Your Valentine’s Day look shouldn’t be all about sartorial choices. Here in the ESSENCE Beauty Department we’re a little more concerned with your after-dinner look, shall we say. So we enlisted the help of Dr. David E. Bank, Director of The Center for Dermatology, Cosmetic & Laser Surgery to craft your head-to-toe guide for looking good on your big night in.
Hair: To keep hair hydrated and frizz free, wipe on a little argan oil. The light, natural oil moisturizes hair and scalp without being greasy. Apply a small amount to your hair for a subtle sheen.
Face and lips: This is definitely not the week to skimp on your skincare routine! Dr. Bank recommends a mild cleanser like Cetaphil and moisturizer like Ambi Skincare Even & Clear Daily Moisturizer. Keep lips smooth and kissable with sugar-based Philosophy Kiss Me Exfoliating Scrub.
Back and shoulders: A body wash that includes salicylic acid will help clear up minor body breakouts.
Body: A gentle scrub-body wash combo should be all you need to soften your skin in the week before Valentine’s Day. For rough spots like elbows and knees, try a slightly coarser scrub like Origins Ginger Body Scrub. On the big night, give your skin that extra glow with a body scented Fresh Life Body Oil. The blend of sweet almond and jojoba seed oil will leave your skin baby soft. Plus the scent is clear, pure, and beautiful and remains on your skin (and sheets!) for hours.
To treat razor bumps, Dr. Bank suggests an exfoliating cleanser containing salicylic acid. But in the case of stubborn ingrown hairs, remove them with tweezers. Use the tip of the tweezers to very gently pierce the bump then slowly remove the ingrown hair (like pulling out a splinter). When you’re finished, use an antibiotic cream like Neosporin to prevent infection.
Feet: If you have callouses, slough them away slowly over the next five days. Use the Diamancel File Diamancel #11 Foot File. It slowly and gently wears down dry patches (Never use a razor to shave off skin). Apply a rich moisturizer—natural shea or cocoa butter are especially hydrating—then pull on thin cotton socks.
Do you have any other body concerns leading up to V-Day? If so, let us know in the comments below.