Valentine's Day. You either love it or you hate it. It's a day when men are encouraged to express their love in the form of premium-priced roses, chocolates, champagne and indulgent cards; when loved-up couples still in the first flushes of romance fill intimate, romantic restaurants; and when sexy, strong singles take a stand and head out into the night dressed to the nines.

But whether you buy into the traditional commemoration of romantic love, or prefer to see it as a modern-day commercial enterprise, there's no denying Valentine's Day offers the perfect opportunity to look a little sexier than normal.

So, whatever you're doing to honour the Christian martyr who goes by the name of Saint Valentine, here's our rundown of the best beauty products to get you in the romantic mood.

1. Kiss the colour red

Nothing says love like the colour red, and there's nowhere better to wear it than on the lip. Send the right signals with one of these classic red lippies:

Covergirl Lip Perfection in Hot Passion, $14.95. A bright, gorgeous colour that will transform your lips. As an added bonus, this lipstick is enriched with a silk moisturising complex so will sustain moisture levels and help create soft, smooth, beautiful lips.

Bourjois Sweet Kiss Natural Lipstick in Rouge Soyeux, $23 is made with natural ingredients derived from nature to care for the lips. Plant and mineral extracts create pure, radiant shades that are rich and intense. The creamy texture melts into the lips, leaving a sheer film from the first application.

Guaranteed to give you that 'ready-to-be-kissed' look, Bobbi Brown Lip Gloss in Hollywood Red, $42 gives lips a brilliant, high shine look. It contains soothing botanical extracts to keep lips supple and soft.

2. Tressed to impress

Tousled, teased tresses can evoke a certain something in most men I know, so spend some extra time on your 'do today and you're sure to impress. De Lorenzo's Instant Allevi8, $46.90 contains shampoo, conditioner and elements barrel wave. The natural solution of rice proteins, kakadu plum and cactus flower leaves frazzled and brittle hair shiny, silky and smooth. The added use of the barrel wave exposes hair shine, fullness and beautiful waves.

3. The eyes have it

If the eyes are the window to the soul, then today is the day to maximise their impact. Add length to your lashes with Illamasqua False Eye Lashes in Grandeur, $36 and add a touch of sparkle and shine to your lids with Revlon Luxurious Colour Diamond Lust Eye Shadow in Starry Pink or Plum Galaxy, $19.95.

No outfit is complete without a polished nail, so why not take the opportunity this Valentine's day to test drive a new colour. Our favourites for the romantic season are:

Butter LONDON 3 Free Laquers ($14 each) in Come To Bed Red, a sexy red and Snog, a dazzling hot pink will add the perfect splash of colour

If you're in a rush, try Coral Colours Fast Track in Honeysuckle ($7.95) for a quick drying finish. Also boasting a ‘4 free formulation' this nail polish is a healthy option without losing its vibrant colour