The season of love has returned, which means one thing for me (well, two things if you count Reese’s Valentine’s Day candy): a new set of Valentine’s Day nails paired with some really pretty Valentine’s Day eyeshadow. Don’t get me wrong: I’ll happily wear Valentine’s Day colors all year (thanks to the red lipstick I wear at least once a week), but there’s something about going all out on shimmery red or neon pink eyeshadow once a year that makes me so happy. And I know I’m not alone, because my Instagram feed is currently flooded with Insta-worthy Valentine’s Day eyeshadow inspiration (we see you, Camila Cabello).
So, if you’re feeling all the love (with your dog, your plant babies, your significant others, or your couch), take a screenshot of these pretty Valentine’s Day eyeshadow ideas and start practicing right away. And what if you’re not a fan of bright pinks or deep reds on your lashes? Don’t worry, there are plenty of low-key, minimalist options as well, such as rose gold eyeshadow or Hailey Bieber’s barely-there look. Here are the 21 most beautiful Valentine’s Day eyeshadow looks currently trending on Instagram.
This Shimmery Valentine’s Day Eyeshadow
I’m glowing just looking at the glow of this Valentine’s Day eyeshadow idea. For this look, you’ll need to know how to apply highlighter and have some light-pink shadow on hand for the inner creases—try it out if you have both in your makeup bag.
This Pink Glitter Eyeshadow for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse to go all out with the glitter. Make a statement with a pink glitter eyeshadow that’s both selfie-worthy and stylish.
This Light-Pink Eyeshadow Idea for Valentine’s Day
When I first saw this photo on Instagram, I saved it, screenshotted it, and sent it to all of my friends. It’s monochromatic but not too matchy-matchy, and it’s pink but not too Barbie. You must basically recreate this look for Valentine’s Day (or, tbh, any other day of the year).
Barely-There Pink Eyeshadow for Valentine’s Day
What I like about Hailey Bieber’s eyeshadow is that it’s soft but still has a Valentine’s Day vibe to it. Because you only want a wash of color to show through, a matte, light-pink powder eyeshadow will be your best friend. Finish the V-Day look with a sweep of blush over the apples of your cheeks and a layer of tinted pink gloss to tie the monochromatic look together.
Red and Gold Valentine’s Day Eyeshadow
Camila Cabello is giving major eyeshadow goals in this photo, which comes as no surprise to anyone. If you don’t want to wear pink on Valentine’s Day, this red-and-gold combination is a great alternative. Prep your lids first with a good eyeshadow primer (my favorites are Rare Beauty Weightless Eyeshadow Primer and Huda Beauty Matte Perfection Pre-Makeup Base Primer) before you add any shadow to ensure your hard work doesn’t smear or smudge by 3 p.m.
This Diffused Coral Eyeshadow for Valentine’s Day
The best thing about pink eyeshadow is that there are so many shades to choose from that you can truly customize your look. This diffused coral eyeshadow isn’t too harsh or bright for Valentine’s Day, and it’s also one of the big spring makeup trends for 2022.
Pink Winged Eyeshadow for Valentine’s Day
For Valentine’s Day, try this pink winged eyeshadow instead of your typical winged eyeliner. To create a sharp, graphic look, dip a flat eyeshadow brush into your eyeshadow (try a cream eyeshadow for more control and opacity) and smooth it over your entire eyelid before winging it out with a precision eyeshadow brush.
This Heart-Studded Eyeshadow Idea for Valentine’s Day
This isn’t your typical eyeshadow look, but if you’ve ever wanted to go all out with heart-shaped glitter, now is your chance. Time for arts and crafts: Draw a free-floating line above your crease with a red gel eyeliner, then embellish it with a few glitter hearts to let everyone know you’re in love.
This Red Liner and Pink Eyeshadow for Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day eyeshadow idea, which combines sharp, graphic liner with a smokey eye, has me completely smitten. How cool is this taupe pink shade with red eyeliner? Pro tip: To keep the red line vibrant, draw it after you’ve blended out the pink.
This Pink-Hearted Eyeshadow for Valentine’s Day
What kind of roundup would this be if I didn’t include at least one heart-shaped eyeshadow idea for Valentine’s Day? It doesn’t have to be cheesy or outrageous—just use a pink pencil eyeliner to draw small hearts around your eyes.
This Smokey Pink Eyeshadow for Valentine’s Day
You don’t like the look of a red smokey eye? Don’t worry; a dark-pink version will suffice. It’s still incredibly seductive (hello, Saturday night makeup, anyone?) It’s also not at all corny for Valentine’s Day.
Neon Pink Eyeshadow for Valentine’s Day
This Valentine’s Day, you don’t have to limit yourself to pastel eyeshadow. Keep up with the times and add a splash of color with a bold neon pink eyeshadow that will look just as good in February as it will in July.
This Free-Floating Valentine’s Day Eyeshadow Idea
Okay, so this image is a little more abstract, but it’s perfect for Valentine’s Day if you want to take a chance with your eyeshadow. I’ll say it again: GO FOR IT. This free-floating look is super cute and will make your WFH Zoom calls stand out.
This Smokey Red Valentine’s Day Eyeshadow Idea
On Valentine’s Day, you can still wear your favorite smokey eye, but change up the color. Instead of a gray or black eyeshadow, go for a bold look and smoke out a red shadow across your lids.
This Bright-Pink Eyeshadow for Valentine’s Day
Selena Gomez’s pink eyeshadow look is one of my favorites, as are most of her looks. And, to be honest, there’s no better day than Valentine’s Day to break out your 50 shades of pink eyeshadow and replicate this look.
This Three-Shade Eyeshadow Idea for Valentine’s Day
This isn’t the simplest Valentine’s Day eyeshadow look, so prepare yourself: Take three eyeshadow brushes, as well as purple, pink, and lavender eyeshadows (to avoid cross-color contamination—IYKYK). Apply the lavender shade to the lower base of your eyelid, then use a short, dense eyeshadow brush to blend the pink shade from the inner corner of your eye up toward your brow. Finish with a winged effect by blending your purple eyeshadow along the outer V of your eye.
This Matte Purple and Pink Eyeshadow for Valentine’s Day
Isn’t this matte purple and pink eyeshadow adorable? Warning: To complete this Valentine’s Day eyeshadow idea, you’ll need to use the cut-crease technique, so it’s not for makeup newbies trying out a look 15 minutes before their Uber arrives.
Glossy Eyeshadow for Valentine’s Day
You’ve seen glossy lids all over Instagram and on the runways. Don’t be afraid to try this trend for Valentine’s Day—even if you’re a beauty newbie, you can do it. Apply a cream eyeshadow, then top with an eye gloss.
Purple Valentine’s Day Eyeshadow
This Valentine’s Day, take a cue from beauty guru Desi Perkins and apply an opaque purple eyeshadow to your lids. Blend in a pink eyeshadow just below your brow bone if you want to add even more color.
This Smokey Valentine’s Day Eyeshadow Idea
Just because the holiday colors are pink and red doesn’t mean you can’t use your eyeshadow to create a more dramatic look. To bring the look’s undertones together, use a warm-toned gray or dark brown. Swap out the hot-pink eyeshadow for a baby-pink or taupe shade for a more subdued look.