With less than a week to go until the most romantic day of the year, if you haven’t already picked out a present for your special someone you’d better get your skates on…
Help is at hand, however, as the beauty departments have been flooded with perfectly-timed perfume launches and neatly packaged sets ready to gift your guy or gal.
Here are 2017’s best Valentine’s beauty buys…
Lavish your lady…
Lush Lots of Love (www.lush.com)
Give the gift of bathtime bliss with this heart-shaped box of three fizzing bath bombs (including the adorable new Cupid) and other tub treats.
Coach Eau de Parfum (www.theperfumeshop.com)
At the Perfume Shop, you can make a fragrance gift extra special by having it engraved. And not just initials either – you can add three lines of up to 22 characters each, more than enough space for a heart-melting message.
Jo Loves White Rose and Lemon Leaves Candle (www.joloves.com)
Jo Loves is also offering personalisation, so you can add the name of your loved one on the label of its gorgeously scented White Rose and Lemon Leaves Candle. Order in the London boutique or online.
Baylis & Harding Pink Prosecco Weekend Bag (www.lloydspharmacy.com)
New this year, the sweetly fruity Pink Prosecco and Cassis range from Baylis & Harding fizzes with romance.
Elie Saab Rose Couture Eau de Toilette Gift Set (www.debenhams.com)
One of the latest additions to the Elie Saab parfum family, Rose Couture marries the Queen of Flowers with orange blossom, peony and jasmine, creating a ravishing bouquet that’s perfect for Valentine’s Day.
Dyson Supersonic Hair Dryer Fuchsia (www.boots.com)
For the woman who has every perfume and potion her heart desires, the Dyson Supersonic is a cut above your average grooming gadget. The revolutionary hairdryer has been garnering rave reviews from editors and shoppers alike, so it’s sure to impress.
Presents for your prince…
Gucci Guilty Pour Homme Absolute (www.theperfumeshop.com)
Created by Gucci designer and man of the moment Alessandro Michele with renowned ‘nose’ Alberto Morillas, Guilty Absolute is a deep, woody concoction powered by not one but three different patchouli oils. Like the house’s fashions, this is a scent for the man who wants to make a statement.
Monroe of London Kit Bag (www.harveynichols.com)
With its chic packaging and effective products, new kid on the grooming block Monroe of London is fast becoming a favourite of men’s skincare aficionados. This six-piece travel set is an excellent introduction to the brand’s hero products.
Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka Cologne Intense (www.jomalone.com)
The latest launch in the ever-popular Cologne Intense line-up, Jo Malone Myrrh & Tonka now comes in a travel-friendly 50ml bottle. The woody, resinous blend, enriched with the sweetness of tonka, is so seductive you’ll probably end up stealing a spritz for yourself.
Aesop The Intrepid Gent Grooming Kit (MrPorter.com)
The sign of a seriously chic bathroom, Aesop products aren’t just aesthetically pleasing, they’re notoriously addictive. Get your other half hooked with this travel trio.
Temple Spa Silent Night (www.templespa.com)
Soothe your stressed-out fella with Temple Spa’s Silent Night set. Featuring slumber-inducing balms and a black-out ‘eye duvet’, it’ll have him snoozing in no time. On second thoughts, best save it until after your hot Valentine’s date night…
Tried and tested
Can you halve a double chin without dieting or hitting the gym? Laura Wurzal gets to grips with a face mask that claims you can…
“I have a round face shape which looks puffy and saggy after even the slightest indulgence, so after a fun-filled couple of winter months, I was seriously in need of some help in the chin department… The ChinUp trial pack comes with two face masks, a face band and tape measure. I started by measuring my vital face stats, as instructed, then fitted the moist sheet mask around my jawline, followed by the band on top. It was a bit fiddly at first, because the band has to be secured around the back of the head so kept getting caught in my hair, but once it was in place, it felt fine and I could relax for the prescribed 40 minutes. Looking in the mirror after the big reveal, I can honestly say my double chin had practically gone! My jawline looked contoured, and the tape measure proved I’d lost over 2cm of sag and puff. The results lasted for a few days, so I’ll definitely be using the ChinUp again when I know I’m going to end up in lots of photos on social media. When it comes to beauty treatments, it’s a firm favourite.”