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Look Red Hot or Pretty in Pink for Valentine’s Day

Fall in love with these beauty and fashion charmers


spinner image a collage of valentines day beauty and fashion items
Elena Lacey; (Source: Getty Images (8))

Whether you think of Valentine’s Day as a 24-hour love fest or just a fun commercial holiday, the heart icon is an annual reminder to cherish those nearest and dearest … including you! There’s nothing wrong with getting a card, roses and chocolates, but why not treat yourself to some beauty and style cheer? After all, racy red is one of the trendiest fashion colors around now, with romantic pink right on its heels. Both are giving Valentine’s Day 2024 a fresh, romantic flair. Here are six ways to celebrate.

spinner image Talbots Side Button Boyfriend Shirt in Pink Geranium; Sonoma Goods For Life Everyday V-Neck Long Sleeve Tee in Cherries; Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure Lipstick in Crimson Ecstasy; Chico’s Magenta-Red & Faux Tort Readers in Red; Ava & Viv Women’s Open Collar Sweater in Red
(Left to right) Talbots Side Button Boyfriend Shirt in Pink Geranium; Sonoma Goods For Life Everyday V-Neck Long Sleeve Tee in Cherries; Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure Lipstick in Crimson Ecstasy; Chico’s Magenta-Red & Faux Tort Readers in Red; Ava & Viv Women’s Open Collar Sweater in Red
Talbots; Kohl's; Ulta Beauty; Chico's; Target

1. Make pink and red your soulmates.

These lively hues are far from the neutrals many 50-plus women rely on, but do yourself a favor and buy one item in each color. What seems at first like a frivolous indulgence will kick-start a color crush as these colors warm up tired skin, soften expression lines and the shadows under your eyes and brighten your usual wardrobe. Which shades give the biggest and best boost? Bright reds and saturated pinks are true attention-getters and offer the boldest impact. Lighter pinks and deeper berry reds have a softer, more romantic vibe. Follow your heart. Start right at the top with a pair of flirty readers like the Chico’s Magenta-Red & Faux Tort Readers in Red ($35, chicos.com) or a smile-enhancing lipstick like Pat McGrath Labs SatinAllure Lipstick in Crimson Ecstasy ($30, ulta.com) or just dive in on the clothes end with a more vibrant version of your favorite basic top. The Sonoma Goods For Life Everyday V-Neck Long Sleeve Tee in Cherries ($12, kohls.com), Ava & Viv Women’s Open Collar Sweater in Red ($25, target.com) or Talbots Side Button Boyfriend Shirt in Pink Geranium ($90, talbots.com) can dial up the heat fast. Compliments incoming!

spinner image Vionic Perris Pump in Red; I.N.C. International Concepts Women’s Surplice Wrap Sweater in Pink Tutu; Pumiey Bodysuits for Women V Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit - in Ruby
(Left to right) Vionic Perris Pump in Red; I.N.C. International Concepts Women’s Surplice Wrap Sweater in Pink Tutu; Pumiey Bodysuits for Women V Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit - in Ruby
DSW; Macy's; Amazon

2. Show off your sexy side.

Whether you’re married, paired up, dating or happily single, V-day is an ideal time to strut your stuff … just skip the super skimpy lingerie and stilettos. No one at 50 really needs a lacy red bra and thong panties or four-inch pumps. But a pair of low slingback heels like the Vionic Perris Pump in Red ($140, dsw.com/en/us), a curve-clinging bodysuit like the Pumiey Bodysuits for Women V Neck Long Sleeve Bodysuit - in Ruby or Blush, Smoke Cloud Pro Collection ($29, amazon.com) or a shapely sweater like the I.N.C. International Concepts Women’s Surplice Wrap Sweater in Pink Tutu ($48, macys.com) are another story. Yes, there are plenty of pink and red crews, turtles and mock necks, but a V-neck has the power to elongate your neck, stretch your torso and lift the bust – and who couldn’t use that? But remember: Being sexy is not just about your décolletage, heels or bedside manner. Your everyday conversation, ability to laugh and appetite for life — that’s what’s super-sexy at 50.

spinner image Victoria’s Secret Modal Long Pajama Set in Fuchsia Frenzy; Alexander Del Rossa Women’s Plush Fleece Hooded Robe, Shaggy Feathered Long Bathrobe in Burgundy; Moa Collection Women’s Solid Basic Open Draped Front Cardigan in Red; J.Crew Women Oversized Cashmere Wrap in Classic Red
(Left to right) Victoria’s Secret Modal Long Pajama Set in Fuchsia Frenzy; Alexander Del Rossa Women’s Plush Fleece Hooded Robe, Shaggy Feathered Long Bathrobe in Burgundy; Moa Collection Women’s Solid Basic Open Draped Front Cardigan in Red; J.Crew Women Oversized Cashmere Wrap in Classic Red
Victoria's Secret; Alexander Del Rossa; Walmart; J.Crew

3. Give yourself a stylish hug.

Let’s not forget Valentine’s Day is a mid-winter holiday often accompanied by chilly temperatures and gray skies. Whether the day is all about a Netflix rom-com binge and a mug of cocoa or dinner for two at Chez Amour, add a dose of fashionable and unconditional self-love. Nothing says VIP like the cuddle of soft PJs including the Victoria’s Secret Modal Long Pajama Set in Lipstick or Fuchsia Frenzy ($70, victoriassecret.com) and the embrace of a teddy bear robe like the Alexander Del Rossa Women’s Plush Fleece Hooded Robe, Shaggy Feathered Long Bathrobe in Burgundy ($40, delrossa.com) — yes, burgundy is red at its deepest hue. Going out? No matter what you’re wearing, wrap it all up in a luxurious shawl like the J.Crew Women Oversized Cashmere Wrap in Classic Red ($198, jcrew.com) or a cozy cardigan like the Moa Collection Women’s Solid Basic Open Draped Front Cardigan in Red ($18, walmart.com) because love means never having to say you’re cold.

