When in the mood to feel sexy, there are plenty of classic standbys that many of us rely on lacy lingerie, little black dresses, or perhaps just your birthday suit. But on Valentine’s Day, it’s really time to bring out the big guns. Beauty editors have a few extra tools in their arsenal when it comes to boosting sex appeal, and the SpotlyteTM team shares theirs below. From a texturizing hairspray that delivers the perfect bedhead to “dirty” tuberose perfume, get ready to discover a few new favourites.
Sexiest beauty products
RMS Beauty Luminizing Powder
- The RMS Beauty Master Mixer makeup is an update on cool strobing and highlighting products of past seasons. This makeup magic wand with the ‘Midas Touch’ is a makeup bag staple loved by professionals and beauty junkies alike.
- Effortlessly blend over the cheekbones, brow bones, down the bridge of the nose, bow of the lips and even the eyelid. Be creative and mix this pearlescent shimmer to any makeup product to bring back to life. Having this product single-handedly transforms a product into the new, modern, luminous, light reflective textures that you see hitting the beauty scene.
Who: Lauren Levinson, Editorial Director
What: RMS Beauty Luminizing Powder ($38)
Why: There’s nothing sexier, in my opinion than the dewy-pearly glow RMS Living LuminizerTM cream highlighter leaves on the skin. In February 2019, the natural beauty brand forayed into highlighter powder that has the same effect on the skin — a subtle gleam. My favourite way to wear the powder is over or under the cream (the former has a more matte effect). Having skin that catches the light just so (especially on my eyebrow arch, cheekbones, and cupid’s bow) makes me feel naturally beautiful and confident. Choose from three shades — Grande Dame (moonlit champagne), Midnight Hour (rose gold), and Madeira Bronzer (bronzy).
Shu Uemura Texture Wave Dry Finishing Hairspray
- Blow Dry Spray: A heat-activated blow-dry spray that gives shape memory, volume, and definition to hair.
- Benefits: Provides a lightweight finish and natural feel. Perfect for adding volume, body, and definition to hair.
Who: Lauren
What: Shu Uemura Texture Wave Dry Finishing Hairspray ($39)
Why: Fact: I brought a bottle of this magic mist to my wedding for my stylist to use on my hair for the Big Day. It’s that transformative. When this light, airy mist hits my wavy-curly hair, it instantly gives it that effortlessly sexy, voluminous and textured look (the kind that normally comes after sleeping on a blowout or spending the day on a boardwalk). I feel like a freakin’ Victoria’s Secret® Angel. Plus, it smells like perfume.
Gucci Guilty Pour Femme
Who: Joslyn Winkfield, Senior Visuals Editor
What: Gucci Guilty Pour Femme ($92) and Gucci Guilty Pour Homme ($119)
Why: I asked myself: “Why not take matching with my significant other to the next level with his and hers perfumes?” And I simply couldn’t think of a reason! The latest launch of Gucci Guilty delivered two beautiful bottles that I’m picturing on each of our nightstands. They both share notes of pink pepper, and Pour Homme has enough lavender and citrus notes that I’d wear it myself as well.
Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Rose Gold
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Who: Joslyn
What: Cover FX Custom Enhancer Drops in Rose Gold ($42)
Why: I feel sexiest when my skin is glowing, and this creamy shimmering bronzer melts right into my cheekbones, and really, anywhere else I want to look illuminated. A dab with a beauty sponge makes my shoulders and clavicles pop, and I’m convinced clavicles are the new cleavage.
Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk
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Who: Emily Orofino, Senior Beauty Editor
What: Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk ($34)
Why: Most people know that I have a penchant for bright lipstick, but I also completely understand the value of a solidly flattering “nude” shade. Pillow Talk is mine: the soft, rosy matte shade is just a few tones deeper than my actual lip colour, so I can slightly overdraw my natural lip line to enhance its shape. The result is a pillowy (hence the name) look that is impossibly sexy.
