Perfectly prepped skin

Valentine’s Day is fast approaching so here are Running in Heels’ best make up looks for deal-breaking dates. Whether you choose to keep your look pretty and natural or go for all-out glamour and sophistication, our tips will ensure that he’ll definitely remember to call!

Preparation is Everything

Before you even start to make up, your skin should be in tip top condition. Buff it to perfection with Wei Beauty Pomegranate Buffing Beads – mix these genius grains with your favourite cleanser for a luxurious face polish that’s gentle, not gritty. They launch at SpaceNK just in time for Valentine’s Day.

Moisturise your skin for a healthy glow. Eve Lom moisturiser with SPF15 is great for oily to normal skins If your skin is on the dry side, rehydrate it with budget-friendly Simple Kind To Skin Replenishing Rich Moisturiser or Liz Earle Skin Repair Moisturiser, which is packed with avocado oil for a naturally plump complexion.

Sweet & Innocent

You might not want to go naked, but the natural look is always a winner with men. Start with a barely-there base such as the legendary gel-based Chantecaille Real Skin foundation or a tinted moisturiser like Bobbi Brown’s tinted moisturising balm.

Try NARS’ appropriately-named blush in Amour for a sheer peachy pink glow, or Origins Pinch Your Cheeks for a more rosy flush.

Thandie Newton in Shanghai Red

Keep it simple on the eyes – Clinique’s Naturally Glossy mascara gives you luscious lashes without the clumps and flakes. Finish off the look with a slick of balm (we love By Terry Baume de Rose).

You’ll look like you, but a little bit better. Just don’t tell him that it took you two hours…

Vamp it up

If you’re doing dramatic make up, you need to start with a flawless base. Try Chanel Mat Lumière or Lancome Photogenic Lumessence for matte coverage.

Gel eyeliner is surprisingly easy to apply with a bit of practice. MAC’s Fluidline in Blacktrack is a classic and really stays put once it’s on. Try Sarah Victor’s tutorial if you need some hints.

When picking red lipstick, choose one that suits your skintone. If you’re rosy pink, stick with pinkish reds like Chanel’s Rouge Allure in Lover. More yellow toned skin? Go with berryish, brick reds like NARS lipstick in Shanghai Express. Make sure your lips are in good condition, and use lip liner all over the lip to prime the skin before applying lippy with a brush. Blot, powder and reapply.

Smoky & Seductive

Stila’s Smudge Pot in Black Cat  makes smoky eyes easy – just smudge on with a finger for sultry perfection. Coat lashes with heavy black mascara – Benefit’s BADgal in black is just right.

Sarah Harding's on-trend orange

Balance the look with nude lips –  we love Clinique Different Lipstick in Sweet Honey for its sheer and flattering finish.

Cool Coral

Tangerine lipstick was all over the spring/summer runways, so if your fella isn’t scared by a bit of high fashion, why not win him over with some bang-on-trend beauty? Rimmel London’s Lasting Finish Intense Wear Lipstick in Coral in Gold is a creamy, metallic orange that looks great with a tan and makes blue eyes pop. Pair it with dewy skin, subtle gold eyeshadow and lashings of black mascara for a beachy look in the middle of winter. Or try Mac’s Morange to give a 2010 update to the classic red lipstick & black eyeliner look.