeshadow onto your upper and lower lash lines, then extending it into a soft wing. Pat a sheer, glittery eyeshadow like Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Glitter Eyeshadow Singles in the shade Cosmic onto your lid, then complete your look by tracing your upper and lower waterlines with a shimmery silver or gunmetal eyeliner.
Embellished Eyes
With this look, you’ll be looking at that someone special with a twinkle in your eye—literally. Start by coating your lids in matte white eyeshadow, then use eyelash glue to place miniature rhinestones or pearls at the inner and outer corners of your eyes . How intricate you go is up to you—but to create something like the one pictured here, we’d recommend setting aside at least an hour.
Warm Smoky Eyes
There’s something undeniably romantic about dark, smoky eyes, which makes it the perfect eye makeup look for Valentine’s Day. Lean into the festive vibes by swapping out your go-to black and gray shadows for sultry browns and reds (you’ll find both in NYX Professional Makeup Ultimate Shadow Palette in Paradise Shock). Let your eyes be the focal point, or pair your creative Valentine’s Day makeup look with an equally bold lip—either way, you’ll be stealing hearts all night long.
Graphic Double Wings
The only thing better than one wing? Two. Recreate this cute Valentine’s makeup look by using a colorful liquid liner to trace along your upper lash line and along the curve of your orbital bone, joining the two lines together to create an exaggerated wing shape. Then, amplify it by adding a second wing just above the first. Leave as-is, or outline both wings in black for an ultra-graphic effect.
Soft Shimmer
If you love shine but aren’t ready to commit to a full glitter moment, this soft, shimmery look should be right up your alley. Even better: It’s super easy to achieve. Start by using your finger to pat Urban Decay 24/7 Moondust Glitter Eyeshadow Singles in the shade Solstice onto your lids and brow bone, then define your lashes with L’Oréal Paris Voluminous Panorama Washable Mascara. Pair with a nude lip, or for extra luminosity, a high-shine lip gloss like Maybelline Lifter Plump Lip Plumping Gloss Makeup in the sparkle-infused shade Hot Honey.
Silvery Glam
Pinks and reds are classic V-Day hues (and we love them). But if you’re looking for something a bit less conventional, reach for a bold, silver shadow for a futuristic look. Because the eyes are the star of the show here, we recommend keeping the lips more subdued. NYX Professional Makeup Fat Oil Slick Clicks provide a soft flush of color with heaps of shine and lasting hydration—exactly what you need to tie together this luxe look.
Mob Wife Makeup
The mob wife aesthetic is having a major moment, and as far as we’re concerned, the high-glam look is perfect for a fancy Valentine’s Day date. Use a natural-finish foundation like IT Cosmetics CC+ Full-Coverage Foundation With SPF 50+ for your base, carve out your cheekbones with contour, then add smoked-out shadow and full lashes to complete the look. Faux fur coat optional (but definitely recommended).
Coquette Makeup
Speaking of viral makeup trends, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention coquette makeup—this ultra-feminine, Renaissance-inspired trend is perfect for all those who are romantic at heart. Though there are plenty of ways to embrace this dreamy trend, a common feature is long, doll-like lashes. Coat yours (both upper and lower) with Lâncome Lash Idole Waterproof Mascara, and prepare to have all eyes on you.
Clean Girl Makeup
Whether you call it clean girl makeup, or no-makeup makeup, there’s no denying that a fresh, glowy look delivers every time. Your skin is the hero of this soft glam look, so start by perfecting your base with L’Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Foundation and Radiant Serum Concealer. Add a hint of blush, swipe on some brown mascara, and fill in your lips with your favorite nude L’Oréal Paris Color Riche Original Satin Lipstick shade. You’ll have a chic and understated Valentine’s Day look that comes together in five minutes flat (great for those last-minute plans).
Tickled Pink
They say less is more, but where Valentine’s Day makeup is concerned, we’re big fans of maximalism. Channel this monochrome look by pairing vivid pink shadow with rosy cheeks and an electric fuschia lip. Despite being undeniably bold, this look reads ultra-chic—so don’t forget to have your date (or bestie) snap a few pictures for the ‘gram.
Cold (and Bold) Blush
For an easy Valentine’s Day makeup look that’s big on impact, swap out your usual blush for a vivid hue—we love L’Oréal Paris Infallible 24H Fresh Wear Soft Matte Blush in Confident Pink. Apply it to the tops of your cheekbones and blend the color inward onto the bridge of your nose for a festive and flirty twist on this winter’s “I’m cold” makeup trend.
Chocolatey Chic
Channel your favorite V-Day treat with a sultry makeup look inspired by (what else?) chocolate. Here, neutral tones emphasize the eyes while a rich, creamy brown lipstick and a hint of contour tie the sumptuous look together. As for which lipstick to reach for, we’re partial to L’Oréal Paris Infallible Matte Resistance Liquid Lipstick in the shade Lazy Sunday.
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