With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to elevate your sense of refinement. Aimee Yan breaks down the subtle makeup details celebrities swear by, and recommends the right products to help you get through this Valentine’s Day with confidence

Base

Picture: Instagram @jin_a_nana

A date often lasts the entire evening, so the most important thing is a base that stays even and comfortable. Opt for a hydrating foundation, applied in a thin layer, and focus only on areas of redness, darkness and discolouration. The goal is a barely-there complexion with a healthy glow. If time allows, tap a liquid highlighter onto the cheekbones, bridge of the nose, and under-eye area to create a natural dewy finish. Nana’s luminous skin is a perfect reference: concentrated glow, clean contours and skin that looks soft without trying too hard.

#legend‘s pick

Picture: Suqqu

Picture: Bobbi Brown

Blush

Picture: Instagram @sooyaaa__

Valentine’s Day pink isn’t about obvious colour. It’s about a natural flush that looks as though it comes from within. Jisoo’s signature soft pink makeup captures this perfectly. Choose rose or pale pink shades close to your natural blood tone. Apply blush slightly under the eyes and at the centre of the cheekbones, avoiding pulling the colour too far outward. This keeps the look gentle and visually draws the cheekbones inward. Build the colour gradually, layering lightly so it melts seamlessly into the base.

#legend‘s pick

Picture: Dior

Picture: Charlotte Tilbury

Eyes

Picture: Instagram @m.by__sana

For the eyes, stick to nude pinks, soft browns, or subtle shimmer just like Twice’s Sana. The focus is on brightening the eye area to create an awake, refreshed look. Lashes should be clean and separated rather than overly dramatic. Keep everything light and balanced.

#legend‘s pick

Picture: Nars

Picture: Tom Ford

Lips

Picture: Instagram @min.nicha

Minnie’s pink lip look is a great reference. Choose translucent pinks, muted rose, or soft mauve tones with a glossy or hydrating finish. The result is lips that look soft, approachable, and effortlessly romantic.

#legend‘s pick

Picture: Chanel

Picture: Selfridges

Also see: #legend survival guide: Winter skincare and beauty