Whether you’re planning on enjoying a cosy night in with your other half, off on a hot date or spending some quality time with your favourite girlfriends, Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse for having a good old pamper session and investing a bit of time into some self-care. Here, the experts at London Premier Laser and Skin Clinics have put together a seven-step beauty-prep guide to ensure you look and feel your best this Valentine’s day, whatever you’re up to.
1. Start prepping early
When it comes to beauty prepping, the key is to start early. In the run up to Valentine’s Day, consider exfoliating your skin twice a week; using exfoliating gloves in circular motions on the skin will rid you of any dead skin cells and give your whole body a lovely healthy glow, plus your skin will be super smooth. You may also want to invest in some moisturising facial masks which can be applied a few times a week in the run up to the big day; start with a detoxifying mask and finish with a hyaluronic based moisturising mask to get that healthy glow back. Why not also opt for a spray tan a few days before the evening? This will wear off to a nice hint of colour after a few days and will make you feel a lot more confident, especially if you’re going on a date.
2. Give your skin the gift of a glow
There’s no better way to give your complexion a healthy glow than by treating yourself to a professional facial. With so many available you will be truly spoilt for choice when it comes down to choosing one that’s right for you. Why not try the detoxing and exfoliating HydraFacial treatment? Famed for its fantastic and instant results, the HydraFacial removes dead skin cells and extracts impurities while simultaneously bathing the new skin with cleansing, hydrating and moisturising serums. The treatment is soothing, refreshing, non-irritating and immediately effective with a clean glow. Taking just under an hour, this is the perfect pre-Valentine’s treatment that you can enjoy before your evening out, or evening in.
3. Enjoy a bubble bath
There’s nothing quite like a relaxing bubble bath of an evening. If you’re in the mood for unwinding, light a few candles, stick on a good podcast and let all the tension rise out of your body. Try some soothing and revitalising bath oils and salts to really replenish the skin and leave you feeling smooth and soft. If you are going on a hot date, an evening bath should also help to calm any pre-date nerves you may be having.
4. Smooth the skin
Ensuring your skin is fuzz free is key to feeling and looking your best. There are a number of ways to de-hair pre-evening, whether it’s a quick shave job or waxing strips, making sure your limbs are super soft will make you feel extra confident. If you have a little more time, consider opting for a few sessions of laser hair removal, whether it’s legs, bikini line or facial laser, these quick and easy treatments will ensure you feel your best with no worries about any sneaky hairs ruining the moment.
5. Makeup masterclass
Makeup not your forte? Worry not. There are plenty of ways you can ensure your makeup looks super professional before your evening. Why not invest a little and have a mobile makeup artist fix you up for the evening? They will know what will suit your skin type and face shape, and chances are you will feel 100% more confident across the table from your date. Or, if you have a little more time on your hands, why not head to YouTube to watch some makeup tutorials offering tips and tricks, there are an abundance of makeup gurus who you can steal some inspiration from.
6. Treat your tresses
Showing off a killer blow dry on the day of Valentine’s is the best way to feel super sexy and confident. If you want to start the hair care early, use a hydrating leave-in hair mask a few days before to ensure your hair gets the nourishment it needs and looks super soft and shiny. A salon blow dry is a sure-fire way to get that bounce that cannot be achieved anywhere else, spritz a bit of hair spray in and you’re good to go.
7. Nail it
Whether it’s a mani-pedi, or a DIY job with a non-toxic nail polish, making sure your nails look good and match your outfit is imperative for looking your best and feeling well put together. If you struggle to do your nails yourself there are a number of nail salons which will be able to fix them for you, whether you opt for shellac, acrylic or just painted on. Don’t forget a pedicure too, you never know when your feet may be on show.
