Worth It: Date Night Splurges

A hot new outfit, a trip to the salon. A big date can wreak some havoc on your wallet, even before you meet up with the guy! Since we’re all pinching pennies today, we had to wonder if the guys we date even notice most of our primping. Thankfully, Cosmo talked with financial expert Jack Otter about which date night splurges are really worth it (aka, which ones grab a guy’s attention) and I just had to share. Here’s his list:

Splurge: Mani
No, your date’s not going to notice you picked the most perfect shade of pink, but he will notice how polished you look. Plus, a daring color gives him insight into your sense of style and personality.

Skip: Pedi
Definitely DIY. They aren’t gonna notice it.

Splurge: Matching Underwear
“He'll be thrilled as long as it's lacy, matches, and doesn't have holes in it.” I don’t think I could say it better. If you plan on showing it off, make sure it’s worth showing off, mmkay?

Skip: Pricey Underwear
Target or La Perla? He’ll never know. Save your pennies.

Splurge: Perfume
If you're already past the first date, splurging on a sexy new scent is totally worth it. If you don’t want to commit (and are really on a budget), breeze through a makeup counter and spritz on a sample.

Splurge: New Heels
Guys really notice heels. And the right pair can drive them wild. Got a super sexy pair you already love? Polish them beforehand so they don't look worn-in or take them to your local cobbler for an inexpensive facelift.

Skip: A New Bag
Not only will he not notice, but according to Otter, “our obsession with them is a total mystery to men.”

Splurge: Get Your Hair Done
While he doesn’t really understand blow outs or highlights or whatever you do, but he will know how gorgeous you look and how much he wants to run his fingers through your soft, shiny locks.

Skip: Getting Your Teeth Done
No need to bleach. Too-white teeth are distracting. If it helps you feel more confident, try a drugstore kit. They make ones that work in hours for a last-minute boost.

Splurge: Bikini wax
If you've been on a few dates with a guy and you're planning to seal the deal, splurge for a wax. There's something about a Brazilian that makes a guy think you'll be good in bed (as if that wasn't already obvious). Plus, it’s practically an invitation for him to head south of the border…

Skip: Brow Wax
No guys is going to say, “her eyebrows were amazing!” Unless they’re looking super gnarly, simply pluck stray hairs a day or two before your date.

What beauty splurges do you swear by before a big date?

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