Be your own valentine: our top beauty picks for a season of self-love
Self-love. Simultaneously straightforward and abstract. A phrase that seems to encapsulate self-help mantras from dating gurus to fitness coaches and every sort of armchair advice expert. ‘You have to love yourself first before you can love anyone else,’ is the standard meme of the self-help set.
While we cannot interpret its deeper meaning from everyone who says it, we can say with complete conviction that for beauty and wellness to be truly effective, self-love is a necessity. No one will look after your skin and body like you. For all the women who nurture and give infinite support to those around her, we believe it’s time to indulge in the best and most advanced beauty options available. And well earned indulgences do not always have to break the budget. It’s often the little things that promote a more mindful self-care routine and balanced mindset.
From clinical-grade facial care to home spa accessories, our ‘Be Your Own Valentine: Winter Beauty Edition’ is all about the pampering and beneficial products that kick your beauty routine up a few notches and remind you what’s truly important—your well-being and happiness.
Nomad Botanicals Everlush Head to Toe Anointing Oil
What it is
You may now anoint yourself queen without apology! A cult full-body indulgence that is a self-care essential, Everlush is a rich and luxurious oil to pamper dry skin in the winter or anoint someone special as a massage oil.
What’s in it
Simultaneously lush and earthly, the warm aromatic essential oils of rose, sandalwood, vetiver, and sweet orange will transport you to a sensual oasis. Seed oils of sunflower, apricot and pomegranate impart sumptuous moisture.
What it does
Leaves skin as soft and velvety as a rose petal handpicked for royalty.
What it is
A serum duo after our own hearts, Dermlove is a Latinx-created, sustainable skin care brand that features two champion serums in the form of biodegradable capsules for precision dosage and stabilized efficacy. Uncompromisingly simple, each serum dose contains proven ingredients to combat signs of ageing and skin deterioration due to environmental aggressors.
What’s in it
Manufactured in Italy, Dermlove’s ingredients are clinically tested and carefully selected to be kind to your skin and simplify your routine. The Daily Glow Capsules are formulated with 10 per cent pure L-ascorbic acid, the gold standard vitamin C extract. The Night Renewal Capsules feature high-performing retinol and vitamin E to revive skin while you sleep.
What it does
When used in combination on a daily basis, the dynamic duo stimulates skin renewal and increases collagen synthesis while it improves tone, texture and elasticity.
Aveseena Ageless Perfection Cream
What it is
A science-forward brand that traverses beyond the obvious first layer of skin, Avaseena products are carefully formulated by immunologists and cosmetic chemists to proactively support your skin and nourish its innate beauty. Sustainably made with non-toxic ingredients powered by a cocktail of phytonutrients that work synergistically to help build and defend for long-term nourished and rejuvenated skin.
What’s in it
Visible rejuvenation as never before, this cream employs Globe Daisy Stem Cell (Resistem), anti-inflammatory vitamins B3, B5, C, E with peptide complex, diamond and botanical extracts to combat signs of inflammation.
What it does
Instantly absorbs to unveil a radiant transformation. Renews all four layers of skin to absolute vitality by defending the natural youth matrix for a healthier and nurtured appearance.
Natasha Moor Powerhouse Fall in Love Collection
What it is
The power of falling in love in a vessel for the perfect matte pout. Includes four of their best selling Molten Matte shades to suit every woman’s expressions of self-love.
What’s in it
Imagined with Natasha Moor’s affirmations of success, self-love and determination. Each highly pigmented shade is infused with vitamin E and rich emollients to leave your lips anything but matte dry.
What it does
A guaranteed 12 hours of non-drying staying power. intense colour and luxurious moisture set the tone for passion and intrigue.
Kindred Serum Magique Speciale
What it is
An evolution of their best-selling Serum Magique. This new edition features a touch of mineral powder for a barely-there tint of tone-correcting colour. A golden liquid to warm winter skin.
What’s in it
Powerhouse oils of geranium, evening primrose, calendula, and rosehip. Throw in vitamin K to help with dark spots, caviar oil to deeply moisturize, apple stem cells to provide antioxidants, sea silt and sake yeast to keep moisture in the cells to help plump skin and aspen bark to smooth texture.
