Makeup & nails

Valentine’s Day: 7 beauty tips to prep for date night

Your head-to-toe guide to getting ready (and pampered!) for a Valentine’s Day date.

by : Ava Baccari- Feb 11th, 2014

valentines-day-7-beauty-tips-to-prep-for-date-night

There’s nothing like the pressure of a date on Valentine’s Day to be a Hallmark card-worthy night out. But the idea of added extras like chocolate (truffles, please!) and roses (a dozen) shouldn’t get in the way of having a romantic night with your significant other. So we asked Krista Foulis, spa director at Park Hyatt Toronto’s Stillwater Spa in Yorkville, for her expert tips on how to get ready for date night—V-Day style.

Valentine’s Day beauty tips: Relax before date night

Making a trip to the spa the week of your date can to help alleviate any stress surrounding the night and help you bring a cool, calm demeanor to the (dinner) table. (And the total-body effect of indulging in self-pampering is long lasting.)

ELLE Body: The best aromatherapy oils

“The best body treatments to help you relax are ones that incorporate an element of massage,” says Foulis. “Our 90-minute Essential European Milk and Honey wrap includes a full body exfoliation, wrap and a 30 minute Swedish massage.” You’ll feel totally relaxed and leave with touchably smooth skin.

Valentine’s Day beauty tips: Get a fresh glow

You want to put your best face forward on date night—which means
well-hydrated and glowing skin. “The best treatment to enhance your complexion is a hydrating masque,” says Foulis. “The SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 masque or Demalogica’s Multi-vitamin power recovery masque are both great options.”

Valentine’s Day beauty tips: Date night staple? A red mani

There’s something timeless and romantic about a shiny lacquer in a cinnamon hearts shade. “Well-groomed nails give you a very polished look,” Foulis affirms. Invest in
nail care tools for a foolproof DIY manicure or a make an appointment the week of your date for a fresh coat. Her pick for the perfect festive shade? “
Red polish is great for Valentine’s Day.”

Slip a pocket-sized lotion in a creamy (and totally appropriate)
vanilla scent into your bag. “Well-groomed cuticles and hydrated hands can make your hands look younger,” she adds.

GIFT GUIDE: Valentine’s Day beauty products under $50

More ways to get ready for date night on the next page…

Valentine’s Day beauty tips: Try bombshell hair
If there’s ever a right time for luscious and touchably full look-at-me locks, this is it. “I would recommend wearing your hair down for Valentine’s Day,” says Foulis. Try one of the boldly romantic looks seen on the Spring 2014 runways—tumbling bedhead-inspired curls at Michael Kors or the dramatic side-part seen at Emilio Pucci, anyone?

10 romantic hair ideas

Valentine’s Day beauty tips: Go for a soft, romantic look
Complement your bombshell hairstyle with soft and pretty makeup. If anything, a date night is the time to let your most naturally beautiful self shine. “Keeping makeup simple is also best,” she says. “Use a foundation that matches your skin tone, apply a little bronzer all over and then blush on your cheekbones.” Add definition to your best features through highlighting and contouring.

Be sure to round out the look by filling in any sparse areas of your eyebrows, apply your favourite lash-lengthening mascara and finish off with a red gloss or matte lip shade that suits your skin tone.

Valentine’s Day beauty tips: Pick your signature scent (or his)
Add a personal touch to your beauty routine—one that especially your date will notice. “If your significant other has a favourite scent that you wear, I would recommend wearing that,” advises Foulis.

GALLERY: Perfect fragrances for Valentine’s Day

And moisturize immediately after stepping out of the shower with a rich body butter or body oil—coconut oil-based products are perfect for leaving a soft and beautifully scented finish. “This will keep your skin hydrated longer that using a body lotion,” she adds.

Valentine’s Day beauty tips: Just relax—it’s worth repeating!
“The best way to relax is in a nice Epsom salt bath,” says Foulis. If it’s first date scenario and you’re looking to calm yourself, turn to the soothing scent of lavender. “You could add a couple of drops of lavender essential oil to the bath and sip a cup tea to calm your nerves before getting ready,” she says. And remember to breathe.