Valentine's Day is the perfect excuse for amping up your style quotient. Falling smack in the middle of one of the dullest months of the year, this lovers' fete has impeccable timing, providing a much-needed opportunity to spice things up, not just when it comes to romance but to your makeup, too.

Creating a sultry makeup look is one way to make you feel sexy on Valentine's Day. So what looks are hot? We checked in with Caitlin Callahan, a senior makeup artist with the MAC Pro Team, to find out what looks are sizzling at the moment and how to get them just right.

What are the makeup trends right now?
According to Callahan, dark eyelids or colours that "pop" on the lips are the hot looks this season. Also, aim for "silk stocking" skin, she says. Instead of applying heaps of foundation, Callahan suggests using tinted moisturizers or face and body foundations. Think dewy, not greasy.

Colour confidence
Callahan outlines what colours are hot to create a sexy, sultry look for Valentine’s Day.

Lips: Coral, red, orange
Eyes: Black, grey, navy blue
Cheeks: Fresh spring corals and tans
Nails: Reverse French manicures with coloured tips

How can women get a sexy look with makeup for a romantic night out, without going over the top?
"Red lips!" says Callahan. "Dark upper eyeliner and a pouty red mouth is such a timeless combo."

How do you take your makeup from day to night, or from office to romantic dinner?
"Line the inner water line of your eye; it adds instant sexiness," she says. "For nighttime touches, try glossy lips for a kissable pout and frosty finishes on eyes or cheeks…but not both!"

We love the smoky eye when it’s done to perfection. What are some tips on how to get the look?
"Start by rimming your entire eye with your darkest colour; it could be a smoky coloured eye shadow or eye pencil," Callahan suggests. "Next use one shade lighter to blend out. The farther out you blend (top and bottom) the more dramatic the look. You choose when to stop. Then pile on black mascara! And as a final touch, use your eye kohl to line the inner water line, top and bottom."

What makeup mistakes do women often make when trying to go sultry and what can they do to avoid these mistakes?
"A mistake is focusing on every feature," says Callahan. "Choose a focus and go with it. If you go for the orange ‘pop' lip, keep everything else soft – a little mascara and blush only."

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Natalie Bahadur is the Senior Editor of styleathome.com and is a regular contributor to CanadianLiving.com.