Valentine's Day is upon us, and while love is in the air, there’s no better way to celebrate the holiday than by indulging in the most iconic on-screen couples that have captivated our hearts over the years. From rebellious teen couples to timeless love stories, we’ve curated four unforgettable on-screen duos that perfectly showcase the many sides of love — both sweet and sometimes dark. Plus, we’re sharing how you can channel their unique beauty looks, with a little help from the best K-beauty brands out there!
J.D. and Veronica, Heathers
"Our love is God. Let’s go get a slushie."
Before we had the sharp, calculating teen queens of films like Mean Girls and Jawbreaker, we had J.D. and Veronica from the cult classic Heathers. This film, both satirical and darkly comedic, offers a twisted love story between two outcasts at their high school—each with a different approach to dealing with the social dynamics around them. Veronica, played by Winona Ryder, starts off as part of the popular clique of the Heathers, but soon grows weary of the superficiality and cruelty. Enter J.D., played by Christian Slater, a charming yet dangerously unhinged teen who captures Veronica’s attention. Together, they plot the ultimate high school revenge by staging murders to look like suicides. Their relationship is toxic, thrilling, and darkly romantic.
Their love is perhaps best epitomized by one unforgettable scene: Veronica, distraught after killing one of her classmates, burns her hand with a cigarette, only for J.D. to lean over and light his own cigarette from the wound. Talk about a dysfunctional dynamic! Yet, there’s an undeniable spark between these two, with a partnership forged in crime and rebellion.
To get Veronica’s look:
DASIQUE Shadow Palette in Sugar Brownie
To capture Veronica’s smokey eye, blend out the rich golden sugar and deep cocoa shades from this palette. This combination will create a glittery, sultry smokey eye that’s ideal for Veronica’s edgy, rebellious spirit. Think about a look that goes from dark classroom corners to a night of scheming and planning.
ROM&ND Glasting Melting Balm in Buffy Coral
Veronica's nude lips are slightly tinged with coral, giving them a natural yet striking look. ROM&ND’s Glasting Melting Balm offers a soft nude coral shade with a hint of shine. For a matte finish like Veronica’s, blot your lips after application to take down the glossiness. This formula hydrates and adds a smooth, kissable finish.
DASIQUE Blending Mood Cheek in #09 Almond Vanilla
For Veronica’s flushed look, use this blush in a creamy peachy tone that has a mix of beige, milky brown, and mousse-like pink. Sweep it high on the cheekbones to mimic her slightly flushed, out-of-her-element demeanor whenever she’s involved in her crime spree with J.D. The color gives off a soft, innocent glow—yet you’ll know there’s more to the story.
Howl and Sophie, Howl’s Moving Castle
"Sophie. Your hair is like starlight. It’s beautiful."
Howl’s Moving Castle isn’t just a visual masterpiece from Studio Ghibli—it’s also a love story that transcends appearances, age, and expectations. Sophie, a young milliner, starts off as a plain, work-obsessed girl who is cursed by a wicked witch into an old woman’s body. Her transformation sets the stage for her incredible journey, both physically and emotionally. As she searches for a way to break the curse, Sophie finds herself in Howl’s magical and chaotic castle. Howl, a charming yet self-absorbed wizard, is on his own mission to end a destructive war, but their fates intertwine in a way neither could have anticipated.
Through their adventures together, they come to love each other in a way that transcends physical appearances—Sophie learns to accept the changes in her life, while Howl comes to appreciate the beauty in vulnerability and selflessness. Their relationship isn’t just about romance—it’s about growth, acceptance, and unconditional love.
To get Sophie’s look:
UNLEASHIA Pretty Easy Glitter Stick in Wee Hours and PERIPERA Sugar Twinkle Glitter in Glitter Wave
Sophie’s eyes hold the key to her magical charm, so why not add some sparkle to your look? UNLEASHIA’s glitter stick in Wee Hours, a subtle purple-pink hue, is reminiscent of the magical twilight that defines Sophie’s transformation. Apply a light swipe across your eyelids to capture the gentle, ethereal glow she exudes. Add a touch of PERIPERA’s Sugar Twinkle Glitter in Glitter Wave to intensify the luminescent effect for an even more enchanting result.
ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eye Brow in Grey
Sophie’s hair is a standout feature in the film—long, flowing, and radiant, even when cursed. However, her eyebrows are just as striking in their bold, natural shape. Recreate the look using this double-sided eyebrow crayon, which allows you to define and fill in your brows effortlessly while ensuring they stay in place throughout your adventures, much like Sophie’s enduring strength.
ETUDE HOUSE Curl Fix Mascara in Black
One of Sophie’s defining features is her wide-eyed, innocent look. This mascara will ensure your lashes stay curled and voluminous all day long, giving you the same expressive, doe-eyed charm that Sophie exhibits when she’s facing the wonders and challenges of her new life with Howl.
Jesse and Celine, Before Sunrise
"I believe if there's any kind of God it wouldn't be in any of us, not you or me but just this little space in between. If there's any kind of magic in this world it must be in the attempt of understanding someone sharing something. I know it's almost impossible to succeed, but who cares, really?"
Before Sunrise is a film that celebrates the fleeting magic of connection. Jesse (played by Ethan Hawke) and Celine (Julie Delpy) meet serendipitously on a train traveling across Europe, each on a journey of their own. They decide to spend the night wandering Vienna, talking about everything and nothing—life, love, their hopes, and dreams. Their chemistry is palpable, but as dawn approaches, the reality of parting looms large. What makes this film so special is the honest portrayal of a relationship that’s never meant to last—yet it leaves both of them, and the audience, with the unforgettable beauty of what might have been.
To get Celine’s look:
KUNDAL Caffeine Shampoo in White Musk
Celine’s flawless, soft curls are one of her defining features, maintaining their natural beauty no matter the situation. Recreate her effortlessly chic hairstyle with KUNDAL’s Caffeine Shampoo, which is packed with nourishing plant extracts and ingredients like Panthenol and Salicylic Acid. This will leave your hair looking shiny and healthy while keeping your scalp refreshed.
KUNDAL Volume & Fixing Curl Cream in Wedding Bouquet
Celine’s curls have definition and volume without looking overdone. To achieve this natural, bouncy curl look, this cream is your go-to product. It’s formulated with nourishing oils like Argan and Macadamia, which hydrate and protect your hair from heat damage while enhancing your curl pattern for a look that’s as carefree and romantic as a night in Vienna.
TIRTIR Waterism Glow Melting Balm in Salmon Syrup
Celine’s makeup is minimal yet radiant. She opts for a fresh, natural look, so you’ll want a product that provides a subtle hint of color with a glowing finish. TIRTIR’s Waterism Glow Melting Balm in Salmon Syrup is perfect for this, offering a soft pinkish-coral tint that enhances the natural beauty of your lips while keeping them soft and nourished.
Chow Mo-wan (Mr Chow) and Su Li-zhen (Mrs Chan), In the Mood for Love
"I didn’t think you’d fall in love with me."
"I didn’t either. I was only curious to know how it started. Now I know. Feelings can creep up just like that. I thought I was in control."
Wong Kar-wai’s In the Mood for Love is a visual and emotional masterpiece that explores the complicated, often painful nature of love. Chow Mo-wan (Tony Leung) and Su Li-zhen (Maggie Cheung) find themselves drawn together by their mutual understanding of betrayal. Living in the same building with their respective spouses, who are having an affair with each other, they begin to spend time together, exploring the possibility of what might have been. Their connection is both tender and heartbreaking, as they try to resist their feelings for each other while silently acknowledging the depth of their attraction. The film’s gorgeous cinematography and slow-burn tension are matched by the quiet passion and restraint of their relationship.
To get Su Li-zhen’s look:
ETUDE HOUSE Fixing Tint in Vintage Red or Cranberry Plum
Su Li-zhen’s lips are a perfect shade of matte red—elegant, understated, and never out of place. This long-lasting tint from ETUDE HOUSE will provide the perfect vintage red that complements her sophisticated, poised appearance.
TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion SPF40 PA++
For flawless skin that holds up even under the most intense emotional scenes, this cushion foundation will give you smooth, airbrushed skin with a semi-matte finish. It also provides protection from the sun—keeping you looking radiant whether you're reminiscing about the past or facing a new day.
ETUDE HOUSE Zero Sebum Drying Powder
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To mirror Mrs. Chan’s polished and refined look, this powder is the ultimate tool for keeping your complexion shine-free. Use it throughout the day to touch up and maintain the fresh, matte look that Su Li-zhen’s impeccable style demands.