What it does
Leaves skin luminous, flawless and silky smooth.
NEOM Perfect Night’s Sleep Intensive Skin Treatment Candle
What it is
Part of NEOM’s Scent to Sleep fragrance collection, multi-tasks by creating a romantic and relaxing ambience with naturally alluring aromas and, when melted, can be applied as skin and massage treatment that is particularly beneficial during the colder, drier months of the year.
What’s in it
Baobab, oils of jojoba, grapeseed, soybean and sweet almond. Cocoa seed butter and an aromatic blend set the romantic tone.
What it does
Light the candle and enjoy the aromas while relaxing or enjoying a bath. After the candle has liquified, blow out the light, and drizzle the precious oil blend all over your body, massage into the skin to allow the oils to absorb.
What it is
A superpower antioxidant that fights free radicals that cause skin pigmentation, blemishes, dark spots, acne and scars. Glutathione is acknowledged as one of the body’s most important and powerful antioxidants, keeping our cells healthy by eradicating harmful free radicals and toxins. Additionally, it boosts energy levels and delays the signs of premature skin ageing.
What’s in it
Glutaryl is the only topical glutathione on the market. With a unique patented technology that ensures unrivalled and maximum absorbency, strength and efficacy, the patented formula shrinks the glutathione, then passes through the skin to repair cells, reducing oxidative stress.
What it does
Wards off oxidative stress that your body incurs on a daily basis. The result is skin with increased luminosity and smoother texture. Alleviates the damage of previous sunburns, bruises and scars while combating future signs of ageing. Assists with the treatment of acne and other skin disorders.
QuinoSpa Vitamin Shower Filter
What it is
Turn your shower into a visceral spa experience with stress-relieving aromatherapy that improves the condition of your skin and hair. Attach the filter to your existing showerhead to remove rust, impurities and chlorine as well as reduce heavy metals from water that can dry out and damage hair and skin.
What’s in it
The vitamin gel pack provides deep moisture resulting in smooth and shiny hair while nourishing skin with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. Available in six tantalizing scents.
What it does
Removes rust, sediment and chlorine deposits. Supplies skin and hair with antioxidants while adding shine. Improves skin elasticity and softness.
Aloisia Glow Exfoliating Soft Peel
What it is
A K-beauty innovation and masterful formulations with a list of celebrities among its fan base. This targeted exfoliant is carefully curated with clean, safe and effective ingredients from nature and science to revive and recharge the skin barrier with visible results sans harsh ingredients.
What’s in it
Papaya fruit enzymes and plant-based microcrystalline cellulose work together to dissolve and buff away dead skin cells and impurities for a silky skin texture, while ultra-hydrating sodium hyaluronate and the powerful humectant Lipidure PMB boost moisture retention and elasticity to the max. Add to the mix a rich antioxidant blend of green tea, alœ vera, vitamin E, rosa hybrid flower, liquorice root and amino acids.
What it does
Gently exfoliates dead skin cells, refines texture, clears pores, brightens, and locks-in moisture to instantly reveal soft, fresh, glowing skin while amplifying the benefits of your skin care routine. Use once or twice per week to reset your skin from lacklustre to luminous.
What it is
A first-of-its-kind, clinically-tested facial cream that uniquely combines CBD, retinol and a blend of peptides to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation and other key signs of ageing without the harsh side effects of traditional retinol solutions. Designed by combining ingredients that act on complementary biochemical pathways important in maintaining the skin’s health and preventing ageing.
What’s in it
Through rigorous clinical testing and a cutting-edge ingredient profile, the powerful emulsion applies the wrinkle-reducing power of retinol while mitigating irritation and increasing tolerance for all skin types with the addition of CBD.
What it does
Improves cellular turnover and decreases the depth of fine lines and wrinkles, while soluble, medical-grade CBD counteracts irritating effects that may otherwise occur. In addition, CBD helps maintain skin barrier function, is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and regulates sebum production.
The A Method Skin Perfecting Serum
What it is
The latest launch from celebrity dermatologist Dr Tina Alster, this next-level brightening serum is formulated with a 10 per cent tranexamic acid complex to fight hyperpigmentation and uneven texture.
