I love Valentine’s Day. There I said it. It’s not about being in a relationship; in fact, I spent most of it single. It’s about leaning into the spirit of it, even if it’s kitschy. I make it a point to show some extra love to those around me, practice some serious self-care, and buy chocolates and flowers when my heart desires.
I also like to treat myself to some new beauty and wellness products. Even if I sit on the couch all night watching a rom-com (most likely My best friend’s wedding) it gives me joy to do this in style. New candle? Burning. Nails? Painted. Perfume? Sprayed. There’s just something about it that elevates the experience and brings me joy.
As I was preparing for Valentine’s Day this year, I started thinking: What are my fellow beauty editors doing to prepare for February 14th? Do they have special products on their wish list? I decided to ask them… and let me tell you: they were delivered. Ahead, 5 beauty editors share their Valentine’s Day starter kits (including yours).
Kaitlyn McLintock, Associate Beauty Editor
(Image credit: Original collage by Mira Thekdi)
Charlotte Tilbury
Matte Revolution Moisturizing Lipstick
“This lipstick was love at first sight. The blue-red color is bold and bright. For me it is the perfect classic Hollywood red à la Marilyn Monroe. In addition, it contains antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients, making it comfortable to wear for long periods (without constantly applying lip balm over it).” —McLintock
Tom Ford
Vanilla Sex Eau de Parfum
“My new favorite scent, this one combines notes of vanilla tincture with vanilla absolute and sandalwood. The result is something that smells warm and sultry. It’s so seductive and I get compliments every time I wear it.” —McLintock
PHLUR
Not your baby scented candle
“I love Phlur’s Not Your Baby Eau de Parfum ($99), so when I found out it came with a matching candle, I knew I needed it on my coffee table ASAP. With notes of cardamom, mimosa and vanilla milk, it smells soft, sweet and traditionally feminine. Burn it on Valentine’s Day to create a flirty atmosphere.” —McLintock
INSIDE THAN OUTSIDE
Dig a deeper journal
“This lipstick was love at first sight. The blue-red color is bold and bright. For me it is the perfect classic Hollywood red à la Marilyn Monroe. In addition, it contains antioxidants and moisturizing ingredients, making it comfortable to wear for long periods (without constantly applying lip balm over it).” —McLintock
CHANNEL
Le Vernis Longwear nail polish in pirate
“While bright red nail polish may seem on the nose for Valentine’s Day, this is truly one of my favorite shades… ever. I’ll take any excuse to reach for it, and while I wear it often, it feels especially special on February 14.” —McLintock
PAT McGRATH LABS
ChromaLuxe Artistic Pigment in Nude Euphoria
“I take holiday makeup seriously, and Valentine’s Day is no exception. This year I’m reaching for this gorgeous, soft pink gloss from Pat McGrath for look-at-me eyes.” —McLintock
Foams
Suits everyone: lace bralette in cherry blossom
“I wear Skims bras. I don’t want to stray far from it, even on Valentine’s Day. For me, this bra is the perfect balance; it’s beautiful to look at and it feels comfortable to wear. There’s no digging underwires or weird bulges (IYKYK).” —McLintock
Maya Thomas, assistant beauty editor
(Image credit: Original collage by Mira Thekdi)
Diptych
Limited Edition Valentine’s Day Baies & Roses Duo Candle Set
“This Diptyque duo combines the spicy green notes of their classic Baie fragrance with the soft floral notes of roses. Roasted together, these two create the perfect romantic atmosphere.” – Tomas
Jo Malone London
Rose Blush Cologne
“You can never have too many rose scents. The Jo Malone Blush Cologne combines the delicate note with vibrant basil, juicy lychee and soft musk in a limited edition glass bottle.” – Tomas
L’Occitane
Smoothing and firming almond supple skin body oil
“L’Occitane’s award-winning body oil is made with 50% sweet almond oil from Provence that nourishes the skin, improves the appearance of stretch marks and visibly firms the skin. I’m absolutely in love with it!” – Tomas
LANEIIGE
Berry ‘N Choco kiss set
“I’m already planning to gift my beloved galentines this limited edition duo set from Laneige, which includes the Berry Lip Glowy Balm and Chocolate Lip Sleeping Mask.” – Tomas
Kulfi
Mehndi Moment Long-lasting radiant cream blush in sandalwood swirls
“This highly pigmented cream blush blends and builds like a dream! It gives the perfect radiant color for date night.” – Tomas
(Image credit: Original collage by Mira Thekdi)
Foams
Valentine’s slipper in ruby and marble heart
“These look like a warm hug for your feet.” –Hughes
CHANNEL
Paris-Paris Les Eaux Des Chanel body lotion
