Flirty, sultry, classic?

Confused about how to send the right signals to your valentine sitting across the table amidst the flickering candlelight? Right from fun and flirty, to sultry siren or the timeless pin-up, some expert tips are all it takes to get the right look to make your date go weak at his knees.

“A lot of drama on the eyes creates sensuality.  Smokey eyes are sexy and playful! Start with a black or brown pencil. Smudge it on to the eyelid from the middle out. This will give you a great base, then add the coloured eye shadow you want. Use a large eye brush and dust shadow over the top. You can use a black or brown pencil underneath the eye and finish with black mascara,” says Tom Pecheux, creative make-up director, Estee Lauder.

Or if you are looking for some fun and harmless flirting, a softer, natural matte look with pink-beige colour on your lips will give the come-hither signal, Tom promises. 

But if you want to set temperatures soaring with your pin-up look, here is your chance as Tom adds, “Red lips is such a classic, timeless look that it never goes out of style!

Painting a bold lip colour first sets the tone for the rest of your make-up and helps you avoid going overboard with your look. Because you want the attention to stay focused on the red lips, go light on the eye make-up like dusting a smokey grey shadow on to the crease only. To complete the pin-up look, do a simple wing of dark liner.”

Artist Jenna Menard, from Clinique, shares tips on making lips the main attraction this Valentine’s Day with a kiss of colour. “Lip prep and application is just as important as the actual lip stick. Before starting your make-up routine, be sure to use an exfoliator to remove any excess flaky skin on the lips,” says Jenna and adds, “Apply-blot-apply — that’s the trick.” She says that you can either go for the bold or the barely nude lips. But lastly break the rules, own the colour and sport it with confidence.

For Sonic Sarwate, MAC, senior artist, this Valentine’s one should romance with make-up in bright colours.  Hot pinks, corals and reds will definitely have you catching your date’s fancy. But at the same time, he doles up some expert tips to not overkill your look.

“Focus on one feature ­— if smokey eyes, opt for a neutral lip colour and vice-versa. Use a good moisturiser and primer before make-up as it plays a key role in the way the foundation looks. Longwear make-up will help you remain focused on keeping the sparks flying rather than heading to the nearest restroom for touch ups,” adds Sonic. But, most importantly don’t leave behind the sparkle in your eyes or the bubbling laughter of your lips that no amount of make-up can fake.