"Love, Movies, and Makeup: How to Recreate Your Favorite On-Screen Couples' Looks"
"Valentine’s Day is here, and what’s a celebration of love without some iconic on-screen couples? From the rebellious to the heartwarming, these couples bring passion, drama, and unforgettable moments. Join us as we revisit some of the most memorable movie couples, and show you how to recreate their makeup looks with the help of some of our favourite Korean beauty brands, all curated by the Skinova team."
J.D. and Veronica, Heathers
“Love is our god. Let’s grab a slushie.”
Without Heathers, there wouldn't be films like Jawbreaker or Mean Girls. This dark comedy from 1988, which flips the script on high-school dramas, is remembered for its biting take on teen suicide hysteria. But it's the Bonnie and Clyde-esque duo at its heart, who turn their school into a scene of chaos, that truly stand out. Winona Ryder’s Veronica, disillusioned with the Heathers—the queen bees of the school—teams up with the charmingly anarchic J.D., played by Christian Slater. The pair’s relationship is messy and toxic, but their undeniable chemistry makes it unforgettable. Think of the moment when Veronica, overwhelmed by guilt, burns her hand with a cigarette, only for J.D. to light his own from the wound. Dark? Yes. Unforgettable? Absolutely.
To get Veronica’s look:
DASIQUE Shadow Palette in Sugar Brownie
Veronica’s sultry smokey eye is a blend of warm golds and browns. Use these shades to recreate the edgy, yet glamorous vibe she sports throughout the film.
ROM&ND Glasting Melting Balm in Buffy Coral
Veronica’s nude lips are iconic. This smooth balm offers just a hint of coral, leaving lips nourished and soft. If you prefer a matte finish, simply blot after application.
DASIQUE Blending Mood Cheek in #09 Almond Vanilla
For a soft, peachy blush that mirrors Veronica’s natural flush, this blush in Almond Vanilla delivers a delicate, creamy finish.
Howl and Sophie, Howl’s Moving Castle
“Sophie, your hair shines like the stars. It’s beautiful.”
Studio Ghibli has brought us many tender relationships, but Howl and Sophie stand apart as a mature, heartfelt couple. Sophie’s journey from a young woman cursed to age prematurely, to a strong and self-assured character, mirrors her evolving relationship with Howl, a wizard cursed by his own battles. Their love unfolds amid war and magic, as Sophie teaches Howl to look beyond appearances, while Howl helps Sophie accept the world as it is.
To channel Sophie’s look:
To get Sophie’s look:
UNLEASHIA Pretty Easy Glitter Stick in Wee Hours and PERIPERA Sugar Twinkle Glitter in Glitter Wave
Sophie’s subtle sparkle can be replicated with these two glitters—one a soft purple-pink, the other a holographic pink hue for that dreamy, starlit effect.
ETUDE HOUSE Drawing Eye Brow in Grey
ETUDE HOUSE Curl Fix Mascara in Black
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? The answer must be in the attempt.”
Before Sunrise is the first film in Richard Linklater’s dialogue-driven trilogy. Jesse, an American man, and Celine, a French student, meet on a train across Europe. They spend an unforgettable evening together in Vienna, talking about life, love, and everything in between. Despite being unable to afford a hotel room, they wander the city, sharing deep, meaningful conversations. By the end of the night, they kiss, but instead of exchanging contact information, they promise to meet again in six months. Their story evolves in the sequels, but Before Sunrise stands as a tribute to chance encounters and the beauty of shared connection, no matter how brief.
To get Celine’s look:
KUNDAL Caffeine Shampoo in White Musk
Celine’s bouncy, voluminous curls are always on point. Keep your hair looking healthy and nourished with this plant-extract-infused shampoo.
KUNDAL Volume & Fixing Curl Cream in Wedding Bouquet
Add definition and volume to your curls with KUNDAL's Volume & Fixing Curl Cream in Wedding Bouquet. This luxurious cream is enriched with a blend of nourishing oils such as Argan Seed, Macadamia, and Avocado Oils, providing deep hydration while defining your natural curls. The cream smooths frizz and tames flyaways, leaving your curls soft, bouncy, and beautifully styled. The sweet, floral scent of Wedding Bouquet adds a delicate fragrance to your hair, making it the perfect finishing touch for a romantic, effortless look. Whether you’re looking to enhance your natural curls or add some volume to your waves, this curl cream will give you smooth, manageable hair with a lasting hold.
