Make Up For Date Night

Love is in the air this romantic month and Sara Whatley is talking date night makeup looks, from the romantic and feminine to the sexy and bold. Ooh là là!

Valentine’s Day might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but for some it’s a damn good excuse to go out on a date night. Perhaps you’re going on a romantic date with someone new or taking a well-earned night away from family life with your partner. Whoever you are sharing your evening with, you will want to make sure you are looking your best.

Let’s start with date night makeup. Personally, I still like to look like me even when I’m all dolled up, so I tend to think a subtle but romantic look fits the bill perfectly here. Firstly, make sure your skin is well hydrated – a dewy sheen makes skin look healthy and natural. Don’t forget your delicate under eye area as well to keep it plump and moist.

Next, go for a light base for your foundation, nothing too dramatic, and blend until you feel happy with the coverage.

Define eyebrows with a brow pencil then move onto your eyes. For a romantic and pretty eye, I would choose a palette of light pinks and peachy colours to blend across your lids and to define the look and add a bit of oomph try a smoky line above your lashes.

A good way to achieve an easy eyeliner look is to draw around the very inside of your lashes (the bit of skin under your lashes next to your eye), known as your tideline. Take the eyeliner all the way around the top and bottom of your eye.

Finish by putting a bit of colour on your face with bronzer, a pink hued blush and highlighter gently kissing your cupid’s bow, the top of your cheek bones, length of nose and if you want just above your eyebrows too.

Finally, lipstick. A lovely subtle pink peony colour would make for gorgeous kissable lips and complete this romantic look. Style with gently tousled hair and a beautiful boho style dress.

If romance leaves you cold and you fancy a bit more drama, why not go for the classic dark smoky eye and red lip combo – seriously sexy and statement. To compliment this look you could opt for a tight daring dress and killer heels, big bold jewellery and bouncy curls. Very va va voom!

After you have chosen your outfit (never too overdressed for a date night!) don’t forget a final spritz of perfume to set you on your way; go floral to compliment your romantic look or for something bolder musky, smoke and spice scents will put a guaranteed swagger in your step.

Now go and enjoy your date night looking and feeling like a million dollars. l

Over the past year, farmers’ markets and antique/craft fairs across Wealden have grown in popularity as people re-discover this timeless way of shopping. Joanne Rogers, founder of the ‘Shop and Dine Well in Wealden’ campaign for Wealden District Council investigates their resurgence…

In French culture, markets have been a staple of life throughout time and are often the hub of rural market towns, attracting locals and visitors alike. It is great to see their rising popularity again here too. In Wealden, we are fortunate to benefit from a variety of farmers markets and craft fairs, with twelve taking place on a regular basis. They are fast becoming an integral part of our community life, creating a local neighbourhood hub for shoppers and a welcome source of income for our farmers, producers, fishermen and artisan makers.

One of the best things about embracing markets and the culture they bring with them is the connection they engender between local people and places. During the past two years amid the pandemic, loneliness and isolation became a real issue for many of us and visiting outdoor markets was a wonderful way to shop safely and meet people. The trend seems to be continuing and is a great boost for local life. A visit to a market is especially beneficial if you are new to an area or work from home. You don’t need to travel far to connect with your neighbours and pick up a treat for supper!

Another obvious benefit of visiting a farmer’s market is getting delicious fresh produce at a fair price. Buying from local markets is good for the environment too as you can normally find seasonal produce grown in close proximity to where you live.

Blackham Village Market

Saturday 5 February Saturday 5 March Saturday 2 April 10am – 12.30pm Blackham Village Hall, Blackham TN3 9UD

Chelwood Gate Village Market Saturday 19 March 10am – 2pm Chelwood Gate Village Hall, Beaconsfield Road, Chelwood Gate RH17 7LE

Crowborough Farmers' Market Saturday 26 February Saturday 26 March Saturday 23 April 9am – 12.30pm Car park at side of Crowborough & District Social Club, Croft Road, Crowborough TN6 1DL

East Dean Local Produce Market Every Wednesday 10am – 1pm East Dean and Friston village halls and car park, East Dean, BN20 0DJ

Framfield Village Market Saturday 26 February Saturday 26 March 10am – 12 noon Framfield Memorial Hall TN22 5NR

Forest Row Farmers’ Market Every Wednesday 10am – 2pm The Swan pub forecourt, 1 Lewes Road, Forest Row, RH18 5ER

Forest Row Market Saturday 5 March Saturday 2 April 10am – 3pm Forest Row Community Centre and Car Park, Hartfield Road, Forest Row, RH18 5DZ

Hailsham Farmers’ Market Saturday 12 February Saturday 12 March Saturday 9 April 9am – 12.30pm Hailsham Cattle Market, Market Street, Hailsham BN27 2AG

Hailsham Street Market Every Saturday 8.30am – 1.30pm Vicarage Field, Hailsham BN27 1BD

Heathfield Farmers’ Market Saturday 19 February Saturday 19 March Saturday 16 April 9am – 12.30pm Heathfield Co-Op Car Park, TN21 8JD

Wadhurst Village Market Saturday 19 March Saturday 16 April 9.30am – 12.30pm Wadhurst Institute, High Street, TN5 6AP

Waldron Community Market Thursday 10 February Thursday 10 March Thursday 14 April 10am – 12.30pm Holy Cross Priory Village, Lewes Rd, Cross in Hand, Heathfield. (B2021 Road)

Wealden markets are also places where traditional Sussex crafts and artisan trades are kept alive. You may even learn about local history from locals with an interesting tale to tell! But there is nothing as satisfying as finding the ideal gift for a loved one or friend, knowing it is lovingly made and perhaps a one-off item. Visit one of Wealden’s craft markets and you’ll discover creative (and sometimes curious) items including original art, jewellery and needlecraft.

They are also a wonderful place for local entrepreneurs to test the market for their products before they commit to retail premises. I hope this has encouraged you to visit a local market in Wealden. Who knows, you may even feel inspired to set up a stall of your own!

Wealden District Council is working with local market co-ordinators to share best practice across the District.