This past weekend, my husband and I went on a date for the first time in many, many months. We went to the best place our city has to offer–a sports bar/hipsterish converted warehouse (lol!). Since our daughter was born almost a year ago, we’ve been like two passing ships, meeting for moments at the diaper station and the dinner table (okay, it’s not that bad, but our one-on-one time has certainly changed!). Part of the fun of going out for a date night, of course, is getting ready–three-quarters of the fun, to be exact, according to model Lindsay Ellingson. I surveyed my makeup arsenal in a new light and let myself have fun playing with a winged eye, extra mascara, and a generous amount of highlighter. I’m already looking forward to our next outing, sigh.
If you’re planning a romantic evening out–or just a fun-filled night with friends–take some inspiration from these makeup-savvy models, and find your signature date night style. We’ve also included vegan and cruelty-free product recommendations, of course!
Less Is More
“I think the new trend is less is more. Everyone’s going for a natural look. Natural nails are sexy—nude or no nail polish at all. I always pull my hair back in a low bun, it’s easy and classic.”
Achieve a gorgeous, glowing natural look with Charlotte Tilbury Pretty Glowing Skin Palette.
Be a Blushing Beauty
Lindsay Ellingson
“I’m in love with the look of blush…I love peaches and corals for my skin tone. If I want to go a bit bolder, and I’m doing less of an eye and just like a black liner, then I’ll do a bright pink blush.”
Try a blush from Ellingson’s own makeup line: Wander Beauty Carryon Lip and Cheek Gel. (Psst…these blush is highly pigmented and lasts all night!)
Sport a Sexy Red Manicure
“Red! Today’s [nail] color, red. I think it’s fun. It’s so cheesy but I love it…I would also do a small black cat eye [with liquid liner]. Instant upgrade.”
For a long-lasting manicure, pick up a bottle of Butter London Patent Shine 10x Nail Lacquer.
Don’t Like Classic Bright Red? Go for Moody Nails
Jordan Dunn
“On my nails I like dark colors—a dark berry is quite sexy. I like it a little bit moodier.”
Go vampy with Priti NYC Non-Toxic Nail Polish.
Play Up Your Lips
Stella Maxwell
If you’re going to do a night look, I really love to do a bold, red lip. It makes you feel really confident, especially if you’re going out with your friends, and it can really just change your whole attitude on the night. A red lip is just really sexy to me. I love a complete red, like a red, red lip. If I wasn’t doing that, I would go for an aubergine, purple-black red. It’s either that or a cat eye. I’m a huge fan of a winged cat eye. It gives you defined features, and you can be kind of bolder at night.”
Axiology Natual Organic Lipstick makes a gorgeous bold, red lip.
Make a Single Statement
Lily Aldridge
“I always think a red lip is a nice way to amp up your look and a nice red nail is sexy. But pick one thing to make your statement, whether it’s a lip, or an eye, or a nail. That’s just my opinion. And fragrance is the final touch to your outfit—I’m such a fragrance girl. I have so many, it just depends on [how I’m feeling] that night.”
Riddle Oil Roll-On Fragrance Oil is a mysterious, sexy scent that accentuates your body chemistry.
Be Yourself
Barbara Palvin
“I still try to put on the littlest amount of makeup. It’s never strong. Because I feel like when you go on your first date, people always dress up fully and do their makeup. I’m the opposite. I prefer to go and show how I am on the first date.”
Keep it fresh with Jane Iredale Dream Tint Moisturizer.
Do you have a signature date night look? What are your favorite vegan and cruelty-free makeup products?
Related: Perfect Your Autumn Lewk With These Gorgeous 2018 Fall Beauty Trends à la Vegan
PSA: There’s Is No Official Definition Of “Natural Makeup.” What To Know
Rosie Huntington-Whitely’s Makeup Artist Shares 5-Minute Look Anyone Can Do
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Photo: Respective brands, Irina Shayk via Instagram, Lindsay Ellingson via Instagram, Stella Maxwell via Instagram, Lily Aldridge via Instagram, Barbara Palvin via Instagram
