My beauty routine for dates

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What's your typical beauty routine before going on a date? It's funny how loyal people are to their routines; I've had mine since college! The only thing that has changed is that I now use more natural products and pay more attention to ingredients.

When I go to dinner with Alex these days, I start with a facial wipe to cleanse my skin of all the NYC grime. Then I put lotion or oil on my face, hands and arms. I love the Mama Bee oil, above, and Weleda Wild Rose facial lotion also smells incredible. In the summer months, I make sure to remember my upper arms, so that they're smooth and silky in a tank top.
My theory with lipstick is that you want a touch to brighten up your face, but not so much that you're not kissable. I usually put on my trusty red lipstick, but then immediately wipe most of it off for a bee-stung look. (Bonus: The stain will last all night, unlike a gloss.)

A note: I had been using a different lipstick for years, but when Toby was about a year old, a friend told me that it was super toxic; I looked it up on lovelyskin.com, which confirmed it. I was appalled; while wearing it, I had been kissing newborn Toby a million times a day! Yet another reason why I'm grateful for a dedicated natural-beauty site like Vine.com. Now I use only Nvey Eco lipsticks.)
To wake up my eyes, I put on a few coats of mascara and purple eyeshadow with a hint of sparkle. A Glamour editor once told me that purple eyeshadow is universally flattering. (Have you ever worn it?)
Here are the natural beauty products I love. (You can see the full list here, if you'd like.)
Then I wash my hands. (Also I just thought this photo looked cool:)
Next, I brush my hair, but not too much or it'll get oily. I twist it in my hands to give it a little body and curl as it unravels. (Not pictured: Plucking out a bunch of gray hairs. Dude, I'm only 33!)
Natural shampoo and conditioner, plus tea lights for the bath...
And finally—with silky skin and kissable lips—it's time for the date! (Alex and I have discovered the genius of meeting at the restaurant, versus home:)

What about you? What's your beauty routine for a date? Makeup? Perfume? I'd love to hear your recommendations...

Bonus: Vine.com is giving 20% off with the code CUPJO20. Good for both new and returning buyers for the next 2 weeks. xoxo

(Photos by Sarina Cass for Cup of Jo. This post is sponsored by Vine.com, whose mission I adore. Thank you so much for supporting the sponsors that make Cup of Jo possible.)