With Valentine's Day (and mating season:) fast approaching, let's chat about our beauty secrets when going on dates! Here's my little routine...
First, Bare Escentuals foundation with SPF has changed my life. It makes your skin look clean, pretty and glowing. Honestly, I've felt a little self-conscious about my skin as I've gotten older, but this foundation is a miracle. It covers everything beautifully, without looking like you're wearing makeup. It's my holy grail foundation, and I highly recommend it.
Second, I wear this Fresh Sugar Passion lip treatment when I'm on a dinner date or bike ride with Alex. The hint of bee-stung color brightens up your face, while the hydrating treatment makes your lips soft for kissing.What makes you feel naturally beautiful? Please share your secrets...
(Photo of Gemma Arterton by Elle Magazine, via W&D)
Korres lip butter in Pomergranate! Makes a great blush and looks luscious on lips. Plus you can wear it to bed!
ReplyDeleteA spritz of perfume on the back of my neck just under my hair -- I don't know why, but it always makes me feel alluring. :)
ReplyDeleteI NEEDED this today. Thanks. I haven't showered and dried my hair in TOO LONG and being a mama to Baby Lulu is taking its toll. Plus I'm not getting my beauty sleep :-) Note to self: read blog, put into action!
ReplyDeleteoh wow, I am going to try this foundation! It looks amazing, and like you, I get a bit self-conscious about my skin now that I am getting older, and some products enhance your wrinkles. That is just annoying. So I am always happy to find some good recommendations!
ReplyDeletebisous,
mia
HEYLILAHEY
Thanks for the tips! If I want to feel fancy and flirty, I'll apply eyeliner in a cat-eye fashion! And I never forget my favorite perfume; it makes me feel sexy and confident. xo.
ReplyDeleteTry the Bare Escentual mineral veil... it is A M A Z I N G! It exalts your natural glow and you can put it on your Bare Escentual foundation or just on your daily lotion just to glow up... I think it's essensial because you need just a tiny bit of it!
ReplyDelete;)
Ha! I use both of these, how funny is that! I just recently starting using the Bare Escentuals in fair. I'm liking it! The Fresh Sugar balm is great after using there lip scrub as well.
ReplyDeletetheir*
ReplyDeletesometimes its more efficient to google the products joanna is linksynergy-ing instead of clicking directly on her links. Then you can find the store with the lowest price with shipping directly to your zip code.
ReplyDeleteI really love all sugar lip treatments...they really make a difference!
ReplyDeletegrace
http://herumbrella.com
I use that foundation! I love it! I try to wash it off even though they say it's ok if you don't because it makes my skin really dry otherwise.
ReplyDeleteI feel sexy on a date when I apply liner and mascara on my top lids until they flutter without having to blink. Meow!
PS: Diana Miezcan from ExPress-O swears by wearing pretty panties to give you a skip in your step! I think it works, too!
I SWEAR by Bare Escentuals makeup, it's the only kind I use since I decided to make a better effort with my beauty routine about a year ago. I finally decided to stop using cheap drug store brands that faded by the end of the day (I only ever wore eyeliner and mascara anyway, nothing else) and invested in a quality brand. Now the the foundation evens out my skin tone and the primers keep everything on all day. I love it! :)
ReplyDeletei wish i could get into mineral foundation, bc i hear such wonderful things about it. i find it sinks into my "lines" and makes me look haggard, but then my skin tends towards the dryer end of things. i love laura mercier's illuminating tinted moisturizer in bare radiance. it has an EVER so slight shimmer to it that reflects light and therefore conceals wrinkles. it gives me a lovely, dewy glow (if i don't say so myself), and i just use a tiny bit for my tzone. clinique's black honey almost lipstick and fresh's cannabis santal EDT.
ReplyDeleteAlso I JUST started using Bare Escentuals Blush. I've never worn blush in my life but wanted to give it a try (was always too afraid I'd go overboard and look clownish). Love it as well! No clowns in sight :)
ReplyDeleteA hot date need mismatching (but scandalously sexy) underwear to make the whole thing seem really 'oh, this old thing?'
