15 Ways to Ask Someone Out
You’re obsessed with this lucky guy, but how do you ask him out? Well, we’ve got some possible ideas, ranging from sickly romantic to downright sweet. Find someone who elicits the best reaction from your potential partner in crime (based on what you’ve learned about them so far). Also, let me start by saying: put down that damn guitar. Even if you’re a great singer, this still looks cheesy, so I wouldn’t attempt it unless you have Sheeran’s lungs.
1) Bake Her a Treat
If you’re a big GBBO fan and can imagine whipping up a decent serving of Red Velvet in the kitchen, this can be really romantic. Not only that, but it shows her that you’re not afraid to get in the kitchen and get your hands dirty, which is an instant plus (no pun intended).
2) Buy Her Some Flowers
You still have to say those magic words, but flowers are the easiest way to our hearts. Sometimes I hate that flowers make me melt, but what can I say, pick me a few tulips and I’ll be sweet as sugar. Be careful though, flowers might be a good idea but you should pay attention to what color dress she’s wearing and what colors she has in her house. You don’t want to choose the wrong style, people can be picky. But if she’s the right one, she should just admire your gesture (and jump into your arms).
3) Place a Bet
Find something you know you’ll win and then say that if you win the bet, she has to go out with you. This shows your interest but also adds a little excitement and creativity. But don’t start betting on football games (unless she happens to be a football fan). I mean more like you’re waiting at the bus stop and betting on which bus will arrive in the next 30 minutes.
4) Invite her to important events
Whether it’s a wedding or a big occasion, she’ll understand that this isn’t a normal request (otherwise you’d only ask your best friend) and will dress up and be just as excited.
5) Compliment
If she makes you laugh or says something really sweet, let her know and tell her how happy you’d be with her. Like “I love your laugh so much, you always make me smile, I would love to hold you in my arms every day.”
6) Change your phone wallpaper
This is a risky idea. Access their phone, add a photo of yourself, and add text at the top that says “Do you want to go out with me?” Besides the possibility of being caught secretly searching the phone and if you’re hiding something, the biggest risk is that she won’t see it for a while or won’t know if you’re serious about it, but it’s great if it works. She’ll definitely keep that photo forever.
7) Writing in a Cafe
For this, you’ll need a pen handy (or ask the person behind the desk), tell her to sit down and order her favorite coffee, and when the coffee comes, quickly write “Do you want to be my girlfriend?” When you bring it over, you may need to give a subtle hint like “I’m not sure if the name they wrote on the cup is correct,” and then wait for the magical answer.
8) Your Favorite Romantic Comedy
Find out if she has a favorite romantic movie (or romantic comedy) and act out the scene. Some people may find it easier than others, but even quoting just a few lines will make her weak, because she probably watched the movie hoping to meet Prince Charming saying those words to her, and now you are here.
9) Pay for a billboard
Okay, this is a bit weird, but it will make for some great photos afterwards (assuming she says yes). It’s not the cheapest, we’re talking about £250 here, but you can book a date and ask her if she wants to go out with you (use your full name so she knows it’s you and it’s not a coincidence). This isn’t for everyone, maybe only for people with a very relaxed attitude and a sense of humour, because someone who feels insecure might get embarrassed and ask you to remove it straight away.
10) Edit concert tickets with Photoshop
If you’re reasonably good with Photoshop, you can create a concert ticket, edit a theatre ticket or something similar and change the message to “Will you go out with me?” Give it to them and wait for their reaction (if they don’t understand straight away, explain it). Be careful though, don’t stress about what you’re going to see, because if you stress about their favourite band, they might be disappointed to find out that despite the great concept, they won’t go.
11) Consider the time of year
If it’s Christmas, maybe get her a Christmas sweater with a message on it. If it’s Halloween, carve the message into a pumpkin and send it to her. If it’s Easter, hide chocolate somewhere (again, with a message) so she can find it.
12) Use a pet
If you have a pet (she loves those types of pets…if she doesn’t like dogs, run for the hills! Whatever) then this might be a great way to play cute. You could try a dog costume and include a note inviting her out. Or tie the message to a collar and ask them to check it.
13) Buy her a lottery ticket
The opposite of the betting idea. This way you can say that if she wins, she’ll ask you out, and if she wins, you’ll buy her dinner. Either way, you’ll get a date and potentially become a millionaire (plus free dates).
14) Create a scrapbook
Combine funny pictures, little jokes, and everything you two have shared so far into a little scrapbook about your relationship so far. Finally, you can ask her out and then write on the next page, “Chapter 2, we spend the rest of our lives together.”
15) Just ask her
There’s not much to say here except that now is the time to get over your fear of failure and take a chance. You can’t wait forever. If you get positive signals, go for it, and if she says no, then you can move on to the right person.
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.