Valentine's Day is fast approaching, and what better day to ramp up your sex appeal than for (or around) the most romantic day of the year? Whether you're single or committed, we've got some dos and don'ts that'll have you looking -- and feeling -- sexier by February 14th.
Increase Your Sex Appeal: Beauty Dos and Don'ts
Do: Go Red(01 of09)
It's time to bust out that red dress you've been hiding in the back of your closet -- a 2008 study found wearing red seriously boosts your sex appeal. Researchers discovered this by asking 150 heterosexual males to rate a woman's attractiveness on a scale of one to seven, and found wearing red bumped her sex appeal up by an average of 1.25 points. Don't own anything red? Don't worry -- red nail polish will still send subtle sexiness cues to your man. And no matter what you wear, be sure your outfit emphasizes your curves. Studies show that curvy women are subconsciously perceived to be more fertile, which -- from an evolutionary perspective -- is a very good thing. (credit:WireImage)
Don't: Overdo The Lipstick(02 of09)
Wearing a coat of super-dark red lipstick is practically the definition of sultry and sexy. But guys are usually nonplussed -- a poll run by Cosmo revealed men feel as though red lipstick makes kissing a girl too messy. Instead, try drawing their attention to your mouth with a softer shade and some shiny lip gloss. As a rule, guys tend to favour a more natural look than an ultra-glam face -- it makes you look more easy-going and fun. (credit:Getty Images)
Do: Wear Your Hair Long, Wavy and Healthy(03 of09)
"Men couldn't care less if your strands are perfectly styled and neat. In fact, he might like you more with some wildness or bedhead, since it shows you're carefree and relaxed. But he will notice if your hair looks or feels very dry, brittle or damaged, which are signs of poor health," renowned biological anthropologist Dr. Helen Fisher, author of Why We Love, told Cosmopolitan Magazine.The moral of the story? Spend less time agonizing over the perfect 'do and more time deep conditioning your locks. While you're at it, try spritzing some of your favourite perfume in there -- he'll love smelling your hair. (credit:Getty Images)
Don't: Follow Hair Trends Too Closely(04 of09)
Wearing a hairstyle that's severe -- such as a super-tight pulled-back pony -- or bizarre -- such as a Snooki-style poof -- will make your man want to head for the hills. If you're looking for a style that will please your guy (or attract a new one), The Gloss has a handy list of hairstyles that guys hate. (credit:Getty Images)
Do: Go Subtle And Natural(05 of09)
Last year, a study revealed that one in five men wishes their girl would wear less makeup, and one in 10 would prefer she wear none at all. And while no makeup at all sounds a bit harsh -- many of us couldn't stand to part with our mascara -- they may have a point: it's OK to lighten up on how many beauty products you use. In particular, the men questioned admitted to disliking false eyelashes, bright lipstick, heavy eyeliner and pencilled-in eyebrows. So, to the 12 per cent of women who admitted they wear too much makeup, keep in mind that less is more and subtle is usually better. (credit:Getty Images)
Don't: Go Too Bold In The Makeup Department(06 of09)
Runway supermodels can get away with crazy technicolour raccoon eyes, but chances are you probably can't. It's not you, it's just that those kind of looks don't typically work outside of the glitzy fashion world. Do yourself a favour and ditch the fluorescent shades from your makeup bag. After all, with the right tools and skills, you can create a luscious look with some neutral shades and a little bit of shimmer. (credit:Getty Images)
Do: Wear Bronzer(07 of09)
A 2006 study found that people who've gotten a little bit of sun are perceived to be more attractive than those who are pasty white. "Results indicate that a medium tan is perceived as healthiest and most attractive, and "no tan" is perceived as both least healthy and attractive," wrote the researchers. Of course, we're not advocating that you fake and bake in a tanning salon or get an orange spray a la Snooki, but a good bronzer can do wonders for your complexion. (credit:Film Magic)
Don't: Forget To Floss(08 of09)
Bad teeth are an indicator of poor health, according to a study published in the Journal of American Dental Association, so make sure to take care of yours. And while you're at it, try to show them off a little more -- research shows smiling makes you more beautiful. (credit:Getty Images)
Do: Get Some Sleep(09 of09)
There's nothing sexy about red, bloodshot eyes with dark bags under them, so your number one priority when trying to look sexy should be getting enough shut-eye the night before. But if sleeping in is not an option, an eye mask like this one from Sephora may help you fake a good night's sleep. (credit:Wire Image)