15 Ways To Ask Someone Out
You’re crazy about that lucky sod, but how do you go about asking them out? Well we have some potential ideas, from the sickeningly romantic to the downright cute. Find the one that would get the best reaction from your potential partner in crime (based on what you know of them so far). Also, let me start off by saying put down that damn guitar. Even if you’re an amazing singer, this can still look cheesy, so unless you have the lungs of Sheeran I wouldn’t try.
1) Bake Her A Treat
If you’re an avid follower of GBBO and fancy your chances of making a decent Red Velvet in the kitchen then this could be really romantic. Not just that, it will show her you’re not afraid to get in the kitchen and get your hands dirty, an instant brownie point (no pun intended).
2) Buy Some Flowers
This will still involve saying those magic words, but flowers are such an easy way to our heart. I sometimes hate how much flowers melt me, but what can I say, pick me some tulips and I’m putty. But be careful, flowers might be a great idea, but you will want to pick up on what colour she wears and what colours she has around the house, you don’t want to pick the wrong style, people can be particular. But if she’s the right one, she should just appreciate the gesture (and jump right into your arms).
3) Make A Bet
Find something you know you will win at and then state if you win the bet, she has to go out on a date with you. This will illustrate your interest but also add a bit of excitement and creativity. But don’t start betting on a football game (unless she happens to be a football fan), I mean more like waiting at the bus stop and betting it will come in the next 30 minutes.
4) Invite Her To An Important Event
Whether it’s a wedding or a big occasion, she will understand this isn’t a normal request (otherwise you would have just asked your best mate) and will dress to impress and will be equally excited.
5) Compliment
If she does something like make you laugh or say something really sweet, let her know and tell her how happy you would be with her. Something like ‘I love your laugh so much, you always make me smile, I’d love to have you in my arms everyday’.
6) Change The Phone Wallpaper
Here is a risky one. Get into her phone, add a picture of you and add some text over the top saying ‘will you go out with me’. Beyond potentially getting caught sneaking through a phone and hiding something, the biggest risk is that she might not see it for a while or might not know whether you are being truly serious, but it would be dead sweet if it worked. She would certainly keep that picture forever.
7) Writing In A Coffee Shop
You will need a pen on hand for this one (or ask someone behind the desk), tell her to sit down and order her favourite coffee and when it comes around, quickly write ‘will you be my girlfriend?’. When you bring it over, you might need to offer a subtle hint, something like ‘I’m not sure if they spelled your name right on the cup’, then wait for the magic answer.
8) Her Favourite RomCom
Find out if she has a favourite romantic movie (or rom com) and re-enact the scene. Some might be easier than others, but even just quoting a few lines can have her weak at the knees, as she has probably watched the movie hoping to meet prince charming who would say those exact words to her and now here you are.
9) Pay For A Billboard
OK, this is a bit of an odd one, but would make for some great photos afterwards (providing she says yes). This isn’t the cheapest, we are talking about £250, but you could book one asking if she would date you (using your full name so she knows it is you and not a coincidence). This won’t work for everyone, maybe only opt for someone who has a very relaxed attitude and humour, as someone self-conscious might simply be embarrassed and ask you to take it straight down.
10) Photoshop Gig Tickets
If you have a decent level of skill at Photoshop then you can edit a gig ticket, a theatre ticket or anything of that calibre and change the details to ‘will you go out with me’. Offer it to them and wait for the reaction (or explain a little if they don’t get it straight away). But make sure not to highlight what you are going to see, if you highlight their favourite band they might be disappointed to find out they aren’t going regardless of the nice concept.
11) Consider The Season
If it’s Christmas, maybe get a Christmas jumper with a message on it. If it’s Halloween, carve the message into a pumpkin and post it to her. If it’s Easter, hide a chocolate (once again, with a message) somewhere for her to find.
12) Use A Pet
If you have a pet (and she loves these types of pets…In fact, if she doesn’t like dogs then run to the hills!! Anyway) then this can be an amazing way to play on the cuteness. You could try putting on a fancy dress dog costume and clipping a message to it asking her out. Or tie the note to the collar around the neck and ask her to check
13) Buy Her A Lottery Ticket
The reverse of the bet idea, this way, you state if she wins she’s taking you out on a date, if not then you will take her out for dinner. Either way you get the date and potentially become a millionaire (plus a free date).
14) Make A Scrapbook
Combine funny images, little inside jokes and anything that you have both shared together into a little scrapbook of your relationship so far. At the end you can ask her out, then on the next page state ‘chapter 2, the rest of our life together’.
15) Just Ask Her
Not much to say here, other than it is time to overcome that fear of failure and take the plunge. You can’t wait around forever, if you are getting positive signals back then go for it, if she says no then you can move on to Mrs right.
DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek.
“Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more.
Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals.
Sunscreen
“We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.”
Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen
An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup.
Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30
Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand.
Vitamin C Serum
“A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging.
Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum
The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation.
Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum
This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants.
Peptides
Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.”
Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses.
Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream
This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively.
This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek.
At-Home Peel Pads
Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate.
“The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.”
According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says.
Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad
A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection.
KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation.
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads
These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids.
Emollient Night Cream
“In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.”
“Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products.
Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream
One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid.
RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme
“The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.