I have found over the years that men seem to approach women more easily when they aren’t wearing much makeup. Men seem to be a little scared off by dark matte or overly glossy lipsticks. It may be that they are just afraid of what it might be like kissing it! And who can blame them. According to this study by the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology, men are more attracted to women who wore less makeup. It seems the secret to a seductive makeup may be in the less is more approach.
For a man-friendly romantic makeup look perfect for a Valentine’s date, try a satin lipstick, a stain or a tinted balm. These enhance the lips without making too much of a statement. For color the best pick is something close to your natural lip color with a hint of rosy pink, like you’ve just been kissed! Although men find the color red more attractive, according to scientific studies like this one, and some men do love a red lip, try wearing a red dress and quietly seduce him with a pared back makeup. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley uses this technique beautifully! ( She also has a new line of makeup out with Marks and Spencer!)
Start by applying a light base just to even out the skin tone, but making sure the skin still shows through. Some highlighter strategically applied along the tops of cheekbones, down the center of the nose and on the cupid’s bow of the lips will create that candlelit glow (see my strobing technique). A fresh rosy cream blush will mimic a healthy flush. Apply lipstick straight from the tube and rub your lips together to evenly coat. Follow up with a lip liner that matches your lip color of choice to define the edges and then reapply a layer of lip color on top. This three-step process I find helps the lipstick to last longer.
For eyes, define them subtly with a dark brown crayon liner really well smudged into the lash line or some powder shadow for soft definition. I love Lancôme’s espresso kohl liner that blends so effortlessly. Of course, plenty of mascara for eyelash batting!
The secret to seductive makeup is all in enhancing our natural beauty. Pull out that red dress, heels and soft loose hair and I guarantee he won’t remember what lip shade you were wearing.
Happy Valentine’s!
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