ReplyDeleteand dry shampoo for extra volume and 'straight out of the shower' smell. win. x
Tarte cheek stains are amazing at making you look all glow-y and pretty. I love them on top of a sheer tinted moisturizer. You skin will look gorgeous! I also love a smidge of gold eyeshadow with a thin line of gel eyeliner. Your eyes pop but the look is subtle. And Lush's exfoliating lip scrub is great to use - especially with v-day and lots of kissing coming up!
ReplyDeleteFor a date, I love benetint blush- it looks so fresh and sexy, (almost like you just came out of a hot bath or..ahem...had an orgasm..), and for lips i love rosebud salve and a little "Dolve Vita" nars lipstick- i got it recently and fell in love! such a subtle, soft pink color. I leave my hair down, put on my favorite little gold hoops, and a little bit of Chloe's rollerball perfume (which i got after you recommended and absolutely adore). OH, and a little moroccan hair oil. Joanna, I think we might have the same beauty routine :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE Bare Escentuals foundation, and blush, and concealer... I like that it's so light.. you don't feel like you're wearing a bunch of weird chemical-y makeup.
ReplyDeleteI use Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer mixed with a little more moisturizer. I tried Bare Escentuals mineral makeup recently and it didn't do it for me. I wonder if it's because my pores are not tiny (ha ha, can you tell I don't like saying "large pores"?). A friend of mine swears by it and looks great, so it's probably me!
ReplyDeleteRimmel mascaras are great, especially as they are so inexpensive!
Yes! Bare Escentuals is amazing. Definitely can't skip moisturizer since it can be a little dry, but covers so evenly and naturally.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds silly, but for me, it's all about making sure my toenails are painted (Even if it's a winter date and I'll be wearing boots and socks!). Even if it's a clear polish with just a little glitter: the act of painting them, knowing that I took that little extra step. It makes me feel put together, somehow.
ReplyDeleteI used to never use blush, but I did on my wedding day, and I realized how wonderful and grown-up that tiny step made me feel. So, I take 10 extra seconds and swipe on a tiny bit of blush and you're right: it's magic.
Totally agree with you on foundation, that's the same brand I use and I haven't looked back, it's so amazing!
ReplyDeletehttp://chicgeekery.blogspot.com/
love both of those products.
ReplyDeleteso I fell in love with Latisse after seeing all these women with amazing eyelashes. the stuff TOTALLY works. my lashes are ridiculously long and thick now.
and I love Burt's Bees tinted lip balm. perfect for that 'sting' of color.
Taking notes of all your tips and those in the comments! I am not a night owl by any means and I always feel guilty at how much I don't want to go out in the evenings, so I'm always looking for ways to perk myself up when my boyfriend wants to go out! A gin and tonic usually does the trick in a pinch.
ReplyDeleteI don't drink red wine on a date, because I always wonder if I have stains on my lips and/or teeth! Otherwise, kitten flick eyeliner is a must when I want to feel pretty.
ReplyDeleteI just ran out of foundation and am going to try this one. Thanks.
ReplyDeletethis has nothing to do with make-up, but my way to feel gorgeous on a date is to make my husband leave the house (or somehow get ready without him there). Its really fun to have him go - then pick me up, all beautified and ready to flirt. It makes me feel like we're still dating and it makes me feel really sexy. Its also fun to skip the picking me up part and just meet him at the restaurant bar.
ReplyDeletemy partner loves when my hair smells good.. he loves the rose blossom shampoo i use from john frieda.
ReplyDeleteBare Escentuals changed my life!
ReplyDeleteThose are both my favs too! Recently I've fallen in love with BBCreams (like a tinted moisturizer, but completely weightless with high spf) and my Benetint for a fresh pop of color even on the dreariest days.
ReplyDeleteThis foundation looks promising, I might try it although I am really happy with my Mac foundation.
ReplyDeleteIn winter there is always a Korres thyme honey handcream in my bag. A miracle for sensitive skin and I love the perfume...if at home,have to struggle with our dog,who just wants to eat it! :D
A pomegranate labello brightens every smile,while softening the lips.
A perfume. The One, during the last 2 winters. Looking for a new though...maybe before our next date...:))))))))))))
these days I am loving Laura Mercier tinted moisturizer and Dior LIp Addict 002- love, love these!
