Ready for Romance: How to Prep Head-to-Toe for Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day is often dismissed as "amateur night" by those too jaded to partake. But in a world of hopeless romantics, especially all over Los Angeles, this evening is a celebration of love in all its forms. Whether you’re wrapped in romantic bliss, celebrating Galentine’s Day, or simply pretending you’re “too busy,” one thing is certain: this night is a chance to feel and look your best.
Despite the clichés of overpriced prix-fixe menus and last-minute plans, Valentine’s Day invites you to embrace connection. And while you may enjoy your own company, there’s something satisfying about ensuring you’re prepared for whatever the night brings. A kiss, after all, can lead to much more—preferably after a glass of the right vintage wine. Here’s my most blunt and honest head-to-toe guide to looking and feeling impeccable, whether you're enjoying a hot date or simply luxuriating in your own damn greatness.
The Top of the Head: Hair That’s Worthy of a Slow-Motion Entrance
Let’s talk hair. If you’ve got the time and resources, book yourself a blowout with the masters. Nick Flores at Flore Hair Salon is a magician, and Maxime Salvador at Salon by Maxime will transform your hair into something you could have only dreamed of. These professionals know their craft and won’t disappoint. If you’re DIY-ing it, hats off to you. Make sure you have plenty of Ibiza hairbrushes (because it’s practically sorcery for your hair) for proper tension—and I’m recommending you try the new T3 Aire IQ Blow Dryer, which uses smart heat technology to dry your hair quickly while keeping it healthy. Don’t forget an excellent hair mask such as my never-disappointing Shu Uemura Reset Mask (rinse with cold water for shine) for softening. Follow that with a stellar hair protectant like IGK Good Behavior Blowout Balm and a few drops of Davines Ol oil for added additional shine.
The Mind: Confidence Starts Here
Next, it’s not just about looking fabulous; you need to feel fabulous. If you're preparing for a big date, take a moment to check in with your therapist or your brutally honest friend. Trust me, you’ll need all the confidence you can muster to deal with the potential emotional chaos of Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re dating or hanging out with your goop vibrator, owning your magnificence is key. Confidence is everything, and reminding yourself of your inherent awesomeness can set the tone for the night.
Face: Polish Like You Mean It
Exfoliation is non-negotiable. If you’ve been neglecting your face exfoliation, now’s the time to make up for it. Your face mask will absorb better if your skin is a smoother palette with less debris. I would start this regimen every few nights leading up to your date (no one better than you will know what your skin can handle). Lancer’s Face Polish is the heavy hitter for serious exfoliation, but if you’re looking for a gentler option, the Sisley Botanical Buff and Wash is a superb alternative. Don’t you dare come for me about St. Ives Apricot Scrub, either. Yes, the Internet’s been throwing shade at its granules, but let’s get super real: if you’re okay with microneedling and injecting Botox (which, by the way, is essentially botulism, but we still do it, don’t we?), you can survive a little St. Ives scrub, which gives the best glow of the three. After exfoliating, treat your skin to a clay mask to absorb impurities. Charlotte Tilbury’s Magic Clay Mask is super effective—it feels like your pores are being purified in a spa on a mountaintop. It’s also reasonably priced and not overhyped. You’ll want to make sure that you have no last-minute blemishes, so before you apply your moisturizer, use the Skin Gym High Frequency Wand to zap away impurities like a boss. If you are planning on Botox, book it a few days ahead of time to let it settle in properly. Dr. Jessica Wu is the queen of Botox and has a steady hand. She is my go-to for when I want a smoother visage (twice a year).
Makeup
We can go overboard here, but you know what you love. Make sure you use the products that work well on you. I don’t know your face and don’t want to recommend finishes and colors that clash with your look. That said, on the 14th, use a primer with a little sheen like the Thrive Causmetics Brilliant Illuminating Primer. Fake Lashes: sorry but I don’t care what anyone says, no man or woman wants to wake up with someone shedding fake lashes and clumps in the morning. Knock it off, just go with a beautiful mascara like Pat McGrath’s Fetish Eyes. Leave the faking to your orgasm and ditch the lashes (I don’t care how much people say they look natural—they don’t, and they will just ruin your lashes long term. You don’t want to be 60 one day and have no eyelashes to speak of).
