The look of love: How to achieve a romantic glow this Valentine’s

Dinner reservations? Check. Now all you need is the perfect make-up look

Fake the look of love this Valentine's Day (Getty/iStock)

One thing that people associate with being in love is that lust-worthy lit-from-within glow and while it might sound like a load of hogwash, there is actually some truth in it.

Those giddy butterflies you experience while falling in love release a surge of oxytocin – a hormone responsible for the bonds between sexual partners and the reason for those gloriously-flushed cheeks.

That being said, whether you’re celebrating with your partner or your girlfriends this Valentine’s, the look of love can be faked.

When it comes to achieving luminous skin, your first port of call should your base and here, a smooth, hydrated canvas is essential.

Be sure to prep with plenty of moisturiser and never underestimate the power of a good facial massage.

Run your fingers in small circles across the jawline up to the centre of your face and then towards your ears four times to help stimulate blood flow and achieve the ultimate youthful complexion.

For an extra boost, apply a bronze or pearl toned enhancing primer, otherwise skip straight to a dewy foundation for instant supermodel skin.

The key to achieving a romantic flushed cheeks is to choose a blush with a hint of warmth and while powder works well, a cream formula looks the most natural and goes on sheer.

The final touch? A faux glow of course. For the face, dab a highlighter over the cheekbones, down the nose, forehead and chin but if you’ve got a little flesh on show, applying a body oil will give you smooth, glowing skin all over.