Just because the past year (and this year) isn’t exactly what we hoped for, that doesn’t mean that there’s a lack of love circulating. In fact, I argue to say that there is even more kindness and sincerity now more than ever before. Folks are banding together and doing what they can to help their communities, families, and friends weather the storm called COVID. With Valentine’s Day right around the corner, this usually cheesy holiday has more meaning. I openly categorize myself as a cynic when it comes to love-dovey stuff but even I’m feeling the festive spirit of the holiday. While you can treat yourself, your partner or gal pals to a fun takeaway dinner from a local restaurant, another thing that I quite enjoy doing around this time is cranking up all things self-love. These Valentine’s Day gift picks are sure to give your day a little extra oomph and have you feeling even more fabulous and gorgeous than you already are.
Surf Soak Sea Salt & Rose Petals Epsom Bath Salt With Lavender
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There is truly nothing better than stepping into a ripping hot bath after a long day, or a long and tiring morning. Anytime can be bathtime especially during lockdown so if you’re heading in for a soak, why not ensure it’s the most luxurious and relaxing soak? These bath salts from Surf Soak are available at Holt Renfrew and are part of the H Project program which means it’s good for the planet and people because it’s made from clean ingredients.
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slip reusable face covering
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While this isn’t necessarily a beauty product, face masks have become a necessity and while they do help protect us from COVID-19, they can also be the culprit behind maskne. If you’re breaking out, switch up your mask to one of these silk ones by slip. Silk is much gentler on the face and should help with any irritation or acne, plus for extra skin protection, spray your favourite toner or essence on the inside to prevent any blemishes. This mask, with a charming kiss print, is perfect for Valentine’s Day, or any day you want to spread a little extra love!
Majesty’s Pleasure ‘Do Not Disturb’ Box
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If you’re all about self-care, then you need to know about the boxes that Toronto beauty salon Majesty’s Pleasure has available. My go-to pick is the Do Not Disturb box that’s centred all-around catching up on beauty sleep and getting in some necessary relaxation. The box comes with a face mask, bath salts, a bottle of rosé, a sleep mask, a candle, and even a customized playlist.
Fancy Face Lovebird Capsule Collection
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If you love love, then you’ll want to get your hands on this special Lovebird Collection from local beauty house Fancy Face. Consisting of a deliciously scented candle, blush, and a luxurious lip bath, you’ll be the apple of anybody’s eye when you gift it. This is a fabulous way to support a local brand during these tough times and send a little bit of love and sparkle at the same time!
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Tips Nail Bar Sending Sweet Messages Press-On Nails
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Seeing as we can’t get manicures at our local nail salons these days, the geniuses at Tips Nail Bar have started selling custom-made press on nails. Choosing what nail art design you’d want for Valentine’s Day is always fun for anyone who is mani-obsessed but thankfully you won’t have to go without this year. The salon has a few V-Day inspired options that are positively gorgeous and will surely have you feeling all the love!
Kandl 88 Avenue Candle
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Yorkville’s own Kandl is known for its expertly made and custom poured candles. This Valentine’s Day, we recommend sparking the brand’s 88 Avenue Candle that has notes of fresh citrus with a woody background. There’s truly nothing more soothing than tucking in for the light, lighting a gorgeously scented candle and cozying up with your partner or a good book!
Parfum de Marly Delina La Rosée Fragrance
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We may not be going out on the town but there’s something about a spritz of great perfume that just jazzes everything up. For Valentine’s Day this year, give the gift of scent and give the one you love a bottle of the Delina La Rosée Fragrance from Parfum de Marly. This scent is a gorgeous blend of Turkish roses, sandalwood, and soft musk and the result is tempting and just perfect.
Charlotte Tilbury Hyaluronic Happikiss
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Pucker up with the newest addition to Charlotte Tilbury’s family of products just in time for V-Day. This baby isn’t a lipstick – it’s a lipstick balm that’s pigmented and conditions the lips like a balm and has the shininess you love from a gloss. It’s the best of both worlds, truly! It’s available in 10 kissable shades and delivers up to 24 hours of hydration!
Guerlain Rouge G Customizable Lipstick – Valentine Limited Edition Collection
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Give the gift of the perfect pout this Valentine’s Day with this special limited-edition Guerlain Rouge G Lipstick. It’s the perfect red for any occasion, but certainly celebrating Valentine’s Day. To take it even further, pair it with a special mirrored case just for the holiday designed by the Parisian jeweller Lorenz Bäumer.
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Bala Bangles
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If you need some inspiration to get your workout on, then these Bala Bangles are sure to put some spring in your step. Available in a selection of colours, these arm or ankle weights are great for an added challenge. Use them for pilates, barre, or even strap them on for your daily walks!
Goop GOOPGENES All-In-One Super Nutrient Face Oil
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Gift the one you love (or yourself!) the gift of beautiful skin this Valentine’s Day. The new GOOPGENES face oil is sure to please thanks to how it effortlessly works to firm, soften, hydrate and nourish the skin. Made with an expert blend of oils and botanicals, it’s going to a very welcome addition to your skincare routine. The pros over at goop recommend applying it to the full face but even on the neck and decolletage plus a little drop on the back of your hands never hurt, either!
Dyson Airwrap
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We might not be heading out for dinner this Valentine’s Day but that doesn’t mean you can’t get dolled up for whatever you’ve got lined up. If you’re looking to give yourself a salon-worthy blowout but without the salon, you’ll want to reach for the Dyson Airwrap that makes the perfect Valentine’s Day gift. This baby has continued to be a leader in the field and is a fave among beauty pros, hair gurus, and influencers. It’s incredibly speedy to achieve fab results and it uses no extreme heat!
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Pivot Skincare Valentine’s Day Bundle
Support local this V-Day with Pivot Skincare’s Valentine’s Day Bundle. Retailing for $95, you or a very lucky special someone will receive a bottle of Pivot’s Plant-Based Nourishing Oil, a Rose Quartz Gua Sha, a bag of 6 heart-shaped shortbread cookies from Leah’s Bakery, and our brand new Pivot tote bag. To round it all out, the brand also collaborated with Patchouli Floral Studio to create a gorgeous custom Pivot Bouquet.
Feature Image: @tipsnailbar