ReplyDeleteI love the photo you used for this. She's not done up in a fancy dress, but she looks assured and comfortable. And the glass of wine - I'm no alcoholic, but I definitely feel fancy/sex with a glass of red and my favorite outfit when the hubs and I go out on a dinner date. :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the suggestions! Ive been dying to check out the new sephora in meatpacking, and now I have an excuse!
ReplyDeletexx
Nikki
Love your tips. Here are a few of my beauty secrets...not so secret anymore. Try them, you will thank me!
ReplyDeletexo
E
http://urbanchiqueness.com/chique-tip-nurture-your-skin-with-oil/
http://urbanchiqueness.com/chique-beauty-tip-secret-spa-scrub/
http://urbanchiqueness.com/chique-beauty-tip-all-about-eyes/
Thanks for this - I need a new foundation, as my current one seems to last 30 seconds. My new addiction is the magical, magical Josie Maran Argan Oil. Oh, how I love it.
ReplyDeleteI love Dior's tinted moisturizer. Evens skin tone and makes my very temperamental face look flawless and dewy. I like to fill out my eyebrows, and put on a little blush, and perfume in my hair.
ReplyDeleteI never ever leave the house without a little bit of Benefit's Eye Bright. It's a creamy light pink pen that makes the eyes look awake and bigger. And some blush too !
ReplyDeletePerfect skin with Armani silk foundation and totally agree alwayssss alwaysss blush!!
ReplyDeletehttp://suitliz.blogspot.com/
Love all the beauty suggestions you've been making of late- my fun new obsession is Birchbox. You subscribe for $10 a month & luxury samples arrive once a month in the mail. I love enjoying fancy new beauty products even in the middle of nowhere Hawaii!
ReplyDeleteAn outfit is never enough without the right perfume ;)
ReplyDeletePlus I like curly hair on date nights :)
Maria
http://www.unidentifiedlifestyle.com
Wearing sexy underwear and your signiture perfume always helps
ReplyDeleteI think it helps to look that hot though in the first place. I can't compete with the genes this gal has.
ReplyDeleteJust a hint of perfume makes me feel really sexy. Even if I'm not wearing any makeup. Right now I'm really into YSL's Babydoll.
ReplyDeleteBecause I work at Sephora, I get all the latest beauty tips and tricks. For a date, its all about lashes and cheeks! Nars Desire blush, and individual lashes on the outer corner. So pretty and easy!
ReplyDeleteI love bare minerals! it's my favorite... feels like nothing but covers so well. I will never go back to anything else. ever.
ReplyDeletei love anything from fresh! this lip treatment is my favorite. my husband always borrows my clear, it stays on and conditions your lips without feeling sticky. added bonus is whenever you order directly from fresh if your order is over $50 you get to choose three free samples. perfect marketing to prove their products work!
ReplyDeleteClinique Almost Lipstick in Black Honey! Even on the "crazy mama" days when my son tells me my hair looks like a rooster, a little mascara and some black honey makes me feel presentable!
ReplyDeleteFresh scrubbed & exfoliated skin with jojoba oil dabbed on BEFORE my makeup (jane iredale pressed mineral powder is my secret weapon), just enough blush and sheer pink lipgloss makes me feel glowy and natural... Also, you cannot go wrong with a swingy sexy blowout! When my hair looks good, I feel good!
ReplyDeleteSadly, Bare Escentuals foundation makes my face itch. Maybe because of our tropical climate? I like cream-to-powder face sticks in two shades for light foundation, concealer and a creamy complexion with no icky feeling. Just that after a cold shower and a lip balm for me.
ReplyDeleteI was so disappointed by Bare Minerals. It looked great on my face, but it broke my skin out! So, I switched to Korres velvet foundation, and it looks great on me.
ReplyDeleteOther than that, a good blowout makes me feel sexy before a date! ;)
That photo is so perfect for 'How to feel gorgeous on a date'! I want to go on a date now!
ReplyDeleteI use both of those products and they are divine. Also, Aura sheer cheek stain in Petal gives my cheeks a bright glow, like I just walked in from the cold. Perfect.
ReplyDeletei use aquafor on my lips . . . it is super moisturizing and gives my lips a pretty sheen too. i also like to have a "natural" looking waving in my hair with lots of body. it makes me feel really naturally pretty and fresh.
