3 Low-effort high-impact date night beauty looks to try this Valentines
What this article covers:
- How to nail a “french girl” red lip
- Tips on executing a layered blush look
- How to use rhinestone accents
- Each ‘how-to’ is accompanied by low-effort hacks and product recommendations
Getting ready for date night is stressful enough without the added worry about whether or not you’ll be too exhausted by the end of your makeup routine to go out. So, with that in mind, here are three low-effort, high-impact looks you can recreate this Valentine’s Day to help you make it out the door.
But first, meet our resident Lived Experience Makeup Artist, Anastasia.
Living with late-diagnosed invisible disabilities and as a neurodivergent person, Anastasia is a professional makeup artist whose work centres creativity and inclusivity in beauty. Her beauty journey began by navigating the world of makeup through the iconic YouTube beauty-guru era, learning how to adapt the trends to work for her younger self (like making looks sensory friendly and cute at the same time). Skip to current day, and accessibility sits at the heart of everything she does, including beauty routines, product recommendations, and making her spaces feel more inclusive and welcoming for everyone.
French girl red lip
Image 1 source, Image 2 source.
This classic makeup style is best paired with a minimal base (think: clean girl or barely there makeup). Complete the look with a bold red lip and you’re out the door in 10!)
Low-effort hacks:
- Not feeling too bold? Tap on red lipstick with your finger to create a soft, blurred effect that still makes an impact. Bonus: Use the same shade across your cheeks for an effortless monochromatic look.
- Opt for a red or berry-toned lip gloss or tinted balm for a fresh pop of colour, or go for a lip stain for effortless, low-maintenance touch-ups.
Anastasia’s Product recommendations:
- Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution ‘Mark of kiss’ (Tactile packaging)
- NARS Explicit Lipstick in Unauthorised (Tactile packaging and magnetic lid)
- Maybelline Superstay Teddy Tint in Coquettish (squared off edges and tactile packaging)
- Too Faced Lip Injection Extreme Plumpling Clicks in On Pointe (click applicator)
Layered blush
Image 1 source, Image 2 source.
Blush layering is our favourite hack right now. Layering two different shades of blush gives the cheeks dimension without the need for contour.
Sweep a deeper-toned blush from the temples, then blend a brighter shade (in the same tone) on the apples of the cheeks for a multidimensional flush. Finish with a luminous highlighter or a refined, light-catching glitter for a radiant, multidimensional glow. This trick is gentle on the hands and requires minimal tools or precision."
Low-effort hacks:
- Too many steps? Concentrate blush on the cheekbones or apples of the cheeks, then sweep any remaining product into the temples and across the eyelids for a seamless monochromatic effect. High impact, fewer steps, one product.
Anastasia’s Product recommendations:
- Covergirl TruBlend Skin Enhancer Blush Balm (wide tube)
- Westman Atelier Baby Cheeks Blush (magnetic lid)
- Mecca Cosmetica In A Good Light Illuminating Palette (multi-use)
- Rare Beauty Soft Pinch Liquid Blush (tactile packaging)
Rhinestone accents
Image 1 source, Image 2 source.
For those extra-special occasions, we love adding rhinestones for dimension and instant sparkle.
Scatter rhinestones across the eyes and cheeks, or position them to accent a smoky shadow wing or the inner corner, highlighting the natural twinkle in your eyes this Valentine’s Day.
MUA Pro-Tip: Add Blu Tack to the end of a brush to easily pick up and place rhinestones.
Low-effort hacks:
- If rhinestones aren’t your thing, substitute with glitter or tap a shimmery shadow topper over the eyes with your fingertip or a dense packing brush. This option requires little to no tools or precision.
Anastasia’s Product recommendations:
- Half Magic Glitterpill Glitter Eye Paint & Liner (tactile packaging)
- Revlon Glimmer Liquid Shadow (fits ByStorm attachments)
- Stila Glitter & Glow Liquid Eye Shadow (squared off edges)
Shop ByStorm's accessible grip tools, in limited edition Valentines colours here.
About ByStorm
ByStorm is an Australian accessible beauty brand designing makeup tools that work with all bodies.
ByStorm creates makeup tools for people with disability, chronic illness, arthritis, tremors, injury, ageing hands, and anyone who struggles with grip, twisting, fatigue or control.
Our grip tools make everyday beauty routines easier and more comfortable, without compromising aesthetics or joy.
Shop the classic grip collection here.
Accessibility support:
We are always looking to improve our accessibility across all of our content. If you need this content in another format or there are issues with accessibility please get in touch with us: hello@bystormbeauty.com