Tried & tested: Valentine’s Day beauty

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, BEAUTYDIRECTORY reviews some sweet beauty selections perfect for the most romantic day of the year.

Editor’s Pick: jane iredale Just Kissed Forever Pink Lip & Cheek Stain – Georgie
What it is: A lip and cheek stain that provides long-lasting, custom colour to lips and cheeks.
My experience: I’m a sucker for a lip and cheek stain which is exactly why I chose this product to test for Valentine’s Day! The thing I love about jane iredale’s version the most is that it’s a customised colour, so while it appears clear in the casing, when applied, it transforms into a gorgeous pink that suits my skin tone perfectly. It’s smooth and silky and requires the least effort to apply which is why I’ve kept it at my desk for the past few weeks (perfect for pre-event touch-ups).  Better yet, it's formulated with an abundance of natural fruit extracts and oils so feels really nourishing on the lips. 

LUSH Creamy Candy – Steph
What it is: A bubble bar made with cocoa butter, almond oil and vanilla absolute to leave your skin feeling extra nourished. 
My experience: I am a huge fan of LUSH bath products and this Creamy Candy bubble bar is one of my regular go-to’s. Crumble up this bar under running water and in seconds flat you’ll be left to relax in sweet suds – perfect!

Sally Hansen Complete Salon Manicure (Red Over Heels) – Grace
What it is: Nail polish with a gel shine finish and chip resistance.
My experience: This nail polish really does what it says. I applied one coat to my nails and that was all I needed – It was so shiny that I didn’t even need to use a top coat! The polish was also really fast drying, so that is another bonus. I will definitely be trying out other shades in this range, but the red I tested will be perfect for Valentine’s Day. 

Peppermint Grove Freesia & Berries Candle – Tash
What it is: A luxurious natural soy wax candle, handmade in Australia with top notes of rose, raspberries, strawberries, spices and clove.
My experience: With the beautiful signature Peppermint Grove packaging and complimentary personalisation available at selected myer stores, this candle is a truly heartfelt gift for the love in your life this Valentine’s Day. The scent is sultry but sweet, which will quite literally illuminate your candle-lit dinner and help set a loving mood.

LYCON SoBerry Massage, Bath & Body Oil – Rachel
What it is: A luscious strawberry scented multi-action body oil
My experience: I am in love with this body oil - sweet, fruity scents are right up my alley! There are so many ways you could use this, I’ve been keeping mine either on my desk or in my bag and use it throughout the day as a hand cream (perfect mini-massage!) and not only does it keep me moisturised, the scrumptious strawberry lingers in the air. Flirty and feminine, this is a Valentines date essential.

M.A.C Prep + Prime Fix + (Rose) – Zoë
What it is: A lightweight hydrating mist in four permanent scents that refreshes skin and sets makeup
My experience: Hydrating mists are my holy grail, and this cult-favourite hydrating mist and setting spray gets a fresh twist with four new scents. The rose is my favourite – it smells divine and is instantly refreshing. The blend of water and vitamins rejuvenated my complexion and makeup throughout the day, making this spray a new staple. I’ll definitely need to get the smaller size to take with me on the go, and ensure my date night makeup stays put.  

OPI Infinite Shine Gel Effects Lacquer System (Pretty Pink Perseveres) – Debbie
What it is: a long-lasting gel-like nail polish, minus the light curing!
My experience: I loooove this colour - it’s so feminine and classic, and I feel like it works perfectly with any look or any skin tone (including my super-pale skin!) It provides a great wash of colour that looks similar to a gel polish finish, but without being thick or gluggy, which makes it really easy to apply and very quick to dry. As a result, my paint job looked pretty perfect and lasted a lot longer than other polishes have in the past.