ReplyDeleteBenefit High Beam! Its a beautiful highlighter that you can use on your cheekbones, eyelids, nose, even lips. makes you glow instantly. XO
ReplyDeletebare minerals does the trick for me all the time :)
ReplyDeleteFreshly blown out hair, a bright and pretty nail polish and some heels- even if they are just with jeans and a button down- always does the trick for me.
ReplyDeleteLoving the advice! I'm going on a (2nd) date tomorrow night... :D
ReplyDeleteMy absolute fav makeup products right now is Tarte cheek stain in Tipsy color and Benefit's Erase Paste. (especially helpful with those sleepless nights associated with motherhood :)
ReplyDeleteGreat tips!
ReplyDeletehttp://foodfashionandflow.blogspot.com/
I too am a a huge fan of the bare essentials foundation, it is the perfect amount of coverage and just blends right in to give you that natural look. I also love a little highlighter on my apples of my cheeks, just a little goes a long way in giving you a natural glow.
ReplyDeleteI feel best when I have nice soft hair, long thick lashes and a light spritz of perfume (I like Moroccan Oil, Max Factor False Lash Effect mascara and Daisy by Marc Jacobs)
ReplyDeleteI remember reading once in a body language book that showing the inside of your wrists is flirty, and somehow I always find myself playing with my earring on dates - I wonder if it really does anything? haha
Joanna, with love and respect, I'm finding it hard to tell which posts are ads. I'm fully supportive of sites like yours that are part (or all) of a person's income, but I thought it was the law to disclose when you are using a tool like linksynergy to sell products to readers. Thanks for a bit of clarification, if you can offer it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great tips! I've been looking for something to make my skin look gorgeous! Is it good with sensitive combination skin?
ReplyDeleteJoanna, I've been looking for something new to try for my lips and your recommendation looks like just the thing! What color do you like best?
ReplyDeletemascara mascara and more mascara!! the eyes are the window to the soul, and i want them to pop! lipgloss is a must (i have the fresh lip color too) but i like it a bit shinier than a colored lip balm (mac lip glass is super sexy looking but slightly sticky).
ReplyDeleteand a great scent- lolita lempika for me-sexy!!
http://www.jennysuemakeup.com
Really love the foundation idea! I hardly ever wear it because it's so hard to match/find a good one. The thing that makes me feel naturally beautiful is the subtle scent of the lotion I use after showering. Usually it's a vanilla or coconut scent that my boyfriend requests.
ReplyDeleteThank you Jo for the tip on the foundation. That sounds amazing. For me, I never leave home without my red lipstick. I feel so naked without it!
ReplyDeleteHi! Just wondering who won the eberjey giveaway...didn't see the winner...
ReplyDeleteSomething I just discovered recently... an EYEBROW PENCIL! (I had the girl at ulta help me find the right pencil and color for me - Brow Wiz by Anastasia in Ash Blonde.) My eyebrows aren't too sparse, so the pencil just really helps them look naturally fuller (and I extend them a bit toward the outside of my face). With it,I feel like my eyes look brighter and my face looks more structured.
ReplyDeleteThanks to the eyebrow pencil, I don't at all feel the need to wear much more. These days, my regimen is down to Neutrogena's Age Shield face (spf & moisturizer), Bobbi Brown's Antigua bronzer (more pink than brown), and Burt's Bees Pomogranate Lip Balm + Bobbi Brown clear lip salve.
This may seem silly, but I feel naturally beautiful in flats and a cute cigarette pant paired with a roomy top. Simple, classic, and comfy. Plus you can dress it up or down depending on the occasion!
ReplyDeleteRMS Beauty uncover up and the lip shine in bloom. RMS has changed my skin for good. Recommend it highly!
ReplyDeleteIf I can walk out with 3 things I feel ok - 1. Bobbi Brown Corrector & Concealer. It makes me look like I have had a fulls night rest. 2. Maybelline Great Lash Mascara (you can't see my eyes without) 3. And I have falling in love with the Rosebud Salve Lip Balm you suggested. This is usually my basic go to look :)
ReplyDeleteahhh.. the Valentine's Day. I almos forgot about it :)
ReplyDeletegreat advice. i'd add a slinky dress.
