makeup for valentines day

Heres the thing. Ever since braids made their comeback on the red carpet circa 2009, the humble style has been getting increasingly more complicated. Fishtail! Waterfall! Milkmaid! But as Diane Kruger demonstrates, an off the cuff version still has its charms. Once youve woven the braid, do widen and rough it up by pulling on either side with your fingertips.

Jennifer Lopez has cornered the market on sexy with her trademark nude, muted lips. When attempting at home, neutralize the red in your mouth by dabbing foundation on your lips with a damp makeup sponge before applying your lipstick. To select a fleshy shade that doesnt look corpse like, look for one with peachy undertones, not gray ones.

Put a new twist on a precise bun by gathering up curly strands instead of straight ones. To try a look like Katharine McPhees, separate your ponytail into four sections, twisting and looping each in different directions around the base of the elastic. Dont be worried if it doesnt look perfect. The haphazard construction is part of the appeal.

A neat application of demure lavender eye shadow gave Kerry Washingtons otherwise simple look a pleasant buzz. Makeup artist Carola Gonzalez brushed Lanc

Even if your name isnt Miranda Kerr, a high top knot is an deft way to show off good bone structure. The key to keeping the look flirty and fun with wispy pieces grazing your temples and nape. Once youve set your style, use the pointed end of a rattail comb to tug out a few strands. If they look stringy, rub them between your thumb and forefinger to give them a bit of fuzzy texture.

Some nights call for a statement less serious than a full on smoky eye. Like, for instance, Taylor Swifts rich copper shadow. Not only is the mellow metallic universally flattering, but its exponentially more forgiving read smudge proof than inkier shades. Do rim eyes in black or charcoal liner to anchor the look.

Satin finish lipstick, that is. Heres a little secret Matte lips scare men. And so do ultra glossy ones. Thandie Newtons just bitten raspberry stain is an appealing compromise. For a truly translucent effect, rather than applying straight from the tube, press on with your fingertip, concentrating the color in the center of your mouth and dabbing outwards.

For a lit from within radiance, apply a liquid highlighter under your foundation. The combo lets just enough shimmer through for a natural looking glow, says Cory Bishop, Temptu makeup artist. We like the dual purpose Tarte Maracuja Blush And Glow Brightening Luminizer and Cheek Tint in Candlelight.

Re create a first date flush by using a cheek color thats one shade darker than your everyday hue. Blush should be more dramatic for evening, especially if youll be in a dimly lit place, says Bishop. If your go to shade is a rosy pink, try MAC Cosmetics Powder Blush in Dollymix.

Give tired eyes a lift at the end of a long day with a plum or green liner, says Bishop. Try Sonia Kashuk Eye Definer in Purple Passion or Olive Suede $6, Target. Their blue undertones make the whites of your eyes pop so you look fresh and awake, he explains. Black only accentuates undereye circles.