Think Valentine’s gifts have lost some of their sparkle?

The idea of shelling out on overblown gestures can take the personal touch out of the most romantic day of the year.

So forget expensive, commercialised gifts and give the gift of your beautiful self on February 14.

Whether you’re cuddling up on the sofa for a cosy night in or planning to paint the town red, treat your beloved with a smouldering look and captivating scents he will find irresistible.

Recreate those first date butterflies and lip-locking moments with some amorous beauty tactics that won’t break the bank. And if there’s no heart-felt expressions of devotion or roses coming in the post this Valentine’s Day, it’s a way for singletons to indulge themselves with some seasonal treats.

PAMPERED TO PERFECTION

Bring some romance to the bathroom. Put up the “do not disturb” sign and envelop your body with rose-scented products to get you in the mood for hearts and flowers.

“The appeal of roses dates back to Cleopatra’s time when she was said to seduce Mark Antony with her bedroom knee-deep in petals,” explains Geraldine Howard, of Aromatherapy Associates.

“Rose essential oil is renowned for its feel-good factor, as well as its skin enhancing properties.”

Lather up in the tub with Lush’s Love heart soap containing aphrodisiac oils, £2.50 (01202 668545), and surround yourself with rose petals and candles. While you’re soaking give your face the glowing look of love with Montagne Jeunesse’s Passion Peel Off mask, 99p (01639 861550).

Keep skin touchably soft with Aromatherapy Associates’ Renew Rose Massage & Body Oil, £33.75 (020 8569 7030).

SEDUCTIVE SCENT

With a quarter of men buying fragrance as a Valentine’s gift, a sensual scent is clearly a priority for the opposite sex.

“Woody, spicy, and musky notes are very alluring,” suggests perfumer Ruth Mastenbroek. “But whatever your choice, remember not to be too overpowering.”

If you do everything together as Mr & Mrs and want your scents to harmonise with each other try Oriflame’s Intense Embrace for him and her, from £11.95 for 50ml (0845 230 2255).

For a scent that’s romantic yet feminine and playful, spritz on Lacoste’s Love of Pink, £34 for 50ml.

Want something unique to spellbind him? Create your own scent with Jo Malone’s luxurious Red Rose Fragrance Chronicle, £64 (0870 034 2411).

KISS ‘N’ MAKE UP

Unless your name is Alex Reid and you’re dating Katie Price, no man would choose a full-on glamour look over natural gorgeousness. Keep your date night make-up sultry but subtle.

“Think candlelight when it comes to skin,” says make-up artist Victoria Bond.

“Romantic make-up is all about dewy gorgeous skin. Your eyes are the windows to a romantic’s soul so keep them soft but dramatic.”

Give your pout some attention with some conditioning treatment. Pucker up with Sealed With a Kiss cherry lip gloss, £3.95 from What’s About Town (www.whatsabouttown.com). For a lip product that withstands snogging marathons, try Clinique’s I Love Kisses Long Last Glosswear SPF15, £13, available at House of Fraser in February.

Finally, don’t forget to tease your locks. Whip up some sexy backcombing techniques with Denman’s D3 Kiss Brush, £7.16 (0800 262509).

Tried and Tested...

By Caroline Wilson

TIME EXPERT FACIAL

Once you’re in your 30s fine lines are a fact of life – but Savannah beauty salon in Glasgow’ has a Time Expert facial that claims to have the firming and plumping effects of botox, without the pain.

After a deep cleanse and exfoliation, therapist Lauren applied the product (which contains a plant extract to stimulate collagen production) with a thermal heat pad.

A collagen sheet was then applied to my skin and a small, painless electric current used to help it sink in. The hour-long treatment finished with a head massage.

The fine lines might not have vanished completely, but my skin looked plumper and firmer afterwards.

• The Time Expert Facial is £75 from Savannah, Menzies Hotel & Spa, Washington Street, 0141 270 2317, www.savannahbeautycentre.com

New in...

Keep your favourite moisturiser close to your heart with Nivea’s limited edition love-themed tins, priced £1.35 each.

There are four to collect, available in diamonds, bubbles or starshine hearts, from February 9, at Boots.