By Funmi Azike

Despite the increase in family, group and charity themed activities, Valentine still remains a season of romance. Lovers reaffirm their commitment to each other in different ways hoping to intensify the passion and romance in their relationship. As you might be planning to create that special romantic experience with your loved one, please pay some extra attention to areas of personal grooming that will improve physical connection and intimacy. These beauty treats will not only boost self-confidence, but will improve your overall wellbeing and the entire Valentine season experience.

Manicure

Manicure-set

Most romantic or intimate moments start with touch. Who doesn’t want to be held or be touched by soft and smooth hands? While you can achieve that with a professional manicure, you can also get good results with some home remedies.
Exfoliate hands to remove chapped skin using a hand scrub or a home-made mixture of ground sugar and olive oil. Constantly slather on some rich hand cream during the day. And remember to also apply at night for better results.

Facials

In addition to your regular skin-care regimen, your face can get an extra glow this season from a facial treatment. Put your best face forward by scheduling a professional service or pamper yourself with a good home remedy. One of my favourites for instant glow, is the honey and almond mask.
Mix finely ground almonds and honey into a paste. Apply on clean face for 15-20mins. Rinse with lukewarm water and moisturize with pure almond oil.

Oral Care
Make your mouth appealing this season with clean teeth, fresh breath and smooth lips. You can start with treating your teeth to Scaling and Polishing service at a good dental clinic. The result is a dazzling smile and much fresher breath. Fortunately, you can also get similar results at home; sprinkle some baking soda on a wet toothbrush and brush gently to remove stains and build-up of plaque from teeth. Rinse thoroughly with water.
Smooth lips by gently exfoliating with a sugar and sesame oil mixture.  Clean up with a damp face towel and apply lip balm. Shea butter, petroleum jelly, cocoa butter or almond oil can be used as lip balm.

Pleasant Smell

Good scent

Proper personal hygiene should be maintained at all times paying particular attention to your underarms, intimates and feet, areas that can cause the body to give off some very unromantic whiff.
While antiperspirants and deodorants help to reduce sweat and odour, a good scent/perfume/fragrance will give your body a pleasant smell. Apply in moderation on your pulse points to intensify the fragrance and make you smell pleasant all day. The pulse points include nape of the neck, inner wrist, insides of the elbow and behind the knees.

Groom Intimate Parts
Proper daily cleansing is important in taking care of your intimate parts. Shop for intimate/feminine care products which are designed to ensure this delicate area smells fresh and looks alluring all the time.
Avoid proliferation of odour-causing bacteria by trimming or completely removing hair from this area. Common hair removal methods include waxing and shaving. If you decide to shave, prep your skin with some warm water to minimize the risk of inflammation. Always use shaving products and instruments specifically designed for shaving intimate parts. Apply some almond oil afterwards to soothe the freshly shaved skin.