How to Create a Fast and Simple Classic Valentine’s Day ‘Leading Lady’ Make-up Look

At MUD, we recognize that the everyday woman is busy and does not necessarily have the time to spend hours creating a make-up look. That’s why we try to empower today’s busy women of all ages to achieve a professional make-up look that fits their lifestyle. As a wife, mother, and a working professional, Sue Ling does not have the time or inclination to become a professional make-up artist – but she wants to look good to receive those roses delivered at the office or for that candlelight dinner on Valentine’s Day. Today, I’m going to show you how we can create a simple, casual daytime look for her and then bump it up to a romantic, glamorous evening look with MUD’s Leading Lady Valentine Kit.

Get This Look (Daytime):

Sue Ling already has nicely shaped eyebrows – they just need to be filled in and defined just a little. I use the #210 Angle Liner Brush and Espresso Eye Color to intensify the natural shape of her eyebrow. Working in the natural direction of the hair growth, applying just a small amount goes a long way.

Using the #330 Shadow Fluff Brush, I apply a small amount of Honeysuckle Eye Color as a highlight just under the arch of the eyebrows, blending until I get a soft edge. This pulls the brow area forward and adds more definition to the eyebrow. Using the same #330 Shadow Fluff Brush, I load it with Apricot Eye Color and apply to the movable lid area of the eyes, from the lash line to natural crease of the eye.

Using the #320 Oval Shadow Brush, I apply Taupe Eye Color to the natural crease of the eyes. The #320 Oval Shadow Brush has a thin side and a wide side – I use the thin side to create a sharper edge of shadow next to Apricot and the wide side to create a soft edge of shadow next to the Honeysuckle. This use of highlights and shadows will create dimension to the eye.

Using the thin side of the #320 Oval Shadow Brush, I apply Taupe Eye Color as a drop shadow just under the lower lash line. In an effort to keep this day look soft and simple as possible, I’m not using eyeliner. Adding a coat of Cream Mascara will not only add fullness to lashes but also give definition to the lash line. I add a small amount of Glow Cheek Color with the #710 Powder Blush Brush, using a soft, circular motion to prevent hard edges and product build-up.

For the day look, I apply a small amount of Lady Bug Satin Lipstick to the natural shape of the lips with the #310 Lip Brush as a stain to the lips, saving the strong red for the evening look.

Get This Look (Evening):

To bump up Sue Ling’s daytime make-up to an evening look, I apply Espresso Eye Color with the #330 Shadow Fluff Brush in the crease to intensify the shadow already in place. Using the #320 Oval Shadow Brush, I add Espresso under the eye to intensify the existing shadow pattern and close down the outside corners of her eyes. I then connect the outside corner to the drop shadow.

Next, I slightly dampen the #210 Angle Liner Brush and apply Espresso as an eyeliner to the upper and lower lash line and the outside corner of the eye. I add just a few flare lashes to further enhance the eyes. To dampen the brush, just use a little water or eye drops.

Since Sue Ling's lashes are short and a little thin, adding more mascara is not going to give the effect that she wants. A few flare lashes will make a big impact and they’re just as easy to apply as more mascara. Just use a dot of Duo Eyelash Adhesive on the base of the flares and lay them on top of the lashes with the base touching the lash line.

Finally, I intensify the lips by applying a heavier coat of Lady Bug Satin Lipstick with the #310 Lip Brush, laying the brush flat against her lips to create a sharp, clean edge. I make sure the brush is loaded evenly to ensure the a smooth edge. The MUD Red Lip Pencil may also be used to create a precise lip line.