ReplyDeletelove naturally beautiful makeup :)
ReplyDeletealways an eyelash curler!!
eyeliner, brightening up the eyes
ReplyDeleteSome mineral blush too
ReplyDeleteoh dear, this isn't the first time I have spontaneously bought make up on your recommendation! can't wait to try it
ReplyDeleteJo, I thought that was YOU in the picture! My date look is eyeliner to look a little foxy and earrings to look girlie. And lipbalm rather than lipstick so you won't leave a mark on his cheek.
ReplyDeleteI agree that Bare Minerals is life changing. Such a perfect finish, and so much better for the skin!
ReplyDeleteStop by my blog – I have a Sephora lip collection (lancome, stila, benefit, etc) on giveaway that ends in a few days. Not too many entries so the odds are still really good!!
Have a great weekend!
Best
Lisa Marie
http://www.inyourfinery.blogspot.com
I love Bare Minerals - their powder is the only foundation I can stand wearing. And I love also their little makeup kits that come with everything needed for the look - including instructions!
ReplyDeleteI love the way Gemma is having a big swig of wine there- I think enjoying life makes you look comfortable- and I'm going to look up the fresh lip stuff!
ReplyDeleteI don't leave home without mascara, rosebud salve, and a hint of perfume on the back of my neck :)
ReplyDeleteSometimes, I completely forgo everything but concealer and blush. I find that if your skin looks flawless and glowy, then you don't need much else (although, I can't deny I wear lipsticks/stains/glosses very often!).
ReplyDeleteYou've officially convinced me to try the Fresh Sugar lip treatment. I've had my eye on it for quite some time, so I only needed one good recommendation to get me going on it!
Sadly, I can't wear foundation since I'm pretty much allergic to everything. The smell of shampoo after I wash my hair makes me feel pretty though :)
ReplyDeleteLove these tips!
ReplyDeleteI'm a low-maintenance girl when it comes to makeup, so these days I pretty much stick to tinted moisturizer, some bronzer and glossed lips. BUT...in a perfect world, I would get regular manicures and pedicures, because they truly do make me feel sexy and confident!
You're using my two favorite products!! How cool is that?! I would recommend these to anyone :) Instant confidence boost!
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ReplyDeleteI also cannot get enough of bare minerals! I discovered it by accident when my mum was given the starter kit as a present and didn't want it so passed it me.
ReplyDeleteI can't agree more with you how incredible it is!
I've been trying to simplify my beauty routine. I want to have a simple daily routine that takes two minutes: foundation, blush, mascara, lip gloss. I have the Lancôme mineral foundation, but it's a better hue for summer and I'm not tan enough for it right now. ;) SO I'm ordering these two for winter...just having a hard time deciding which shade foundation I should get! Which are you, Joanna?
ReplyDeleteLOVE bare minerals! I tried to go back to liquid makeup recently, but I just broke out. I have to stick with the light powder! Mascara is necessary for me...it makes my eyes look a lot better in my opinion :) I like Falsies...can't remember the brand.
ReplyDeletethose are my two favorite beauty products! i've been using bare minerals for a few years and they are a god send! i just picked up sugar passion a few weeks ago and i'm loving it so far. as a single girl, i honestly don't leave the house without these two!
ReplyDeleteI love Fresh Sugar lip balm too. By far the best thing I have found lately- smells good and looks pretty. I also love my Daisy by Mark Jacobs roll on perfume- lovely but not overpowering scent. Now if only I could find time for a date night!
ReplyDeleteThe two beauty products I can't live without (especially when preparing for a date) are tea tree oil and green tea. Tea tree oil makes my skin glow, my pores look smaller, and it clears break outs so I wear less make-up. Drinking green tea every day has noticeably improved my skin AND it makes me less bloated. I couldn't live without them.
ReplyDeleteJoanna - I too swear by Bare Escentuals. It's the best thing that has ever happened to makeup!
ReplyDeletehttp://henaawan.blogspot.com/
Oeoelala the sugar passion sounds great.
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful weekend.
