by Emily Hall

Created on: January 12, 2009   Last Updated: January 15, 2009

Mmm, it's Valentine's Day! What is it about this newbie celebration, which is highly commercialized, over publicized and often, frankly, trite that makes us look forward to it all year? Some say it's love. I say it's face masks.

What other celebration guarantees you a night on the town looking fabulous as much as six months in advance? For Valentine's Day you can get the day off, relax and indulge in some serious pampering - and know that you can show off the results later on!

It isn't just about superficial pampering though, enjoyable as the banana face mask-cucumber eyes-all day in the bath combination is. Valentine's Day, with it's long run up, is a day many of us subconsciously reserve for us alone, in the midst of Christmas (relatives) New Year (too much pressure) and the cold, dark days of January. It's the moment when we can put aside the chrysalis we've been hiding in all winter and burst forth as a spring butterfly - rejuvenated, vibrant and full of vitality.

If you're going to spend some time pampering, don't miss any bits out! There have been a rash of pictures in the press recently of supermodels and a-listers with horrible, gnarled and overlooked toenails, which is definitely something to avoid. Pedicures are one of the simplest treatments to carry out at home, and when you do them well, they can make you feel like you've got a brand new set of tootsies. Remember also that you're probably going to torture them in high heels tonight - starting with a pedicure is like an advance apology!

If you start from the bottom and work up you won't go far wrong - some things are obvious, like spending time on your manicure and using face packs, but others are not. For example, you're probably going to wear a low cut dress so cleanse, tone, face pack and moisturise your decolletage as well. After all, it's going to be showing and you won't want it to show you up! Shoulders are also worth watching out for, and this might not be the night for magic knickers, so get to it with the coffee rinsing and skin tightening wash all over your body. Cellulite scrubs may not make a long term difference, but they will tauten the skin in the short term and reduce those unsightly wobbles, which could really boost your confidence if you're sensitive about them.

Don't spend all your time plucking and waxing though. Set aside an hour or so to just lie in the bath and soak. Think of today as the real fresh start, the real beginning to the year, when you can slough off your tired soul and start afresh. Pampering yourself and looking your best are a great way to pamper your mind - tonight's the night to make those resolutions anew, and without all the pressure of New Year, you might just keep them this time!

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