Whether you’re celebrating Valentines with bae or Galentines with your girls, February the 14th is the perfect excuse to be that little bit extra.
The Free Agent: Single? Celebrate it with your girls and rock a look you don’t need to worry about your boyfriend smudging within two minutes. Pull out your boldest lipstick (MAC’s Russian Red is calling your name) and experiment with your eye make-up. Think red, mauve tones, easily achievable with Anastasia Beverly Hill’s Modern Renaissance, or the more affordable Make-up Revolution’s Re-Loaded Palette in Newtrals 2. If you plan on getting your make-up smudged- NYX’s Professional Make-up Setting Spray is an essential, as well as a sultry nude lip topped with gloss (a red lip done wrong might have you looking like Heath Ledger’s Joker – not what we are aiming for here).
The Foodie: A date involving food poses two obvious risks: one, getting it all down your top, and two, your lipstick wearing away and leaving an unflattering 90’s reminiscent lip liner rim around your mouth (choking also perhaps deserves an honourable mention). To prevent this I’d recommend wearing something black, unless you’re considerably less accident prone than I am, and wearing a liquid lipstick. Liquid lipsticks tend to be more durable than your average lipstick. Kat Von D, Revlon and NYX all do excellent liquid lipsticks. Or you could, you know, relinquish your lipstick for some lip balm. Shock horror.
Image Credit: @strashme (Instagram)
The Cool Girl: Emily Ratajkowski channels Valentine vibes with her bold red look- which is surprisingly easy to achieve. Take a red shade from any one of your palettes and sweep it across your crease with a fluffy brush. With a flat brush, pack a darker red, or experiment with plummy shades, on your lid. Keep your base make-up as simple as you’d like, and I would suggest a nude lip that won’t detract from your striking look. Emily’s brown eyes look especially dreamy from this complimentary look, and false lashes aren’t necessary – just a few lashings of mascara, and you’re good to go.
The Natural Beauty: For a more natural Valentine’s look, I would recommend staying away from powder products and keeping your eyes simple. Iconic London’s highlighting drops on the high points of your face will have you glowing without your skin looking cakey, and a glossy lip (I’m partial to NYX’S butter glosses) will tie your look together. Skin should be your focus, and Ardell’s fluttery Demi Wispies are all you need for your eyes. If you’d rather forgo make-up and focus on your hair, then loose waves are easily achievable with a large-barelled curling wand and are always a winner.
The Art Chick: Graphic liner is having a moment right now and this is your time to shine my young Picasso. NYX’s Professional Vivid Bright’s Eyeliner will allow you to create art on your eyelids, such as pink hearts like Instagram user @strashme. Also seen on Instagram are some bold blusher looks- instead of applying the normal sheen to your cheekbones, some Instagram users are opting for a heart shape, as seen on user @DIADEMEE_99.
The Stay In: Admittedly, this will probably be me February 14th. My look will consist of Glamglow’s Gravity Mud Firming Treatment, which is the most extra skin care product I have ever bought. Its metallic silver colour makes it the coolest facemask around, and it will leave your skin soft and glowing, as will their new Glitter Mask version. While it is expensive at £42.00, you can try a mini for £7.00, which contains a considerable 15g of product. To finish this look, pair your shiny facemask with your dressing gown and slippers. I’d also recommend ordering a pizza- the ultimate edible accessory. Don’t forget to live your best life this Valentines, and remember to love yourself before anyone else.