Rules of Engagement

Yes, he did!! It was almost a week ago now, but he proposed! And of course you said yes. That means, you are getting married, and you want the whole world to know.

Even more, you want some bloomin’ fantastic presents so you’re going to throw a party and invite everybody you know – the more people there, the better the atmosphere, the better the party, and more presents! Ker-ching!
And if you really did need another reason to add to that list, an engagement party in front of loads of close friends and family means that he can’t change his mind – well, not very easily at all, and not without looking a total heartless freak. So let’s get that engagement party organised and as an indicator that your wedding is going to be the bestest ever, you want to throw the engagement party to beat all other engagement parties hands down.

So when the dust settles and you’ve booked the perfect venue at a good cost, your designer friend, who you’ve met once through a friend you haven’t seen in years has created stunning invitations, catering that doesn’t break the bank but delivers on style, design and most importantly taste, and a DJ that’s cool enough to get down with it, but naff enough to play grim but fun music, and you want all your friends and family to be there.

But even when you manage to get all of this in the bag, there is always the danger of forgetting that the party is actually for you, and so it is for you and your partner to enjoy more than anyone else, and to celebrate the fact that you are so madly and truly in love that you want to spend the rest of your lives together and commit to marriage.
So when you have planned the perfect party, take a step back and spend some time making sure that you look your very best, and as the centre of attention, feel confident that your look will see you through the whole evening with confidence.
And when you finally do have the perfect dress, the to die for shoes, and glorious hair, don’t forget to focus on your make-up. Just as on your wedding day, you are likely to be photographed a lot at your engagement party . The camera picks up a multitude of facial sins so investing in a professional make -up artist is a worthwhile investment. Unless your whole evening is going to be remembered for your unintentional pseudo gothic look, tonight is not a night to think of doing your make up yourself.

Hiring a professional make up artist is much more than an indulgence. They know how to get rid of those dark shadows that the camera loves to highlight, and how to make sure you look at your best from every angle. Many couples now hire a professional photographer to capture the engagement party so it pays to not compromise when it comes to yourself. Whilst you may be tempted to do your own make up, what you see in the mirror after, is not necessarily the same as other people see. A professional make up artist will not only enhance your best features, but knows what suits your skin tone, your age, facial shape and a whole lot more, so get googling for your nearest fairy godmother, er make-up artist.

The foundation to a perfect relationship is…..not foundation!

This week is the week for romance. The time when couples the world over profess their love for one another, confess to feelings towards people who may or may not reciprocate, and sometimes, just sometimes….propose.

There is nothing more exciting than a Valentines proposal. But what about when you are expecting a proposal and it doesn’t happen? Is there any way of not being disappointed?

Maybe, just maybe, a thoughtful present will bring a smile back to your face, however small it is and however bad you are feeling. This isn’t about money either, but about noticing something about the person you love to the point that you buy them something that you know will appreciate and use.

And far from make-up being an insulting choice, it is actually a gift that shows you take notice of your loved one and take an interest in what they like. It truly doesn’t mean you think that they are ugly and need to cover up their natural beauty! But if you are going to go down the make-up route, make sure you research what to buy and what not to buy – getting your loved one the wrong make-up could most definitely lead to a break up!

Here’s our mini guide to what is hot – and what is not – in make-up gifts for your very own Valentine.

Foundation

This is probably not the most thoughtful choice, unless it’s an item they have waffled on about so much that you know the exact brand and colour. Get the colour wrong, and you have potential disaster on your hands for sure.  It takes the average woman years to find the perfect match and then technology and brands change so it’s back to the drawing board. It’s best not to mess when it comes to a woman’s face base!

Lip gloss

Lips are for kissing, so this is a good area to focus on when it comes to your valentine. Have a sneaky peek at what her favourite shades and brands are, then use that information to make an informed but impulsive decision. Don’t be tempted to change your partner’s look or insult what she believes look good, but buying a shade slightly different throws an element of surprise into your gift giving.

Body lotion

Perfume is a bit predictable, but body lotion shows that you are in it for the long haul and care about their whole body. Of course, buying  a body lotion based on their favourite fragrance is a wise choice and shows you have done your research, and splashed the cash, but don’t be afraid to go a bit quirky. Body lotions can have contemporary brand and fragrance names that show you think they are young, even if purely young at heart. Don’t compromise on quality – there’s nothing worse as a gift then thin, runny lotions that have minimum fragrance.