What Would Bridget Do?

As a self-confessed relationship failure I often find myself turning to Bridget Jones and Helen Fielding for life advice – and Valentine’s Day is certainly no exception. You know it’s getting bad when the Co-op is depressing you with all their bottles of nice wine and heart shaped chocolate…excuse me if I don’t want to be reminded of my tragic and seemingly single-ness when I go in for my cereal and milk. So turning to my life-coach for inspiration I asked myself, “what would Bridget do on Valentine’s Day?”. The inevitable answer: a beauty night in with the girls, too much wine and an enormous bar of chocolate – tonight is not a night for the diet, girls.
 
 

1)     Mini facials are the obvious place to start (although I would recommend avoiding face masks near the wine!). Whilst the trashy chick flick – or horror movie – starts in the background, a deep cleansing face mask will soothe and relax your skin. My new favourite has to be Lush’s ‘Catastrophe Cosmetic’ (£5.75) which seems to improve even my bad skin and reduce all the imperfections fairly rapidly – as well as smelling amazing because of the fresh blueberries which it contains. Not only will this make your skin better and feel softer but will inevitably give you and the girls a few laughs as you decide who looks most like Shrek and who like Princess Fiona. Once your skin is lovely and clean again, follow this with a cotton pad soaked in toner, and if you have any – or your student budget will stretch and allow you to buy some – ‘Clarins Face Treatment Oil’ (£29). Okay, this might be a bit expensive, but all you need is a drop mixed in with your toner and your skin will be loving you: I have to admit that I swear by it – just one little drop can make such a difference. Finally, finish this all off with your normal moisturiser to make sure that your skin is balanced and won’t become dry. What a dream: better skin without having to put the chocolate and wine down (in fact, I would encourage the wine drinking tonight).
 
 

2)     Manicures, ‘cause your nails need some loving as well! Shape and buff your nails the way you like them: personally I always have my nails square, but it really is a personal choice. Don’t forget to do your cuticles as well – then your nails will be healthier and will grow faster. Push them back, either with a cuticle pen or with cuticle solution. It’s something that not many of us do all that often, but dammit, tonight should be about pampering so give yourself an extra treat! A good, hydrating, moisturising base coat is next – and it’s vital if you don’t want your nails to be stained red or to break constantly. Try ‘Save the Nail Eau So Hydrating’ (£4.63 from Boots) – a lifesaver that dries in only 45 seconds! Nail polish is as essential as any part of your outfit (okay, so you could go out without it whereas I wouldn’t suggest going out without a top…) and so – any excuse to update your nails for spring! New pastel coloured polishes have just hit the shops and I see no reason why you shouldn’t treat yourself – a good polish shared between all the girls will only cost you a few pounds. Chanel and Dior have long been my favourites and last for a long time: and their new season colours do not disappoint! Top it all off with a top coat to make your nails shine and you’ll be looking even more fabulous next time you go to Mosaic.
 
 

3)     Treat your feet! Confession time: I hate feet – they just freak me out, but even I (after a lengthy discussion with the girls – who think I am crazy and a thought as to what Bridget might think) have to admit that there is nothing less attractive than feet that haven’t been cared for. Especially since it’s coming up to peep toe and flip flop season (forget the recent snow…) it’s nicer to know that your feet were prepared on that night in with the girls! A bowl of hot soapy water whilst your nails dry or your face mask is on will soften your skin – just what you need. Some foot scrub (I use Lush’s ‘Stepping Stone Foot Scrub’ which honestly smells incredible – makes even me think that feet aren’t quite so horrid) will take away any rough patches and generally just improve the skin on your feet. Then use some body moisturiser to make your feet all soft and lovely again. Quick tip: put socks on straight after you moisturise and then sleep with these on and your feet will be even better in the morning. Finally, don’t forget your toenails! After all this, even I have to admit that feet aren’t as freakish as they might appear at first.
 
 
Valentine’s Day: dreaded every year by single girls as one of the most depressing days of the year. Nevertheless, Bridget should serve as a guide particularly on V-Day – the epitome of the single girl suggests that her and her friends (including Tom) would follow a night of pampering and FAR too much wine. Go on girls, buy that MASSIVE bar of Galaxy from Co-op, get the Bridget Jones DVDs out and spend too much money on wine. Valentine’s Day is not one to be spent alone with a tub of ice cream and P.S I Love You – not the right way: we can do better. Get the girls round, have a pamper night, and who knows, maybe Hugh Grant or Colin Firth will come calling in Exeter – if not, then Bridget Jones 3 will hopefully be out next year. Enjoy the pampering ladies, you’ll look and feel better for it the next day!