As you probably already know if you exist in this world, Valentine’s Day isn’t all love and heart-shaped candy. It can serve as a reminder of your perpetual singledom as you prepare to guzzle all the wine à la Galentine’s Day, or a rude awakening as to how many weeks ahead you actually need to make reservations to ensure you and your new squeeze have dinner booked for the night of. The day produces a lot of feelings — in a lot of different ways.
But no matter where you stand on the subject, Valentine’s Day is still going to happen. As much as people (an estimated 95%, by our estimation) complain that it’s a bunch of commercialized Hallmark bullshit, there’s a soft spot in many of us who love the idea of love, no matter who we may be celebrating it with. And with that celebrating comes gift-giving, because what says “I love you” (or at least “I didn’t forget!”) better than a thought-out present?
Before you dial up 1-800-FLOWERS or run to CVS for a box of possibly stale chocolates, consider taking the beauty route. From new perfume launches to Hollywood-approved eyeshadow palettes, these are the gifts that will surely wow them — so whether you’re looking to cheer up your newly single roommate or knock the socks off your S.O., we’ve rounded up the best beauty gifts that will win the heart of anyone that matters, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Henry Rose Queens & Monsters Eau de Parfum
For the latest addition to her Environmental Working Group-certified clean fragrance brand, legendary actress Michelle Pfeiffer and her team set out to create a scent that could be worn by anyone — making it the most foolproof fragrance to gift this Valentine’s Day.
“When I was growing up, I gravitated towards the smell of my father’s cologne, and there’s something about Queens & Monsters that brings me back to that,” she tells Refinery29 of the rich fragrance, which combines fresh, zesty neroli accord with creamy sandalwood. “I love how unisex it is — it represents the duality we all have inside of us, and a sense of balance between lightness and darkness.”
Henry Rose Queens & Monsters Eau de Parfum, $, available at Henry Rose
Kacey Musgraves x Boy Smells Slow Burn Candle
If the dreamy notes of incense, black pepper, guaiac wood, and raspberry in this luxe candle don’t do it for you, and the gorgeous deep-rose jar doesn’t either, then the fact that it was created in collaboration with country star Kacey Musgraves definitely will.
Boy Smells SLOW BURN, $, available at Boy Smells
Hourglass Confession Refillable Lipstick Set – Valentine’s Day Limited Edition
Proof that even the smallest details can make all the difference when it comes to seasonal gift-giving: this limited-edition heart-stamped remix of Hourglass’ refillable lipstick.
Hourglass Confession Refillable Lipstick Set, $, available at Sephora
Glow Recipe Netflix To All the Boys The Love Letter Set
If you have the kind of roommate that can’t seem to keep their hands off your side of the bathroom cabinet, now’s the perfect time to show them how much you love them while also kindly sending the message to “stop touching.” With this curated set of Glow Recipe’s bestsellers — developed in partnership with the streaming service for the upcoming To All The Boys: P.S. I Still Love You — you’ll be gifting good skin and serious Netflix-and-chill vibes.
Glow Recipe Netflix To All the Boys The Love Letter Set, $, available at Sephora
GHD Platinum+ Deep Scarlet Styler
We don’t know what they’ll love more about this Valentine’s Day limited-edition hair styling tool: the deep scarlet hue, or the engraving (that’s complimentary).
GHD platinum+ deep scarlet styler, $, available at GHD
Slip Beauty Sleep Collection
Forget letting them stow their toothbrush next to your soap dish — there’s a better way to let someone know they’re welcome for endless sleepovers. Their very own silk pillowcase and sleep mask doesn’t just show that you want them to stay the night, but that you care about the quality of sleep they’re getting. What’s sweeter than that?
Slip Beauty Sleep Collection, $, available at DermStore
Innisfree My Lip Balm Set – Mickey & Minnie
Nobody wants to surface post-makeout with a face covered in lipstick. Keep your lips locked and worry-free with this limited edition tinted lip balm set that’s designed after one of Disney’s iconic couples.
Innisfree My Lip Balm Set – Mickey & Minnie, $, available at Innisfree
Lights Lacquer Chick-Flick N Chill Bundle
What’s better than a bed of roses? A set of fun, richly pigmented nail polishes inspired by Valentine’s Day.
Lights Lacquer Chick-Flick N Chill Bundle, $, available at Lights Lacquer
Ethique Eco-Friendly Face Sampler
If they love eco-friendly skin care, you’re sure to win them over with this sampler that has everything from a cleanser to a serum — all shaped like hearts.
Ethique Eco-Friendly Face Sampler – 5ct, $, available at Target
Herbivore Self Love Facial Ritual Kit
Gift them a personal day that allows them to stay home and steer clear of the crowds at overpriced public spas. They’ll be able to get the whole experience with this self-care kit that includes a hydrating mist, hemp-rich oil exfoliating facial treatment, and gua sha tool.
Herbivore Self Love Facial Ritual Kit, $, available at Sephora
Kayali Déjà vu White Flower | 57
The brand’s newest fragrance addition has an unexpected blend of sandalwood, white nectarine, and jasmine that’s warm, lively, and thoroughly hypnotizing… the kind of scent that will remind them of how it felt to fall in love.
Kayali Déjà vu White Flower, $, available at Huda Beauty
Natasha Denona Love Palette
For the sweetheart that just really, really loves makeup, there’s nothing wrong with gifting them an eyeshadow palette — especially when it’s one that works past February 14. They’ll have you to thank for all the killer eye looks they create throughout the year.
Natasha Denona Love Palette, $, available at Sephora
Like what you see? How about some more R29 goodness, right here?
Valentine’s Day Nail Art Inspiration For February
Fenty Beauty Just Dropped Even More V-Day Products
Bath & Body Works’ <em>Huge</em> V-Day Lineup Is On Sale
