How Wonderflaw Editors Get Ready For Dates

Valerie Dayan, Founder & Editor-in-Chief

To be completely honest, I usually love getting ready for dates more than the date itself. It’s like I go on a date with myself before the actual event. I design a very extra self-care session, where I do all the little things that make me feel great: leave-on masks, sheet masks, hand care, body scrubs, trying on outfits, preparing myself a drink (two tops), and putting on my favorite playlist during makeup – just having fun. Then there’s the added excitement of the date itself. It’s always a blast.

Product-specific tips: I always put on an eye mask while doing my eyeshadow. This multitasking move keeps the powders from settling under my eyes and hydrates them. I also do a more careful version of my usual makeup routine, maybe adding a bit more eyeliner for an extra oomph. I never wear dark lipstick – you just never know. I wash my hair in the morning so the natural oils help prevent frizz. I wear a low ponytail on the way and let it loose right before I arrive. Not being too assertive with my fragrance is another thing I’m mindful of. A spritz on my left wrist (no rubbing!) and one on my neck are more than enough for subtlety.

Ebru Kabacık, Beauty Editor

The night before a date, I unwind with a long shower and my favorite sheet mask. A fresh coat of red or burgundy polish is a must for my nails. When it comes to makeup, I like to keep it classic—glowing skin and a soft smoky eye always do the trick. And, as part of my longtime pre-date ritual, I swipe on Charlotte Tilbury’s Matte Revolution Pillow Talk Medium lipstick. It’s my little good-luck charm. Happy Valentine’s Day! <3

Ece Dolunay, Social Media Editor

Getting ready for a date is all about sticking to the little rituals that make me feel my best. The night before, I take a shower, straighten my hair, and give myself a fresh manicure. This is definitely not the time for makeup experiments—I just refine my everyday look, making it more polished and long-wearing. Lipstick longevity is key. I start with The Body Shop’s Bloom Lip Tint, a shade I love and trust to stay put, then define my lips with Emily 217 lip liner. These are my absolute essentials—the products I’d want on a deserted island! Following every step to perfection gives me a confidence boost, and with a smile on my face for the night, I know I’ll leave a lasting impression. 🙂

Pınar Sarıer, Art Director

My pre-date routine starts with under-eye mask pads and refreshing eye drops. After a relaxing face massage, I keep my makeup fresh and natural, steering clear of dark lip colors. Yoga is non-negotiable. But my real prep is for my mindset—I set an intention through meditation, aligning my energy with how I want the night to unfold.

Seda Yılmaz, Managing Editor

Lately, I’ve been leveling up my eyeshadow game, so I love dedicating extra time to my eye makeup before a date. Once I’ve perfected a defined eye look, I balance it out with a light-toned lipstick. And just like that, I’m ready to go!

Esen Boyacıgiller, Features Editor

My first date prep begins way before the first date, which is that I like to get a nice banter going with my potential date to make sure we will at a bare minimum have a nice chat. I am not getting dressed up and wasting my makeup without that guarantee! I generally enjoy half a glass of wine while getting ready just to take the edge off and to make getting ready a fun experience. It takes me about an hour to get ready; I try to make it fun, trying on outfits and taking my time with my makeup. Now that I am older (40 this year) I have realized when it comes to makeup, less is more. I no longer do mascara, eyeliner, and a lip. If I am doing my eyes up, the lips stay minimal. I look much younger with less makeup. I like to do mascara, concealer, blush, and a nude lip (my all-time favorite Charlotte Tilbury’s ‘Pillow Talk’). Never a red lip on a date – makes it hard for the night to end in a cheeky kiss! I generally go with my first date uniform: high-waisted black jeans (Agolde is my brand), black boots (a heel makes me feel sexier), and a black top like a sleeveless one if warmer out, or maybe a black silk top with thin straps. I almost never wear a warm top like a turtleneck even in winter in case I get nervous and sweat. Plus, you never know how warm the venue will be; better cold than warm in my opinion. I have a very old, funky faux fur coat I love (multicolored; brand ‘Stolen Girlfriends’ Club’) that I always get compliments on and it makes me feel confident so I go with that. Hair is almost always down and wavy and I’m never without my earrings and rings; these days doing a mix of gold and silver. A spritz of perfume, a little pep talk (reminding myself the pressure is on him! Not me!) and I’m good to go!

Başak Ulubilgen, Beauty Editor

This year, Billie Eilish is my beauty muse. In her recent viral makeup routine, she pulled off an elongated brown-toned cat-eye paired with a lip combo that stays put, all tied together with a minimal yet glowing base that made her eyes stand out even more. With plenty of tricks for long-lasting wear, this look feels like the ultimate Valentine’s Day date essential.

Didem Tanrıdağlı, Projects Director

When getting ready for a date, I start with skincare, making sure my skin is well-hydrated. I like to keep my complexion and eye makeup soft and subtle—taking risks there isn’t my style. But when it comes to my lips, red lipstick is non-negotiable!