“The most luxurious body lotion for after showering.” –Hughes
Diptych
Rose large scented candle
“I will always cherish it.” –Hughes
Skydiving home
Waffle robe
“I can see myself getting ready for Galentine’s Day here.” –Hughes
Glow Recipe
Plum Plump hyaluronic acid lip gloss balm
“A nightly lip treat.” –Hughes
Amy Jay
Angel sachet in rose milk
“This is the world’s cutest makeup bag.” –Hughes
Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
(Image credit: Original collage by Mira Thekdi)
Blume
Blume Rose London Fog Latte
“I significantly cut back on my caffeine intake a few months ago and have never looked back! Now I like to drink tea and adaptogenic drink blends in the morning to start my day. I’m a enormous fan of Blume Matcha coconut mix ($28), so it’s only right that this superfood-boosted rose blend is on my wish list. I practice Reiki and consider myself a huge herbal enthusiast. Rose is one of the best gentle anti-inflammatories and really helps open the heart chakra – a perfect V-Day treat for yourself or a friend. –Hudson
“I’m a enormous ZIIP fan and loved the original device, but the Halo is new, improved and currently high on my wish list. It is a nanocurrent and microcurrent device in one, developed by legendary electric esthetician Melanie Simon. ZIIP’s microflow gels are also, IMHO, the best on the market. They give your skin an incredible glow and provide the perfect amount of long-lasting glide for any device. Yes, it’s a luxury item, but you won’t regret investing in it yourself.” –Hudson
AYOND
Rock Rose Eau de Parfum
“This desert-inspired perfume is rich, earthy, and infused with meditative botanicals that will give you a serious sense of calm. My fellow beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock has me intrigued by this brand and I think it would be the perfect scent to give someone gift to a friend for Galentine’s or to wear on a V-Day date!” –Hudson
The Whitney Collection
Pink pepper candle
“I have a serious candle obsession and that won’t change anytime soon. This candle from the Whitney Collection has a spicy kick, but also has the soft scent of rose petals.” –Hudson
Rina Beauty
Sasha Lipkit
“This lip color set has a bold, vampy wine shade with a hint of chocolate undertone. I’m totally in love with it. It includes all your lip essentials, from a pencil and gloss to a lipstick. I might buy this for a while buddy, but I’m going to Definitely buy one for myself too.” –Hudson
Erin Jahns, beauty director
(Image credit: Original collage by Mira Thekdi)
Hermes
Rouge Hermès – Refillable matte lipstick in Rouge Cinetique
“Some might say that a red lip is too much on the nose for Valentine’s Day, but I completely disagree. Moreover, it doesn’t get more chic than Hermès’ limited edition spring-summer collection, which just now launched. Fun fact: the signature refillable tubes with color blocks were designed by fashion designer Pierre Hardy.” – Jahns
Merit beauty
Rinse Balm in Rouge
“Whenever I wear makeup, it’s virtually a guarantee that Merit’s cult-loved Flush Balm is on my face. Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the brand debuted the new shade Rouge (the most beautiful pure shade of red!) and of course I’m obsessed.” – Jahns
Really
Glazed donut aftershave glow cream
“I’m obsessed with Truly and would literally have the entire brand in my bathroom if I had the space. I especially love the Glazed Donut collection (the scent is so wonderfully delicious), and this post-shave lotion never fails .give me glowing and smooth skin without a bump or ingrown spot.” – Jahns
Balmain hair
Hair perfume Cardamom 1974, 100 ml
“Lately I’ve been in a bit of a hair perfume phase and have been ditching my regular perfumes altogether. (I mean, what’s better than someone snooping in your head and telling you your hair smells amazing?!) Balmain fragrances are beautiful —I recommend Cardamom 1974 for this time of season because it is warm and slightly sweet thanks to black pepper, cardamom oil, vanilla, rose, blackcurrants, ambroxan and white musk. – Jahns
“How cool is the apothecary-style packaging of Kindred Black’s collection of slow beauty products. The brand is environmentally conscious and makes natural, artisanal skin care, cosmetics and botanical perfumes (plus other goodies for your vanity and home) without plastic. Start this ultra-repairing lip treatment which not only heals cracks almost immediately, but also produces the most beautiful glossy shine.” – Jahns
Intimate
Midweek Bralette
“I have this bralette in every color, I don’t care. They’re beautiful, super comfortable and affordable. And really, that’s all I ask for in a bra!” – Jahns
Dedcool
01 Massage candle “Taunt”.
“‘Taunt’ is my favorite DedCool scent, and this candle is a lot of fun. I think that’s all I have to say!” – Jahns