Whether you’re planning to spend the most romantic night of the year with friends or your SO, one thing is certain: everyone wants to look good for Valentine’s Day, just in case Cupid decides to pay a visit. And while you should be taking care of your skin every day, following one of the tips below a day for the next five days will ensure that you have glowing, smooth skin by the time the hottest date night of the year rolls around:

DAY 1. EXFOLIATE YOUR SKINintense--brightening-exfoliating-powder-500x500

Exfoliating skin is essential if you want clear, smooth skin. Since you don’t want skin to be red or blotchy on Valentine’s Day, make sure you start exfoliating early in the week on alternating days so your skin has some time to calm down from any possible irritation that may follow exfoliation. If you’re looking for a gentle exfoliating method, we are big fans of Image’s Iluma Intense Brightening Exfoliating Powder ($29.90), which exfoliates skin with coconut and papaya enzymes for an extra glow. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to exfoliate lips too for an extra soft pout!

enzyme-mask-01DAY 2. TREAT YOUR SKIN TO A FACE MASK

Face masks are great for smoothing skin and making it feel extra soft and moisturized. Not only that, but they can feel luxurious too! There is a face mask for every type of skin concern these days, so it’s only a matter of choosing what issue you’d like to address. Acneic and/or oily skin? Try an exfoliating, face-clearing mask like Image’s Ageless Total Resurfacing Masque; Wanting to boost skin’s hydration instead? Give Image’s Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque ($32) a try. Or, if you’re like me and want to address both concerns, mix both masks together. Glass of wine and mood music optional!

DAY 3. GET RID OF UNWANTED HAIR

You should get rid of unwanted hair a couple days before V-day so that any signs of irritation are gone by date night. Day three is therefore the ideal time to wax and/or book an appointment for laser hair removal to get rid of hair. As well as paying attention to hairs on your legs, don’t forget to also prep brows, chin, and lips!

4. TREAT DARK CIRCLESIlumaCreme

Dark circles are definitely not the sexiest thing you can bring with you on a date, so make sure to get plenty of sleep the couple days before the big V-day and to use a lightening, brightening eye creme nightly like Image’s Iluma Intense Brightening Eye Creme ($59.90).

5. MOISTURIZE SKIN

By now, you should be moisturizing skin daily, including using a moisturizer with SPF in the morning. But the night before you want to look your best, make sure to really lay on a thick, moisturizing night cream so your skin can really glow. And in case you actually have purchased Image’s Vital C Hydrating Enzyme Masque, it doubles as a great night moisturizer! Just layer it on before bed and wake up to beautiful skin that is worthy of the hottest date night of the year!