Sponsored by Neutrogena

Dressing Like You Mean It: The Hot Date

There's no denying it. When you've met someone online, exchanged flirty emails, and had a couple of intriguing phone conversations, the pressure of that first date looms large. It's a critical time to look and feel your absolute best. That’s why eHarmony and partner Neutrogena are here to help you channel confidence - from the outside in - for your next hot date.

There's no denying it. When you've met someone online, exchanged flirty emails, and had a couple of intriguing phone conversations, the pressure of that first date looms large. It's a critical time to look and feel your absolute best. After all, first impressions can mean the difference between snagging a second date and having to start all over with a new match. That’s why eHarmony and partner Neutrogena are here to help you channel confidence - from the outside in - for your next hot date.

Simple is Sophisticated

An evening on the town with a brand new man can feel like a job interview, a red carpet premiere, and dance class all rolled into one. The best way to overcome date-night jitters is to keep things simple. That’s right: don’t overcomplicate your look. You don’t need to get a fussy new outfit or complicated new haircut to try to impress your date.

Instead focus on the things (the clothes, accessories, make-up) that are tried and true and you know make you sparkle. The point is to feel as confident as possible about your appearance so you are free to focus on getting to know your date and determining if there’s real potential.

The Outfit

Deciding what to wear…that is THE question. Don’t get caught at the last minute having a fashion emergency (read: trying on everything in your wardrobe – and hating everything - an hour before you have to meet him.)

Instead do a little investigating on where you are going beforehand and then dress the part. It’s always safest to turn to go-to outfits that make you feel fabulous. That’s one of the advantages of dating someone new: he hasn’t seen any of your outfits yet!

Not loving your old standbys? Look to fashionable friends or even online resources for a little inspiration. It’s key to identify your best features and accentuate them. It’s safest to steer toward classic over trendy.

Black is always chic but can be boring. If you are feeling bolder, determine what colors pop on you and choose clean lines and good cuts for your figure. Remember, patterns can be tough to wear so try to avoid unless you have a black belt in fashionista. And remember, Mom was right--it's better to be a little overdressed than underdressed. It tends to mean you’ve got taste and class – two things every man is looking for in a long term partner.

[If you do decide to buy new pieces for the big night out, it's smart to give them a test run, even if it’s the night before. Otherwise you may be setting yourself up for disaster. Make sure that cute skirt doesn't wrinkle as soon as you sit down and the blouse hits you the way it did in the dressing room.]

The Accessories

Shoes, Purses and Jewelry – Oh My! Who can get enough? A great pair of shoes, a stylish handbag and interesting jewelry can make you feel like a million bucks. But we all know that an uncomfortable heel, an overstuffed clutch or an earring that just won’t stay put can be a real distraction.

Make sure your accessories work for your date. Though many women would cite ‘beauty before comfort’ make sure you feel comfortable first and foremost. It you are not, it will show and through off the vibe you are emitting. Comfortable means different for different women. It might mean wedges for one woman, flats for another or stilettos. Be honest with yourself and be yourself.

Keep the accessories playful if that’s your personality. Classic if that’s more you. Think balance from head to toe. If your dress is sexy, keep the shoe a little more elegant. If the outfit is subdued, increase the vamp factor with your jewelry. If the palette is teetering on boring inject a pop of color with a well chosen accessory.

Another quick tip is to remember the pieces that have gotten you great compliments in the past. If they did the trick once, they are likely to turn his head now.

The Makeup

For makeup tips, we’ve brought in Neutrogena’s Celebrity Makeup Artist Matin to give you a cool look for a hot date. Watch as Matin shows you an easy step-by-step on how to get the right look that would impress any potential mate! Watch the Video Now!

Here are some insider tips for sultry eyes.

For a smoky eye look, choose two contrasting eye shadow shades – one light, one deep. We recommend Neutrogena Nourishing Eye Duo. They come in a range of expertly coordinated shade pairs, which takes the guesswork out of finding the right shades. First, sweep the lighter base shade all over the lid. Then apply the deeper accent shade along the base of your upper lashes, blending upwards toward the crease of the eyelid. Add a little more color in the center of the eye, and less as you reach the corners. For a more dramatic look, apply the darker accent shade in a soft line under your lower lashes, and blend. This will create a smoky effect. Finish by adding a touch of the lighter base shade to the inner corners of your eyes.

Of course no dramatic eye is complete without luscious lashes. We love Healthy Volume™ Mascara. It builds thick, full lashes quickly and easily. And with no clumping. It’s made with olive oil so it conditions lashes and keeps them soft. The secret to a perfect application every time is to start from the base of the lashes, and gently wiggle the wand side-to-side, brushing through your lashes from root to tip. Repeat this motion achieve a bolder look.

To complete your look, choose something neutral and glossy for your lips. (Try Neutrogena MoistureShine® Soothing LipSheers). Your lips will be shiny but not sticky. For the complete look and more secrets from Neutrogena’s celebrity makeup artist Matin, click here.

The Attitude

Now that you have all the pieces together, it’s vital to own your look. The reason for putting in all of this effort is to feel sexy, desirable and therefore, confident.

Everyone has a different strategy for pumping themselves up or relaxing before an important event—whether it’s listening to fun music as you get ready or taking a quick jog to release some of that nervous energy—so do your thing. What’s important is that you walk out of the door feeling fantastic and knowing you look great – for yourself first and foremost!