vday gift guide: light my fire

My husband knew something was up when I emerged from the bathroom with wafts of raspberry, currant, white peach, fresh greens, and organic vanilla extract trailing behind me. I had decided to take a long, luxurious shower via relaxing candlelight (one of my most favorite things!) and I chose Infusion Organique's new Acai Rain Soy Blend Candle ($42) to transport me to an exotic location, like the Brazilian Rainforest, and it really delivered. It smelled sweet and luxurious at the same time. And if you're thinking of gifting it, the package is a winner. The candle is housed in a thick, square, glass case printed with a beautiful flower so it looks as great as it smells. The candle, along with the complementary Acai Rain Eau de Parfum, are both offered at www.ronrobinson.com and www.b-glowing.com.

expert advice: get this sexy Vday look, from makeup artist Angela Civale for Tarte

This Valentine's Day, it's OK--be a Tarte! Just don't look like one. Makeup Artist Angela Civale makes it easy with these great products from Tarte Cosmetics. On eyes: Go for the sexy, smoky look: Try Eye Couture Day-to-Night Palette ($44). On lashes: Try multiplEYE™ Natural Lash Enhancing Primer ($22) and Mascara ($24). On cheeks: Don't bother with blush. Get a natural flush with Natural Cheek Stain in True Love ($30). On lips: For a romantic pout, Apply Double-Ended Lipgloss, in shades that honor the most famous couples in history: Fred & Ginger, Tarzan & Jane, Odysseus & Penelope ($10 now until Valentine's Day; regular retail price $19). On lips: Get a pout that stays put with new Natural Gel Lip Stains ($24). The mint-infused formula is available in Lust, Enchanted, Amused & Charmed. All products are available at www.tarte.com, except for the Lip Stains which are available at Sephora and www.Sephora.com.

expert advice: get this romantic Vday look, from makeup artist Melanie Inglessis

Every girl wants to look her best on the most romantic night of the year--whether she's single or taken. Makeup artist Melanie Inglessis makes it easy with this romantic look using Chantecaille makeup. So simple, you can do it yourself in no time.

“The key to creating a simple and romantic Valentine’s Day look is to keep skin very fresh and natural," says Inglessis. "For oily skin, I suggest Compact Makeup that can be applied over the t-zone and forehead. For skin on the dryer side, a tinted moisturizer like Just Skin would be ideal. Showing your freckles is very cute and beautiful, so if you have them, don't hide them! If you need a little extra coverage, feel free to apply Total Concealer where necessary.

For kissable lips, I highly recommend a lip stain such as Lip Chic in Dahlia, Amaryllis or Zinnia. Choose a raspberry or cherry toned lip stain and apply sparingly in the middle of the lips. This is just enough color and, as it is a stain, there will be no intimidating gloss for your date to encounter!

Along with pretty, clean skin, I like to enhance eyes with some fluttery lashes and a subtle smudge of smoldering liner on the top lash line. Using Kohl Pencil IL in Black, create a rough line as close to the top lash line as possible and smudge it with your index finger. Choose a dark eye shadow color to compliment eye color like Lasting Eyeshadow in Zinc, Smokey Topaz or Obsedian. Apply the shadow over the lash line and feather it upward with a brush, keeping the color below the crease. If your Valentine’s Day date is in the evening, try creating a smokier look and use Faux Cils mascara on top of freshly curled lashes! It is the perfect mascara for a lengthening and separating effect! Now you're for Valentine’s Day!”

Pick up any of these products at www.chantecaille.com.

vday beauty: break the rule

Red nails for Vday? Sure, if you do the Hallmark holiday the classic way. The Jessica Red Alert Manicure Kit ($24) covers all the bases, from a strengthening basecoat, to a quick drying topcoat and three amazing colors to apply in between. Choose from Royal Red (almost fire engine--will really send his heart a flutter), Shall We Dance (darker red, with a dose of gold) and Grecian Touch (a darker shade of brown, almost purply--my favorite for winter!) Packaged in convenient travel sized bottles, the kit is available at www.jessicacosmetics.com.

have a heart

February is American Heart Month! Forget your affairs of the heart and do something good for the heart this Valentine's Day. Astral Health & Beauty Brands—parent company of Pür Minerals, CosMedix and Aloette—is lending its support to the American Heart Association and its efforts to help women fight heart disease with passion and positive action. In 2010, Astral Health & Beauty Brands will donate $250,000 to support the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women ® movement, furthering the health and wellbeing of women. On February 5th, National Wear Red Day, a part of the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women program, each brand will contribute to the cause in its own unique way. To join forces with the American Heart Association and Astral Beauty Brands, wear red this Friday and help spread the word! Go to www.americanheart.org or www.astralbrands.com for more info.

Go Fig-ure

Who would have thought Fig and Sandalwood would make such an irresistible pair? Bath and Body Works' ultra-creamy Aromatherapy Body Lotion in Sandalwood Fig ($13) keeps skin soft and moisturized, while a blend of essential oil and pheromone help boost your self-confidence and put you at ease. It's a moisturizer and fragrance in one simple product. And thanks to the pheromones, if it makes you feel irresistible. Imagine how you'll come across to your date? Pick up this Vday must-have at www.bathandbodyworks.com.

soothe your skin

In my quest for moisturizing hair and skin products this month, I've come up with quite a few worth the investment. But I couldn't let the month come to an end without sharing one more amazing facial moisturizer. I've been using Korres Materia Herba Night Cream for several weeks now and love the results. The intensely rich, soothing formula is great at treating tired, dull or dry skin and promoting skin firmness and tone. But it also works to replenish, nourish and add moisture to your skin throughout the night. It has organic shea butter (an anti-inflammatory), organic sunflower, sweet almond and jojoba oil (to moisturize and prevent premature aging) and ginseng extract (to tone and brighten skin, and enhance elasticity--we all need that!) Best of all, I love the smell of it and the fact that it makes my skin feel smooth and rejuvenated. Get it now, while there are still a couple of months of winter left. Available at www.korresusa.com.