Love it (lol) or hate it, it’s coming upon us like a giant unstoppable steam train. I am personally not one to do anything exciting on Valentine’s day with my husband…a card may be exchanged and that’s about it. However it doesn’t stop me from seeing *ALL* the gorgeous things and haven’t a wish list of lustful things. Whether you are single, loved up or somewhere miserably in between, everyone deserves a little pamper on Valentine’s day and I’ve selected a few of my favourite bits for the perfect gift of affection.
LOVE IS…receiving something beautiful that makes you feel beautiful. The rose gold packaging of the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipsticks (£23) are enough to get any girls’ heart racing. Be bold and opt for the ‘Red Carpet Red’ for sexy, hollywood glamour lips. The By Terry Baume De Rose is (£39) A cult beauty classic and a perfect gift ; A rose-based balm for lips that gives a soft petal pink pout. If you fancy something a little glossier (and a bit easier on the wallet) then look no further than Bareminerals Moxie lipglosses (£16). A lovely texture and finish and a great selection of wearable shades to choose from. Pink to make the boys wink? Then opt for ‘Show Off.
I am currently obsessed with anything from Too Faced and pretty much anything from this gorgeous range of makeup would be welcome to open arms. The Too Faced Love Flush Blushers (£19) have lovely shades and obvs can’t go wrong with a bit of the heart-shaped vibe. I have also just seen they have a limited edition Love Flush Blush Wardrobe which is an absolute must-buy ; it’s so pretty!
B E A U T Y
I always like the pampering gifts as often it is things we don’t necessarily buy ourselves as they are more of a ‘treat’. The Jurlique Rose Moisture plus moistursing Cream Mask (£32.50) is a gorgeous, nourishing rose-based mask and is great for all skin types and is really soothing, relaxing and a great once-a-week moisture surge. For the beauty guru who has *everything*…they probably won’t have the Aromatherapy Associates Relax Eye Mask(£47). It’s not just your bog-standard eye mask though…of course not…this contains *actual* lavender inside the super soft holistic silk (natch) mask. It surrounds you with that instant sense of calm & tranquility, and the inside is soft velvet which is lovely and soothing on the eyes. Great for restless nights and as a travel companion.
Some kind of fragrance is a lovely Valentine’s gift ; but not one that doesn’t need a bit of thought and a touch of research to get the right one (hint ; get a gift receipt, just in case). I love Serge Lutens (from £75) for luxury and unique scents…Un bois Vanille is one of the most romantic & sumptuous I think. For a budget beauty option or an add-on gift, then KIKO have just launched their BFF collection, a valentine’s day-esque range of makeup and beauty. I really love the pink nail polish ‘Sweet Fuschia’ (£3.90) which is a hot pink with a matte, textured finish.
The Oskia Rose De Mai Massage Candle (£34.50)is a great gift for anyone and anytime, and is a massage oil, treatment & candle all-in-one. Contains natural waxes and oils and when it burns, it smells wonderful and then the warm oil can be poured onto the skin for a sensual massage straight from the jar. This could combine nicely with a potent bath oil, solely for unwinding, relaxing and helping you sleep ; the This Works Deep Sleep Bath oil (£80).I love their whole sleep range (it works!) and this decadent oil is made with precious patchouli, lavender & chamomile oils for the perfect pre-bed therapeutic soak.
F L O W E R S
We all love Valentines Day Flowers…they don’t have to be roses, just anything pretty and colourful. I LOVE this gorgeous bouquet of roses from Appleyard London and they come beautifully boxed and their flowers always seem to last for ages. I also have a discount code which entitles you to 33% off orders (excluding flowers by post) which is BLOG33, so you have a good amount of time to get ordering for them to arrive by the big day.
O T H E R
Agent Provocateur...Or some fancy lacy underwear. Black or neutrals is always a safe option….red…just isn’t for everyone. I love Agent Provocateur and their lacy stuff is always great quality and, I think, worth the splurge. Plus we all get very excited at seeing one of those pink and black bags! They also do some gorgeous body-suits and slips, and if you really want to splurge, the silk kimono’s are gorgeous. A spa treatment / mini-break is something you can gift a loved one and also muscle in on & get some pampering too. In London I love the Mandarin Oriental & Cowshed spas. Country retreats worth looking into, if you are wanting a night or two away are Soho Farmhouse (dreamy), Cowley Manor, Babington House & Limewood. Last but certainly not least…something foodie-related will never go amiss ; avoid the cheap box of dairy milk and think a little more decadent with Lola’s cupcakes, some mouth-watering macaroons from Laduree or even a fun cookery class. A romantic meal out is obviously a lovely gesture but maybe avoid the Valentine’s day cheesy-ness and book around it..sitting in a restaurant amongst smoochy couples is not the one. Live in London? Check out some of my favourite romantic eateries including Roux at The Landau, Rules & The Clove Club for something a little different.
Basically, husband, you need to absorb this in, and buy me some decent shit for Valentine’s day, thanks.
