Here at Ella & Jo, we champion self-love 365 days a year, but with busy lifestyles, it’s often the first thing to slip as we prioritise our family, work, homes and everything else but ourselves! So this February, we’re urging you to take a little time out, lock that bathroom door and treat yourself to a well-deserved Valentine’s Day skincare session. Whether you’re preparing for an evening out with a loved one or a date with your sofa and a tub of ice cream (we fully support leaning into the cliché!), this is your reminder to show yourself a little TLC and get glowing skin for Valentine’s Day.
The Glow Effect
Beauty prep before big events should always start with skincare. Before you pick up your makeup brushes, it’s important to pay attention to your skin’s unique needs. Begin by checking how your complexion feels: is it dry and tight? Or perhaps your T-Zone is feeling greasy and oily? Whatever your skin type, you can create a beautiful, balanced and hydrated skin look that will enhance your makeup for a flawless finish. Read on to discover our ultimate Valentine’s glow-up routine.
Step 1 – Start with a Cleansing Balm
Your glow-up checklist begins with cleanser and we always recommend starting with a nourishing balm that awakens your senses and eases you into that self-care mindset. It’s the perfect way to achieve a beautiful, clean canvas for your date night makeup.
Our Melt The Day Away Cleansing Balm always feels like a treat to use and will kick-start your nourishing skincare routine. Scoop up a coin-sized amount of the lush, buttery formula and feel it turn into a silky oil as you massage it onto your skin. Take your time and breathe in the heavenly botanical scent as it works its magic to effortlessly dissolve mascara, foundation and sunscreen without irritating your skin or eyes. Remove the balm with a damp, hot cloth for a gentle skin detox; your complexion will be left plump, fresh, hydrated and ready for the evening ahead.
Step 2 – Exfoliate with an Enzyme Mask
Ready to take your radiance to the next level? We’re going to let you in on one of our favourite skincare secrets: use an enzyme mask for glow. Exfoliating helps to remove all dead, dull skin cells from the surface of your complexion. Not only will your skin look brighter, but it will feel super smooth and perfectly prepped for makeup.
We always recommend using an enzyme-powered exfoliator rather than a physical scrub with grains, especially if your skin is mature or sensitive. Ella & Jo The Glow Up Enzyme Mask is packed with natural fruit enzymes that gently buff away dull skin to reveal a glowing complexion. Simply apply a coin-sized amount and leave it on for 5-20 minutes before removing with a damp microfibre mitt. You’ll instantly notice a difference in the way your skin looks and feels – this brilliant product is one of our best exfoliation tips for radiant skin.
Step 3 – Hydrate with a Facial Mist
The next step in your nourishing skincare routine is to rehydrate your skin. A facial mist is a quick, refreshing way to infuse your complexion with skin-plumping goodness. Our Hydrate and Plump Skin Mist is formulated with hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe vera to instantly revive and balance skin. Spritz in a cross-motion over your complexion to leave it feeling fresh in a flash.
This magic formula comes in three beautiful scents, allowing you to choose whether you want to calm, reset or energise skin. Even better, the multi-tasking mist can be used over makeup, making it ideal for popping in your handbag for a mid-date makeup refresh – it really is a Valentine’s Day skincare essential.
Step 4 – Nourish with a Superfood Face Oil
Next up in your pre-date night skincare ritual? Nourishment. Our Nourish & Glow Superfood Facial Oil has a velvety formula infused with rosehip, jojoba, blackcurrant and avocado oil for intense hydration. Warm a few drops of oil between your hands and press it into your skin, taking a moment to inhale the calming aroma.
Oily skin type? Don’t fear, this oil has a smooth, non-greasy formula that absorbs beautifully and is suitable for all skin types. It’s a great way to plump and hydrate fine lines and wrinkles and give your Valentine’s Day makeup a luminous finish.
For an extra glow boost, we like to perform a quick facial massage after application. Using a gua sha tool or your hands, work upwards and outwards with gentle movements to improve circulation and leave your skin lifted and radiant – this is one of our favourite beauty rituals for glowing skin.
Step 5 – Soften and Smooth Lips
As we emerge from winter, our lips often need a little more TLC thanks to cold outdoor air and drying central heating. That’s why the next step in your Valentine’s glow-up routine is to revive your pout with a simple two-step lip care moment.
Start by exfoliating your lips; this can be done with a light, lip-specific sugar scrub, or by gently buffing with an old toothbrush. This will remove all dry, chapped skin, leaving your lips smooth and ready to absorb hydration.
Follow with our Love Your Lips Luxury Lip Treatment for nourishment and shine. Now your pout is plump, comfortable and perfectly prepped for lipstick and lipliner.
Step 6 – Finish with a Body Glow Product
Any self-care before Valentine’s should include full-body hydration. For the final stage of your glow-up, add radiance to your shoulders, arms, legs and décolletage with The Moisture Moment Wet Skin Moisturiser.
Apply this miracle lotion directly onto wet skin (yes, really!) as you step out of the shower for quick and easy moisture. There’s no need to wait for it to absorb; you can step straight into your date night outfit with skin that feels smooth and looks luminous.
This is what we call an Ella & Jo head-to-toe glow! Now you’re ready for whatever the night has in store.
Best Skincare Tips Before Your Valentine’s Date Night
With your Valentine’s Day skincare ritual sorted, here are a few more tips to help you feel your best on the big day.
Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water will help your skin look plump, fresh and glowing from within. Aim for 2 litres a day to give your body all the hydration it needs.
Prioritise sleep: A well-rested body is the secret to fresh skin and a good mood. Heading to bed even 30 minutes earlier than usual can help your body recover and restore overnight.
Use a gua sha: As mentioned in step 4, facial massage is a great way to de-puff, lift and refresh your skin. Read our Gua Sha guide to get the lowdown on the best facial massage techniques and enjoy instant results.
Layer skincare correctly: A multi-step routine can feel confusing, but applying your products in the right order is key to maximising results. If you’re ever in doubt, start with lightweight textures like mists and serums, and then layer richer oils and creams on top.
Don’t forget your hands, neck and chest: It’s not just your face that needs moisture. Hydrating your hands, neck and décolletage will keep your skin smooth and youthful. One of our top body glow tips is to apply any excess moisturiser or facial oil to the backs of your hands during your daily skincare routine.
Ready to glow from within? Explore more skincare rituals and expert tips on the Ella & Jo blog and discover your perfect pre-date essentials.
