Beauty Fix: 5 subtle changes that will make a huge difference to your look this Valentine’s Day

What sort of ingredients should I look for in a lip balm?
Oils and butters of all kinds should steer you in the right direction. Even a simplistic stick balm like Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin Lipair in “Mint” ($19, sephora.ca) can be loaded with everything you’d want on your lips to keep them soft, hydrated and smooth. This formula in particular contains all-star hydrators avocado oil, jojoba seed oil, coconut oil, and pomegranate seed oil. In addition to these oils, there’s also a ceramide complex that is identical to your skin’s molecules, providing time-release moisture to your lips for long-term protection.

What’s the best way to wear fragrance if I don’t want it to be overwhelming?
They always say you should wear fragrance wherever you want to be kissed, and whoever said that has never had the apparent displeasure of tasting fragrance that’s been sprayed on skin. Spare the taste buds of whoever will be kissing your skin and opt for a hair perfume over your usual eau de toilette, like Narciso Rodriguez For Her Hair Mist ($49, sephora.ca). The fine mist application means an even distribution of this sexy, timeless scent through your hair that will actually stick around longer than you’d imagine – think of your mane as a fragrance diffuser in that regard, hanging onto the perfume notes, seldom overwhelming those around you.

What can I use to give my skin an overall sheen?
If you’re after candlelit luminosity, reach for a liquid product over a powder. Liquids can blend into skin more seamlessly than powders, which can sometimes appear as if they’re sitting on top of skin. Try blending BECCA Shimmering Skin Perfector in “Rose Gold” ($50, sephora.ca) onto your cheekbones with a synthetic brush or your fingers. The formula is weightless on the skin and contains light-reflecting pearls that give your skin a soft glow without any overt, distracting shimmer. Bonus: this fluid can be mixed into foundation or tinted moisturizer to apply all over skin or on limbs for a subtle sheen.

How can I give my usual eyeshadow a romantic twist for Valentine’s Day?
There’s no need to be hyper-literal when it comes to beauty inspiration for Valentine’s Day. Skip a bright lip that’ll inevitably fade as the day progresses into night and pick up Hourglass Modernist Eyeshadow Palette in “Monochrome” ($67, sephora.ca), which is a warm-toned eyeshadow palette bound to become a favourite in your collection. This palette houses five flawlessly coordinated shadows in various finishes (creamy warm ivory, shimmery rose nude, matte peony pink, shimmery light mauve, creamy dark chocolate) to create a stunning softened smoky eye. Start with the lightest shade in the inner corner and work your way out, gradually building up to the darkest shade in the palette, blending the shadows together for a soft, romantic and ever-alluring eye look.

What’s a good way to incorporate pink into my beauty look for Valentine’s Day?
I’ve always felt cheeks are increasingly underrated facial real estate, so give them some attention with Dior Lip & Cheek Glow ($39, sephora.ca). This pink-tinted gel fluid blends into skin with ease for a believable fresh flush that is custom to each person based on skin’s moisture level. This product can also be worn as a lip tint for a low-key lip colour, dabbed on and blended out. Tip: when applying, do one cheek first and blend into skin with fingers for desired effect before moving on to other side, as this gorgeous gel fluid tint can set quickly.

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