By Angela Bobo
Valentine’s Day is almost here, and if you are one of the lucky ones spending it with someone special, we can bet that you probably have a lot of planning left to do. From last-minute dinner reservations to finding the perfect gift, nothing takes the romance out of the heart-filled holiday like stress. While we can’t solve all of your woes, we can help you look and feel your best with our six top beauty picks for a memorable date night.
Facial
Kickstart your V-day beauty routine with a vitamin C facial like Bluemercury’s ReVive + M61 Powerful Brightening Facial for a glow that screams, “I’m so in love” before you even open your present. The 50-minute treatment is designed to reduce dullness and even skin tone for a refreshed look.
Bluemercury Spas ,$95 (offer ends February 28); bluemercury.com
Exfoliator
Nothing ruins the mood like skin that’s rough to the touch. If you’re short on time, look for a product like Fresh’s Seaberry Exfoliating Soap that scrubs away dead skin cells while you wash for smooth skin in under 5 minutes.
Fresh Seaberry Exfoliating Soap, $16.50; sephora.com
Lip Stain
For a night out skip the standard red lip for a sultry deep berry color. This cream formula can be applied like a gloss but has the hydration of a crème lip color and the longevity of a stain to last you through dinner and dessert.
Sephora Luster Matte Long-Wear Lip Color in Mulberry, $16; sephora.com
Nail Polish
Valentine’s Day should be fun, so play into the unofficial color scheme of pink and red with this pick, aptly titled Love Letter. The hefty dose of glitter doesn’t hurt either.
Ciate Love Letter Paint Pot, $15; nordstrom.com
Fragrance
Musk is one of the most attractive scents, and when blended with rose, pear and cedar, it becomes simply irresistible in Francis Kurkdjian’s new scent Á La Rose.
Maison Francis Kurkjian Á La Rose, $245; franciskurkdjian.com
Activated Mouth Wash
Bad breath can be a dealbreaker. Activated mouth wash uses Smart-Zinc technology to eliminate bad breath for up to 12 hours, which will come in handy after a fragrant meal.
SmartMouth 12-hour Fresh Breath On The Go, $6.79; drugstore.com
Scented Candle
Keep the good vibes flowing once you return home (or if you stayed in) with a lightly scented candle to transport you to a more romantic place.
Diptyque Rosa Folia Candle, $65; bluemercury.com