Valentines Day beauty guide

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Beauty Uncovered

Written by Meena Ganesh on 25/01/2012

Valentine's Day beauty guide

Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and if you've got a date lined up, you'll be searching for a look to impress. Angie Smith, a renowned fashion stylist who has worked wonders to create stunning looks for celebrities like Dannii Minogue, Natalia Tena and Alexandra Roach, reveals her tips for gorgeous date-ready outfits, while make up advice comes courtesy of Max Factor make up artist Caroline Barnes. Three scenarios and three complete looks & which will you go for?

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Alexander Wang autumn/winter 2011/12

Flushed and fancy-free: Outfit

Perfect for: a romantic stroll through the park

This calls for a simple but chic outfit that feels just as good as it looks. "I would always go with skinny jeans, a cool cable knit jumper, a leather biker jacket and cute, low cowboy or biker boots," says Angie. "A lovely, feminine jumper creates great contrast against a biker jacket. Pick one with a large cable knit (as seen at Alexander Wang) in a hue that works with your skin tone."

Dolce & Gabbana autumn/winter 2011/12

Flushed and fancy-free: Make up

In keeping with the energetic and fun tone of your date, keep your make up radiant and simple. The key to mastering this look? A flawless base. "Xperience Foundation by Max Factor is perfect as it helps to produce a beautiful complexion with utter ease and feels super-fresh," says Caroline. Blend Pixi Sheer Cheek Gel on to cheekbones for a complexion boost with staying power.

Monique Lhuillier spring/summer 2011/12

Flushed and fancy-free: Hair

With a few tweaks, a practical ponytail can go from boring to beautiful. "I like to give a 1960s twist to ponytails. Wear them high and add volume to the top of the ponytail by backcombing," says Daniel Caceres, director of the Trevor Sorbie artistic team. Create volume with a teasing tool like Denman Dressing Out Brush and secure your style with an anti-humidity hairspray like Trevor Sorbie Beautifully Moisturised Humidity Control Spray.

Balmain spring/summer 2011

Expect the unexpected: Outfit

Perfect for: a mystery date

If your date loves to spring a surprise on you, you're going to have to plan for all outcomes (or pester him until he confesses his plans). "A look that's universal is classic leather leggings with a black luxe vest and white tuxedo jacket," says Angie. "For a daytime date, add ballet pumps and a scarf. Add pointed heels and a statement clutch for an evening date – they'll give the look a chic edge."

Antonio Berardi autumn/winter 2011/12

Expect the unexpected: Make up

You might not know where your date will take you, but you can be sure it'll involve a kiss or two. This calls for lip colour that lasts, and Caroline has a favourite. "Max Factor Lasting Lip Tints are just genius! By the end of the night you won't end up with a skinny ugly lip line, just perfectly tinted lips," she says. It's also wise to take a handbag multi-tasker like Benefit Brows a-go-go so you can vamp up your look easily and quickly.

Dolce & Gabbana autumn/winter 2011/12

Expect the unexpected: Hair

Go for foolproof glamour with a timeless style that'll make your locks look healthy and lustrous. Smooth with straighteners and add a dab of shine serum like Botanics Hair Shine Infusion Serum to give your hair a glossy, silky texture. Want extra oomph? Set your hair in large curlers, mist with hairspray and leave them in for as long as possible for vivacious volume and bounce.

Bottega Veneta autumn/winter 2011/12

Femme fatale: Outfit

Perfect for: a lavish dinner date

This is your chance to go as glam as you like, so pull out your knock-'em-dead dress. "The most important thing when it comes to dresses is that you are comfortable and look like yourself," says Angie. "If your legs are exposed, make sure you're comfortable with your hemline."

Derek Lam autumn/winter 2011/12

Femme fatale: Make up

Beguiling and feminine is the way to go, suggests Caroline. "This is the one night you really need to enhance all your feminine assets," she says. Smoky eye make up is a winner when it comes to creating that "come hither" look. "Metallic colours on your eyes look stunning in candlelight and glossy skin looks really expensive and beautiful," explains Caroline. Try a soft and smudgy eyeliner like 17 Metallic Eye Pencil and soften the line using a brush like the Smoky Eyeliner Brush from No7.

Issa spring/summer 2012

Femme fatale: Hair

Created by Cos Sakkas, head of the Toni&Guy creative styling team for Issa London's spring/summer 2012 runway show, this look is all about glamorous, touchable waves that are undone and polished at the same time. "Apply one or two pumps of Toni&Guy Glamour Spritz and Shine Liquid Mousse to towel-dried hair. Blow dry your hair, making sure the air flow is pointing down each strand to make hair extra glossy. Use two-inch heated rollers to form curls. Leave them to cool before brushing the curls loose," he says.

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