Romantic Valentine’s Day Makeup Ideas For The Beauty Lover | marie claire (2024)

There’s nothing better than feeling flirty and fabulous on Valentine’s Day, and an exciting part of the getting ready process is perfecting an ideal makeup look.

The question is – what vibe should you try out this year?

While you have endless creative license to do whatever makes you feel the most confident, popular Valentine’s Day looks online centre on highlighting your best features, embracing natural beauty, and opting for something that feels glowy, romantic and ‘you’.

This year, we’ve seen a lot of red on the runways, and it’s no surprise that influencers online are opting for red and pink looks on this most romantic of days.

Here are some ideas on how you can get the Valentine’s Day makeup look of your dreams.

Base

Your partner loves you for being you! When putting your base together for Valentine’s Day, opt for something lightweight that is going to show off your natural beauty. Whether there’s a few freckles peeking through or a bit of a natural blush, you’ll feel a million dollars in a radiant or satin finish foundation that is buildable where you need it but ultimately a thin formula.

This will also help you avoid creasing around the eyes – which is likely when you’re smiling all night.

Eyes

They say the eyes are the windows to the soul, so feel free to try a few different eyeshadow shapes to see what works for you. Perhaps you want to go for a sultry winged out shadow and liner, or a more doe eyed rounder blend with some white or skin-coloured liner in the waterline?

Either way, make sure you opt for a waterproof mascara or one you know won’t budge lest you be surprised by some sentimental tears!

Cheeks

We all love it when our partner makes us blush. Whether they’re telling a dirty joke or giving you a compliment that makes your ears burn, lean into this aesthetic by going a little more heavy-handed on the blush.

If you worry about looking too red, make sure to keep it up high on the cheekbones, which will also add some subtle definition.

Lips

Why not try out a lipliner for Valentine’s day, celebrating what Cupid gave us? Liner helps to define the cupid’s bow and accentuate the shape of your lips.

If you’re feeling like doing a ‘little’ overlining, try lining from the outside of your lips inwards, as opposed to the other way around. It generally will lead to a fuller line.

With those tips in mind, which products should you be leaning towards? We’ve picked out our favourites below.

The Best Valentine’s Day Makeup Products

Holme Beauty Base Primer, $65, Holme Beauty

This is a radiant primer that will make your skin look healthy and lively, and also keep your makeup in place throughout the evening.

Rose Inc Softlight Skin-Smoothing Liquid Foundation, $87, MECCA

Offering buildable coverage and a very thin formula, this foundation has a satin finish and feels like it’s barely there.

Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Contour Wand, $60, Charlotte Tilbury

Add a little shape to the face with this contour wand. It’s so easy to blend out and is great for beginners as it provides gentle definition.

Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush in Encourage, $41, Sephora

The GOAT of liquid blushes, it is very pigmented so start small and work your way up. This blush comes in so many colours but definitely try ‘Encourage’ if you’re looking for a romantic purple-hued pink.

Huda Beauty Nude Obsessions Eyeshadow Palette Medium 10g, $44, Adore Beauty

Use a buttery eyeshadow palette like this one to define the eye. You can even take the darker shades on a liner brush to create a gentle (and easy to achieve) wing. Be sure to add a little sparkle to the centre of your lid to draw their eyes to yours.

Milani Highly Rated Anti-Gravity Mascara 115 Intense Black, $24.99, Priceline

This mascara may be affordable but boy does it perform. It won’t budge but is still easy to remove at the end of the day and does a seriously good job at lengthening and thickening the lashes. A go-to no matter what the occasion.

Anastasia Beverly Hills BrowWiz, $32.80, Anastasia Beverly Hills

The eyebrows create the structure of the face, so feel free to gently define them with this easy to use eyebrow crayon.

Iconic London Highlighter, $63, Cult Beauty

Add a little highlighter to the top of the cheeks so that your wonderful natural bone structure catches the light. This one is very bright so start slow and build it up.

MAC Cosmetics Lip Pencil, $38, Adore Beauty

There’s nothing better than a lip liner to add definition, and this one from MAC is a trusty favourite for the ages.

Maybelline New York Lasting Fix Setting Spray, $18.99, Adore Beauty

A setting spray is essential if your significant other plans on leaning in for a kiss. This one from Maybelline will keep your carefully applied makeup on your face all night.

Maison Margiela On A Date, $215, MECCA

Fragrance is a key part of Valentine’s day beauty and this scent, of grapes and roses, is delicate, sensual and magnetic.

Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System, $395, MYER

There’s nothing quite like a romantic blow out to make it look like you just left the salon before your date. The Shark FlexStyle is a brilliant way to complete the look from home.