Your Lips
They should, of course, be irresistibly soft because, truly, nothing enhances a smile quite like a supple pout. The secret to maintaining hydrated, kissable lips begins with hydration. (Duh.) Start your morning by infusing your warm lemon and water with a pinch of Celtic Sea Salt to add electrolytes Throughout the day, keep sipping on water enriched with electrolytes. This combination is key to keeping your face and lips plump and hydrated. But hydration alone isn't enough. To protect and nourish your lips, a good lip balm is essential. Apply it frequently during the day, and at night, incorporate a gentle exfoliation routine. Over the course of the day—whether from eating or wearing lipstick—fine, invisible debris can accumulate on your lips, making exfoliation crucial for smoothness. A few days before any special occasion, I recommend indulging in a luxurious ritual using Sara Happ's products. I start with The Lip Slip (a deeply moisturizing lip balm) and follow with her Pink Grapefruit The Lip Scrub. Apply and then gently buff your lips with a dry, clean, mouth-designated toothbrush. Rinse and finish with The Dream Slip before bed, or right before applying your lipstick to go out.
Brows: Treat Them Like Crowns
Your brows are the most important feature on your face, so make sure they are on point. Groom, shape, and perfect them until they’re worthy of a W cover. I prefer Kristie Streicher’s high-quality Essential Eyebrow Grooming Kit. It is well-made and lasts a very long time.
Skin From the Neck Down: Smooth From Head to Toe (Literally)
Exfoliate your body properly. But here’s the deal —don’t overdo it. I detest all of the daily body brush skin rituals that have been overmarketed. Pass. Why do you need to dry out your skin and deplete it of necessary oils? But you should get a monthly Korean body scrub to keep your skin soft, smooth, and glowing. Pellequr in Beverly Hills does an amazing body scrub, followed by a heavenly lymphatic drainage massage that will have you feeling more than relaxed. If you don’t have time for the full scrub, their Body Wash Towel will do the trick fast for proper exfoliation. (Always add a high-quality body oil to your skin when damp in the shower.) Now, because it is Valentine’s Day, go extra. Get the Tom Ford Body Shimmer Soleil Neige (smells divine) Body Shimmer Oil for décolleté, arms, and even in the hair—yes, a small amount in your coif….trust!
Your Heart: Don’t Let It Do All the Thinking
Listen, Valentine’s Day is not just about feelings. Your heart is important, yes, but let’s not have it make all the decisions. Make sure your birth control game is on point—whether you’re dating or simply enjoying your own company. That said, all forms of protection are also important: no glove, no love, darling. If you’re being responsible, everything else will fall into place. Take your birth control like it’s your most valuable accessory. Your future self (and your current high, perky boobs) will thank you.
Nails
Sorry, but don’t go tacky tonight, and don’t be a fool for trends. Only red (dark or medium-red hues) or a featherlight pink will do. No cheap blue, neon orange, or Army green either. You want to express yourself, go knock yourself out in the eye shadow department, but keep it beautiful on your hands. You’re not an overstimulated 7th grader. We love Russian manicures of late, too—they’re neat, better on your cuticles, and makes your manicure last ridiculously longer.
Grooming Down There: Keep It as Smooth as Possible, No Drama
If you’re having sex on V-day night, you want to be perfectly groomed. No ifs, ands, or butts! Simplicity is key. Skip the waxing drama (it’s a recipe for ingrown hairs and pimples—no, no, and no) and use the Ulike Laser as directed for smooth, long-lasting results. If you’re late to the laser hair removal game, a good razor will do for now—but make sure you use a proper shaving cream like Kiehl’s Brushless Shaving Cream.
Your Feet: Treat Them Like Royalty
Your feet deserve the same care as the rest of your body—they should be soft to the touch (not for anyone else but you, mind you). The Serum Doctor’s Foot File will smooth out any dead skin patches, and the foot serum is lovely, softening and hydrating without grease. Plus, you can slip your shoes on immediately after.
Self-Tanner: Sun-Kissed Glow
You haven’t seen the sun since last summer, and it shows. I’m Iranian and don’t have that problem, but my pale-as-a-ghost friends love the Isle of Paradise Self-Tanning Drops. Mix them into your favorite face or body moisturizer, and you’ll have that subtle, sun-kissed glow with no streaks, no orange tint: just a natural, radiant look.