The most romantic day of the year is right around the corner! Whatever excitement awaits you, we want you to look your best. We’ve assembled fun beauty looks courtesy of some of our favorite celebs that will help you radiate confidence the year. Don’t be shy this Valentine’s Day, try out a new look to spice up your date night!
1. Anna Kendrick’s slicked-back ‘do
Everyone’s favorite crooner, Anna Kendrick, showed up to the premiere of her latest flick Into the Woods with a super sophisticated hairdo. Pin-straight locks are a chic alternative to the round brush curls or big waves that are a little too… typical. Part your hair down the middle and gently blow dry it back. Use a lightweight pomade like Healthy Sexy Hair Soy Paste ($17.95) to achieve the slicked-back look. Rub the gel between your fingers and gently apply to your hair a little at a time. Sweep your hair back with a smoothing brush and you’re done!
2. Amal Clooney’s classy lip
Amal Clooney shows us that nothing quite beats a classic red lip. The trick to long lasting lip wear? Exfoliate first, and shape using lip liner. Use Elf Lip Exfoliator ($3) to prep lips and make them super smooth. Mac Ruby Woo ($16) is perhaps the most infamous red lipstick, but whichever shade you choose is up to you! The Body Shop Lip Liner in Beech ($10.50) is a perfect complement to your luxe red lip. And it will help define lips and keep color in place!
3. Lupita Nyong’o’s purple lips
Lupita rocked a purple eyeshadow look at the Golden Globes, purple hair at the Met Gala and now she’s also sported purple lips—proving that classic red isn’t the only way to go! The 12 Years a Slave actress proved she can do no wrong when she debuted this daring berry lip, which works beautifully with her skintone. There are, suprisingly, a ton of options when it comes to doing a purple lip. You can choose a muted berry shade like ULTA Matte Lipstick in Basically Berry ($8), or a vivid violet like MAC Cosmetics in Violetta ($16). Plus, purple lipstick is so versatile, it literally works with every skintone (seriously, we dare you to try it).
4. Katy Perry’s lush lashes
One thing we noticed something about the “Dark Horse” singer’s beauty arsenal: Her lashes are always on point. There are a few ways you can achieve big, bold lashes. Mascara and an eyelash curler are the obvious choices. But, if you want more drama, falsies are a no-fail way to amp that flutter up. Ardell Natural Lashes ($2.99) are lightweight and resuable. They come pre-curled and are natural looking so you can even wear them everyday.
5. Kylie Jenner’s contour
Sure, Kylie Jenner might be known for her voluptuous lips, but we think her contoured cheeks are just as gorgeous! According to Anastasia Soare, the starlet swears by her Anastasia Beverly Hills Contour Kit ($40). Define and sculpt your features with the shade that best suits your skin tone, then highlight the tops of your cheekbones and brow bones. Remember that bronzer should go where shadows naturally fall on your face and highlighter goes where light naturally hits your face. With a little practice, you’ll be looking like the sixth Kardashian sister in no time.
6. Emma Stone’s smoky eye
Emma Stone’s smoky cat eye, similar to the smudged eyeliner look she wore in Birdman, is sexy and modern. Use a creamy eyeshadow base, like MAC Cosmetics Eye Shadow in Print ($16) and an angled brush like Bobbi Brown Angle Eyeshadow Brush ($30). Apply to eyelids and extend out past corner of eye. Use the angle of the brush to create a cat eye shape. Highlight at the eye crease and on your eyebrow bone to make your shadow pop. Keep the rest of your look fresh and simple so your dramatic eye look will blow your date away!
7. Christina Hendricks’ glowing skin
We think the Mad Men actress looks nothing but gorgeous every time she steps on the red carpet. One aspect of her red carpet beauty look is glowing skin. According to Hendricks’ makeup artist Vanessa Scali, Makeup For Ever HD Blush ($26) is one of the the star’s must-haves. The creamy formula blends smoothly onto skin, giving you a youthful glow. Apply with a fluffy brush on the apples of your cheeks. Your skin will thank you!
Which look will you be drawing inspiration from this Valentine’s Day?