VALENTINE’S GIFT GUIDE FOR LOVERS AND HATERS

Valentine’s Day might just be one of the most divisive celebrations in the book, but in 2021, a little love is sure to go a long way. Whether a sentimental gift is better suited for yourself or your significant other this year, we’re keeping spirits high with something for even the most half-hearted.

According to Greek mythology, the rose was created by the goddess of love, Aphrodite, and has been used as a symbol of eternal affection for eons. Pay homage to this celestial association with rose-scented selections such as Tom Ford’s Rose Prick, inspired by Ford’s own private rose garden. We also love Maison Francis Kurkdjian’s Anouche Scented Candle, combining the botanical aroma with the nostalgia of Kurkdjian’s grandmother’s plum jam.

Tom Ford is both a romantic and a realist, and his Tubéreuse Nue is fresh from the potion workshop, infused with notes of musk, suede and uber sensual tuberose flower for a decidedly dark olfactory experience. Or, why not consider a rose-based ritual that’s less couples-oriented? Fresh’s Rose Mask and a hot bath might just be a match made in heaven.

Chocolates are a classic token of appreciation on Valentine’s Day, but Beauty Bar’s chocolate will also woo your complexion with different flavours and health functions to suit personal needs. The Sweet Dreams bar contains lavender, magnesium and L-theanine to lull you into a relaxed state, while the Vitality Bar uses ginseng to boost brain function.

If practicality pulls at your heartstrings, treat yourself or a friend to Simply Gum’s ginger-flavoured goodness that’s great for on the go. Made with organic ingredients and high-quality ginger oil, it delivers a healthy dose of spice without the plastic or synthetics found in traditional chewing gum. Being biodegradable, the planet might just fall in love with it, too.

Cosmetics can be a gamble, unless your choices are crowd favourites or specifically created to be inclusive and flattering to all skin tones. Charlotte Tilbury’s Pillow Talk range is universally beloved, and the Pillow Talk Luxury Palette is versatility in a box, with shades ranging from soft pinks to deep blushes, plus shimmer and contour colours to boot. Hourglass Cosmetics’ Ambient Lighting Powder is another dreamboat, with its ability to create somewhat of a skin-smoothing filter IRL.

Unapologetically bold and boundary-pushing, Byredo’s Prismatic Colour Stick is the stuff of makeup multitasking dreams: designed to be used on the eye, lips and cheeks, and can be worn alone or layered on. It’s the perfect gift for someone with a ‘less is more’ approach to beauty.

Kick back and relax with an epic romance like Bridgerton and Mr Moxey’s Calm Mint, a CBD-infused stress reliever that simultaneously helps to improve energy levels… but it’s none of our business what happens when the credits start rolling.

The Wildflower Dreams CBD Vaporizer is undeniably sleek in presentation, and as the name suggests, it’s also formulated to propel you into a blissful state of relaxation, meditation or slumber. Like any good self-care session with a little bit of me time, it’s a comforting companion that’s best paired with the guilty pleasure series of your choice.