No self-respecting contractor would walk onto a work site without his tool belt chock-full of all the equipment needed to get the job done. So why go into Valentine’s Day primping and prepping without stocking your beauty arsenal with the right makeup tools?
To help you beautify your cabinet, we chatted with Sephora Senior Artist Adi Lando. Here are his top tools and tips to getting romance-ready for February 14.
Essential Makeup Tool Kit
A Sexy Runway Trend To Try
A new interpretation of the classic cat-eye look, pops of brightly coloured eye shadow applied on top of winged black liquid liner were all over the runway this season. “This trend is a great set-up for bold red lips for Valentine’s Day,” says Lando. If the idea of yellow on your lids feels too intense, test out this trend with a deep purple or maroon pigment instead.
Estée Lauder Pure Color Gelée Powder Eye Shadow, $28.50. Available at Estee Lauder counters
Kiss-Proof Lip Colour: Step 1
To make sure lips are soft, supple and ready for smooching, prime them with a moisturizing lip balm.
Bite Beauty Super Fruit Butter, $21. Available at Sephora
Kiss-Proof Lip Colour: Step 2
Next, apply a lip stain: “Lip stains provide beautiful long-lasting colour and don't transfer!” says Lando. This high-coverage option from the Sephora COLLECTION is infused with avocado oil and has a pleasing creamy texture.
Sephora COLLECTION Cream Lip Stain, $14. Available at Sephora
First Blush Of Love
Formulated with evaporating oils, HD Microfinish Blush by Make Up For Ever ($30) is a high-definition blush that combines mattifying and reflecting powders to create a soft-focus effect and a radiant complexion.
“They come in an amazing variety of colours and won't rub off on your partner while your dancing cheek to cheek,” says Lando.
Minimal Makeup Glow
When it’s time for your Valentine’s Day close-up, you want your date to see you, not your makeup.
“To achieve a healthy glow without using too much foundation, always start with an emollient moisturizer to ensure good, hydrated skin,” says Lando. Follow up with Stila’s Stay All Day Illumination Beauty Balm ($38); its oil-free formula uses tiny pigment-coated particles that leave skin looking healthy, not heavy.
Batty For Lashes
Mascara crumbs cascading down the cheek is not a good look for a romantic evening. Reach for a mascara that promises to lengthen, separate, add volume and stay where it’s supposed to — on your lashes.“This formulation is designed to handle extreme conditions, offering all day and all night gorgeous results,” says Lando.
Sephora COLLECTION Le Waterproof Mascara, $16. Available at Sephora
Arched Brows
“Filling eyebrows is a very important step in your makeup application — the eyebrow shapes the entire eye,” says Lando.
He recommends using a product that’s one shade lighter than your eyebrows if you have dark hair, and one shade darker if you’re blonde or have grey hair. “This ensures a natural-looking eyebrow.”
Benefit Brow Zings, $35. Available at Sephora