5 Valentine's Day Eyeshadow Looks To Swoon Over

Image by tori_barra

Heart-shaped candy, red roses, and an excuse to celebrate those you love (or your singledom)—Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to be as cringe-worthy as the drugstore greeting cards make it out to be. In fact, there are plenty of reasons to fall head over heels with this passion-filled holiday.

Gourmet chocolates, for one—and some added motivation to mix things up in the makeup department. 

Whether you’re staying in or going out with a special someone, get into the spirit with an eyeshadow look that burns even hotter than lust. In this guide, beginners and beauty gurus alike will find plenty of palettes to swoon over. So, bust out your brushes and dive into the top five Valentine's Day eyeshadow looks this season. 

#1 Opt for a Classic Pink Lid

While many people may think of a pink pucker as a Valentine’s Day makeup staple, pink lids are a jaw-dropping eye makeup look that embraces the Valentine’s spirit and palette. Not only are they on-trend, but they’re also easy to execute. 

All you have to do is:

• Find a shade that’ll make your outfit or eyes pop
• Swipe it on and pair it with a peach- or plum-colored lipstick or a clear gloss
• Combine it with a touch of shimmer on the inner corner of your eyelid or brow bone for some added glow

This simple but stunning Valentine's eyeshadow look will have you ready for any fun holiday activities you’ve planned. Plus, it earns bonus points for its beginner-friendly application. 

Where to Wear This Look

Another benefit of a pink palette is its versatility. A soft, subdued look is perfect for a chill night in with friends or a Valentine’s date with yourself. But you can also step up the glam for an easy transition into a romantic night out on the town. 

One of the best ways to elevate your pink lids is to make sure you’re using the right products. 

Here’s what you’ll want to invest in to tie the look together:

• A quality eyeshadow palette – The right eyeshadow palette is like having a hand-picked all-star team for your eyelids. Instead of being limited to one shade, you can blend a few winning color combinations together for a show-stopping result.
• A decent makeup brush – When it comes to eyeshadow, you need to consider what you’re applying and how you’re applying it. Soft, high-quality brushes are better for your skin, and they can also make a difference in how your eyeshadow goes on. Whether it’s our Blending Crease Brush or Blend + Smudge Brush, having the right tools on hand will offer better blending and give your makeup look a seamless finish.

Looking for a premium palette that’s as rosy as it is reliable? Check out our versatile Get It Together Eyeshadow Palette. It has ten perfectly paired shades that’ll help you achieve your best Valentine’s day eye makeup yet—and knock the wind out of your date. 

#2 Go Full-Glam with Glitter

If pink lids feel a bit too plain for your taste, it’s time to send in the sparkle. An alluring, glittery look might be just what you need to complete your Valentine’s Day ensemble. 

To master this look, you can:

• Turn heads with a single, bold color
• Unleash your inner unicorn by blending a few bedazzled shades together
• Pair your eyeshadow with a winged liner to accentuate the shape of your eyes

This shimmery makeup is ideal for anyone who wants a little more glamour and sophistication for the holiday. Just make sure your heart’s the only thing that’s melting on date night. With the right liquid eyeliner, you can ensure a smudge-free evening is in order—no matter what Valentine’s Day mischief you get into.

Where to Wear This Look

Glitter might not be your go-to look for day-to-day life. That’s why we think it pairs best with a not-so-average night out. This eye-catching look is a match made in heaven for just about any upscale soiree. 

Wear it to:

• Dinner with your crush
• A Galentine’s Day date with friends
• A Valentine’s party to mingle with cute singles

Pair it with a killer outfit if you’re really aiming to turn heads.  

https://unsplash.com/photos/9pszsLaXh7A

#3 Stand Out with Bold Eyeliner

You can amp up any eyeshadow and take it from cute to attention-grabbing by using a bold eyeliner. Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to push the eyeliner envelope even further if you want your makeup to stand out from the crowd.