TIRTIR Waterism Glow Melting Balm in Salmon Syrup
Achieve a natural, dewy glow with TIRTIR’s Waterism Glow Melting Balm in Salmon Syrup. This luxurious lip balm offers a soft, creamy texture that melts onto your lips, providing a smooth, hydrating finish. The delicate salmon pink hue enhances your lips with a subtle, rosy tint, perfect for an everyday, natural look. Infused with nourishing ingredients like Jojoba, Olive, and Grape Seed Oils, it helps keep your lips soft and moisturized while giving them a healthy, glossy sheen. Whether you're aiming for a fresh, dewy finish or layering it over a matte lipstick for added hydration and shine, this balm ensures your lips stay comfortable and luscious all day.
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.”
An instant classic following its release in 2000, In the Mood for Love is the second in a loose trilogy of films from Hong Kong auteur Wong Kar-wai. Set in 1960s Hong Kong in a Shanghainese enclave, Mr Chow, a journalist, and Mrs Chan, a secretary, both live in the same crowded boarding house with their spouses. After discovering that their spouses are having affairs with each other, the lonely expatriates start meeting up to act out various scenarios together – attempting to imagine the moment the affair started, rehearsing confrontations in which they elicit confessions from their respective partners – as well as collaborating on a martial arts serial that Chow has been writing. They come to develop feelings for each other, but insist that they won’t be “like them”, and their relationship, which oozes romantic tension despite their buttoned-up attitudes, remains unconsummated. Eventually, Chow, who has left his wife, decides to leave for a job opportunity in Singapore and invites Mrs Chan to join him, but she makes her decision to join him too late, and he departs without her. There are several frustrating missed encounters over the course of the next few years, but they never reunite, and the final scene shows Chow finally confessing his feelings by whispering them into the rocks at Angkor Wat, before walking away. Gorgeously realised and heartbreakingly nostalgic, Mr Chow and Mrs Chan’s unspoken love reminds us that we refuse happiness, even if it does not look quite as we would like, at our peril.
To get Su Li-zhen’s look:
ETUDE HOUSE Fixing Tint in Vintage Red or Cranberry Plum
: Get long-lasting, vibrant color with the ETUDE HOUSE Fixing Tint in shades like Vintage Red and Cranberry Plum. This lip tint delivers rich, intense color that stays put throughout the day, ensuring your lips remain flawless without needing constant touch-ups. Its lightweight, non-drying formula glides on smoothly and provides a natural matte finish, while keeping your lips hydrated and comfortable. Whether you're going for a classic, bold red look or a deeper, berry-inspired shade, this lip tint offers a high-impact color payoff and all-day wearability, perfect for any occasion. Keep your pout looking perfect, no matter how busy the day gets.
TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion SPF40 PA++
Achieve the perfect complexion with this luxurious cushion foundation that offers high coverage while maintaining a natural, dewy finish. The TIRTIR Mask Fit Red Cushion is formulated to seamlessly blend into your skin, evening out tone and hiding imperfections for a flawless look. With SPF40 PA++ protection, it not only provides long-lasting coverage but also shields your skin from harmful UV rays, making it ideal for daily use. The lightweight formula feels comfortable on the skin, and the unique air-layered texture ensures a smooth, fresh finish without a cakey look. Perfect for all-day wear, it’s the ultimate cushion for those looking to combine coverage, hydration, and sun protection in one elegant product.
ETUDE HOUSE Zero Sebum Drying Powder
This ultra-fine, lightweight powder is your secret weapon for maintaining a flawless complexion all day long. Formulated to absorb excess oils, it helps control shine and prevents your makeup from breaking down, leaving you with a smooth, matte finish. Whether you're touching up during the day or setting your makeup in the morning, this powder is designed to lock in your look for hours without caking or feeling heavy. Perfect for those with oily or combination skin, it ensures a soft-focus finish that keeps you looking fresh and polished—no matter what your day holds.