So you want to know how to create a perfect Valentine’s Day date night. Honestly? It’s easy. Start with a gift, add some carbs, and toss in a bit of bubbly (alcohol optional). Valentine’s Day is the one date night a year when you’re allowed—hell, when you’re encouraged—to be formulaic, so embrace this as your easy out!
Valentine’s Day is the perfect time to pull out a new lingerie set or sex toy, but here’s the best tip I can give you: If you want to wow, don’t stop at flowers. Pick out a small, great gift that your partner will love, be it a new pair of binoculars for your birdwatching babe or a diamond pendant for a classic heartthrob.
I have a stellar gift idea for a holiday like Valentine’s Day. Unfortunately for you, however, my partner reads my blog, and I’m not spilling. DM me on Twitter if you need the extra assistance.
Date night makeup for a perfect Valentine’s Day
theNotice has always had a strong beauty component at its core, so let’s talk Valentine’s Day makeup. Getting dolled up for date night is something that I do as an act of service for my partners, and I really enjoy it. Even though I’m not a big makeup-wearer anymore, I love the meditative process of getting dolled up and I love the way it makes me feel on special occasions.
But it’s Valentine’s Day, so there are some important things to remember. Like: Your everyday makeup needs to be upgraded to last; potentially through a sweaty and messy night.
As a base product, I’m loving the absolutely transcendent glow of Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Radiant Concealer ($33 USD/$42 CAD). It wears beautifully and highlights like a charm. I pair that with black liner and KISS Lash Couture Little Black Dress Lashes ($5.99 USD/$9.50 CAD), which are still a favourite after all these years.
On the lips, I recommend Clarins Lip Comfort Oil ($28 USD/$32 CAD) or Clarins Water Lip Stain ($29 USD/$32 CAD). Clarins’ Lip Comfort Oil is my everyday go-to. I wear the original Blackberry; in the new line, I recommend Plum for the same deliciously sheer effect and fruity scent. My current boo likes a little lip balm in a kiss—we’re sharing; it’s a gift with purchase—but the brand’s Water Lip Stain is stellar as well if you want a dry finish. Think Benefit Benetint, but improved substantially for 2023.
Finally, Authentic Beauty Concept Working Hairspray ($25 USD/$31 CAD) all the way to lock in some waves or curls. This stuff smells so sweet and delicious, and it holds wonderfully without being crunchy.
Make Valentine’s Day memorable
The Instax Mini Link 2 is a product that I reviewed for one of my freelance clients, and I love it. I love it so much that I needed a second one so I could tell you all about it. (Thank you, Fujifilm!)
You know I love an instant photograph, but an instant printer? Just as good. Honestly, probably better. With an instant printer, you get the creamy analog look and touchable reality of an instant photo, plus the digital guarantee of perfection. And with the Link 2, you also get a slew of AR features like Animal Crossing borders, AR filters, and digital light drawing. You can even print smudged photos so you’re not out here putting lewds on the internet for free ;)
Instax Mini Links are a popular gift item for graduation and Christmas, but Valentine’s Day is that girl as far as I’m concerned. What better time to create mementos for your sweetheart? What better time to print out some spicy photos?
It also comes in pink.
A non-alcoholic drink you’ll actually want to enjoy
I love a glass of Prosecco (or better yet, Lambrusco) to celebrate Valentine’s Day, but I have to give you another option: Lyre’s Classico. This beverage comes ready to drink—canned or bottled—and it’s so flippin’ good.
Lyre’s is a zero-proof line of beverages. They do a great job of creating nonalcoholic spirits and drinks that are just… Good. These aren’t like drinking a boxed juice, and they’re not like drinking a bland Bubly or White Claw. Instead, Lyre’s flavours are complex and interesting, giving you a great reason to reach for a nonalcoholic cocktail over a boozy one. They’re pricier than something like a can of pop, but their flavour profile justifies the price—it’s just a totally different vibe.
Classico is fizzy and smooth, with a tart crispness and a bright flavour finish. It’s strongly flavoured (something you don’t always see in nonalcoholic beverages) with a big nose and kind of tastes like a grown-up Sweet Tart. Its dry finish tastes very much like you’ve just had a sip of bubbly or, more accurately, a carbonated Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand: Expect lots of crisp green apple and creamy pear notes.
Lyre’s 750 ml bottle of Classico is $18.99 CAD. It drinks like a $20-30 bottle of wine.
Do you plan to create the perfect Valentine’s Day evening in this year?
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Disclaimer: This post contains product samples and affiliate links.