I Asked 5 Editors to Share Their Valentine's Day Starter Packs—They Delivered
I love Valentine's Day. There, I said it. It's not about being in a relationship; in fact, I've spent the majority of them as a single person. It's about leaning into the spirit of it—even when it's kitschy. I make a point to show some extra love to the people around me, engage in some serious self-care, and buy chocolates and flowers if my heart so desires.
I also like to treat myself to a few new beauty and wellness products. Even if I'm spending my night watching a rom-com on the couch (most likely My Best Friend's Wedding), it brings me joy to do so in style. New candle? Burning. Nails? Painted. Perfume? Spritzed. There's just something about it that elevates the experience and brings me joy.
While prepping for this year's Valentine's Day, I got to thinking: What do my fellow beauty editors do to prepare for February 14? Do they have any special products on their wish lists? I decided to ask them, and let me tell you, they delivered. Ahead, five beauty editors share their Valentine's Day starter packs (including yours truly).
Kaitlyn McLintock, Associate Beauty Editor
This lipstick was love at first swipe. The blue-red color is bold and bright. To me, it's the perfect classic Hollywood red à la Marilyn Monroe. Plus, it contains antioxidants and hydrating ingredients, which makes it comfortable to wear for long periods (without constantly applying lip balm over the top).
My new favorite fragrance, this combines notes of vanilla tincture with vanilla absolute and sandalwood. The result is something that smells warm and sultry. It's so alluring, and every time I wear it, I get compliments.
I love Phlur's Not Your Baby Eau de Parfum ($99), so when I found out it had 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 set a coquette-ish mood.
I journal every single morning. I find that it helps quiet my mind and soothe my stress. Since I'm focusing on self-love this February, I'm buying a new journal as a gift to myself. This one contains thought-provoking prompts to guide you and help you discover what's important to you and what you want to work on. I'm so excited to grab my favorite inky pen and get scribbling.
While bright-red nail polish might seem on the nose for Valentine's Day, this is truly one of my favorite shades ever. I use any excuse to reach for it, and while I wear it often, it feels particularly special on February 14.
I take holiday makeup seriously, and Valentine's Day is no exception. This year, I'm reaching for this stunning, soft-pink shimmer from Pat McGrath for look-at-me eyes.
I live in Skims bras. I don't want to stray far from them, even on Valentine's Day. For me, this bra strikes the perfect balance; it's nice to look at, and it feels comfortable to wear. There's no digging underwire or weird bulges (IYKYK).
Maya Thomas, Assistant Beauty Editor
"This Diptyque duo combines the tangy green notes of its classic Baie fragrance with the soft floral notes of Roses. Burned together, these two set the perfect romantic ambience." — Thomas
"You can never have too many rose fragrances. The Jo Malone Blush Cologne blends the delicate note with vibrant basil, juicy lychee, and soft musk in a limited-edition glass bottle." — Thomas
"L'Occitane's award-winning body oil is crafted with 50% sweet almond oil from Provence that works to nourish the skin while improving the appearance of stretch marks and visibly firming the skin. I'm completely in love with it!" — Thomas
"I'm already planning on gifting my beloved Galentines with this limited-edition duo by Laneige that features the Berry Lip Glowy Balm and Chocolate Lip Sleeping Mask." — Thomas
"This highly pigmented cream blush blends and builds like a dream! It gives the perfect radiant flush of color for a date night." — Thomas
Emma Hughes, Associate Social Media Editor
"These look like a warm hug for your feet." — Hughes
"The most luxurious post-shower body lotion." — Hughes
"I can just see myself getting ready for Galentine's Day in this." — Hughes
Shawna Hudson, Associate Beauty Editor
"I significantly cut back on my caffeine intake a few months ago and never looked back! Now, I love drinking tea and adaptogenic drink blends in the morning to start my day. I'm a huge fan of Blume's Matcha Coconut Blend ($28), so it's only right that this superfood-boosted rose blend would be on my wish list. I practice reiki and consider myself a huge herbal enthusiast. Rose is one of the best gentle anti-inflammatories, and it really helps open the heart chakra—a perfect V-Day treat for yourself or a friend." — Hudson
"I'm a huge Ziip fan and loved the original device, but the Halo is new, improved, and high on my wish list right now. It's a nanocurrent and microcurrent device in one pioneered by legendary electrical aesthetician Melanie Simon. Ziip's microcurrent 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 splurge-y item, but you will not regret investing in this for yourself." — Hudson
"This desert-inspired perfume is rich, earthy, and infused with meditative botanicals that provide you with a serious sense of calm. My fellow beauty editor Kaitlyn McLintock got me intrigued about this brand, and I think it would be the perfect scent to gift a friend for Galentine's or to wear on a V-Day date!" — Hudson
"I have a serious candle obsession, and that's not going to change any time soon. This candle from the Whitney Collection has a bit of a spicy kick to it but also features the soft scent of rose petals." — Hudson
"This lip color kit features a bold, vampy wine shade with a hint of a chocolate undertone. I'm completely in love with it. It contains all your lip essentials from a pencil and gloss to a lipstick. I might snag this for a friend but will definitely be buying for myself, too." — Hudson
Erin Jahns, Beauty Director
"Some might say a red lip is too on theme for Valentine's Day, but I strongly disagree. Plus, it doesn't get chicer than Hermès's limited-edition spring/summer collection, which just launched. Fun fact: The signature refillable and color-blocked tubes were designed by fashion designer Pierre Hardy." — Jahns
"If I'm wearing makeup, it's pretty much a guarantee that Merit's cult-loved Flush Balm is on my face. Right in time for Valentine's Day, the brand debuted the new shade Rouge (the prettiest sheer wash of red), and naturally, I'm obsessed." — Jahns
"I would quite literally stock every single product from Truly in my bathroom if I had the space. I love the Glazed Donut collection, in particular (the smell is so effing yummy), and this post-shave lotion never fails to give me glowing and smooth skin with nary a bump or ingrown in site." — Jahns
"Recently, I've been in a bit of a hair-perfume phase and have been forgoing my regular perfumes altogether. Balmain's scents are gorgeous—I recommend Cardamom 1974 for this time of year, as it's warm and lightly sweet thanks to black pepper, cardamom oil, vanilla, rose, blackcurrant, ambroxan, and white musks." — Jahns
"How cool is the apothecary-like packaging of Kindred Black's collection of slow beauty products. Environmentally focused, the brand makes natural, artisan skincare, cosmetics, and botanical perfumes (plus other goodies for your vanity and home) sans plastic. Start with this ultra-reparative lip treatment, which not only cures chap practically instantaneously but also delivers the prettiest glossy shine." — Jahns
"I have this bralette in every color, I kid you not. It's pretty, super comfy, and affordable." — Jahns
"Taunt is my favorite DedCool scent, and this candle is a lot of fun. I think that's all I need to say!" — Jahns
Kaitlyn McLintock is an Associate Beauty Editor atBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing . Although she covers a wide range of topics across a variety of categories, she specializes in celebrity interviews and skincare and wellness content. Having lived in Los Angeles and Austin, Texas, she recently relocated back to her home state of Michigan where she works remotely. Prior toBest Knockoff Luxury Clothing , she freelanced for a variety of industry-leading digital publications, including InStyle, The Zoe Report, Bustle, Hello Giggles, and Coveteur. Before that, she held a long-term internship and subsequent contributor position at Byrdie. When she's not writing, researching, or testing Wholesale Replica Bag and greatest beauty products, she's working her way through an ever-growing book collection, swimming in the Great Lakes, or spending time with family.
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