Valentines day gets a lot of hate. I personally don't hate Valentines day, in fact, I'm one of those people (single or taken) who has always loved the day. What's not to love about curling up and eating pizza and chocolate? give me any excuse to celebrate. I don't see it as purely a consumer day (I know a lot of people just think it's a marketing dream and a made up holiday), I see it as a day of love and well, an excuse to eat. Love though, not even just between a couple, but a way to spread a little love everywhere, whether it's to yourself (which is what this post is about) or, to your family, your friends or your partner. Every year I get my Mum a Valentines present, whether it's chocolates or flowers, yup, I am a consumers dream but life is too short to be cynical about every single thing, so I vote love. Share love. Spread love. Be in love (with him/her/yourself). So today, in aid of Valentines day, I want to talk about date night! I wanted to talk through some of my favourite Valentines themed products, my top items to get you date night ready, whether it's for an at home pamper session eating chocolates and pizza, or a girls night out, a night out with your loved one or whatever you fancy, or, just for date nights in general. I hope you love these products, they're some of my favourites! Don't forget to check out my Valentines gift guide too, if you do love Valentines day as much as I do!
PRIME - First up, prime! Smashbox new Photo Finish Radiance Primer is absolutely incredible when it comes to prepping the skin for ultimate photo-ready, flawless, date night skin. I first discovered Smashbox years ago and they were famous for their epic primers. This new one completely hydrates the skin but almost coats it with radiance. It really does make your skin look flawless and ensure your make up stays on all night. It's my favourite at the moment. Shop Smashbox Photoready primer online here.
BLUSH - I couldn't not include a cute little blush duo in a Valentines post. Pink is such a romantic colour and this cream blush duo by Bobbi Brown is the ultimate Spring/Valentines day must have. The compact case is amazing too, such a good mirror to take out and about with you! Shop Bobbi Brown blushers online here. PS. I haven't used Bobbi for years and the new packaging is absolute Insta-goals! Shop new in from Bobbi Brown here.
EYES TO MESMERISE! - This By Terry palette is absolutely stunning, By Terry is quickly becoming one of my favourite brands. I love the soft, neutral, date night colours in this palette. You've got the deeper shade on the right for more of a deep date night look and then the lighter shades for the day, or if you're going for a bushy-eyed wide awake look. It's the gorgeous hint of sparkle that give this the wow factor for me. Another epic Spring product. Shop By Terry online here.
LINE - Speaking of wide awake bushy eyes, if you read my blog post about how to get the longest eyelashes, you'll know that I mentioned how much I love white eye liners. I line the tear duct with a white liner and it instantly gives me a brighter eye and a wide awake look, perfect for date day or night! Try this one by Smashbox! I also love Urban Decay for their white liners. Shop white liners here.
THE LIPS - Obviously for the lips, the Valentines period is the perfect to wear a red lip. I recently did an Instagram live (you can find me @emshelx) and I wore this lipstick. I got so many compliments on it. It's a deep yet bright red and you must go and try it, it's from the James Kaliardos collection. Buy MAC red lipstick online here.
For a super easy lip fix, go for Benefit's They're Real, lip. Perfect for girls on the go or for quick touches, or, if you're like me and snap every single lip liner you own. At first, I thought it wouldn't work and thought it may be gimmicky but come on, this is Benefit - every single product they create is amazing. The two tone and shape of They're Real means if you draw this lipstick on in the right motion, it lines and colours in your lip at the same time. It does make the lips look fuller and the colour range is amazing. Say hello to the perfect date night lips. Shop Benefit They're Real Lipsticks online here.
PERFUME - I was once told about the importance of a good fragrance, not only does it make you feel great, but those around you smell it too and almost remember you by your scent, which is why it's important to find your signature scent. I was told this about nice smelling shampoos too! I have two favourites for Valentines day: Modern Muse Le Rouge by Estee Lauder, it's designed to evoke the sex appeal of and shine of a red gloss, because come on, that bottle was made for the Valentines period but also, how can one be glum whilst looking at it? What a stunning, vibrant bottle. Second, Armani Si. A taxi driver once asked me what I was wearing and actually wrote down the name so he could buy it for his wife. Armani Si is loved by women all over and I know why. It smells so sexy and grown up. It's warm, sensual and everyone says they love it when I'm wearing it, it makes me feel so confident. I'm an addict. I really don't think you can go wrong with Jo Malone either, my date night scent is always Tuberose & Angelica. It's perfect.
GLOW - I do love a beautiful glow and Armani's highlight compact to celebrate the New Year is the perfect little compact for that. I have so many beautiful highlighting products but something about this one won me over. I love the golden tones as I'm more of a fan of the golden glow look particularly in the run up to Summer. Shop it online here. Whilst we're on the topic of Armani, don't forget to read my review of Armani Power Fabric Longwear Foundation - it's amazing.
THE EYES - Now we're talking about pampering, Aveda's Tulasara Wedding Eye is perfect to pop on before bed, after date night or just if you fancy a pamper. It's not actually designed for your wedding night (although you could use it then!) it's because it was inspired by an Indian tradition. This eye mask is the ultimate before bed pamper treat for tired eyes. February is quite chilly in the UK, so I like the slather it on. It contains so much goodness, including tumeric root to help brighten the skin and algae blend extract to help diminish the look of the eye area puffiness and dark under eye circles. I really struggle with a lack of sleep so this was made for me. Shop it online here.
TAN - I love having a glow, St Tropez gradual tan is amazing for a natural glow, plus you can put it on in the evening before bed and wake up seriously bronzed. I like St Tropez because their products smell great and are so moisturising. They care for your skin too. For a serious glow, try their dry oil, my personal favourite. If you're looking for more of a deep olive colour, I adore their mist tans. Shop St Tropez here.
MASK - I love putting face masks on before applying make up, I find it makes my skin look so much softer, perfect for a date! I'm obsessed with Origins face masks at the moment, they're so kind to my skin and give me instant results. They're currently my favourite face mask brand. Shop Origins here. 
TAKE IT OFF - Don't forget to take it all off before bed! I personally only use face wipes when I'm in a rush, or, if they're really good, high quality face wipes. These Double Wear facewipes hit the spot by Estee Lauder, even if you pop a bit of micellar water on them and use it pre-cleanse and then use an actual cleanser after. Shop them online here.
Do you like getting ready for date night? I love date night! What's your ideal date night? Or are you more of a girls night out kinda girl? Or a mix of both! Do you have any Valentines plans?
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Lots of love, Em x
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