Can we just be honest about something? Traditional Valentine's Day gifts are . . . kinda boring. Not bad, just a little on the meh side of things. Flowers are always so pretty, but there's nothing surprising about them. Lingerie is theoretically hot, but how often does a gifted thong actually fit properly? Fragrance is risky, since it's extremely personal. The one exception is chocolate. It is never a bad time for chocolate, and nobody should be discouraged from giving chocolate at any time, for any reason. (It's chocolate!)
The point is, Valentine's Day presents can be a lot more fun, especially when you're doing your own gift giving. Whether you're celebrating with a partner or doing the solo thing, this most romantic of holidays calls for a treat or two for — and from — yourself. And a beauty product is just the thing to bring more color, vibrancy, softness, and moments of joy to your world. You can splurge, of course, but (as e.l.f. cosmetics [1] proves) you don't have to spend a lot to get a lot. So break open a chocolate bar, then read on for gift ideas that will make you feel gorgeous and cared for this Valentine's Day.
Make Yours Mint
Enjoy Valentine's Day with the ultimate staying-in activity: masking and basking. Step one: apply the e.l.f. Cosmetics Mint Melt Whipped Face Mask [2] ($8). Step two: feel the calming, cooling sensation as the minty-green formula moisturizes your skin. Step three: remove, relax and pat yourself on the back for taking care of someone you love . . . yourself.
Give Yourself a Hand (Serum)
Your shelfies feature serums for your face, no doubt. But what about your hands and feet? Don't they deserve some love, too? Enter the Olive & June The Complete Serum Set [3] ($48), a trio of serums for hands, cuticles, and feet, all formulated to hydrate and protect without feeling greasy. Grab your favorite nail polish, fire up Netflix, and give yourself an at-home mani/pedi that's truly Instagram worthy.
Get Yourself a Lipstick That Can Do Both
This year, Valentine's weekend coincides with the Lunar New Year — and the e.l.f. Cosmetics Lunar New Year Sweetheart Hydrating Lipstick Kit [4] ($22) is a fun way to treat yourself for both holidays. The kit's four Hydrating Core Lip Shines feature a heart-shaped core (infused with vitamin E to soothe and moisturize lips) with sheer, juicy colors that leave lips tinted and soft.
Feel Good in the Buff
Fact: There may be no more immediately rewarding feeling than giving yourself a full-body scrub. Your blood gets flowing, your skin feels soft and smooth — it's an appealingly high ROI. Organic Bath Co. PeaceFull Body Scrub [5] ($27) gets the job done with fair-trade sugar and a blend of almond, apricot, sunflower, and lavender oils that helps stress melt away.
Wisely Accessorize
A makeup bag is generally useful, but why shouldn't it be cute, too? The e.l.f. Cosmetics Mint Melt Makeup Bag [6] ($12) nails it with a sweet message. The vegan, cruelty-free pouch is the just right size to hold your on-the-go essentials, and that mint-green color is on trend for spring.
Soak Your Cares Away
Movies suggest that soaking with a partner is the height of bliss, but IRL? It's much nicer to stretch out and have the whole tub to yourself, especially when Maude Bath [7] ($18) is in the mix. It marries coconut milk powder and Dead Sea salts for a softening, soothing soak — partner most definitely optional.
Comb With Style
Upgrade your hair-care situation with Crown Affair Comb No. 001 [8] ($36). This detangling tool is hand carved in Switzerland from plant-based acetate, so it's biodegradable. And obviously, it is so incredibly chic in a wonderfully understated way.
Sleep Soundly (And So, So Softly)
The most glamorous addition to your bedroom is not a negligee, but it's definitely silk. The Slip Pure Silk Pillowcase [9] ($89) reduces skin creasing, preserves hairstyles, and feels like a height-of-luxury splurge that you'll enjoy every single night.