What makes me feel beautiful? Being myself and being confortable with being myself with someone else. I have nothing against beauty products (though admittedly I don't wear much makeup) but no lipgloss is going to boost you nearly as much as being natural and feeling happy with yourself. And no guy is going to make your feel gorgeous unless you feel it yourself.
ReplyDeleteFor more about being unashamedly comfortable with yourself, read my musings at http://www.ramblingmuse.com
I love your tips. Shaved legs and tiny bits of perfume behind my knees, on my wrists and by my ears on my neck. Smelling amazing is empowering. Mascara always makes me feel flirty too.
ReplyDeletelove this foundation as well! I use it every day! I also add some coral blush to feel pretty!
ReplyDeletetender heart lipstick from clinique is my fave
ReplyDeleteI've been using Bare Minerals for six years, and I am still in love! I never have lines, it never feels like I'm wearing makeup, and it evens everything out so nicely. I'm so glad you've tried it and love it. Whenever I'm dressing up, I use eyeliner but always dust sparkly gold eyeshadow in the corners of my eyes up against the bridge of my nose - it makes my eyes open up and look dazzling, and they're my favorite part :)
ReplyDeleteI'd have to say curled lashes and mascara for me! Even if I end up not wearing any eye makeup, I must have curled lashes and a simple coat of mascara. Oh, and having painted nails (even if it's a natural nude color)! A must for me! :)
ReplyDeletexx
Oh, I use the Bare Escentuals foundation all the time… it really does a great job and it doesn’t even feel like you’re wearing any makeup! I also like their moisturizer/lip gloss/eye shadow. Good stuff. Something I like to do when I get ready for a date is to spray on a light touch of fragrance and use some Burt’s Bees lip balm with the tinted color; my lips are soft, yet have a touch of color to brighten up my face. And I ALWAYS carry those Listerine Pocket Pack breath strips in my pocket – they are an easy and subtle way to get instant fresh breath!
ReplyDeletei love Bare minerals... except the concealer!
ReplyDeleteThese seem like great things1 Ive always wanted to try bare minerals. I love using cliniques cream blush for dates!
ReplyDelete<3Chelsea Elizabeth
Anything by lush cosmetics! Such an amazing line and almost everything smells amazing :)
ReplyDeletei feel god when i am wearing a very flattering shirt, something that is easy to wear and comfortable, but also kind of sexy (maybe silk..?) plus some jeans. so that i am not constantly checking the skirt which rides up, or am uncomfortable with sitting (or rolling ;-)) on the floor... also highly important to me: HEELS.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for recommending the Bare Escentuals foundation! I honestly would have never tried it on my own but you recommend so many great products that I gave it a try and I LOVE it!
ReplyDeleteThanks Joanna!
Marie Veronique Organics, SPF 30 in light tint is a perfect all in one beauty balm that protects my skin, evens skin tones, and nourishes with it's artillery of botanical ingredients. L O V E !
ReplyDeleteI was so excited that I have both these products! For once in my life I'm in the loop! :) YAY!
ReplyDeleteI love love love Bare Minerals! Amazing products <3 I never feel cakey or anything when I wear their foundation :) Plus, it has SPF!! Bonus :)
ReplyDeleteUnfortunately, Bare Minerals makeup contains Bismuth Oxychloride, a known skin irritant. If you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, this ingredient may cause a bad reaction.
ReplyDeleteif you want to drink red wine on a date, I have found that a pinot noir won't stain my teeth, tongue or lips. plus its flavor is light! also, is anyone else going nuts for ms. arterton's high-waisted-jeans-with-voluminous-button-down pairing? I find it super inspiring, especially paired with her free-flowing hair.
ReplyDeleteTo feel gorgeous on your date beside putting those foundation and lipstick, add with this pheromone cologne for a lovely scent if you want to be more attractive. :)
ReplyDeleteFYI- my summer/weekend look entails mixing the Bare Minerals powder with my moisturizer. It's a clean and dewy look. Also, Glamazon on the cheeks, nose, forehead and chin.
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I'm always afraid that I will breathe in the powdery stuff. But love the fresh lip thing. Got some for my bday =)
ReplyDeleteA spritz of perfume on the back of my neck just under my hair --
ReplyDeleteI don't know why, but it always makes me feel alluring. :)