Are you planning a special Valentines (or Galentines!) celebration at home this year? It’s a great excuse to dismiss the loungewear, blow dry your hair and dust off that make-up bag! However, if you’re short on time and lacking confidence in your skills, this quick and easy make up tutorial for Valentines Day is for you!
Four affordable products for a quick and easy Valentines make up
I have selected four of the most affordable products on the market for this simple make up look. They are all relatively new to me, but over the past month I’ve fallen in love with them. And I’m sure you will to!
- IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream
- Too Faced Kitty Likes To Scratch Mini Eyeshadow Palette
- Too Faced Better Than Sex Easy Glide Liquid Eyeliner
- Pat McGrath Mattetrance Lipstick
How to achieve flawless skin this Valentines day
IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream is a game changer. I’m extremely late to the party with this much hyped, cult product, but after a few weeks of wear, I can see how it’s a make-up artist and beauty journalists’ number one. Unlike other CC Creams on the market, this acts more like a fuller coverage foundation.
How to decide which formulation of IT Cosmetics CC Cream to try
IT Cosmetics CC Cream is available in three formulations- Illuminating, Oil Free and Original. All three offer Anti-ageing, hydrating and SPF alongside colour correction and a full coverage.
Over the years my skin has changed (thanks hormones!) and my once very oily skin is now closer to a normal texture but VERY dehydrated (thanks coffee!) Therefore, the Original Formula is perfect for me- not too matte or too glowy. However, In my younger years I would of opted for the Oil Free formula which is slightly fuller in coverage but does offer a lower SPF of 40, rather than the SPF 50 in the other two.
The Illuminating formulation would be perfect for those who are particularly dry and feel their skin lacks lustre.
What should I apply IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream with?
You can apply your IT Cosmetics CC Cream however you like! The creamy formula slides over skin in minutes, whether you prefer to use your fingers, a sponge or brush.
I tend to use a large buffing brush or a Beauty Blender for a quick and easy make up application. Ideal if you don’t have the benefit of naptime, and are doing your make up with one eye on a toddler!
How to achieve a quick and easy smokey eye make up this Valentines Day
So many of us still fear a smokey eye! Deeming it too time consuming and feel we lack in the necessary skills. I promise it couldn’t be easier!
The Too Faced Kitty Likes To Scratch Palette features 8 smooth shadows which offer great colour pay off whilst easily blending.
Which colour should I use to create a quick and easy smokey eye?
There are seven shades in the Too Faced Kitty Likes to Scratch Palette which would achieve a smokey eye look. (And one to add a touch of highlight.)
For a softer smokey eye- try the golden metallic Me-Wow or peachy rose Groupie. If you prefer a darker, more intense eye makeup, try classic black Power Ballard or warm brown Hair Band.
What brush should I use to create a smokey eye make up?
When I create soft, smokey eye makeup, I like to use one medium sized blending brush. Professional eye shadow brushes with a domed or taped edge will follow the contours of your eye and help you create a smokey eye quickly and easily.
Peaches and Cream PC10 eyeshadow brush is perfect for this and really affordable.
How to apply eye shadow to create a smokey eye
- First apply your IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC+ Cream all over your eyelid. This will help to disguise any discolouration and prime the eyelid for eyeshadow.
- Take your eyeshadow brush and swirl over your chosen eyeshadow shade. Tap off any excess product.
- Place eyeshadow brush onto the eyelid and gently pat the colour on the lower lid, up to the socket line. You may find it easier to hold your eyeshadow brush horizontal for this.
- Hold your eyeshadow brush vertically and push the shadow into your socket line using circular and back and forth movements. The colour will push higher than the socket line, creating a halo effect.
- Blend the edges with your eyeshadow brush, using circular movements to soften the look.
How to add extra definition to your smokey eye make up
Adding just a fine line of eyeliner can add extra definition to the softest of smokey eyes. You can do this in a number of ways
- Black eye shadow on an angled brush (Power Ballard in the Kitty Likes to Scratch palette would be perfect)
- A black pencil liner
- A liquid or gel eyeliner
The best liquid eyeliner on the market
I prefer using a liquid eyeliner pen which gives you greater control (perfect for shakey hands) and offers a really long lasting finish.
I have tried 100’s of eyeliners over the years and nothing compares to Too Faced Better Than Sex Liquid Eyeliner Pen. The dual fibre brush helps you create a striking liner every time, whilst the waterproof and smudge proof formula ensures it stays on all day (and night) long.
How to apply liquid eyeliner
The quickest way to apply liquid eyeliner is by following these 3 easy steps
- Start in the centre of the eye and place your brush on your lashline
- Work outwards in small, hair like strokes.
- Return to the centre and work inwards, ensuring you use the thinnest edge of the brush to taper the liner to your inner lashline
The best red lipstick to finish off your Valentines Make up
I wear red lipstick all year round, so Valentines means no different! But if you have always fancied trying red lipstick, this rose-tinted day is as good a day as any to try!
How to choose the perfect red lipstick this Valentines Day
Selecting your ‘perfect’ shade of red lipstick comes down to skin tone and personal preference. You can find a IGTV on this topic, with lots of useful information, on my Instagram page here.
I’m fair skinned and love a bold shade, so rich blue-red burgundies are my go-to. This month I’m loving Pat McGrath Labs Mattetrance lipstick in Guinevere.
How to apply red lipstick
I cannot say this enough– please use a lip brush when applying red lipstick! Start in the centre of the lip and work the colour back and forth into the lip, pressing your lips together repeatedly.
For extra longevity, line your whole lip with lipliner first and finish with a dusting of translucent face powder. This will ‘set’ your lipstick and create a matte finish.
Your finished Valentines make up
I hope you’ve found this quick and easy Valentines make up tutorial useful!
Celebrations at home are a great chance to try new makeup products and techniques. Push yourself out of your comfort zone and try a smokey eye and red lipstick!
If you try this look, please tag me in any pictures on Instagram or Facebook, I’d love to see!
You may also like my 5 minute quick and easy make up look (here)which is ideal for day to day!
Wishing you all a lovely Valentines and Galentines day,
Sian x
I’m always looking for a good eyeliner im deffo gonna give this a try