Valentine’s Day is just on the horizon. Whether you're planning a romantic date night, an outing with your gal pals, or a special evening for one, a Valentine's Day–inspired makeup look is a must. Getting dressed up to celebrate is an instant mood booster, so to help you get inspired, we asked makeup artist Jordan Elias Sawyer to provide simple step-by-step tips to achieve makeup looks that will be perfect for this holiday. Trust us when we say there's a look for everyone, from neutral glam options to bright and colorful looks. And of course, it isn't Valentine's Day without at least one (or two) red lip options, right? And don't forget to get festive with your nails, too. Whatever you choose, you're sure to fall in love with these celeb-approved looks. Keep scrolling for major inspiration.
1
Play Up Your Lashes
Jennifer Lopez's full glam look is all about the eyes, says Sawyer. Start by applying a dark liner like MAC Eye Kohl in Smolder and then use a bronzer (Sawyer loves this one from Nars) to create that warm, rich smoky eye. With regards to the lashes, Sawyer recommends putting on a coat of mascara before applying your falsies to avoid product buildup. The Ardell Seamless Underlash Extension kit adds natural but noticeable volume.
2
Bronzed Glow
Cookbook author Chrissy Teigen has mastered the "just got back from a beach vacation" makeup look, and it's perfect for V-Day. According to Sawyer, the Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit is perfect for recreating this bronzed glow. Use the bronzer in the contour kit on top of your cheekbones and on your forehead for sun-kissed warmth.
3
Romantic Eyeshadow
This diffused eyeshadow technique seen on Tracee Ellis Ross is trending, says Sawyer. To achieve Ross's perfect pink look, choose an eyeshadow in a vibrant rose and pack the color onto your eyelid before blending upward and out—creating a gradient fade of color. Pair it with your favorite shade of red lipstick to create that gorgeous pink-red combo.
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4
Monochromatic Glam
If you're looking for an extra bit of drama, try this look from the beauty queen Rihanna herself. For the eyes, use Fenty Beauty Snap Eyeshadow Palette #3, and for the deep purple lips, try KVD Beauty Everlasting Hyperlight Liquid Lipstick in Dark Wisteria.
5
Classic Hollywood
A classic red lip never fails on any holiday or occasion. Swipe on your favorite lipstick (we like Makeup by Mario SuperSatin Lipstick in Tribeca) for a perfect look that works on any skin tone, says Sawyer.
6
Ombré Eyes
If you're looking to up your eyeshadow game, try this gradient option. When creating this effect, Sawyer's advice is "choose colors that complement one another but contrast your eyes to make them stand out." They recommend a Melt Cosmetics makeup palette for its vibrant shades and outstanding pigment payoff.
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7
Dewy Skin and Red Lip
Zoe Kravitz's natural, dewy look with a bold pop of color is a favorite of Sawyer's. Opt for a light-coverage foundation like Saie Slip Tint Dewy Tinted Moisturizer as the base to let your natural skin shine through. For the lips, Sawyer recommends MAC lipstick in shade Lady Danger to achieve that stunning warm red.
8
Roaring '20s
This retro look from star Constance Wu is all about the sharp Cupid's bow, dark lipstick, and smoky eye. "Start small when doing a smoky eye," recommends Sawyer. "Using a fluffy blush, blend the color up first, and then out." For that dark plum lip look, try Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick in Believer, but be sure to use a small brush for maximum control and precision.
9
Shimmery Nude
To get Beyoncé's flawless skin, Sawyer recommends Uoma Beauty Say What?! Foundation, which is a soft matte that does a great job of looking natural while still providing coverage. For those shimmery eyes, try Charlotte Tilbury Luxury Eyeshadow Palette. And, pro tip: Don't be afraid to place the eyeshadow on the inner corners of your eyes (like Beyoncé did) to add a really beautiful highlight.
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10
Angelic Eye Glitter
For the skincare queen who loves rocking a bare face, Saoirse Ronan offers the perfect Valentine's Day makeup inspiration. Sawyer recommends patting on the Urban Decay glitter eyeliner and using your fingers to spread it out before it dries to achieve Ronan's subtle but glitzy look. Then gently apply a pink lip and buff it out to get that perfect popsicle-stained look. We like Benefit Cosmetics Liquid Lip Blush & Cheek Tint for this step. You can keep the complexion bare or add a BB cream.
11
A Bit of Gloss
A matte powder is a must-have to achieve this perfected look from former First Lady Michelle Obama, says Sawyer. Try using the Danessa Myricks Yummy Skin Blurring Balm Powder. For that subtle flush of color on the lips, Sawyer likes to use a lip liner to gently fill in, and then adds a gloss. Buxom Collagen Infused Lip Serum adds a beautiful shine and subtle color to your lips.
12
Sparkling Silver Eyes
Look no further than actress Joey King for an example of modern, bold glam. "If you have blue eyes, then silver eyeshadows should be your best friend," Sawyer says. To get this beautifully icy look, it's best to keep everything else neutral, and use a showstopper sparkle for the eyes, like Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow.
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13
Lilac Lids
Because monochromatic is the name of the game here, you only need a handful of products to achieve Awkwafina's Valentine's Day–ready look. Use a cream or powder blush as your eyeshadow and on your cheeks. You can even use a lipstick as a cream blush, lipstick, and shadow, says Sawyer.
