No matter what you’re planning on doing this Valentine’s Day—whether that’s spending time with your significant other, gathering with a group of friends, or taking a night to relax solo—it’s always fun to match your makeup to your mood. For us, come February 14, that mood ranges from romantic to whimsical, playful to sultry, and minimalist to maximalist (or some combination of those). Clearly, there is no limit to the looks that we can create, and because of this, we’re in need of some direction.
Who better to look to for said direction than celebrities? With ever-changing aesthetics (not to mention access to the best in the business, aka expert-level makeup artists), they’re one of our top resources for gathering makeup inspiration—especially when it comes to a themed holiday. From classic red lipstick to shimmering pink eye shadow and beyond, keep scrolling to see our 15 favorite celebrity makeup looks that are sure to inspire your own this Valentine’s Day.
Let’s start with the most classic look of all—red lipstick and winged liner à la Megan Fox. This is a classic for a reason. It fits every season and situation and also happens to be universally flattering. To replicate this look, reach for a vibrant cherry red shade of velvety lipstick.
Celebrity makeup artist Patrick Ta is behind Gigi Hadid’s stunning pink makeup look. It’s pretty much the ultimate Valentine’s Day aesthetic. Every aspect, from the shimmering pink eye shadow to the soft lip color, comes together to create a romantic look.
Jodie Turner-Smith makes a case for monochrome makeup come February 14. Sure, it looks soft, cohesive, and generally stunning, but it’s also incredibly easy to replicate. All you need is a multitasking makeup product to use on your eyes, lips, and cheeks. It’s so simple.
We love the combination of a bold berry lip with minimal makeup elsewhere. It looks so effortless yet elevated. Bonus points if you use a brush to blend the color at the perimeter of the lip for a blurred effect like the one Patrick Ta did for Alexandra Daddario.
Celebrity makeup artist Hung Vanngo created this monochrome look for Adria Arjona. While red-orange colors and terra-cotta tones might not be the obvious choice for Valentine’s Day, there’s something so warm and romantic about them—especially when paired with brushed-up brows and a lit-from-within highlight on the inner corner of the eyes and the cheekbone.
For more proof that orange shades are in, just look to Vanessa Hudgens. Again, it’s not a very traditional take on the pink-and-red theme of Valentine’s Day, but we’re all about it. It’s less literal yet just as pretty. Could orange be the new pink?
First popularized in the ’70s, draped blush has made a huge comeback. We’re happy it did since it’s so easy to do and instantly makes the complexion look fresh, bright, and youthful. Do as Candice Swanepoel did, and swipe a petal-pink color all over the cheekbone and up into the hairline for a dramatic, yet whimsical effect.
Another celeb, another monochrome makeup look. This time, it’s Cara Delevingne. Her makeup artist, Hung Vanngo, created the most natural flush of color on her cheeks, eyes, and lips. It’s stunning. We love the juxtaposition of soft makeup with bold brows.
Laura Harrier is proof that you don’t need to go all out on Valentine’s Day to get a romantic, elegant look. Opt for a softly sculpted look by using the right, ultra-blendable contour stick.
Metallic eye shadow is so sultry, especially if it’s in a deep shade of gray. And while gray and black can be intimidating colors to use, there’s nothing better for adding definition to the eyes.
Another look by Patrick Ta, this one is all about the lips. Again, we like how he kept the lips as the focal point, opting for soft yet structural details elsewhere. The actual lipstick he used was Patrick Ta Beauty Major Beauty Headlines Matte Suede Lipstick ($32), but the exact color, She’s Hard to Get, is out of stock. Until it’s back, we have a suggestion for a similar shade.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley is a master of romantic makeup. She can even make sharp winged liner appear soft. Do as she did, and pair yours with a wash of blush and a subtle berry lipstick.
If you want definition but you’re not a fan of bold makeup, try a subtle smoky eye. It might sound like an oxymoron, but it’s possible. Just look to Gemma Chan. We love how her eye shadow is blended up and out for a soft effect that complements her eye shape.
So-called “siren eyes” were one of TikTok’s favorite makeup trends this year, and they show no sign of stopping, especially if celebs like Zoë Kravitz are any indication. We totally see why they’re so popular. They give us a bold, sultry, and defined gaze. The best part is if you use the right eyeliner, this trend is actually quite easy to replicate.
If minimalist makeup isn’t your thing, we got you. Take heed from Dua Lipa, who makes a case for fully embracing the literal interpretation of Valentine’s Day makeup with glitter hearts atop a wash of shimmery eye shadow. It’s peak maximalism, and we’re here for it.
