Self care has never been so romantic, and with these {body care}, {fragrance} and {sex tech} essentials, you’ll want to spend this Valentine’s Day indulging in some serious ‘me time’. Aeroplane mode, activated; candles, burning; face mask, slathered on… get ready for the ultimate night alone this Valentine’s Day…
1. Set the scene
Whether you’re whipping up a delicious meal for one (avec your favourite apéritif, natch), luxuriating in a long, hot bath, or simply spending the night tucked up on the sofa, a truly romantic evening for one all comes down to the details.
Nothing says scent-sual evening of self care quite like filling your space with your favourite home fragrance — and we adore the olfactory offerings of the team over at {Boy Smells}. Coveted by candle fanatics for unexpected note pairings, chic-yet-discreet packaging and provocative scent names ({‘Cowboy Kush’}, anyone?), each delivered with a knowing wink that’s ensured this queer-owned brand can count the likes of Kacey Musgraves as fans.
Of course, each and every Boy Smells’ genderless scent deserves pride of place on your mantelpiece, but for a solo Valentine’s evening look to the aptly named {‘Petal’} — because flowers aren’t just for vases, you know. A heady blend of blooms, this coconut and beeswax candle unfolds with a bouquet of tree flowers – magnolia, night-blooming tuberose and purple geranium — alongside opulent rose and a woody whisper of sage. Patchouli and amber add a velvety smoothness that makes way for a musky finish. Sexy, ethereal and perfect for getting you in the mood (for whatever you spend the night doing).
2. Get wet
Listen, how often do you get a whole night dedicated to some much-deserved ‘me time’? Rarely, we reckon… so each and every moment should be for spoiling yourself. That means drawing a deep, hot bath (or enjoying a long, steamy shower) and breaking out your very favourite body care products. You know, the ones you’ve been saving for a ‘special occasion’? Spoiler alert: this is it.To help you clock out from the rest of your day (remember, this night is all about you), relaxing bath salts like OSKIA’s {Moon Salts} are key. Designed to calm both the body and mind, these rose and lavender scented salts will create a rich foam in your water, enriching skin with coconut milk-fuelled hydration.
While you’re in the tub, now’s your time to pamper as you cleanse. OUAI’s {Body Cleanser} is coveted for its gentle, skin-loving ingredients (the formula is full to the brim with natural antioxidants, jojoba oil and vitamins C and A), and the 'Melrose Place' scent will whisk you on a one-OUAI ticket straight to LA. With subtle hints of rose (of course), bergamot, the sweetest smelling lychee, cedarwood and white musk, this cooler-than-cool fragrance lingers on your limbs long after your bath water has disappeared down the plug hole. For a little extra luxury, follow this by slathering on the {Body Crème} in the same scent; your soft, hydrated skin will thank you.
3. Hit the bottle
In our most humble opinion, nothing says self care quite like skin care — and an instant boost of hydration comes most effectively from a bottle of rose-fuelled toner, a la BY TERRY’s {Baume de Rose Beauty Toner}.
Infused with a potent blend of real rose petals and hydrating rose extracts, this refreshing toner will help to soothe irritated skin or revitalise and hydrate your complexion post-cleansing (especially appreciated if your face has ever experienced that ‘shrunk in the wash’ feeling after using an over-zealous cleanser). For a truly thirst-quenching treat, this pretty-in-pink toner is laced with skin-strengthening rosehip, beloved for its elasticising, brightening and scar-minimising properties.Double down by following this toner with BY TERRY’s {Baume de Rose Hydrating Sheet Mask}. Split into two halves, this mask gently hugs each and every contour of your face to grant a boost of moisture that will leave skin looking plump and radiant. And really, what is a night of pampering without a sheet mask?
4. Enjoy the buzz
Of course, your evening should end on the most pleasurable of notes, courtesy of {Smile Makers} who — as the name suggests — know exactly how to get your grinning from ear to ear. Since it’s Valentine’s Day, look to your very own European hunk for a little romance with {The French Lover}, a breathtakingly effective sex toy that won’t need to talk its way between your sheets.With a flexible, tongue-shaped tip, this delightful creation is able to mimic the gentle caress of a tongue on any of your erogenous zones; enhance the sensation even further with the help of just a little lube for an extra life-like feel. And because every session is different from the last, this flexible vibrator allows you to tailor your experience to exactly the mood you’re in: choose from multiple speeds and two pulsation modes. Trust us, you’ll be shouting ‘oui!’ in next to no time…
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