Ahhh Valentine’s Day – some people loathe it, others couldn’t care less. As for me, I bloody love it! I am the first to admit I am a sucker for romance, and any excuse to do something special with my man is a good one… ‘Cos you know, plonking yourself on the couch after dinner to watch Jersey Shore re-runs is more typical of long-term couple-dom than sitting up straight all day in a tightly laced corset and suspenders with perfectly coiffed curls and a ‘come-hither’ expression. Note, while engaging in enthusiastic Jersey Shore viewing, I’ll likely be wearing miss-matched lingerie and trackie dacks. Lordy, how I vowed never to be that kind of woman! But lo and behold, comfort takes over! Therefore, come Valentine’s Day each year I take time to transform myself into the woman my boyfriend dreams of; not the one who lets him watch copious amounts of Jersey Shore (although I am sure that factored into his 'dream' description somewhere), but the hot one with sultry makeup, sky-high heels and bras that actually match my knickers.

So, here’s my Valentine’s Day beauty recipe.

It all starts with the prep. Since my skin is a little Twilight (yeah, it’s cool to be pale, but I’m not feeling it) I begin with an epilation and a good shave followed by a delicious body scrub. I’m head over heels in love with The Body Shop Spa Wisdom Africa Ximenia & Salt Scrub which leaves my skin like silk. It’s ideal to use the day before a serious fake tanning session and on that note, I love anything St. Tropez. It’s not cheap, but it's effective - what more can you ask for? Follow up the day after with Dove Moisturising Tan which is fab. It builds good colour, doesn’t stink and doesn’t streak.

I’m 'old skool' and not particularly talented when it comes to hair, so I always do curls. This V Day I’ll be using my GHD which is easy to use and I love the adjustable temperature so I don’t fry my baby fine hair.

When it comes to makeup, there’s nothing like a smokey eye to attract your guy. For some reason a tonne of grey eyeshadow and winged liner can be viewed as ‘natural’ by the male gender, yet they’re often heavily opposed to the artificiality of sticky gloss and lipstick. So I’ll play up my eyes and head for Bobbi Brown Metallic Long-Wear Cream Eyeshadow in Antique Gold for shimmery, sexy, glittering fabulousness that neither creases, nor wears off. This stuff is seriously eyeshadow perfection and makes me wish every day was a party. I’ll attempt a flick of winged Angelina Jolie inspired eyes using Smashbox’s long-lasting liner in a pot – I prefer to paint it on with a fine-tipped brush.
Top it all off with lashings of black mascara – but ladies, please, aim for length not clumpiness. I recommend L’Oreal Telescopic. I often get asked if I am wearing falsies. Yah, like I have time for that in the morning!

Tip: If you're doing a smokey eye, best to apply foundation after your eyeshadow… For a seamless, creamy application and a flawless – yet natural finish you can’t go wrong with Shiseido The Makeup Lifting Foundation. I get constant compliments on my ‘skin’ when I wear this and not my ‘makeup’ – that’s what you want from a good foundation.

Blusher should be every girl’s essential item. Really, a light hand with a good blusher makes you look so healthy and vibrant. L’Oreal True Match blush is gorgeous. I like Sandalwood Pink for a soft flush reminiscent of a couple of vinos or a brisk walk – depending on your inclination!

Lips should be kissably soft and natural. Would you want to pucker up to someone whose lips were literally dripping in coloured goo? At the moment, I am addicted to Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm. It’s chocka with yummy ingredients like beeswax, lanolin and coconut oil and it’s not at all sticky – very kiss-proof! If you must wear something to colour your lips I would recommend Bobbi Brown Lip Crayon in Dusty Nude.

So with myself pampered and beautified for a hot date this Valentine’s Day all I need to do is plan the actual hot date – but ladies, I think you might agree with me… since our guys are just as likely to slip on some jeans and slap on some aftershave, their simple beauty routine surely justifies we let them do all the planning!