What’s in it:
One of the most trending ingredients, tranexamic acid works by blocking the interaction between melanocytes and keratinocytes. Non-irritating and suitable for all skin types, it also acts as an anti-inflammatory. The age-fighting serum also includes pigment correcting ingredients including glycolic, phytic and salicylic acids plus gluconolactone.
What it does
Reduces the appearance of skin discolouration and stubborn brown spots. Minimizes the appearance of enlarged pores and fine lines. Smooths blotchy skin tone while increasing natural collagen production. As an antioxidant, it scavenges to clear damaging free radicals.
Reed & Gwen Supercharged Reishi Body Melt
What it is
An EWG-certified, ultra-rich balm to oil that infuses the skin with fatty acids for the ultimate body drench and antioxidant shield. As a subsidiary of Avocado Green Brands, Reed & Gwen is Climate Neutral Certified for net-zero emissions and a certified B Corporation and a member of For the Planet.
What’s in it
A combination of adaptogenic reishi mushrooms, hyaluronic acid and vegan ceramides. The earthy scent is a result of an essential oil blend of lavender, sage, cedar, and citrus.
What it does
Calms and hydrates with pure plant extracts while essential oils impart a blissful sense of serenity.
What it is
Superfood junkies rejoice! This velvety-smooth, multi-functional serum is formulated with nutrient-dense superfood oils and extracts. Together, they help to reinforce the skin’s natural barrier while providing it with a healthy glow.
What’s in it
Infused with supercharged vitamins, this revolutionary serum will nourish, support and bring out the best in your skin. Vitamin A from carrot seed oil plus vitamins C, D from shiitake mushroom, E from raspberry seed oil, K from prickly pear seed oil plus omega fatty acids, blueberry seed oil, and green coffee extract.
What it does
Watch the signs of ageing and thirsty, dull skin dissipate. Witness a renewed plumpness, luminosity and firmness while skin is protected from future degradation and blue light. Skin is more resilient with a restored bounce and vigour.
Ilona Beauty Budapest Cocktail
What it is
Long regarded as being from the spa centre of Europe, Hungarian women are celebrated for their fastidious skin care régimes. Ilona Beauty is world-renowned for bringing the secrets of a sophisticated Budapest spa to the world. Heralding the company’s 50th anniversary, the Budapest Cocktail is reborn as a luxuriant golden foil mask—containing the same revered ingredients as the original—delivered in a high-tech, multi-layer, conduction foil skin treatment.
What’s in it
Royal jelly, propolis, hyaluronic acid, ginseng, calendula, serum ampoules, mineral water, and a proprietary herbal blend.
What it does
The unique, three-layer, two-part mask uses foil conduction technology to help cocoon and warm the skin, providing for the absorption of all the vital nutrients. Notice an immediately visible regeneration and glow. Accelerates recovery and healing, plumps the skin, strengthens, calms, balances and deeply hydrates.
What it is
Stop hiding your skin with photo filters and diffused light. This lightweight superfruit serum is clinically proven to significantly improve skin tone and texture within 14 days.
What’s in it
A blend of precious fruit extracts selected for their superior antioxidant properties, including kakadu plum, dragon fruit and pomegranate.
What it does
Skin is visibly illuminated and bursting with a healthy resilience and glow. Take selfies to your heart’s content.
What it is
A mask treatment to firm, plump, hydrate and nourish your skin. Proven to reduce fine lines, deliver essential moisture, tighten, and rejuvenate in areas that need it the most that are often overlooked.
What’s in it
A concentrated melange of active multi-peptides invigorates the delicate skin of the decolleté. Free of sulphates, dyes, fragrances, phthalates, and silicones.
What it does
Restores and maintains skin’s youthful appearance and texture. Stimulates collagen fibres while improving elasticity and firmness. Brightens and fades dark spots and crepiness.
What it is
The ultimate indulgence for your delicate eye area skin in the form of an advanced, plant-based truffle complex that’s a dynamic blend of three different types of truffles that work together to infuse the skin with nourishing essential fatty acids, peptides, and vitamins to visibly lift and firm the eye area.
What’s in it
A triple hyaluronic acid complex, avocado peptides and lupine proteins to preserve collagen.
