How To: Really Glow this February... Valentine or no!

#1 - EXFOLIATE

Not only will exfoliating regularly help to keep your pores clean from daily dirt and grime - which means less breakouts in the future - it also helps to remove dead skin cells which can leave your face looking dull and even 'grey' *gulp!* Good exfoliation helps to renew the skin renewal rate, and keep your skin tone remain even and vibrant. Think of that healthy pink glow that great skin radiates! Our current exfoliating love at bb is The Little Alchemist's Cacao and Banana Face Glow. This dry mask can be made into a paste when added to water or any other liquid product - you can even try a smooth, milky moisturising lotion too! Apply for 10 minutes before rinsing off for a thoroughly refreshed feeling. The ingredients work to break down dead skin and grime rather than manual granules, so it is gentle on skin too. Great for those who like 'delicate' skincare products!

#2 - BRONZE

When used correctly, bronzer can add a beautiful glow to your complexion. However, there are a few things to take note of before reaching for your bronzing brush! Don't grab your brush, swish it through your bronzer and then sweep it all over your face - admission time; I used to do this! The aim is not to look like Snooki but to add glow to the higher plains of your face, where the sun naturally hits, rather than 'smoosh' it everywhere (appropriate choice of word, yes?) To get it right, add just a little to your brush to start with. Try a brush for specific bronzing placement like this one. Then apply in two large 3 shapes to either side of the face (one will the back-to-front). Start at the temple and forehead, then come in at the cheek bone, before sweeping down and along the jawline. Make sure you blend it in well to avoid any obvious lines. Also, try a little on the tip of your nose for a summery feel! I like the MeMeMe Blush Me! Blush Box in Bronze.

#3 - ILLUMINATE

Adding in an illuminator to your beauty routine is probaby the easiest and most instantaneous way to add some serious glow to your face. My favourite illuminator for instant glow is a cream-based one. Simply swipe onto your cheek bones, down the bridge of your nose and your cupids bow with your finger tips and viola! A touch more glow is instantly yours! Try the Bloom Cream Blush Duo, which also comes with a flattering rose toned cream blush for a little extra colour.

#4 - INNER GLOW

Glow - and good skin and beauty health in general - needs to start from the inside out. If you are lacking from a few essentials in your diet, or just want to kick start a period of skin-love this Valentines month, try an all natural suppliment like The Beauty Chef Glow Inner Beauty Powder. A little added into half a glass of water each morning helps to replace beneficial flora in the gut and nourish your skin from the inside out. Plus, one 150g tub provides 30 servings. A whole month of skin-love coming right up! Be sure to include plenty of fruit and veg in your diet and cut down on preservatives too, for extra good skin karma.

#5 - BODY OIL

Glow shouldn't just be confined to your face, especially in summer when your limbs are on display! If you find that your regular body moisturiser just isn't working hard enough for you, switch to a body oil. They are super nourishing and often add a little extra glimmer to skin. I am obsessed with Goe Oil, as is almost everyone else in the bb office! It contains 100% natural pure plant, fruit and flower oil - so you'll know your glow is as natural as can be! Rub into skin after showering for an intense moisture hit and a dewy, glowy finish.

Five simple products and tips to help you bring out your inner glow this Valentines month, whether you are loved up or not... because glowing beauty shouldn't be reserved for those coupled up! Do you use any of these tips to grab a little extra glow for yourself? Let us know! - Lauren

(top image courtesy of MarianneLoMonaco at etsy.com)