Whether you lean into Valentine’s Day in a big way, prefer to take a light touch, or avoid it altogether, it’s always good to have an excuse to treat yourself - or someone you like a lot - to a gift or three. A few suggestions from me, in case that sounds like just the thing...
For the smoothest limbs: Altesse Body Brush
A luxurious addition to any bathroom shelf, Altesse’s body brushes are a collaboration between French brush-makers Altesse Studio and lymphatic drainage specialist Rebecca Trévalinet. Crafted from olive wood and featuring ultra-soft natural bristles, they are built to boost circulation and promote lymphatic drainage while slaying away dead skin. (£160, altesse-studio.com)
For the perfume-head: Perfumer H Soap Eau de Parfum
The British fragrance house of iconic perfumer Lyn Harris Perfumer H delivers exactly the refined, understated scents that I return to time and time again. A long time devotee to Ink and Rain Cloud, I’m also very taken with this latest release: SOAP Eau de Parfum, created in collaboration with fellow London label Studio Nicholson. Inspired by the drape and warmth of clean fabric against soft skin, it blends cardamom, orange flower, ambrox and tonka for a scent that’s subtle but very addictive - the sort that makes you want to lean in for another sniff… (£150, perfumerh.com)
For a flawless facial or massage: Head to KMP Skin
If it’s a flawless facial or deeply restorative massage that you’re after, you won’t regret booking in to see skincare expert Katharine Mackenzie Paterson. From her cosy treatment space tucked into the eaves of a Georgian townhouse on Hanover Square, KMP - as she’s fondly known by friends and clients - delivers thoughtful, highly prescriptive, flawless face and body treatments in an atmosphere of total calm. Her product recommendations are second-to-none and you leave feeling genuinely nurtured. (From £95, kmpskin.com, 24 Hanover Square Mayfair, W1S 1JD)
For bathing beauties: Olverum Bath Oil
I’m a daily bather and have been for years, and this is a brilliant and beautifully packaged bath oil that I regularly recommend to friends and family. Its clever, intoxicating blend of eucalyptus, fir needle, lavender, rosemary and geranium doesn’t just smell irresistible - it’s designed to clear the airways, relieve tension, and gently reset your mood. The perfect pre-bed pitstop. (From £29.50, uk.olverum.com)
For silky-soft kisses: Gisou Lip Mask
This deliciously scented, collagen-infused, honey-powered lip mask is a neat solution for parched winter mouths leaving them infinitely softer, soother and - crucially - more kissable. In the meantime, warm weather, where are you? (£24, gisou.com)
For long-term lovers: ULIKE IPL Air 10 Hair Removal Device
Talking of smooth - winter is the perfect time to indulge in a little IPL, and the Ulike Air 10 is one of my favorite at-home devices for keeping limbs hair-free. Granted, it's probably not one for those in the throes of first romance, but for anyone past that stage I’d hazard a guess it will be well received. (£299.99, uk.ulike.com)
For fabulous-smelling surrounds: LOEWE Tomato Leaves Candle
Loewe’s perfectly-packaged candles are prime gifting fodder, and this is my pick of the bunch. Developed by the brand’s in-house perfumer Nuria Cruelles with Jonathan Anderson, its scent captures the delicious green freshness of tomato vines. Yikes, it’s good. (£85, net-a-porter.com)
For interiors fans: Astier de Villatte Incense Burners
I am a huge fan of Astier de Villatte’s iconic ceramic incense burners, produced in their artisanal Paris workshops, following the traditions of 18th-century makers. Each one feels like a small work of art - and is. Unable to choose a favourite, I am steadily building a collection and suggest you follow suit. (From £71, astierdevillatte.com)
For understated charm: Lush Love Letter Bath Bomb
It’s straight to the tub with this super-cute, skin-softening, bath bomb. Creamy coconut milk and nutrient-rich seaweed leave limbs soft and beautifully comforted, and at under a fiver this is a joyful treat that doesn’t take itself too seriously. (£4, lush.com)