What it does
The active ingredients stimulate reparative collagen production, restoring overall strength and elasticity of the under-eye area. It is formulated to be a superfood salad for delicate skin delivering vitamins and anti-inflammatory properties.
What it is
A newly launched lightweight facial oil fortified with eight potent plant-based actives to reduce the appearance of fine lines, brighten, and deeply moisturize the skin.
What’s in it
The fortifying active botanicals include bakuchiol, prickly pear seed oil, blackcurrant seed oil, balloon vine extract, marula oil, argan oil, bisabolol, squalene, and meadowfoam oil. No fillers or oils, just pure anti-ageing perfection.
What it does
Employing the natural potency of each extract, this highly absorbent, anti-ageing treatment restores, balances, and protects skin from free radical damage for a radiant and healthy glow with just four drops.
CHI Volumizer 4-in-1 Blowout Brush with Beauty Bag
What it is
Salon-quality drying and styling at a more purse-friendly price. The four-piece set is designed to minimize frizz and cut down drying time while delivering striking results by creating exceptional volume and shine. And how can you not love something that’s now also available in a stylish rose gold colour with a matching storage bag.
What’s in it
Oval brush, paddle brush, nozzle concentrator, compact diffuser plus a storage case.
What it does
Nylon and tufted bristles in the brush attachments create tensions at the root to deliver full-bodied hair full body with just one pass. Bristles, meanwhile, are spaced out evenly to prevent knots and tangles. Inside the dryer, ‘Ceramic Technology’ locks in moisture and bring out the hair’s natural shine, while an advanced Ionic Generator neutralizes static and minimizes flyaways. With everything built-in or interchangeable, salon results are a snap.
FactorFive Growth Factor Soothing Facial Mask
What it is
The ultra-cooling, soothing facial mask remedies inflammation, redness, and other skin concerns by working at the cellular level and jump-starting critical skin recovery processes. The mask is naturally scented with peppermint and hemp that leaves you feeling renewed, refreshed and replenished.
What’s in it
Ethically sourced human stem cell compounds, aloe, green tea extract and hemp seed.
What it does
Leave the mask on for 10 minutes and enjoy its cooling and soothing effects while the ravages of time and the environment are smoothed away.
What it is
Queen-size lashes for the audacious woman who dares.
What’s in it
A jumbo brush ingeniously engineered with interspersed long and short bristles for even distribution and optimum impact.
What it does
The formula is light and creamy, but the effect is bold and beguiling.
What it is
An all-in-one lip care system for a flake-free pout.
What’s in it
Full sizes of Lumi-Clear Extra Plump Lip Balm, Lips Like Sugar Lip Scrub, Beauty Sleep Lip Mask.
What it does
Gently exfoliates, plumps, and stimulates collagen overnight for more conditioned, moist, and voluptuous lips day by day.
What it is
The self-love gift that keeps on giving.
What’s in it
A water-based, pleasure-enhancing lubricant that is full of botanicals and free of nasty toxins and chemicals.
What it does
Made with pleasure in mind, it has added hydration properties that are gentle on sensitive bits, and give you that extra slip.
Defenage 6-Week Perfection Neck Tightening Cream
What it is
A non-surgical neck lift in a jar. Clinically formulated to correct the deep lines and folds on the neck other products promise to address, but can’t deliver. A gravity-defying treatment that visibly improved new and well formed creases.
What’s in it
Age Repair Defensins is the brand’s exclusive complex developed by top skin scientists. This complex signals the body to unveil fresh skin by reawakening dormant reserves to come to the surface. Contains an identical copy of human defensins made via bio-synthesis. There is also a blend of five active peptides and proven antioxidants and lipids.
What it does
Gives you back the youth you feel on the inside to the delicate and difficult to treat neck region. Significantly lifts, firms and tightens sagging skin.
What it is
Submerge yourself in the woody warmth of cashmere or an evening in a land of smouldering amber flames that flicker until dawn.
What’s in it
Notes of amber, jasmine, saffron, marigold, agarwood, ambroxan, sandalwood and cedarwood.
What it is
Immerses you in the sensual delight of deep woods at night. When all is still except a crackling firelight casting shadows through the fragrant air.
