My girlfriends always seem to look at me with disbelief when I tell them I don’t “get ready” before a big date. Or any date, of any magnitude, for that matter. I have this less-is-more philosophy, for one, but I’m also not big on surprises – what you see is what you get (and ya better like it). Does anyone remember that one number in Rent between Idina Menzel, Tracie Thoms, and some fancy pool table? “Take Me Or Leave Me” is essentially the theme song here.

It’s not to say that I’m above a good lash curler and a few inky swipes of mascara (or amazing red lipstick), though; I do try to make an effort on a daily basis (albeit veering on the minimal side). Instead, I choose to focus on the skin. I love skin, I really do – so for me, it’s all about achieving the most perfect complexion I possibly can. There’s something so beautiful, so sensual about bare skin.

(Read: the perfect DIY Lip Scrub)

My makeup routine may be a two-step process, but where I lack in effort, I make up in the skin care department. If anything, my date night prep resembles a DIY spa night more than a simple regimen; for all of you out there just waiting to call me lazy – just you wait and see.

1. Detox and purify. I have giant mug of hot lemon water at the ready while I wait for my Cucumber Tonic Mask to dry. It’s one of my all-time favorite masks from the MB line; not only does it help deep clean and tighten pores, but it also leaves my skin impossibly soft, smooth, and bright afterwards. Optional: light a few candles. You’re getting in the mood for YOU.
2. Cleanse, exfoliate, hydrate. Twenty minutes and an empty mug later, I’ll rinse off the mask and follow-up with the Glycolic Foaming Cleanser, a.k.a. a total game-changer that reaches even deeper into those pores for a thorough cleanse while gently exfoliating the skin. I’ll pat my face dry and hydrate with a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer.
3. 

   For the most subtle shimmer and non-greasy moisture, the Summer Shine Body Lotion.

   Get kissable lips. It’s a date, after all. And while fresh breath is paramount, I’m a firm believer that soft lips are even more so! I either take a dry toothbrush to exfoliate or DIY a makeshift lip scrub (olive oil plus sugar does the trick!) to get rid of any flaky bits. The scrubbing motion invigorates your lips, leaving them plump, pouty and definitely red. Slather up on the lip balm and let it sit for the remainder of your prep period. Right before you’re out the door, blot any excess and voila – kissable lips!

4. Glow, baby, glow. I’m all about looking fresh-faced and dewy; plus, candlelight and hydrated skin are a match made in skin heaven. Using the Vitamin C Serum every other night certainly helps in the glow department, but my secret is patting a few drops of the Rose Hips Nourishing Oil along the tops of my cheeks and on the bridge of my nose. Apply it as you would a highlighter.
5. Really – milk the whole candlelit ‘glow’ thing. Bare shoulders or an exposed décolletage? I’m all about enhancing every curve and contour, so the Summer Shine Body Lotion is perfect for adding just the right amount of shine for a radiant, lit from within glow. (Tip: Feeling leggy tonight? You already know what to do. That’s right, slather it on, ladies!)

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What’s you’re date night beauty routine like?

Better yet, why not show us? Snap a picture of your beautification process and tag us @mariobadescu, using #datenightwithMB.