Frédéric Malle Carnal Flower Perfume
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Who: Emily
What: Frédéric Malle Carnal Flower Perfume ($265)
Why: Ask any beauty editor to rattle off some of the most sensual fragrances, and Carnal Flower will undoubtedly be on the list. Illustrious perfumer Dominique Ropion artfully blended notes of tuberose, jasmine, bergamot, and musk to create a heady fragrance that smells a little bit dirty and a whole lot seductive. It’s undeniable sex appeal in a bottle.
Ouai Hair & Body Shine Mist
- The Ultimate Beach Hair Is This OUAI - Get beach waves without stepping foot in the ocean. Our Wave Spray gives you the perfect amount of texture, body and shine for that effortlessly chic undone look.
- Great For All Hair Types - Created with rice protein instead of sea salt, this hair texture spray is safe for all hair types, even if color- or keratin-treated. Whether you have thick curls or you're looking for a texture spray for fine hair, Wave Spray is the hair mist of your beachy dreams.
Who: Thia Laurain, Social Media Editor
What: Ouai Hair & Body Shine Mist ($32)
Why: Moisturized skin is sexy skin. So whether you’re planning to show a little (or a lot of) skin this Valentine’s Day, make sure your skin is supple to ensure it’s truly touchable. I’ll be using this diamond powder- and squalene-infused mist to add a hit of hydrating high-shine to my décolletage this Valentine’s Day, and I plan to spritz it all over limbs once the warmer months hit.
Oribe Lust Crème Lipstick in The Red
- Conditioning and moisturizing, with subtle shine
- Easy-to-distribute, unique elastic texture paste
Who: Thia
What: Oribe Lust Crème Lipstick in The Red ($42)
Why: Red lipstick is my go-to whenever I want to feel confident, empowered and, of course, sexy. I have a rotation of reds I wear for different moods and occasions, but this creamy, blue-based red from Oribe is my current favourite thanks to its ultra-hydrating formula and rich colour payoff. The geometric bullet — finished with a glimmer of the brand’s signature gold — is weighty and tactile, a sensual object in its own right.
Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish
- New look, same great product
- Instant bronzing with a lasting glow
Who: Sophie Wirt, Beauty Editor
What: Vita Liberata Body Blur Instant HD Skin Finish ($45)
Why: Though I avoid (damaging) UV rays at all costs, I’ll admit that I feel sexiest when I look like I’ve been soaking up some sun. This creamy formula looks and feels like a bronzey foundation — and essentially acts like one for your body. Not only does it leave me looking glowy, but it also contains light-reflecting particles which blur blemishes and knicks. Plus, I promise there’s absolutely no hint of orangeness, streaking, or transfer. Just be sure to apply it with a tanning mitt!
Aerin Tangier Vanille Eau De Parfum
- Fluid Oriental Vanilla
Who: Sophie
What: Aerin Tangier Vanille Eau De Parfum ($125)
Why: Oftentimes, vanilla fragrances veer more saccharine than sexy. However, this one has warmth and depth, thanks to notes of amber and Bulgarian rose. I’m not sure the smell reminds me of Tangier, but it does elicit memories of when my boyfriend and I first started dating; in fact, it was the first perfume he actively complimented. Two years later, he still loves when he catches a whiff.
Fresh Black Tea Firming Corset Cream
Who: Cat Matta, Copy Editor & Fact Checker
What: Fresh Black Tea Firming Corset Cream ($95)
Why: I love how velvety this cream makes my face and neck feel. And as someone whose skin is dry year round, I really appreciate how quickly and thoroughly it absorbs, even if I’ve slathered on a bit too much in haste. The antioxidant-rich formula has a delicate scent of tea that’s slightly reminiscent of roses, making it the perfect choice for a romantic evening.
Nioxin 3D Styling Bodifying Foam
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Who: Cat Matta
What: Nioxin 3D Styling Bodifying Foam ($17)
Why: Over the years, my hair has changed a lot. It was once so thick and full of body it would tangle every time it got wet, but now it just hangs super thin and limp. However, come date night — and with Nioxin 3D Styling to the rescue —I can add back some volume with this incredibly light mousse. It’s even enabled me to ditch my way-too-expensive root lifter since I can give them a boost with the product that’s left at my fingertips. Big bouffant? Not quite. But at least I’ve regained some waves to flirtatiously flip around.