This Valentine’s Day, one of three possible scenarios can unfold. In the first you’ve got a date with whom you’re expecting to enjoy a very romantic evening (dinner, roses and cheesy gifts galore). In the second you and all your single ladies have planned a spectacular night which will entail painting the town red (metaphorically). In the third you hiss and spit in the general direction of the grossly-commercialised excuse for superficial expressions of love, and rock out at home with a good book and a tub of ice-cream. Regardless of which scenario you go for, you will doubtless want to look your best. Yes, even at home in PJ bottoms and woolly house-socks – because there is no better person to look fabulous for than yourself. So, we’ve put together a six-day Valentine’s preparation plan which will have you smelling, looking and feeling your best.
February 9: facial and hammam
This is what we call the sort-out-those-black-heads-and-get-squeaky-clean-while-being-pampered part. You’ll want to do it early on because you don’t want to be sporting the remnants of a possible post-facial break-out. Our recommendation for good facials is Espa, at the Yas Viceroy. This is also our recommendation for a mind-blowing hammam treatment which will leave you euphoric. You’ll be pleased to know that Espa have relaunched their Celebratory Package. This includes a Rejuvenation Facial along with an aromatherapy and scalp massage for a grand total of Dhs650. Ok, so that’s a bit pricey, but don’t be put off. There are budget options for a decent facial at Grand Millenium Al Wahda’s Zayna Spa who have an off-peak promotion. This means if you book your facial between 9am and 1pm Sunday to Thursday, you’ll get 25 per cent of the treatment.
A facial at Espa (02 656 0862) will cost Dhs380 and at Zayna Spa (02 495 3822) prices start at Dhs320.
February 10: haircut/colour
You know what they say about haircuts settling after about a week at least? That’s why we think you should get your new crop early on. Also, it gives you time to get used to it! If you fancy getting something quirky, funky or a European influenced cut, choose Glamour. All our favourite blondes also swear by them when it comes to colouring. Alternatively you may choose The Beauty Spot salon, where Walid’s blow-dry always makes us feel like a movie star.
A cut and blow-dry at The Beauty Spot (02 681 8817) costs Dhs250. At Glamour (02 626 3002) it’ll cost you Dhs240, and you can get a full head of highlights for Dhs430.
February 11: threading
Need to sort out those eyebrows, or the down on your upper lip? We recommend Nail Lounge and Tips & Toes. Both do a speedy job and Tips & Toes have got a Valentine’s promotion going. This includes eyebrow threading, a Gelish mani/pedi and a full set of eyelash extensions (if you’re so inclined) for Dhs730, to which they will throw in a surprise gift.
Tips & Toes (02 681 8386) do threading for eyebrow at Dhs30 and Dhs15 for upper lip. Nail Lounge (02 681 6333) do threading for eyebrows at Dhs35 and upper lips at Dhs25.
February 12: wax
For waxing we recommend Tips & Toes and cannot stress the importance of doing it at least 24 hours before you intend to bare all. You’ll need to give your skin time to get over its post-waxing trauma and redness. And if there’s anything the wax technician has missed, you’ll usually begin noticing it a day or two after, which gives you time to do a quick buzz-job with the old epilator.
A full leg and bikini wax at Tips & Toes (02 681 8386) costs Dhs100, and a full body wax is Dhs220.
February 13: mani/pedi
Some finishing touches: Whether you just want a quick buff and clean or something more thorough, with colour to boot, our favourite manicure joint for the month is Nail Lounge. They’ve got super-friendly staff who do a great job, and they even offer you a complimentary neck and shoulder massage while you’re getting work done on your hands and feet. If you’re unsure about what polish to go for, allow us to recommend the understated but seriously classy greige clay colour that has become rather popular of late. Nail Lounge have the Essie range of polishes, and the shade you’ll be looking for is Chinchilly.
A full mani/pedi at Nail Lounge (02 681 6333) costs Dhs110.
February 14: makeup
Now we advocate that the best person to apply makeup on you is yourself, but sometimes it is worth letting a professional do it, and maybe even getting them to show you how. Choosing someone who makes you look the way you like, though, is not easy and entirely down to personal choice. Lina Hussain is an Abu Dhabi make-up artist with years of experience and might be a good place to start.
www.linasmakeup.com
