Photo: Instagram.com/nikki_makeup
No matter what your V-Day plans are, there’s no better way to celebrate than with a gorgeous Valentine’s Day makeup look. It can help get you in the mood for love, be the finishing touch on your date-night outfit, or just add a special touch to an ordinary Monday. And even if you have nothing major planned at all, why not use the day as an excuse to get all dolled up—even if it’s just for yourself?
That’s where we come in. We’ve rounded up the coolest Valentine’s Day makeup perfect for a Galentine’s extravaganza, fancy dinner, or cozy night in. Stuffy, formal makeup this is not; for something different, scroll on for romantic riffs on winter’s coolest makeup trends like graphic liner and glazed skin, with a few classics like red lips and bold wings for good measure. With looks so good, you’ll want to wear them long after the 14th has come and gone.
Major Blush
Photo: Instagram.com/patrickta
Re-create a lovestruck flush with a healthy helping of hot pink blush (we love Patrick Ta’s velvet formula). Blending the color into your eye shadow gives it an ’80s vibe that still feels soft and wearable, especially when paired with a coordinating soft pink lip.
Brown Micro Wing
Photo: Instagram.com/ninapark
Swap classic black liner for a chocolate brown to achieve a softly sculpted effect. Keep the line sharp through your upper and lower lashlines, and then gently smudge out the wing for a little smoke. Follow Zoë Kravitz’s lead and toss on a hair bow, and you’re ready to go.
Bold Liner
Photo: Instagram.com/amandaaamus
Graphic liner doesn’t always have to mean extreme—and this example proves it. Bring the liner around your inner corner for that really graphic feel, but a smaller wing and negative space under your pupil keeps it feeling natural and bright. Finish with a swipe of mascara like Saie Beauty’s Mascara 101, and a pretty pink balm.
Sweet Flush
Photo: Instagram.com/hollygowers
If you like the idea of full-on blush but find it a little too, well, full-on, keep it high on your cheekbones without bringing it up around your eyes. A bright cool pink like Nars’s Thrill looks so cute on all skin tones.
Classic Glamour
Photo: Instagram.com/ash_kholm
An Old Hollywood beat is the perfect complement to something a little fancier. For Shay Mitchell’s Sophia Loren–inspired eye look, makeup artist Ash Holm used her collab with Buxom to create a smudged wing and bronzy base. Charlotte Tilbury’s Lip Cheat in Hot Gossip, Makeup by Mario’s Ultra Suede Lipstick in Annie, and a sexy French twist complete the look.
Green Liner
Photo: Instagram.com/ssavannahsmithh
Not into pink and red? Try something unexpected but equally glam like emerald green liner. Keeping it under your eyes doubles up on the surprise factor, making it an extra-cool choice.
Red-Hot Lips
Photo: Instagram.com/nikki_makeup
Classic red lipstick is an obvious choice for a V-Day outing, especially when paired with a wing so sharp it could cut someone.
Chocolate Tones
Photo: Instagram.com/kingmalimagic
Take inspiration from a box of chocolate and stick to warm, rich browns in a mix of textures for a truly decadent makeup look. Try Bobbi Brown Crushed Lip Color in Rich Cocoa under a clear gloss for an ultra-shiny lip like the one shown here.
Sunset Eyes
Photo: Instagram.com/emilychengmakeup
Perfect for any lower-key activity on the agenda, a wash of bronzy shadow is so pretty (and easy). Tap on a liquid shadow with your finger—try Chanel Ombre Première Laque in Desert Wind—and you’re set.
Poppy Red Lipstick
Photo: Instagram.com/babskymakeup
A red lipstick with orange undertones feels a little more fun than a classic cherry shade. A little bit of blush and eyeliner keeps everything balanced.
Shocking Pink
Photo: Instagram.com/babskymakeup
A flash of hot pink eye shadow adds a fun touch to any look. Make sure it stays all night long with a thin layer of shadow primer, like Urban Decay’s classic Eyeshadow Primer Potion.
Kitten Wing
Photo: Instagram.com/emilychengmakeup
A dainty wing and wispy lashes are sometimes all you need to make a look pop. Try a liner with a tiny brush tip like Covergirl’s Perfect Point Plus for the most control.
Glossy Red
Photo: Instagram.com/babskymakeup
Yes, another red-lip option—it is Valentine’s Day, after all. This time, add a clear gloss on top of your favorite red for an eye-catching shine.
Bronze Smoke
Photo: Instagram.com/allanface
A simple bronze smoky eye never fails to make your date melt. Nabla’s Side to Side Palette has everything you need to re-create the look in minutes.
Lilac Haze
Photo: Instagram.com/melissa.hernandez
A soft wash of lilac shimmer is such a pretty twist on classic V-Day pink. Keep the rest of the face minimal for an ethereal vibe, or amp up the drama for something a little more fun.
Soft Smudge
Photo: Instagram.com/melissa.hernandez
Smoky, smudgy brown liner looks great on pretty much anyone. Keep the definition focused on your outer corners for that classic bedroom look.
Golden Pop
Photo: Instagram.com/melissa.hernandez
A pop of gold shimmer adds an almost tropical twist to pink and purple shadows. So pretty.
Golden Shimmer
Photo: Instagram.com/melissa.hernandez
Not one but two golden shades ensure all eyes will be on you.
Fresh-Faced Glow
Photo: Instagram.com/allanface
If your night consists of take-out and cuddling on the couch, we’ve got you covered. Give your natural look a little oomph with a sweep of brown shadow and mascara. As the pièce de résistance, tap a highlighter balm like Danessa Myrick’s Dew Wet Hydrating Balm for a just-woke-up-like-this glow.
Read Next: 7 Bombshell Red Lipsticks That Are Perfect for Valentine’s Day
Originally published on Glamour.com
