02.11 Irresistable Valentine’s Day Looks

By Emily Kopec

When I told my friend Nick that I’d be writing an article about ways we ladies can up the sexy on Valentine’s Day, his only comment was, “Lingerie.” (Thanks, Nick, for being a guy through and through!) Fair enough, but what about before, er, bedtime activities? Sexy, flirty and romantic ~ that’s how you want to look during that one-on-one candlelit dinner with your special sweetie. Dive into these scrumptious looks that’ll get you looking all that and more. Wear all three together and the night is sure to be a sexy grand slam!

The Red Lip

There’s no better time to rock a stand-out, look-at-me red lip, possibly the most romantic look of all time. Fear not, you can pull it off and look more cute than clown. First off, this “warm” and “cool” skin tone stuff may seem outdated, but it really does matter when it comes to wearing red lipstick. If you’re a cool, wear a blue-based red lipstick. Warm tones should stick with fiery and orange-based reds. If that’s too complicated (I don’t judge), two universally flattering red shades are Mac’s Russian Red ($14, maccosmetics.com) and Maybelline’s ColorSensational Lipcolor in Red Revivial ($7.50, Walgreens). Start with freshly exfoliated lips. Dot on concealer to act as a primer. Line your lips in a neutral, nude liner, then fill in your pucker with your magical red lipstick. It helps if you use a lip brush, but it’s not necessary. Take extra care in coloring in your cupid’s bow so it doesn’t get lost in the color. Blot, lightly powder, and add a second coat. Voila, that five-alarm red is staying on all night! Add a little gloss if you want, and do the rest of your face with a light hand.

Half-up ‘Do With a Modified Bump

More sexy than Snookie and loose than laughable, the new hair bump offers lots of movement and sex appeal. Start by blow-drying locks by lifting roots up and back. Style hair in a carefree half-up style, letting large sections in front fall freely to frame your face. Now work on that bump by back-combing with a rat tail comb (a girl’s best friend) and lightly ~ lightly! ~ hairspray. With those loose pieces falling around your face below the backdrop of that semi-structured voluminous bump, how hot are you?

Lace, Crochet and Macrame on Your Bod

The newest lacy materials are more retro lady-like than street walker, and oh-so-perfect for V-Day. Look for a unique, romantic pattern, whether in the form of a dress or a ‘70s-inspired macrame top. Pale colors like cream and beige look modern especially when woven in a heavier, open, non-stretchy material. Don’t be afraid to go antique, mod, or ‘70s ~ there’s something really retro-sexy and girlie about reviving these styles and working them into your outfit, and you’re bound to turn heads with your luxe look. But then again the only head you want to turn is your honey’s, right?