FOR THE LOVE OF FRIENDSHIP: GALENTINE’S DAY INSPIRATION
We know that Valentine’s Day is traditionally about romantic love but, whether you’re in a relationship or not, this month is also a time for showing the people around you (and yourself) the love they all deserve. And what better way to celebrate your meaningful relationships than by making some Galentine’s Day plans (it’s on the 13th of Feb, by the way) and sharing your love of beauty with your besties.
We’ve worked tirelessly to come up with the perfect plans no matter what your vibe is; we’re talking a cute night in, an at-home soirée or even an evening ‘out out’. To be fair, we wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to do all three — on different nights of course (though we’d be so impressed if you did them all in one night, that’s a skill in itself).
So, without further ado, let’s get into the details...
IN THIS ARTICLE
The Wholesome Night In
The vibe: Okay, picture this: all the besties gather round in their cosy pj’s (or lounging sets). The night can start with a takeaway roulette - where everyone orders a dish or two from a different restaurant - or if the Christmas spending is still being paid off, some supermarket special pizzas will do. Crowd round in front of the TV, choose an iconic film for all (we’ve got some recommendations below on whether you want to cry or laugh, we know the drill). But before you get comfortable, it’s time to whip out the face masks. Choose between a Patchology Bubbly Brightening Hydrogel Mask, Ceremonia Guava Mask or if you’re feeling extra, get some LED action with Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare’s DRx SpectraLite FaceWare Pro.
GRWM: It’s a low-key night, but that doesn’t mean you can’t play around with your look so for this evening we’re thinking minimalist make up and we love the hybrid formulas out there. Start with VIEVE’s Skin Nova for a glowy base and then layer on Summer Fridays’ Sheer Skin Tint for a sheer (but buildable) coverage. Add some warmth to your look with Saie’s Dew Bronze Soft-Focus Effortless Liquid Bronzer and set it in place for a healthy-looking glow. But of course, we can’t forget a juicy pout – reach for OLE HENRIKSEN's Pout Preserve Lip Treatment (the glimmer one for some added spice). We’re thinking no mascara but if that’s not your vibe, how about a coating of a brown mascara. No night-in is complete without a messy bun or slicked back look – remember comfort is key.
Our recommendations: Get Netflix ready and switch on The Notebook, Notting Hill, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, Clueless or even Bridesmaids.
Dress code: Comfy PJ’s or matching tracksuits (have a look on ASOS Design, SKIMS, Adanola or M&S)
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The Dinner Party
The vibe: What better way to showcase your culinary skills (and that new foolproof recipe you found on TikTok) than to host all your pals at a Pinterest dinner party of dreams. We’re thinking an Italian three course meal, because really what screams romance more than splitting a spaghetti with your besties (like the iconic Lady and the Tramp scene). Then, it’s time to let your creativity run wild and we think a sip and paint or flower arranging session will bring the group together. Let that loving laughter lift your spirits.
GRWM: For this make up look, ‘Soft Glam’ is the vibe — think neutral tones, blurred cheeks and a glossy pout. Begin with a glowy, medium-coverage base like the Danessa Myricks Beauty Yummy Skin Serum Foundation, which will leave you feeling hydrated all night long. As for your cheeks? Swipe on a layer of the NUDESTIX Nudies Matte Lux All Over Face Blush Colour in Dolce Darlin' - a warm, coral-caramel cream that will warm up your complexion with its ‘blonzing’ capabilities, followed by NARS’ Blush in Cherish for an added peachy glow to help your apples pop. Finish with a dusting of Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Bronzer, a lashing of mascara and a lined glossy lip.
Our recommendations: As for the aesthetics we think a classic retro pink and red colour scheme couldn’t be more fitting — think a scalloped table cloth, pink glassware, heart painted candles, bunting, balloons. Check out Flying Tiger, Oliver Bonas, Etsy, H&M Home and Dunelm (to name a few).
Meal ideas: Burrata Salad, Cacio e Pepe and Tiramisu (but of course use your culinary creativity).
Dress code: We’re thinking stylish but still comfortable and roomy enough to enjoy all the delicious bits. Something along the lines of the old-classic ‘Jeans and a Nice Top’ but we think that vibe can also lean into a co-ord, baggy trousers or even a loose maxi skirt and jumper.
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We’re Going ‘Out Out’
The vibe: "Ring ring" that’s the group chat calling: we’re going out out. Put on that outfit that makes you feel 10 out of 10 and let your inner MUA out to play. Begin your night by going out for a vibey meal and drinks or just having everyone round for a Throwback Thursday themed pres and then make your way on over to a club or bar and dance the night away with your besties.
GRWM: For this night out we’re thinking the ultimate full face, starting with a more full-coverage base such as the Pat McGrath Labs Skin Fetish Sublime Perfection Foundation. Define, bronze and contour with Fenty Beauty's Match Stix Contour Skinstick. Take your cheeks to dewier, colourful heights with the effortlessly blendable MAKE UP FOR EVER HD Skin Blush & Glow Palette. Create the ultimate Galentine’s eye look with the PATRICK TA Major Dimension II Rose Eyeshadow Palette. Then, to add an extra level of va-va-voom to your look apply the Sweed Lashes No Lash Clusters, which are little bundles of wispy lashes for a fluttery, whimsical effect. Before we bid you farewell, apply that bold lip you’ve been eager to try — we’re thinking Westman Atelier’s Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in ‘Pip’. And finally, to ensure your look lasts throughout all the ‘out out’ endeavours spritz a generous amount of Urban Decay’s All Nighter Setting Spray — trust us this won’t budge.
Our recommendations: If you’re in London we’re recommending these but of course the vibe remains the same wherever you are. NoMad London, Jacuzzi, Circolo Popolare, Gordon’s Wine Bar, Flute Soho, Samba Room, Café 1001, Maddox.
Dress code: Get your LBD out or a little mini skirt and Bardot top with kitten heels or knee-high boots.
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Cult Beauty’s Content Editor and a Cult Beauty OG, Verity loves nothing more than the marriage of language and lip balm. A quintessential Libran, she’s a self-professed magpie for luxury ‘must-haves' and always pursuing the new and the niche — from the boujee-est skin care to cutting-edge tech. Balancing an urge to stop the clock with her desire to embrace the ageing process (and set a positive example for her daughter), Verity's a retinol obsessive and will gladly share her thoughts about the time-defying gadgets, masks and treatments worth the splurge...