spinner image Spanx Booty Boost Active Contour Rib 7/8 Leggings in Spanx Red; J. Crew Factory Women Wide Button-Collar Sweatshirt Pullover in Vivid Fuchsia; Gap Women High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans in Hot Pink; Coach Lowline Heart Sneaker in Chalk/Sport Red
(Clockwise from left) Spanx Booty Boost Active Contour Rib 7/8 Leggings in Spanx Red; J. Crew Factory Women Wide Button-Collar Sweatshirt Pullover in Vivid Fuchsia; Gap Women High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans in Hot Pink; Coach Lowline Heart Sneaker in Chalk/Sport Red
Spanx; J.Crew Factory; Gap; Nordstrom

4. Cherish your age-positive attitude.

Are you sticking to your New Year’s resolution to eat healthy and exercise? Start Valentine’s Day saying, “You look great!” to the mirror and make it a daily “do.” Applaud your decision to get off the couch and back in action now with a pair of pink jeans like the Gap Women High Rise Cheeky Straight Jeans in Hot Pink ($65, gap.com) or red leggings like the Spanx Booty Boost Active Contour Rib 7/8 Leggings in Spanx Red ($118, spanx.com) to update all your gym and athleisure clothes. Add a pair of energizing red sneakers like the Coach Lowline Heart Sneaker in Chalk/Sport Red ($150, nordstrom.com) or treat yourself to a fashionable sweatshirt like the J. Crew Factory Women Wide Button-Collar Sweatshirt Pullover in Vivid Fuchsia ($30, factory.jcrew.com). Then sign up for a yoga, kickboxing or dance class on Feb. 14 for extra incentive.

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spinner image e.l.f. Illuminating Face Primer Radiant Glow; Wulful Women’s Sequin Sparkly V-Neck Peplum Top in Rose Red; New York & Company Jeweled Drop Earrings in Red; Good American Satin Buttondown Shirt in Pink; Kai Rose Body Glow
(Left to right) e.l.f. Illuminating Face Primer Radiant Glow; Wulful Women’s Sequin Sparkly V-Neck Peplum Top in Rose Red; New York & Company Jeweled Drop Earrings in Red; Good American Satin Buttondown Shirt in Pink; Kai Rose Body Glow
Ulta Beauty; Amazon; New York & Company; Anthropologie; Kai

5. Add a dash of extra sparkle.

Nothing beats a glow — any way you can get it. If a little hanky-panky or circulation boosting workout isn’t on the V-Day agenda, opt for plan B with some easy beauty and style updates that rev up luminosity. Start with a shimmery pre-makeup primer like e.l.f. Illuminating Face Primer Radiant Glow ($8, ulta.com) under your foundation and amp up the gleam with lightweight statement earrings like the New York & Company Jeweled Drop Earrings in Red ($7, nyandcompany.com). Add the subtle sheen of a scented body mist like the Kai Rose Body Glow ($38, kaifragrance.com) on any visible skin at neck, collarbones, forearms or shoulders. Or for a quick fashion twinkle after five, slip into a light-reflecting top like the Wulful Women’s Sequin Sparkly V-Neck Peplum Top in Rose Red ($50, amazon.com) or the Good American Satin Buttondown Shirt in Pink ($139, anthropologie.com). Champagne or mocktail optional.

spinner image Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Premium Crepe Pant in Pink; Nicole Miller Mia Lurex Chiffon Long Sleeve Blouse with Camisole; Ben-Amun 24k Gold Electroplate Chain Necklace with Heart Locket Pendant; Essie LOVE Valentine’s Day Collection Nail Polish in Lust for Life;  Jo Malone London Rose & Magnolia Cologne
(Clockwise from left) Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Premium Crepe Pant in Pink; Nicole Miller Mia Lurex Chiffon Long Sleeve Blouse with Camisole; Ben-Amun 24k Gold Electroplate Chain Necklace with Heart Locket Pendant; Essie LOVE Valentine’s Day Collection Nail Polish in Lust for Life; Jo Malone London Rose & Magnolia Cologne
Abercrombie & Fitch; Nicole Miller; Neiman Marcus; Target; Macy's

6. Keep the romance going all year long.

Consider making the one-day infatuation with red-hot red and romantic pink a lasting relationship. There’s no time like this day of attraction and affection to swap your same old signature scent for a head-turning new fragrance like the Jo Malone London Rose & Magnolia Cologne ($112, macys.com), to ditch your trusty tunics for feminine floral blouses like the Nicole Miller Mia Lurex Chiffon Long Sleeve Blouse with Camisole ($40, nicolemiller.com), to trade your black pants for a pair in pink like the Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love A&F Sloane Tailored Premium Crepe Pant in Pink ($100, abercrombie.com), to give up your nude nail polish for an energizing red like the Essie LOVE Valentine’s Day Collection Nail Polish in Lust for Life ($12, target.com) and make a statement necklace like the Ben-Amun 24k Gold Electroplate Chain Necklace with Heart Locket Pendant ($70, neimanmarcus.com) — which opens for a photo of your main squeeze — a reminder of who matters most.

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