Valentine’s Day Soft Glam Makeup Must Haves

Valentine's Day is nearly here and whether you’ve got a sexy date, a night in with yourself or plans with the girls, nothing quite puts you in the mood for celebration than playing with some makeup (even if it’s just to take a few selfies).

I’m going to take you through my makeup must haves that will have you crushing hard on yourself...

1. Skin Prep.

If you want your skin to glow, sans highlight then you need skin prep baby.

Think lots and lots of hydration for your skin to drink up so it looks plump and juicy before we go in with makeup.

Personally, I’m a fan of Laneige Cream Skin Cerapeptide Toner & Moisturiser 170ml because its hypoallergenic, fragrance-free formula calms irritated skin whilst strengthening the skin barrier.

Plus, the cerapeptide complex is what makes your face glow.

2. You Need a Good Base.

Now that our skin is as dewy as a dumpling, we need a foundation that’s going to give us a skin-like finish but still add some coverage.

Enter: the one and only, Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Foundation.

Created by Pat Mcgrath, this foundation was inspired by charmeuse silk to give a lit-from-within glow.

Not only is it weightless on the skin, buildable in coverage but it brightens, blurs, and lifts my skin all at the same time.

I mean, just look at it (and this is with two pimples just chilling on the surface).

3. Conceal and Contour.

When it comes to concealing and bronzing, my approach is… less is more, which is why I’ve taken the product just in the hollows of my cheekbones and under my chin to add a bit more definition.

Adding two shades lighter than my foundation under my eyes, on the bridge of my nose and on the lower half of my cheeks, helps to enhance my eye shape and other natural features.

4. Let’s Add Some Color Back In!

There’s a reason the Clinique Cheek Pop Black Honey Pop went viral on TikTok, not once, but twice.

With the most gorgeous floral embossing, black honey gives you that sultry…‘just pinched’ look, which exactly the vibe we’re going for this Feb 14th.

And my favourite thing about this blush is that it has warm undertones so its medium-pink finish is the perfect shade for my brown skin girlies and boys.

5. Why Stop With Black Honey Blush? Let’s Add the Lippy Too.

Whether you’re a gloss or lip stain lover, Clinique has launched Black Honey in both.

And, similar to the blush, the formula wears slightly different on everyone, pending your skin tone.

Don’t be fooled by how dark the lippie gloss looks, it applies sheer-er than you think. And the shade almost reminds me of something Emily In Paris would wear on a night out in heels sauntering around with her friends.

It’s not quite red, it’s not quite pink, it’s almost that sexy vampy plum that leaves your lips looks oh so kissable.

Personally, I like to pop the lippie on first, then a slick of gloss on top for longevity, but you can wear it standalone too.

6. Time to Add the Drama.

When it comes to eye makeup, I’ve kept it simple in the interest of time because Valentine's Day does fall on a Wednesday.

I’ve added a swipe of black honey on the outer v, blended it out and then gone in with dreamer (a champagne shimmer) from the Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Soft Glam EyeShadow Palette

But my key to getting smouldering bedroom eyes? Mascara. Lots of it.

I like to start with a lengthening mascara to coat each and every lash and then go in with Yves Saint Laurent Lash Clash Mascara focusing on the middle to outer lashes to create thickness, volume, and drama.

There’s something about long, flirty lashes that just make me ooze confidence which is exactly how we want to feel.

Finally...

Voila! You’re done. Valentine's Day glam that enhances, not conceals your natural beauty and gives you a little oomph.

Now, go forth and take allll the damn selfies because in case no one’s told you today, you are beautiful, inside and out.

Check out more of Alisha's BIQ articles below:

• How to Pick the Perfect Summer Scent

• Why I’ll Never Stop Using This Physical Exfoliant

• 7 Healthy Hair Lessons I’ve Learnt the Hard Way After Years of Damage