You can go for a classic black pencil or liquid eyeliner to enhance your eyeshadow on any day of the week. Holidays, however, offer opportunities to try fun makeup looks that push the boundaries of your regular routine:

• Colored eyeliner – Red may seem like an obvious choice for this romance-infused day. But if you’re looking for a slightly unconventional V-Day look, branch out into metallic shades and try our Vibeliner Pencil Eyeliner that comes in gold, bronze, and even matte plum. 
• Unusual liner shapes – Color isn’t the only way to go big with liner. You can also try a variety of non-traditional shapes and designs to make your eyeliner into art and add a touch of Picasso to your palette.

This style of makeup can often be a standalone look, meaning you won’t need to match it with a super flashy outfit in order to make a statement. But, if statement-making is your thing, combine it with a bright-colored ensemble for a fit that’s edgy and fun. 

Where to Wear This Look

While some styles can saunter effortlessly from day to night, this isn’t one of them. This is the kind of evening look that demands to be seen at:

• A live music event
• An upscale dinner date with your partner
• A hip Valentine's Day mixer

#4 Turn Up the Heat with a Smokey Eye

Whether you’ve already got a hot date on Valentine’s Day or are hoping to catch the attention of a new love interest, it might be time to turn up the heat with a sexy smokey eye makeup look. Plus, its hazy, blended effect is ideal for those who prefer to pass on precision. Can’t seem to win at winged liner? Don’t sweat it. Smudge, soften, and smolder with this look instead. 

Master the smokey eye playbook by:

• Selecting dark shades that compliment your eyes and make their color stand out
• Making sure to use a primer to lock your shadow into place throughout the night
• Working inwards, applying each shade from lightest to darkest 
• Blending it to perfection using the proper types of makeup brushes and finishing it off with a pencil liner

Try a matte black pencil liner to tie it all together like a pro. You’ll get a bold color that’s easy to blend and adds just the right amount of definition to this soft, diffused look. 

Where to Wear This Look

Smokey eyes are a classic look, making them a standout in just about any arena. 

Turn up the temperature for a:

• Night out at a bar or club
• Fancy, candlelit dinner
• Ladies’ night out at your favorite cocktail lounge

https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-applying-makeup-to-a-girl-6954836/

#5 Knock ‘Em Dead with Nude

Spread the love this Valentine’s Day—but don’t forget to save some for yourself, too. Treat yourself to a box of chocolate truffles, liven up your home with some freshly cut florals, and, most importantly, fall in love with what makes you you. 

Swoon over your naturally breathtaking features with a nude eyeshadow look that’s both effortless and exquisite:

• Start by applying a base shade that’s as near to your natural skin tone as possible
• Add some definition to your eyelid crease with a neutral tone of your choice (taupe, apricot, or cocoa could be nice!) 
• Dust a soft gold shimmer under your brow bone and on the inner corner of your eye for a subtle highlight
• Apply a defining liner to your lower lash line or skip it and go to straight to mascara

Combine it with a nude lip for a minimalist, fresh-face glow. Otherwise, feel free to take it up a few notches with a bold red lipstick or gloss. 

Where to Wear This Look

Stay in with your bestie, order takeout or try out a brand new recipe that puts your cooking skills to the test. Make a reservation for a hot date at the new restaurant in your neighborhood. This nude palette packs a seriously swoon-worthy punch no matter what you’ve got planned. 

Honest®—Makeup You’ll Fall in Love With Again and Again

Whether you rock a smokey eye or a sequined shadow this Valentine’s Day, we hope you’ll consider taking a chance on love with Honest®. We pride ourselves not only on helping you look and feel your best but also on delivering clean cosmetics you can trust. You won’t find any harmful silicones or parabens here. Just pigments with poise and formulas that are fit for the long-haul.  

Plus, we’ve got everything you need to spread the love, no matter the day. From patterned diapers for the littles ones in your life to self-care spa sets, we make it easy to pamper yourself and your home with peace of mind.

See what sets the Honest® standard apart from the rest. Shop the clean beauty collection today. 

Sources: 

Crisan, D. (2021, August 2). A Definitive Guide to Every Face Makeup Brush — And Which Ones to Add to Cart.

Makeup.com. https://www.makeup.com/product-and-reviews/makeup-brushes/face-makeup-brush-guide

Caruso, L. (2021, October 26). The ultimate guide to achieving the perfect smoky eye. CNN. https://www.cnn.com/2021/10/26/cnn-underscored/how-to-do-smokey-eye-makeup/index.html