Whether you’re hitting the town with the girls this Valentine’s, or have a big date planned, Katie Lucas gives you her top beauty tips for ensuring all eyes are on you… Chances are your skin will be looking a bit winter ravaged by now, so it’s a great time to book in for a facial. Origins are offering a firming mini facial for just £10 at the moment, which lasts for 30 minutes and is redeemable against products. For a strokeably soft body, use the divine smelling Sento Invigorating Detox Scrub by Sanctuary (£9.75 from Boots) for a few days beforehand.
Then add a light touch of seductive sheen by massaging in Darphin’s Aromatic Bath and Body Oil (£35.25, House of Fraser).
When it comes to your hair, you want glossy locks that will beg to have his fingers running through them, rather than an oversprayed complicated ‘do’. I love the Glisten range from MOP, which gives great shine and volume, while avoiding any chemical build up. Try the Glisten Discovery Kit (£8.75), which includes mini versions of the shampoo, conditioner and shine drops.
It’s vital to get a natural, even looking base. For those who’ve edged past their twenties, try Estee Lauder’s Perfectionist CP+ Wrinkle Lifting Serum (£41.10) to help minimise the look of fine lines by up to 61 per cent. If you’re looking to overhaul your foundation, pop to the Prescriptives counter in House of Fraser to have your perfect shade and coverage custom blended for you.
Men, in general, are not big fans of lipgloss, as it does tend to get sticky. Instead, get your lips in tip-top kissing shape by using a medicated lip treatment, such as Blistex Relief Cream (£1.95 from chemists), for a few days before the big date, then on the night go for a non-sticky lip plumper such as Perricone MD Lip Plumper (£29.50, www.nvpmd.co.uk).
If you can’t bear to ditch your lip colour, go for a lipstick, rather than gloss, and seal it with a dash of Lipcote (£3.18 from chemists).
The great thing about nude lips is that you can make more of a feature of your eyes. For a 2009 update on the soft romantic look, try a soft pink base coat, with a hint of teal or turquoise across your lash line. Featuring six shades of eyeshadow, including turquoise, violet, pink and neutrals, Clarins’ new limited edition Nature Temptations Eye Colour Palette (£27.40) will see you right through the spring.
Don’t forget a long lasting, volumising mascara, such as Prestige’s My Biggest Lashes, or, if you’re looking to really splash out, Sisley’s Phyto-Mascara Ultra-Volume (£39.50 from www.strawberrynet.co.uk), to really make your eyes ‘pop’.
Ideal for Valentine’s Day, Agent Provocateur Maitresse Eau de Parfum (£46 for 50ml or £66 for 100ml) is seduction in a bottle. Alternatively, check out ‘Scents to Stay Sweet into the New Year’ to find a perfume to reflect your personality.
Make sure you don’t neglect the little details, such as manicured nails. If you’re on a budget, try a spot of DIY with the Mavala White French Manicure Kit (£8.75 from www.salonskincare.co.uk), which includes sticker guides to ensure a perfect finish.
If this all has the desired effect, you may well need that all important lingerie… We love Marks and Spencer’s Valentine's Red Silk Basque Set (£22.50), which will disguise a multitude of sins.
Don’t miss this week’s Bolton Boutique, when we’ll be bringing you top Valentine’s gifts for under a tenner!
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