Valentine's Day. Whether you lap up the love or consider it a cringe-worthy, Hallmark holiday, I think it's always a nice excuse to celebrate relationships with anyone you care for, not just your partner. If you're single, then getting glammed up and heading for a night out with friends is always a winner and, if you're loved up, it's always nice to make a bit of an extra effort with your makeup, whether you're Netflix & chillin' or going for a fancy, romantic dinner. Last year, I wore quite a neutral makeup look and opted for a bold lip, but this year I wanted to make the eyes the main feature and create something a bit more daring, colour-wise.
To help my base look flawless and last all night long, I started with my beloved Soap & Glory One Heck Of A Blot Primer. Although the formula is silicone-based and completely smoothes out the skin, it feels hydrating and doesn't leave a heavy, sticky layer behind. For a little luxury and to really make myself feel great, I decided to use my Chanel Perfection Lumiere Foundation. This base is so liquid and light that it buffs into the skin so perfectly, creating an even-toned, natural satin finish. To brighten and add a fresh glow, I blended a tiny dot of the Clarins Instant Concealer in the v-shape under my eyes and along the top of the cheeks. On any areas of redness and in the very corners of my eyes, I applied a little of the Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer. Providing amazing coverage and photographing beautifully, this concealer is one of my favourites for special occasions. To set everything in place without taking the radiance away completely, I dusted a little of the Hourglass Dim Light Powder from the Ambient Lighting Palette all over, mainly focusing on where I'd applied concealer. These powders make the complexion look so healthy and lit from within, without leaving a chalky texture on the skin.
Warming up the complexion slightly, I used my current favourite bronzer, the Loreal Glam Bronze Bronzer. This formula blends so evenly, giving the skin such a gorgeous, smooth colour, without turning muddy or going patchy. As it's matte, you can use it to add definition, too. As I wanted more of a dramatic contour, I swept some of the sculpt shade from the Sunkissed Sculpt & Glow* under my cheekbones and used the highlight on top. An affordable dupe for the Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow, this is a lovely duo, but the pigmentation isn't quite as strong and the formula isn't as soft. But, it costs a fraction of the price and is great for anyone just starting to experiment with contouring. To amp up the glow even further, I layered up my highlights and used the Autograph Pure Luxe Highlighting Powder in Golden Rose on any high-points of my face. This powder is so finely-milled and buttery smooth that it genuinely feels like a cream product and the rose gold shade is every bloggers dream! To keep with the pinky-purple tones that I'd planned for my eyes, I chose Benefit's Rockateur for blush. Just using a small amount perks up the cheeks and gives a believable flush that isn't too overpowering.
Keeping the brows simple, I stuck with my Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz and brushed through them generously, to avoid an obviously drawn-on finish. As the nib is so fine, you can easily recreate the look of individual brow hairs. On my eyes, I first used the Nars Velvet Shadow Stick in Goddess as a primer. This shimmery, pink champagne shade is gorgeous worn alone, but the cream texture and light colour make it the perfect base to intensify powder shadows. Applying my transitional shade first, to make blending easier later on, I used MAC Wedge, a warm, matte mid-toned brown. My favourite part of the makeup look has to be the Kiko Water Eyeshadows in 203 & 205. Although you can use these eyeshadows wet to power-up the pigment, I didn't want the colours to be too vibrant for a date night. On the inner and outer thirds of my eyes, I applied the brighter, plum/raspberry tone (203), keeping the center of my lid free from colour. Then I added some of the darker, blackened-purple shade (205) on the outer corner and flitted between building up the colour and blending, until I was happy with the look. Underneath the eyes, I mixed the two Kiko eyeshadows and applied them. In the very center of the lid, I swept some of MAC Shroom to lighten the area, before pressing on some of MAC's Melon Pigment for some added sparkle.
Smudging some of the Smashbox Limitless Eyeliner in Onyx along my upper lash-line and through my waterline/tightline added some much-needed definition and immediately helped to make the eyes look more flattering (as pinky-red tones can make the eyes look sore and irritated without liner). After applying a quick coat of Loreal False Lash Flutter Mascara, I put on a pair of Revlon Defining 91181 Lashes. Although these lashes are fairly dramatic, the graduating tips help to create a flirty, fluttery look. For the lips, I wanted to keep things nude, so used my MAC Subculture Lip Pencil followed by the Nars Lip Gloss in Chelsea Girls*. The dusky rose lipliner creates soft, subtle definition whilst the creamy, pinky-beige gloss finishes off the look. Nars glosses aren't at all sticky or gloopy and wear down evenly to a hydrating glaze of colour, so there's no need to worry that your date may be put off any kissing!
What are your plans for Valentine's Day? Will you be doing anything special with your makeup?
