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7 Ways to Sparkle for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day can be one of those days that you love or hate. But whether you’re going out with the love of your life or having a girls’ night out, you want to look your best. So let Valentine’s Day be a day to shimmer and sparkle. We’ve compiled some tips to help you sparkle no matter what the V-Day occasion, so whether it’s a date or a party you’ll look and feel like a million bucks.
1. Pamper – Valentine’s Day should be not only about your loved one, but about pampering yourself, too. Plan what you’re going to wear at night ahead of time. Take the time you need for a hot bath or a spa treatment, so you’re relaxed and ready for a romantic night.
- Advanced tip: Buy an outfit online.
2. Exfoliate - If you’re going to be wearing a Little Black Dress and showing off a little bit (or a lot) of skin, you need to exfoliate. Choose a body scrub that’s lightly fragranced so that it won’t interfere with your perfume. Pay extra attention to spots like knees, ankles, and elbows - and make sure you shave before scrubbing to avoid irritating your skin.
- Advanced tip: Pick an oil-based scrub and use it after you wash with shower gel or soap - the oil will give you an extra moisture boost.
3. Shimmer - Apply a shimmery moisturizer to your décolletage and shoulders. Avoid anything too sparkly or silvery that might get all over your dress or show up on black fabric.
- Advanced tip: Lightly apply a bronzing powder or gel down the front of your legs to make them look longer and shapelier.
4. “Do” it Up - When it comes to Valentine’s Day hair, anything goes – blow dry it smooth, being sure to protect it with a straightening balm, or be a sassy curly girl. Try a messy side bun or wear a sleek ponytail with side swept bangs. Just don’t show up with your “office” do.
- Advanced tip: Sprinkle a tiny bit of glitter into a few drops of shine serum, rub between your palms, then lightly run your hands through your hair for extra shine.
5. Have Fun with Your Makeup – A girls’ night out might be the perfect time to experiment with a darker lip or a little more eyeliner than usual…if you usually wear a smoky eye, make it even smokier with black kohl or lighten it up with silvery shadow or glittery liquid liner in the inner corners. If you’re into enhancing your lips, top a red or berry lipstick with hi-shine gloss.
- Advanced tip: Play up just one feature — don’t go for a dramatic smoky eye AND a dark lip. (Date nights are supposed to be thrilling, not frightening.)
6. Don’t Overdo Fragrance – Being on a date might cause your body temperature to rise, which will then make your perfume or eau de toilette even more potent - and there’s nothing worse than watching your date gag on your perfume. Keep the number of spritzes down to 2 or 3 at the most.
- Advanced tip: Forgo the spray in favor of a roll-on, solid scent, or perfume oil, and apply it only to your pulse points.
7. Accessorize - Pick up a sequined clutch just big enough for date or party staples like lip-gloss, gum, and some money for a cab. Wear sparkling chandelier earrings, or a “conversation piece” cocktail ring.
- Advanced tip: Don’t load up on so many glittery add-ons that you take attention off your most important accessory - your smile!
Photograph via Lukasz Dunikowski @ Creative Commons
Tags: style guide, Valentine's Day