Whether you’re staying in with your boo, partying with your girls or testing the waters with someone new, this romantic holiday is the perfect excuse to add a little oomph to your routine. Just remember, no matter your romantic situation, wear something that makes you feel pretty, smile and love yourself.
FOR THE LONG-TERM LOVE
It’s no secret that our partners typically love us in our most natural state, but of course, we will take any excuse we can to get dolled up these days. For this look, let’s keep things soft and glowy with a pop of pink.
For a natural, satin complexion with decently full coverage, I have been enjoying Anastasia Beverly Hills Luminous Foundation (sephora.com, $28). Blend a soft, neutral brown shadow into the crease of your eye, and swipe a nude, sparkly shade across your lid. Load up your lashes generously with a couple of coats of your favorite mascara. I have recently loved layering two to three different mascaras for a long, voluminous and multi-dimensional lash look.
For the kicker, we’re going with hot-pink lips. A few great ones, depending on your skin tone are “Candy Yum Yum,” “Girl About Town” and “Flat Out Fabulous,” all from MAC Cosmetics (maccosmetics. com, $19).
FOR THE DATING APP DATE
When meeting someone new, we want to put our best foot forward while still looking like ourselves. This is where the signature “soft glam” look comes in.
Keeping up with the soft, romantic hues, we’re going to use soft pinks and mauves for this one, which luckily compliment every eye color. Wash a sparkly pink or champagne tone across your entire lid while concentrating a plummy mauve in the outer corners of your eye.
For a sultry look, you can tightline your eyes (the technique of drawing eyeliner inside the lash line, on the waterline) using a black, brown or eggplant-colored liner. Throw on a wispy pair of lashes, and finish this look off with some monochromatic soft pink blush and lips.
Don’t forget to add gloss for a flirty finish! My favorite lately has been BUXOM Full-On Plumping Lip Polish in “White Russian,” but there are dozens of shades to choose from! (ulta.com, $21)
FOR THE GALENTINE’S GIRLS
Two words for when you’re hanging out with the girls: Go bold! Smoke out that eyeshadow. Try that new pair of false lashes. and put on that red lipstick — maybe even all three at once. My favorite pair of just-enough-while-still-making-a-statement lashes has been the Miami Flare lashes from Lilly Lashes (sephora.com, $30) I get so many compliments when wearing these, and I have reused them upwards of 20 times.
It’s good to invest in a good liquid lipstick so you can focus more on enjoying yourself than touching up. My recommendation is Stila Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in “Beso,” a true red. This also comes in a shimmer formula, if you’re feeling extra daring. (ulta.com, $22).
Crissy Cox is a freelance makeup artist on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, specializing in on-location wedding and special event makeup. Contact her or learn more at facebook.com/CrissyCoxMUA.