14
Glitter All Day
Gabrielle Union nailed the glitter makeup look. For maximum staying power, Sawyer recommends packing the glitter on with your finger or a dense eyeshadow brush for the best payoff. Danessa Myricks Colorfix Eye, Cheek & Lip Cream Pigment is the perfect product for this look because it's bright and shimmery and doesn't create any fallout.
15
Pretty in Pink
The eyes are "the statement piece" of this alluring look from Priyanka Chopra, says Sawyer, who recommends using the Anastasia Eye Palette in Modern Renaissance (an oldie but a goodie) to achieve Chopra's smoky eye with the pop of pink. Make sure to press in the eyeshadow color for maximum pigment―don't sweep or buff!
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16
Colorful Eyeliner
Not a fan of eyeshadow? Oscar-winning actress Lupita Nyong'o shows off an easy way to play up the eyes by using colorful eyeliner to add a narrow pop of blue to the lower lash line. To really lean into this beauty motif, try pairing it with a matching colored mascara, like the L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Original Mascara in Colbalt Blue.
Monica Chon
Monica Chon is the former editorial fellow at Oprah Daily, previously OprahMag.com.
Insights, advice, suggestions, feedback and comments from experts
As a makeup enthusiast and expert, I have extensive knowledge and first-hand experience in creating stunning makeup looks for various occasions. I have spent countless hours studying and practicing different techniques to ensure that I can provide the best advice and guidance to others.
Valentine's Day is just around the corner, and it's the perfect opportunity to embrace your creativity and enhance your natural beauty with a Valentine's Day-inspired makeup look. Whether you're planning a romantic date night, spending time with your friends, or enjoying a special evening alone, a well-executed makeup look can elevate your mood and make you feel confident and beautiful.
To help you get inspired, I have gathered some simple step-by-step tips from makeup artist Jordan Elias Sawyer. These tips cover a wide range of makeup looks, from neutral glam options to bright and colorful looks. There is truly something for everyone.
One of the key elements of a Valentine's Day makeup look is emphasizing your lashes. Jennifer Lopez's full glam look, for example, focuses on the eyes. Start by applying a dark liner and then create a warm, rich smoky eye using a bronzer. To enhance your lashes, apply mascara before adding falsies for natural-looking volume.
If you're looking for a bronzed glow, take inspiration from cookbook author Chrissy Teigen. Use a contour kit with a bronzer to achieve a sun-kissed warmth on your cheeks and forehead.
For a romantic eyeshadow look, follow the diffused eyeshadow technique seen on Tracee Ellis Ross. Choose a vibrant rose eyeshadow and pack the color onto your eyelid before blending upward and out to create a gradient fade. Pair it with a red lipstick for a gorgeous pink-red combo.
If you're in the mood for drama, try the monochromatic glam look inspired by Rihanna. Use a vibrant eyeshadow palette for your eyes and opt for a deep purple lip color for a bold statement.
A classic red lip is always a winner, and it works well for any skin tone. Consider using a SuperSatin Lipstick for a perfect look that never fails.
For those looking to up their eyeshadow game, try the ombre eyes look. Choose colors that complement each other and contrast your eyes to make them stand out. Melt Cosmetics offers a makeup palette with vibrant shades and excellent pigment payoff.
If you prefer a natural, dewy look, take inspiration from Zoe Kravitz. Opt for a light-coverage foundation to let your natural skin shine through and add a bold pop of color to your lips with a warm red lipstick.
For a retro-inspired look, follow Constance Wu's sharp Cupid's bow, dark lipstick, and smoky eye. Start small when doing a smoky eye and blend the color up first, and then out. Use a small brush for maximum control and precision when applying a dark plum lip color.
To achieve Beyoncé's flawless skin, use a foundation that provides coverage while still looking natural. For shimmery eyes, try a luxury eyeshadow palette and don't be afraid to place the eyeshadow on the inner corners of your eyes for a beautiful highlight.
For a subtle but glitzy look, take inspiration from Saoirse Ronan. Pat on glitter eyeliner and spread it out before it dries for a glamorous touch. Apply a pink lip color and buff it out for a popsicle-stained look.
Former First Lady Michelle Obama's look is all about a matte powder for a perfected finish. Use a lip liner to add a subtle flush of color to your lips and top it off with a glossy finish.
For a modern, bold glam look, try actress Joey King's sparkling silver eyes. Keep everything else neutral and use a showstopper sparkle for your eyes.
For a monochromatic look, use a cream or powder blush as your eyeshadow and on your cheeks. You can even use a lipstick as a cream blush, lipstick, and shadow.
If you love glitter, take inspiration from Gabrielle Union. Pack on the glitter with your finger or a dense eyeshadow brush for maximum staying power. Use a bright and shimmery cream pigment for a vibrant look.
For an alluring look, follow Priyanka Chopra's statement smoky eye with a pop of pink. Press in the eyeshadow color for maximum pigment.
If you're not a fan of eyeshadow, take a cue from Lupita Nyong'o and use colorful eyeliner to add a narrow pop of blue to your lower lash line. Pair it with a matching colored mascara for a cohesive look.
These are just a few examples of the stunning makeup looks you can create for Valentine's Day. Remember to choose a look that resonates with your personal style and makes you feel confident and beautiful. Experiment with different products and techniques to find what works best for you. Enjoy the process of creating your Valentine's Day-inspired makeup look and have fun celebrating this special day.
