There are two kinds of people in this world: people who fully lean into Valentine’s Day by sporting all things red and heart-shaped and people who avoid the holiday at all costs. It depends on the year, but most of the time, I fall somewhere in the middle, swooning over the colorful nail designs, oversize teddy bears, and festive candy selection.
This year, I’m fulling leaning into Valentine’s Day so I have an excuse to experiment with fun makeup looks, and MAC always comes through for me when I’m testing new products. The brand just launched Locked Kiss Ink 24-Hr Lipcolour ($33), its first-ever 24-hour lip formula. I hate having to whip out a compact mirror to reapply my lip combo, so this formula is a true game changer. Locked Kiss Ink is a proven kiss-proof, waterproof, and transfer-proof liquid lipstick that’s available in 16 luscious shades, so the only problem I’m facing is which color to wear on Valentine’s Day. Naturally, I decided to enlist my fellow editors for their expert opinions. They went above and beyond and shared collages of the makeup looks they’re considering for February 14, and it’s safe to say I’m smitten. If you want to see the looks we created, keep scrolling.
“When it comes to my makeup, I usually stick to natural looks. (My sunscreen, concealer, and blush trio gets put to work on the daily.) However, I feel like Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to switch it up in the name of romance. This V-Day, I’m turning to a sultry cat eye and berry lips thanks to the new Locked Kiss Ink in the shade Most Curious. Kiss-proof, waterproof, and transfer-proof? I already know my husband will thank me.”
“As much as I’d love to be more playful with makeup, I tend to stick to my trusted lineup: a pop of pink blush, a little glow, a swipe of mascara, and a nude-pink lip always have me feeling my most confident. However, this Valentine’s Day, I’m opting for Bodacious, a deeper shade of the Locked Kiss Ink, as a way to dress up for the occasion while staying true to my natural look. Even though it’s a transfer-proof formula, my lips stay hydrated and plump thanks to the nutrient-packed passionfruit and coconut oils it’s formulated with. It’s exactly the kind of kissable lip I’m going for this year.”
“I finally feel confident enough in my makeup abilities to wear a bold red lip without going full glam. This is a major step for me, but what better time to take a risk than on Valentine’s Day? I wanted the focal point of this look to be my cherry-red lips and matching blush, so I opted for light coverage with a concealer as my base and fluffy brows to complete the look. With the Locked Kiss Ink in Extra Chili as the last (and most important) step in my routine, I can walk into any event knowing that I won’t be reapplying my lipstick or staining any clothing or cheeks.”
“I have a soft spot for Valentine’s Day only because it’s my birthday (and I love an excuse to lean into the whole pink thing). But this year, the Locked Kiss Ink in Upgraded has me yearning for makeup that’s more purple-pink than baby pink, and honestly, I’m here for it. I love the idea of centering my look around a pink lip, pairing it with a similarly colored eye shadow, and topping it all off with something shimmery. It just feels right for the occasion.”
“For Valentine’s Day, I’m going for a soft, romantic makeup look: defined eyes, glowing skin, and flushed cheeks are a must. I’m channeling the cold-girl makeup trend here in frigid NYC, but the lips are arguably the most important feature to highlight for V-Day. I’m reaching for Decadence, this deep rosy shade of the new Locked Kiss Ink. The luxurious, weightless formula is kiss-proof and transfer-proof, so I’m ready to pucker up!”
