Wanna show your sassier side this Valentine’s Day? Start with bold red lips! Red can be tricky, so I suggest popping by Cosmic Cosmos on Thames Street or The Apothecary on Broadway so you can sample a few 
before finding the perfect hue. Plus, the staffs at both locales can point you in the right direction and show you some application tricks of trade—essential for the perfect red. Jenni at The Apothecary loves Julie Hewett’s Femme Noir, a shade she says complements all skin types. It’s made with healing camellia oil and essence of rose bud and is $22.50.
Polish off your look with Come to Bed Red nail color by Butter London at ArchBeauty on Memorial Boulevard. Declared “the sexiest red in history,” Butter London, is known for their natural nail care approach. The shade is one of ArchBeauty’s and the brand’s best sellers at just $14.50.
Set the mood with a bottle of the always beautiful Cuvée Rosé Laurent-Perrier, a rosé champagne that makes a perfect apéritif or lovely pairing with dinner or dessert. The signature pink label and packaging makes for a much-loved Valentine. A few days ago I spotted Cuvée Rosé Laurent-Perrier on sale at Bellevue Wine & Spirits for $79.99 (regularly $89.99).
For him: what Newporter doesn’t love a Vineyard Vines tie? Island Outfitters 
has a ton with red and pink base colors with fish themes (include their signature whale), barefoot prints, crabs, flags, boats and more. The best part? It’s Newport, and the ties promise to be fashionable all year long. $75 (shown Red Sox tie may no longer be in stock)
For someone you want to make smile (including yourself), visit Pleasant Surprise (and their sister shops, P.S. II and P. S. III) in Brick Market Place where there’s an endless array of funky finds, cynical gifts and great gag goods.
Say it with frosting by picking up some last minute cupcakes at Mad Hatter Bakery on Broadway or It’s My Party on William Street. Here’s a tip: get there earlier rather than later so other last minute shoppers don’t gobble up all the goods before you get there! Also, Custom House Coffee at Portmouth’s Clock Tower Square had delectable chocolate covered strawberries and Red Velvet Cake in their dessert case last I was there, and in Middletown, check out Cappuccinos to bring your sweetheart a sugary surprise!
Cosmic Cosmos, 387 Thames Street, Newport, 842-0666
The Apothecary, 6 Broadway, Newport, 324-6253
ArchBeauty Skin Care Salon & Boutique, 18 Memorial Blvd., Newport, 619-5885
Bellevue Wine & Spirits, 181 Bellevue Ave. in Bellevue Gardens, Newport, 846-7993
Pleasant Surprise, 121 Swinburne Row in brick Market Place, Newport, 846-1202
Mad Hatter Bakery, 64 Broadway Newport, 847-0354
It’s My Party Bake Shoppe, 84 William Street, Newport, 619-4600
Custom House Coffee, 600 Clock Tower Square, Portsmouth, 682-2600
Cappuccinos, 876 West Main Road, Middletown, 846-7145
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