Oh don’t give me that “I don’t care about Valentine’s Day” nonsense, ladies. Even Cupid’s hearing impaired, blind, socially inept second cousin knows that that sentence directly translates to: “I can’t wait for my prince charming to swing open the bedroom door at first light on the 14th, atop a glistening white stallion, with a thorn-less red rose between his perfect teeth, and a silver platter full of love-heart-shaped French pastries resting in his equally perfect hands, singing The Way you Look Tonight…or The Way You Look This Morning (the version that skims over eye-gunk and dribble-patches) in a voice made sweeter by the fact that he has to sing it through the petals of a rose.” Sound about right? Thought so. Now that we’ve got that out of the way, let’s prepare for the most romantic day of the year!
Although your prince charming will undoubtedly want you to ride sidesaddle whether you’re dolled up in your Saturday night finest or dolled down in your Sunday morning hangover, it’s nice to primp and pamper, if not for him, then for yourself. Finding the energy levels and motivation to participate in said ‘primping’ and ‘pampering’ can be difficult though, so I suggest applying Be Genki’s ‘Vitality’ Body Oil after your morning shower and before bed in the days leading up to the big event. This beautiful blend of peppermint, lemon, eucalyptus and rosemary will uplift and invigorate both your body and mind. For an extra dose of vitality, add a generous splash of the Bath and Shower Oil to your bath…and shower!
$30.00
$30.00
The morning before, take Aum’s Purifying Body Scrub into the shower with you. This creamy mix of papaya, pineapple and bamboo isn’t too abrasive, which means that it will gently remove dead skin cells and deeply purify the skin without causing redness or irritation (which would be a nightmare the day before Valentine’s Day). Not only will this scrub make your skin feel soft and look glossy, but will also prepare your body for operation bronze.
$24.95
Now, this step is optional (as opposed to all of the other steps which you are now obliged to follow) as fake tanning isn’t everyone’s cup of tea. I strongly suggest that you prepare your skin correctly before tanning to avoid streaking, splotches and discolouration. Do this by exfoliating thoroughly (especially around creases such as knees, elbows and ankles) and moisturising. Model Co’s Tan Airbrush in a Can is a great choice, as it is easy to apply, is natural in colour, and includes Aloe Vera that will nourish the skin even further. Although this Model Co tan is cocoa butter scented, I suggest that you tan the night before Valentine’s Day so that 1) the scent of your perfume and fake tan aren’t at war, and 2) you don’t run the risk of leaving brown marks wherever you sit (so not attractive).
$19.95 for 90g
On the day, before the leg-shaving/eyebrow-shaping/hair-styling/general-primping madness begins, transform your bathroom into a serene space – this will help you to stay calm and positive as the clock ticks closer and closer to your dream date knocking on your front door. Do this by laying out your products so that you don’t have to rummage through drawers and cupboards looking for your eyelash curler at the last minute, making you sweat off your makeup and ruin your freshly painted nails. Then, light a couple of soothing candles. I especially like MOR’s ‘Lychee Flower’ and ‘Belladonna’ candles.
$39.95
$39.95
Now that you’re exfoliated, moisturised, tanned, showered, shaved and serene, the true fun begins: makeup!
Cleanse, tone and moisturise as normal, then pat Aum’s Brightening Face Balm all over your face, neck and décolletage. This divine blend of green tea, kudzu and cherry not only brightens the face, but also helps to refine the skin’s texture, leaving it feeling (and looking) firmer, smoother and more radiant.
$24.95
Now that your face is brightened and ready to go, put some of your foundation-of-choice into your palm, add a drop of Face of Australia’s Mineral Therapy Illuminator, and mix the two together with your finger. Apply this combo as you would your normal foundation, and then introduce yourself to the glowing angel in your mirror. You can add some extra illuminator to your cheekbones, hairline, down the centre of your nose, and on your cupid’s bow for added glowing effect.
$14.95
To ensure that your décolletage (and the rest of your body, for that matter) is as glowing as your face, use Model Co’s Shimmer Airbrush Illuminiser.
$11.95 for 30g
Add your usual concealer if needed, and translucent powder to set your foundation (nothing too heavy – you don’t want to dull the glow and shimmer of the illuminator), and then whip out Australis’ Crème Colour Blush. This blush compliments the radiant, fresh, glowing look that we are going for, as it has a slightly dewy appearance.
$9.95
Now that our “I-look-fabulously-radiant-under-candlelight” base is complete, it’s time to add the bells and whistles. Let’s start with eyes, shall we? So as to not overwhelm the poor chap sitting across from us in the restaurant, it’s a good idea to go simple yet classic when it comes to eyes. A bold stroke of SAX Liquid Liner and a lashing of SAX Wonder Lash Dramatic Volume Mascara will emphasise your eyes, without hitting your date in the face with a rainbow of eye shadow.
$14.95
$17.50
After you’ve cleaned the excess foundation and powder off your lips with a damp cotton bud and applied your favourite nourishing lip balm, it’s time to make an important decision: are you going to go girly, nude, femme fatale, or classic Valentine? Lucky that all options will look divine with your base makeup and eyes! (Perk of the Face of Australia ‘Lip Quench’ lippies is that they contain shea butter and jojoba oil, which means that they are deeply hydrating. This may be a good option for those with dryer lips).
$9.45
$9.45
$25.00
If you opted for a girly lip, I suggest pairing it with SAX Nail Life in pink ($8.95), and if you opted for a nude lip, femme fatale or classic Valentine, then I suggest SAX Nail life in red (8.95).
By this stage, you’re looking like quite the radiant goddess. Now, it’s time to pick your scent. If your lips and nails are pink, I suggest you spritz some Urban Rituelle’s Peach Blossom Petit Parfum, and if your lips and nails are red, I suggest Urban Rituelle’s Vanilla Petit Parfum. Apart from smelling heavenly, these two perfumes are small enough to stow away in your clutch bag for sneaky reapplication throughout the night.
$14.50
$14.50
Now all you have to do is comb your eyebrows, fix your hair, get dressed, accessorise and you’re done. But before you leave the house for your fabulous date with your fabulously perfect prince charming, strategically place your MOR candles by the bed, a bottle of MOR Marshmallow Bathing Elixir by the bathtub, along with a couple of Lush Love Potion Massage Bars. I trust that you know what to do with these.
$49.95
$9.95
Happy Valentine’s Day!
xx
