Valentine’s Day is the perfect time of year to lean into a fun and flirty beauty look – and  there’s no better excuse to embrace romance-inspired glam while you’re at it. Whether you’re planning a night with the girls, a date night, or spending it together with friends, these are the makeup looks worth trying this Valentine’s Day.

The Red Lip

Few beauty looks feel as timeless, or as fitting for Valentine’s Day, as a red lip. Whether you’re channelling Old Hollywood glamour or keeping it modern and minimal, it’s a clean, classic statement. Think Elsa Hosk: a saturated red lip paired with barely-there eye makeup that lets the colour do all the talking.

Finding the right red can feel overwhelming, but it’s less about trends and more about undertones. A true red isn’t one-size-fits-all. Warmer complexions tend to suit orange-based reds, while cooler undertones are complemented by blue-based hues. Once you find your perfect match, it becomes a forever staple.

Some 2026 favourite picks include Prada Beauty Monochrome Soft Matte, popular for its texture, which looks more like a lip stain than a typical lipstick. Also, Rouge Hermès Matte.  

Our picks:

• Matte Revolution lipstick in Red Carpet Red, Charlotte Tilbury
• 509 Rosso Ancora Rouge A Lèvres Matte Lipstick, Gucci Beauty
• Prada Beauty Monochrome Soft Matte, Prada
• Rouge Hermès Matte, Hermes

Pink Shimmer

A soft pink shimmer delivers that subtle, romantic glow synonymous with Valentine’s makeup. The key is balance; lean too far into bright pink, and the look can feel too playful rather than alluring.

Pair pastel tones with rosy reds and baby pinks for a fresh, flushed effect. Blending blush slightly higher toward the temples adds lift and dimension. Finish with a touch of highlighter on the cheekbones and keep the lips softly muted with a liner that defines without overpowering.

Our Picks:

• Beauty Light Wand, Charlotte Tilbury
• Backstage rosy glow , Dior
• Blush de Beaute, Gucci
• Loveshine Candy Glow, YSL

The Smoky Eye

A smoky eye and winged liner remain go-to choices for date-night drama. A softly smudged lid or sharp flick adds just enough intensity without feeling heavy, while still creating a striking, confident finish.

To master winged liner, start with a well-primed lid and decide on the angle before committing. Follow the natural line of your lower lashes upward for the cleanest result.

For eyeshadow, warm browns, bronzes, and muted plums create depth and complement a nude or soft-rose lip beautifully.

Our Picks

• Eye Colour Quad in "Black Tie”, Tom Ford
• Le 9 De Givenchy, Givenchy
• Diorshow Liquid Liner, Dior
• The Luxury Palette, Charlotte Tilbury

Soft Glam

The “no-makeup makeup” look may sound simple, but when done well, it’s one of the most versatile Valentine’s Day options. The goal is polished, diffused textures with no harsh lines, skin that looks naturally radiant, almost filter-like.

Start with well-prepped skin and lightweight moisturiser. Choose a sheer, skin-like foundation applied sparingly. Keep eyes in a neutral palette of warm beiges, chocolate browns, taupes, and soft mauves. Finish with subtle bronzer, lengthening mascara, and a muted peach or nude lip to tie everything together.

Our picks

• Stroll In The Desert Eyeshadow Palette, Asteri
• Dior Addict, shine Lipstick
• Extended play gigablack mascara, MAC