I know Valentine’s Day is technically just one day, but all February long, my calendar is full of celebrations—and I’m not complaining. This year, I have a mix of Galentine’s Day parties, a date night with my partner, and a few work dinners, which means there are plenty of opportunities to experiment with festive makeup. As you can tell, I’m big on cherishing my relationships and friendships, and there’s nothing better than leaning into some romance-inspired glam while doing so.
And since V-Day is the perfect time of year to lean into a fun and flirty beauty look, I’ve been collecting makeup inspiration accordingly. I turned to the best makeup artists and some of my favorite celebrity beauty muses to find the best Valentine’s Day makeup ideas. For date night, I’m thinking a bold red lip. For a chill Galentine’s hangout, I’m leaning towards something simple and skin-forward. And beyond that, there’s so much room to experiment—especially with on-theme pink and red shadows, blushes, and lip moments.
So whether you’re planning a night in with friends, a date night, or something in between, these are the best makeup looks worth trying this Valentine’s Day.
A red lip
@lacyredway
@kendalljenner
When it comes to makeup, nothing screams Valentine’s Day quite like a red lip. You can go for a classic bright red, or opt for more of a burgundy shade for a moody vibe. Need some help finding the perfect hue? Check out some of our favorite red lipsticks here.
A sultry eye
@Kyliejenner
@arianagreenblatt
Smoky lids and winged liners are a go-to when you want evening-ready glam. A smoldering shadow or a sharp winged liner (or both) instantly adds depth and creates a dramatic eye moment—perfect for alluring.
Bold blush
@cgonzalezbeauty
@olandria
I’m always a proponent of layering on blush, and a rosy red or baby pink cheek feels especially right for February. Olandria and Sabrina are two of our top references when it comes to blush, and we love blending it up towards the temples for a lifted effect.
A colorful lid
@ninapark
@jimmystam
A colorful lid, whether a soft pastel effect or a glittery finish, feels made for nights out and Galentine’s parties, adding a playful, party-ready touch to any look. And make sure to add it to the under-eye to really make the eyes stand out.
Pops of pink
@deemakeupart
@makeupbyariel
A matching pink blush and lip for a monochromatic moment is giving all the cutest playful vibes for V-Day. The K-beauty–inspired under-eye blush placement adds a flirty touch, creating a bright and soft-focused skin finish.
Skinimalist makeup
@ninapark
@haileybieber
Skinimalist makeup is all about letting your natural skin shine through, with just enough product to enhance your features and add subtle radiance. This photo of Zoë Kravitz and her glow has been living rent-free in my mind for weeks, and I’m going to do my best to replicate the chic look next week.
Jasmine Hyman is the Assistant Beauty Editor at Cosmopolitan, where she writes about the latest beauty trends and must-have products. Her most prized beauty possessions are a meticulous skincare routine and salon blowouts. You’ll also likely find her in bed reading a good book or endlessly scrolling TikTok (spoiler: it’s usually the latter) while listening to Harry Styles’ entire discography on repeat. Follow her on Insta to be inundated with pictures of her meals.
