.png)
Valentine's Day: the day of luuurv. The perfect excuse to treat your significant other (or yourself) to something special. It really is an excuse to go all out in terms of hairstyles, makeup, the perfect outfit, romantic gifts that your partner (or you) will love, incredible restaurants and gorgeous picnics to spend some quality time with the one you love.
Let's get into it! Your hairstyle for your V-Day Date Night will depend on the length and style of your hair, but also what you're comfortable with. For long hair, bouncy, Hollywood waves are super romantic and will elevate your look no matter what! For a more seductive look, go for a sleek, straight ponytail or high bun. For short hairstyles, something fun and playful always looks good!
Next is makeup! This also largely depends on your outfit and your style. But we'll show you 3 gorgeous makeup looks that you can choose from depending on what you're wearing. Full glam is never a bad idea. A sultry bronze/gold eye with a nude lip will always work for date night! If full glam is not really your style and you prefer something a little more subtle and natural, go for a simple winged liner with a red lip. It's simple but will be sure to turn heads! Lastly, if you want to go for something a little more playful and colourful, go for a pink, romantic eye look with a matching lip colour. It's bold and confident and definitely a winner!
And finally to put your look together for your romantic date night - your outfit. There are so many date night outfit options, and they also depend on your personal style and taste, the venue for your date night, the weather and so many other factors. Here are some simple but sexy ideas, perfect for all different types of dates. First we have a day time date outfit. If you're going on a romantic picnic (read on for the best picnic spots in JHB), wear something cute and summery, like a playful dress with sneakers. If you're going to a fancy restaurant (read on for the BEST dinner date recommendations), then wear a form-fitting black or red dress with strappy heels and simple jewellery. Your date will fall head over heels with you all over again. Lastly, if you're going somewhere pretty casual like a movie or a relaxed lunch spot, wear some jeans with sneakers or heels and a cute top. You can still easily dress this up with a smart jacket and jewellery.
Now we're getting to the really exciting part...food. What's date night without a tantalising meal? Why not spend the afternoon on a picnic blanket with your partner, eating delicious snack foods and drinking wine under the summer sun? Doesn't that sound incredible! Our first top picnic spot just outside of JHB is Toadbury Hall. The picnic is set up for you on arrival, with a picnic basket filled with delicious snacks, set in a beautiful garden. The 2nd picnic spot to check out is Lethabo Estate close to Lanseria. Individual gazebos are set up along the river with a ready-to-eat picnic basket and complimentary bubbly. They have different packages available, one even has a jacuzzi...does it get any more romantic than that? The third picnic spot recommendation is the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens. This does not include a ready made picnic basket, but is perfect if you'd like to set up your own picnic basket and blanket and find the perfect spot in the beautiful gardens.
Now we're getting to the more bougie part of the post: fancy restaurants for the perfect Valentine's Date Night. First up is non other than the incredible Marble Restaurant in Rosebank. The food is incredible, the atmosphere & views are beautiful and the food is to die for! If you're a fan of oysters, try them to start (life changing), and you can't go wrong with a steak. Absolutely divine. The second date night recommendation is Asian-Fusion restaurant Tang, in Sandton. Talk about a theatrical dining experience! Not to mention the food is absolutely spectacular. A bit more of a splurge but worth it if you want to treat yourself. Last but not least is the incredible Italian restaurant Cafe' Del Sol in Bryanston. The pastas are absolutely delicious! You won't be disappointed.
And last but not least, the Valentine's Gift Guide for him (and for you). So let's start with gifts for your significant other. Something sentimental always goes down well on Valentine's Day. It's something that your loved one can keep forever and really shows your love for them. A cute DIY photo album or box of memories is a great place to start! You could also get your partner a whisky or beer tasting set depending on what they prefer. Lastly, why not gift them with a cool experience like bungee jumping (if that's your thing) or a cooking class that you can do together.
And finally...the gift guide for you, to spoil yourself and show yourself the love you deserve. First up, who doesn't love a little self care? So treat yourself to these incredible bath bombs from Lush. They smell amazing and make your skin SO soft! Enhance your self-care experience with these super cute candles made by local South African company Slinky Candles. Next on the gift guide from you to you, are these gorgeous Lotis Beauty brushes. Comes with a set of 10 luxuriously soft brushes for your face and eyes. Oh, and also cruelty free! Lastly, treat yourself to an experience like an indulgent massage or facial at one of the best spas in JHB - Life Day Spa in Fourways. The treatments, facilities and atmosphere is just divine. Try out the floatation tank too while you're there.
There are just so many incredible ideas for Valentine's Day this year to make it extra special for yourself and your loved one. A small gesture goes a long way, and hopefully this Ultimate V-Day Gift Guide will point you in the right direction when it comes to hair, makeup, outfits, restaurants and gifts!