I have an addiction: GRWM vlogs. (That’s ‘Get Ready With Me’ videos, for those who haven’t fallen down the social media rabbit hole.) Yes, I love the house tours and I’m obsessed with the morning routines. But there’s nothing like an in-depth makeup or skincare tutorial. From celebrity rituals filled with super-luxe products to relatable influencer routines—I love them all. They’re perfect for those mornings when I’m craving a look that’s a little outside of my everyday vibe. Or, of course, when a special occasion calls for a little extra effort. And while it can be intimidating to try something new, your Valentine’s Day makeup look is the perfect opportunity to shake things up a bit.
Featured image of Babba Rivera by Belathée Photography.
How to Find Your Valentine’s Day Makeup Look
Valentine’s Day can be a divisive holiday. Whether we’re partnered or not, each of us is confronted with the impossible task of living up to the expectations of the day. But I’ve found that it’s not about what you do. Instead, the most fulfilling experiences come from taking it less seriously and embracing playfulness. Bonus: Having a little fun with your Valentine’s Day makeup look can be a confidence booster that will carry you through the day.
What better time to put yourself out there than Valentine’s Day? There’s endless creativity and fun to be had by expressing yourself through your makeup (that’s the fun of it, right?). Makeup can—and should be—empowering. And spicing up your repertoire can help make Valentine’s Day interesting again, no matter your plans.
Whether you’re opting for a classic date night, going out for Galentine’s, or experimenting with an evening a bit outside of the norm, now’s the time to have a little fun. But if your Pinterest board isn’t inspiration enough, I guarantee you’ll find your perfect Valentine’s Day makeup looks for every person and every occasion.
The Classic Date Night
When it comes to Valentine’s Day vibes, the classic aesthetic is always a go-to. Dive into date night by embracing the archetypal romantic look. Enhance your natural features with neutral hues and light-reflecting highlights. Don’t forget a bold, red lip for a pop of color.
RMS Beauty ReDimension Hydra Powder Blush
Rouge Dior Forever Liquid Transfer Proof Lipstick
Full Glam
Go big—even if you’re staying at home. Pull out all the glitz and glam you have hiding in the back of your makeup drawer. If this isn’t a special occasion, what is? For this look, pick one area to emphasize. Then, go full-tilt with metallics and dramatic colors.
Anastasia Beverly Hills Soft Glam II Eyeshadow Palette
Westman Atelier Super Loaded Tinted Highlight
MERIT Bronze Balm Sheer Sculpting Bronzer
The Clean Look, Updated for 2023
Last year’s buzzy beauty look was a dewy take on the no-makeup-makeup trend. This year, let the clean look work for you by opting for luminous products that emphasize your natural glow. This simple look is a statement of its own. The romance of the glossy, glazed aesthetic is the makeup equivalent of a silky slip-dress—understated but sexy.
Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Illuminating Primer
KOSAS Super Creamy + Brightening Concealer
Benefit Cosmetics Fluff Up Brow Flexible Brow-Texturizing Wax
Dark and Stormy
For all the fuss in the zeitgeist about no-makeup makeup (see above), Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to bring back the smoky eye. Overline your eyes, try a darker lip, and choose dramatic colors to really lean into the stormy, sexy look.
Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette
Rouge Essentiel Silky Crème Lipstick
Fenty Beauty Gloss Bomb Universal Lip Luminizer
Galentine’s Glam
There’s no such thing as doing too much when you’re with your inner circle. Go all out on the reds and pinks. The more impractical, the better!
Kulfi Mehndi Moment Long-Lasting Radiant Cream Blush
Stay Golden Cosmetics Glitter Lip Kit
Bonus: Elevated Fragrances Your Main Squeeze (and You!) Will Love
Top off your look with a fragrance to match your V-Day vibe. While there’s always a reason to smell good (I’d call it an aesthetic as necessary as your go-to moisturizer), there’s no occasion more apt than February 14.
By Rosie Jane Dulce Eau De Parfum
19-69 Rainbow Bar Eau de Parfum
Bon Parfumeur 101 Rose, Sweet Pea u0026 White Cedar Eau de Parfum
Lake u0026 Skye Canyon Rose Eau De Parfum
OUAI Melrose Place Eau De Parfum
Every product is curated with care by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a small commission at no cost to you.
