5 Valentine’s Day makeup looks we're stealing: Zara Larsson, Elsa Hosk and more

A red lip remains the most efficient way to signal 'Valentine’s Day' without overthinking it. The key, as ever, is restraint elsewhere. Take inspiration from Elsa Hosk, who lets a clean, saturated red do all the proverbial talking, paired with pared-back eyes and minimal base makeup.

Choosing the right red comes down to undertone rather than trend. Cooler complexions tend to suit blue-based reds, while warmer skin tones often fare better with orange-leaning shades. If in doubt, check the veins on your wrist in natural light. It’s a quick tell that still holds up.

Keep the rest of the makeup deliberately subdued. Soft nude or matte beige eyeshadow, a light coat of mascara, and well-groomed brows are enough. Lip prep matters more than usual here. Exfoliate, hydrate, and line the lips carefully before applying colour. Blot once, reapply, and clean up the edges with a small concealer brush.

Related: Elsa Hosk's makeup artist on how to recreate her subtle smokey eye – perfect for all of our upcoming parties

Pink shimmer is a Valentine’s classic, but it veers juvenile quickly if the base is too heavy or the colours too literal. Swedish makeup artist Linda Hallberg’s approach keeps things modern by pairing iridescent pastel tones with an otherwise pared-back face.

The focus stays firmly on the eyes. Prep the lids properly, then apply shimmer with a light hand, either diffused with a brush or pressed in with a fingertip for more intensity. Inner corners and the lower lash line add lift without tipping into excess. Mixing tones works better than committing to one flat pink. Finish with a lightweight foundation, subtle highlight on the high points, and minimal contouring keep the look buoyant. Lips are best kept in the same colour family, but deeper and slightly muted, with liner doing most of the structural work.

Related: Bronzer vs Contour: The key differences, according to makeup artists

The cat-eye is hardly revolutionary, but it endures for a reason. Sharp, graphic liner still carries a certain date-night authority, especially when the rest of the makeup stays grounded. Ash K. Holm’s version is razor-sharp, unapologetic and best suited to evening plans.

Start with a well-primed lid and decide on your angle before committing. Following the natural line of the lower lash line upward tends to produce the cleanest result. Tape helps if your hand isn’t steady. Gel or liquid liner both work, as long as the finish is opaque.

Once done, refine and clean up any mishaps with a small brush dampened with makeup remover. To replicate Holm’s look, pair your cat-eye with voluminous faux lashes and warm brown eyeshadow, mirrored in the muted nude lip.

Britney Spears and Christina Aguilera rocked it first, but this makeup look has enjoyed a resurgence along with the rest of the Y2K craze much thanks to Zara Larsson's talented makeup artist Sophia Sinot.

You’ll need: a shimmery blue eyeshadow (white also works), a pop of pink, a blending brush and a liquid eyeliner. Blush is applied high and wide, sweeping across the cheeks and nose. The eyes are where this look comes to life. Pastel blue shadow is pressed onto the lid in dense, opaque layers, built slowly to avoid patchiness. Definition stays close to the lash line, which stops the colour from drifting into softness or nostalgia.

All we can say is "Alexa, que Stateside" because it seems Zara won't be the only one kissing her Swedish boy over FaceTime this Valentines.

Related: Zara Larsson’s icon era: “Why would I ever doubt myself? Like, I’m amazing”

Neutral glam is often dismissed as safe, but done properly, it’s one of the most versatile Valentine’s options. Tsutsumi Hoang’s take centres on skin that looks hydrated, even and quietly luminous.

Prep is where this look is won or lost. Gentle exfoliation followed by generous hydration creates the base. Foundation should be sheer and skin-like, applied sparingly where needed rather than layered everywhere. Eyes stay within a neutral palette: warm beige, soft gold, muted taupe, a touch of brown liner if desired. Brown mascara keeps the finish softer. A hint of bronzer and a muted peach or nude lip tie everything together. Understated, but definitely unforgettable.