Tips to Become Really, Really, Ridiculously Good-Looking in Time for Valentine's Day

At OneMan, we don’t think you need an excuse to practice good grooming habits or participate in a little self-care for that matter, but, if you need a little push, February 14th is ideal for lighting that fire.

It’s February 2021, and almost Valentine’s Day. No matter where you stand on the holiday—for it, against it, indifferent—there is one thing that is irrevocably true: it’s the perfect time to up your grooming game.

Have a think about it, if you’re taking someone new out, showing up well-groomed is not only a sign that you respect yourself, but it shows that you respect them, too. Plus, it increases your chances that the date will end...amorously. If you’ve been with someone for a while, putting in a little more effort than usual shows them that they’re in for a special night and you’re thinking of them.

Whatever your reason is for a Valentine’s Day grooming game change, you can’t go wrong with any or all of these steps. Bonus points if you mange to build it into your daily routine in an ongoing capacity.

Upgrade Your Hair Product

Pomade may be your best friend when you’re wanting to look sharp for a meeting or interview, but on Valentine’s Day, it’s time to play it cool and relaxed. Try switching out your pomade for a styling cream or a clay, which still has plenty of hold to keep your style in place, but gives a more natural and textured finish. Work a dime sized amount into towel-dried hair, use your hands to shape your style, and let it air dry for a casual, modern look.

Exfoliate Your Mug...

You want to show up on Valentine’s Day with a bright, shining face, not looking like you have never washed your face before. Exfoliation is the key. It gets rid of dead skin cells on the surface of your skin. Remember to do this the night before the date, not on the day.

...And Your Body

If you’re planning (or hoping) to get busy on Valentines Day, exfoliating your body will help get rid of the dead cells hanging around on your arms and legs (and anywhere else) and leave every inch of your body feeling smoother than ever. Look for a scrub with smaller particles if you have body hair and make sure to rinse thoroughly, so particles don’t stick around and make your chest hair feel sandy.

Look Rested

Ever wanted to sit across from someone that looks like they are about to fall asleep at any moment? Using an under eye mask for 15 minutes before you leave the house can de-puff under-eye bags, brighten dark circles, and make your eye look more alert. Keep them in the refrigerator for added value—if they’re cold, they’ll squelch your bags faster and easier. Get a multi-pack so you can use the morning after, too.

Smooth Your Beard

Short facial hair can feel like sandpaper on another person’s face and longer beard can feel like making out with a broom. Anyone with even a whisper of a beard knows that nothing can prevent a post-date smooch faster than scraggly, dry facial hair. No matter how long your facial hair is, use a beard oil to help smooth and hydrate your whiskers. Use a small amount and work your way up if you need more to prevent it from getting too greasy (which is just as much of a turnoff).

Apply a Subtle Scent

Wearing a fragrance is good, wearing too much fragrance is well, not so much. Nothing sends a potential mate running the other way faster than smelling like you just walked through a cloud of cologne at Smith & Caughey’s. The trick with wearing cologne is putting on just the right amount as to invite someone to lean in closer but not leave your scent all over them after they go in for a hug. To do this, try a solid cologne and rub a bit on your wrists and on your neck. It is much harder to go overboard with a solid than with a spray.

Get A Fancy Deodorant

Smelling like you just came from the locker room is fine any other day of the year, but this is Valentine’s Day for god’s sake—you need to up the ante. Think of a good-smelling natural deodorant as an extension of your cologne. It shouldn’t overpower everything else, but enhance your overall vibe with a clean scent. Reserve it for special occasions and use it only when you need to feel especially put together.