Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and whether you’re spending the occasion with your partner, family or best friend, there’s no better excuse to celebrate than with date night. It’s our favourite event to get ready for and the best part about it is that it’s all about highlighting your individual beauty. So, we speak to Fenwick’s in-house make-up artist and beauty personal shopper, [Frey-ja Barker](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/319837da-586c-4b66-866b-9cd5b2af6878.html), about her top tips on achieving your dreamiest look yet.
As we approach Valentine’s Day, what better way is there to celebrate the day of love than to pamper ourselves with a glowing look. In the latest installment of our monthly series, Fenwick’s in-house make-up artist, Frey-ja Barker, about her top tips for achieving dreamy date night make-up.
There’s a reason why we instinctively think of a bright red lipstick when it comes to romance. “Red signifies passion, love and desire,” says Frey-ja. “No matter what your date night is, you can’t go wrong with fresh, glowing skin, a soft, smokey eye and a touch of red on the lips.” There are no ‘right’ or ‘wrongs’ when it comes to date night make-up and Frey-ja suggests beginning by thinking about the features you’d like to focus on. “Generally, either choose to enhance your eyes or lips to keep the look balanced,” she says. “However, if you really want to define both, then go for it!”
Starting with skin first, what are your top tips for achieving smooth, even skin?
FB: “Prime with Rosalique’s 3 in 1 Anti-Redness Miracle Formula – it’s the perfect antidote to uneven skin tones and redness. Plus, it can be worn alone with some light concealer and powder. For foundation, reach for Laura Mercier’s Tinted Moisturizer Natural Skin Perfector, which provides light coverage with a hydrating feel. For fuller coverage, Giorgio Armani’s Luminous Silk Foundation can be easily layered and blends seamlessly for a flawless finish.”
###### **Next, how do we add a glow to the face?**
FB: “To create radiance, first think about the amount of glow you want on your face. This will help you choose formulas. For soft all-over shimmer, [Hourglass’ Ambient Lighting Powder](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/face/highlighters/ambient-lighting-powder/2530007452260.html) will create a candlelit glow without any unwanted shininess – dust it on top of [foundation](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/face/foundations) or [tinted moisturisers](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/face/tinted-moisturisers). Add warmth with [Charlotte Tilbury Filmstar Bronze & Glow](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/face/bronzers/filmstar-bronze-and-glow/2500001497659.html). Alternatively, for highlighter, use [Bobbi Brown’s Shimmer Brick Compacts](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/face/highlighters/shimmer-brick-compact/2500000724367.html) – the wide shade range allows you to find the perfect match. There are numerous areas you can apply highlighter to; on the cheekbones, on top of the cupid’s bow, over the collarbones and on the shoulders for a subtle glisten.”
###### **What are your favourite blushers for a glow?**
FB: “[Blushers](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/face/blushers) bring life to the face and one of my absolute favourite’s to wear is [Hourglass’ Ambient Light Blush in Dim Infusion](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/face/blushers/ambient-lighting-blush/2530007452536.html) – it flatters all with a neutral shade. For a pinker shade, I recommend [Incandescent Electra](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/face/blushers/ambient-lighting-blush/2530007452482.html). Another option is [Code8's Blush Palette](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/face/blushers/blush-palette/2530012915460.html), which gives a sweet pink glow that's great on fairer skin tones.”
###### **For a soft, smokey eyes, what are the best palettes and eyeshadows to use?**
FB: “Powder [eyeshadow palettes](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/eyes/eyeshadows) contain a wide array of colours, making them great for sculpting and shaping the eye. For grey smokey eyes, [Charlotte Tilbury's Luxury Palette in Rock Chick](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/eyes/eyeshadows/luxury-palette/2500000807282.html) is perfect. If you prefer chocolatey brown shades, use [Code8's Lustrous Corduroy](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/eyes/eyeshadows/iconoclast-eyeshadow-palette/2530012915644.html). Alternatively, create a light wash over the eyelids with creamy eyeshadows. My top tip for creamy formulas is to only apply a thin layer because creasing happens when too much product is on the lid. A beautiful shade is [Laura Mercier's Caviar Stick in Grey Pearl](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/eyes/eyeshadows/caviar-stick-eye-colour/2500001066220.html) and [Fog](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/eyes/eyeshadows/caviar-stick-eye-colour/2530001140354.html) – which leaves a matte finish.”
###### **What’s the best brush to use with powder eyeshadows?**
FB: “Use a very small-headed brush because a detailed brush gives a soft, defined look! I suggest using [Charlotte Tilbury's Eye Smudger Brush](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/brushes-and-tools/make-up-brushes/eye-smudger-brush/2530004653196.html) – it's got a tiny little point to it. Take a dark shade and use the brush to dust it across the lash line for a smokey eyeliner effect.”
###### **What mascaras create that wow factor?**
FB: “Without a doubt, reach for [Charlotte Tilbury's Legendary Lashes Volume 2](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/eyes/mascaras/legendary-lashes-volume-2/2530005141050.html) for high-impact voluminous lashes! I also love [Tom Ford's Ultra Length Mascara](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/eyes/mascaras/ultra-length-mascara/2500001139900.html), which prevents clumping or clogging with a small brush. A great waterproof option for watery eyes is [Eyeko's Beach Waterproof Mascara](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/eyes/mascaras/beach-travel-size-mascara/2530012088089.html) – it doesn’t flake or smudge.”
###### **What are the best lip shades to create a dreamy, pretty pout?**
FB: “A classic red! Everyone can wear a red lip, but if you’re unsure about it, my tip would be to try it and wear it around because you need to get used to seeing yourself with a new shade. Deciding the right formulation is key; creamier ones tend to be more moisturising, while matte shades are stronger in pigment. Ease yourself into red lipstick with [Chantecaille’s Lip Chic in Dahlia](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/lips/lipsticks/lip-chic/2500004888942.html) – it’s a creamy formula with a beautiful red tint. Another sheer option is [Yves Saint Laurent's Kiss and Blush Lip & Cheek Duo](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/lips/lip-stains-and-tints/kiss-and-blush-lip-and-cheek-duo/2500001071941.html), and it doesn't budge due to the water stain formula. For a statement, choose [Fenwick's Exclusive Code8 lipstick](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/lips/lipsticks/fenwick-exclusive-matte-lipstick---circus-red/2530012934546.html) – it's a matte formula that feels comfortable on the lips, or choose [Bobbi Brown's Luxe Shine Intense](https://www.fenwick.co.uk/beauty/make-up/lips/lipsticks/luxe-shine-intense/2530012339327.html), which gives the lips a high-shine finish.”
_Image via Bobbi Brown_