AGB X
39 comments
That's a beautiful look, I hope you have a great time! The Pure Luxe Powder highlighter looks absolutely gorgeous x
ReplyDeletewww.beautyfromkatie.blogspot.com
Thanks so much! It's a stunning highlighter and not too expensive, either! :) x
DeleteOh wow, your skin looks FLAWLESS - really want to try that Chanel foundation :)
ReplyDeleteClaire | Stylingo.co.uk xx
I wasn't such a big fan the first couple of times I tried it, but now I'm obsessed! It has such a beautiful finish if you really buff it into well exfoliated skin or use a beauty blender with it :) x
DeleteFab post lovely, really love your picks! :) The highlighting powder, 203 and 205 look absolutely stunning and I love how the shadows blend together :)
ReplyDeleteCharlee XO | CharmedCharlee
Aw thanks, lovely! x
DeleteThis is such a gorgeous look Alice, your eyes look stunning xx
ReplyDeleteGemma ♥ Miss Makeup Magpie
You're so sweet, Gemma, thanks so much! x
DeleteThis makeup is bloody beautiful! Those Kiko shadows are gorgeous! I was thinking I need to try some Kiko eye products, now I can't wait.
ReplyDeleteI don't see that kind of glow with the Hourglass powders though. Maybe I'm using them wrong.
I rather like all the Valentine's day makeup posts. I love pinks and berry shades so I'm writing all of people's suggestions even though I've got no one to show.
Shanelle || SLovesAutumn
x
Thank you! I really need to try more products from Kiko, they have so many and everyone's reviews are so positive! The Universal Fit Foundation is next on my wish-list :) x
DeleteBeautiful look Alice! That burgundy Kiko eyeshadow is gorgeous! x
ReplyDeleteMummy’s Beauty Corner
Isn't it just? I'm obsessed with formula, too! x
Deletesuch a beautiful, glowy look! I absolutely love it!
ReplyDeleteThank you for visiting my blog and commenting too. I really appreciate it. I love your blog, such a great discovery! Following you on bloglovin x
www.thelisasantos.com
Thanks! No problem, your blog is lovely :) x
DeleteThis is such a gorgeous look! I'm loving those lashes too!
ReplyDeleteDanielle's Beauty Blog
I'm addicted to them, recently! They're perfect for nights out, but I have been sneakily wearing them during the day, too! x
DeleteOf course :) x
ReplyDeleteThis is an absolutely stunning look, the eyes are gorgeous
ReplyDeleteRosy | Sparkles of Light Blog
Thanks, honey! Let me know if you re-create it :) x
Deleteyou look beautiful! nice make up!
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks so much, Shasha! x
DeleteYour photos are to die for! Such beautiful makeup, hope you had a lovely Valentine's day and evening :)
ReplyDeleteLizzy | by Lizzy x
What a lovely compliment - thanks! I did thanks, hope you did too! x
DeleteThis is a stunning look, and I think I might be attempting it quite soon. Although I'll have to adapt as I don't own even half of what you do. But they're all products I'e been dying to get my hands on!
ReplyDeleteElla Pinto xx
Thanks so much :) Just use the products that work for you and similar shades for the eyes, there's no need to go out and spend a fortune! :) x
DeleteYou look beautiful. All those makeup products look so good as well!
ReplyDeletewww.themakeupaficionado.com
You're so sweet! They're all lovely! x
DeleteWow this look is stunning! Your skin looks so glowy and flawless, love the eye look as well. Definitely going to try those Kiko shadows!
ReplyDeleteThe Makeup Directory
Let me know what you think of them! :) x
DeleteJust found your blog and love it! This makeup looks so pretty on you. Have a blessed day <3
ReplyDeleteGreetings from America,
Edye // Gracefulcoffee.wordpress.com
That makes me so happy - thanks, Edye! You too :) x
DeleteThe NARS lipgloss is divine, I never noticed that shade before thanks for sharing. k x
ReplyDeleteNo problem! :) x
DeleteYou look perfect! I hope you had a lovely Valentines Day.
ReplyDeleteDannie x
I love this! Those eyeshadows are just beautiful <3
ReplyDeleteJess xo | The Indigo Hours
I'm late but I love this loo - the eyelashes are so natural and pretty and that highlighter looks stunning! xx
ReplyDeleteJasmine Talks Beauty
Any look can be worn any time really, though! Thanks :) x
DeleteGreat make-up review and blog! I hope you had a fantastic time. I'm loving transforming my make-up looks from winter to spring at the moment, so fresh ☺️
ReplyDeletehttp://precious-needs.com/2016/04/24/spring-in-my-step/
http://precious-needs.com/2016/04/24/spring-in-my-step/
Thanks so much! Me too, I think Spring/Summer makeup is my favourite. Toned down, glowing and bright looks are just gorgeous :) x
DeleteThanks for taking the time to read this post and leave a comment! I try to reply to each and every one of them within 24 hours! x