The look

Hair

For a cute look with a Valentine's theme, hair extensions stylist Tatiana Karelina has created the 'Twist of Love' look. Super cute no? Here's how to create it...

1 'Starting with damp hair, use a wide-tooth comb to detangle the hair. Then part hair down the middle of the head and clip one side up above the ear.

2 On the other side of the parting, use a fine comb to gather a thin section of hair from the crown. This section should measure about 2 inches from the hairline to the top of the head.

3 Divide this section into three, and begin a French braid, starting at the crown and curving toward the temple, then towards the back of the head, like the top curve of a heart. You will be lifting hair into the braid only from this side of the parting. Leave no loose hair in front of the ear.(1)

4 When you reach the centre parting at the back of the head, secure the braid with a hair tie. If the hair is very long, end the braid about mid-ear; the ends will then hang down the back. (2)

5 Unclip up the hair on the other side and repeat the process.

6 Join the two ends of the braids together at the back with a ponytail holder to form the bottom point of the heart.'(3)

Eyes

Team your love-heart hair with wide, 50s flirty eyes. 17's Peep Show Mascara, £6.29, is perfect to lengthen every individual lash and give it a kick of pow volume. You'll also bag a free Peep Show Eye Palette with four individual shades to perfect your soft and romantic or sultry glam look.

  • 17 Peep Show Mascara is available in Boots stores and at Boots.com.
Lips

Your romantic look wouldn't be complete with a splash of subtle lip colour. And whether you're planning on getting smoochy, or just want to pout your way across the dance floor, soft lips are a must have. Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balms, £5.99 are full of conditioning Shea butter, vitamin E and beeswax to leave your lips super soft, and available in six shades, including flirty Pink Blossom and our vampish favourite, Red Dahlia.

  • Available at Burtsbees.com or in store at Boots and John Lewis.

The night out

We've got the lowdown on the best nights out for couples and singles up and down the country from online destination guide BarChick (Barchick.com).

Couples

The Beefeater 24 Science of Love Molecular Master class - London

Top dog Tony C (the Heston of the cocktail world don't cha know) is offering you a chance to create a love potion in his laboratory. Take an insider's tour into the molecular mixology world and learn some tricks or the trade. Make Valentine's recipes and twists on old classics with Beefeater 24 and afterwards sample Tony's work in the intimate award winning 69 Colebrooke Row.

  • The Drinks Factory, 35 Britannia Row, London. 18 February, 3pm to 5pm. Free to attend, but spaces are limited. Email david@bacchus-pr.com to register.

Proud Brighton Ballroom - Make Love Not War - Brighton

Proud Brighton ballroom goes retro, giving couples a chance to become wartime sweethearts. Dress as a beauty from the blitz or a national hero and celebrate Valentine's day in 1940's fashion.

  • 14 February, £49 for two, including a glass of cava on arrival, two starters, two mains and of course a romantic sharing dessert, Brightonballroom.com

Valentine's Swim and Dine - Lido - Bristol

Fancy a romantic dip with your partner before you tuck in? The Bristol Lido, restaurant and spa are giving couples the chance to use the facilities from 2pm before tucking into their three-course meal, complete with aphrodisiac oysters (ooh er!) and a glass of Henriot Champagne.

Singles

Apotheka - Anti-Valentine's - Manchester

Following the success of last year's party, Apotheka are having another Anti-Valentine's day event for 2012. Think mutilated teddies lining the bar, black broken hearts and graffiti Valentine's cards, banging Rock 'n Roll music with a few anti-love songs thrown in... and most importantly NO romance.

Tiger Tiger - Singles Night - Leeds

If you aren't fussed about swish surroundings or having the best cocktails in town, head to Tiger Tiger for singles fun. Visit the traffic light room to sort the singles from the taken then step into the lock and key room to find your match. And if you really want to bag that bloke, there's even a slave auction to bid in... Bar Kick, Shoreditch Bar Kick, Shoreditch

Bar Kick - A Game of Two Halves - London

Speed dating with a twist. Head to Bar Kick, get a free cocktail and "find your goal mate". Play some table football, fill out the score sheet, then leave the rest to them. Whether you are on the pitch or on the bench you won't have any awkward silences. Bet everyone here will have a GSOH!

The weekend retreat

Mercure Shrewsbury Albrighton Hall

What to expect A four star countryside retreat in an 18th century manor house, set in 15 acres of gorgeous grounds and with yummy food and full spa facilities to boot.

Room to relax The hotel has 86 rooms split across the Main House, School Master's House and Stable Wing. For complete indulgence, opt for a Privilege room, decorated with a beautiful four poster bed, a gleaming modern bathroom and guaranteed views over the hotel's lake or gardens.

Pamper me The hotel boasts a full gym and heated indoor pool, along with a Jacuzzi and thermal suite including sauna and steam room. Try out the aromatherapy room with hot rocks for total relaxation, then cool off in the ice room or treat yourself to treatments from Décelor, Bare Essentials, St Tropez and Jessica Nail Care.

Indulge me The grand Oak Room Restaurant is the perfect place for a romantic meal, with scrumptious breads, locally sourced meats and some pretty funky ice cream flavours - try out the popcorn or amaretto flavours and you'll see what we mean!

  • Room rates start at £53.20 for a night. Visit Mercure.com for more information.