I am super single this Valentine’s Day, but I don’t plan on letting that get in the way of a perfectly good excuse to treat myself to a little luxury. It’s a national holiday after all, which, if you ask me, is the ideal opportunity to buy myself (and my friends!) a beauty gift that supports self-care. And hey, if some mystery man wants to come out of the woodwork with a Valentine’s Day beauty gift, I certainly won’t object.
My current wish list includes body care that makes me feel like the sexiest version of myself (i.e., soft skin and glowing legs/ and décolletage), seductive fragrances with gourmand notes, and set-the-mood candles that pair very nicely with my new silk sheets.
Whether you landed here as a significant other unsure of proper gifting protocol, are planning a Galentine’s Day soirée and need cute party favors, or just have the shoppies and need an excuse to check out, read ahead for my go-to Valentine’s Day gift ideas.
This winter is, candidly, destroying my skin. My legs, arms, and chest are looking and feeling all kinds of dry, ashy, and eczema-ridden. But I refuse to let that be my status quo on Valentine’s Day, so I plan to restock my favorite body oil duo. Because why save sexy skin for the summer?
Moroccanoil
Night Body Serum
I firmly believe this is one of the most underrated body care products, like, ever. It has the traditional Moroccanoil scent (yum), but the real selling point is that dry oil gives my skin a bouncy, plump appearance without any greasy residue.
L’Occitane
Instant Golden Glow With Almond Shimmering Body Oil
Once my first oil has had a minute to sink in, I whip out this masterpiece. It has the most gorgeous shimmer—not too glittery, but undeniably reflective—and I never fail to get compliments on my legs once it’s on.
For Marie Claire’s 2025 Fragrance Awards party, I whipped out this magic duo of body oils.
(Image credit: Samantha Holender)
There is no better feeling than climbing into a bed with clean sheets. And when they’re silky? Even better. Plus, sleeping on a silk pillowcase means a better hair day with fewer knots, breakage, and frizz.
Cozy Earth
Bamboo Bedding Deluxe Bundle – Silk
I currently sleep like a baby in my Cozy Earth PJs and cotton sheets, but I’m seriously considering upgrading my bedding to this silk set in order to make bedtime feel like a more luxurious experience.
brooklinen
Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle
I’d like to formally thank Beauty Director Hannah Baxter for putting these sheets on my radar. They’re 480 thread count (ok, luxury) and she swears that the pillowcases are responsible for her good wavy hair days.
Whether you’re kissing someone on the 14th or not, having super soft lips is a win. Winter, and the chapped lips that come with it, achieving that end fairly difficult. But by regularly applying these hydrating, barrier-protecting balms, my lips have stayed in good shape.
Sisley Paris
Phyto-Rouge Shine Lipstick
If you know me, you know I have one of these in every single bag—it’s the ultimate lip balm and the only product that prevents chapped lips. I personally go for the clear shade and layer it under every lipstick.
OleHenriksen
Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment – Vanilla Bonbon
I’ve waxed poetic about this lip balm before, but here’s the gist: it’s plumping, tastes delicious, and locks in hydration so my lips feel supple 24/7.
If you want to share your intentions for Valentine’s Day night without actually verbalizing anything, a seductive fragrance is the way to go. I typically gravitate toward skin scents with edible notes like vanilla, marshmallow, or cinnamon. I shouldn’t have to say it, but don’t actually eat the fragrance.
Estée Lauder
Aerin Amber Musk Vanille Eau De Parfum Spray
My date-night fragrances are exclusively skin scents. They work with my natural scent—and I’m a big believer in pheromones—while providing a little hint of vanilla, musk, and amber. It’s intoxicating in the best way.
Marc-Antoine Barrois
Tilia
If you want to smell rich, I highly recommend this beautiful, floral French perfume. I always put a few sprays on my sweater for a longer-lasting scent.
Whether you’re having a romantic dinner at home or a rom-com night with friends, a delicious candle deserves to be burning. It’s also the best gift to give your host, romantic or platonic.
Homecourt
Candle Discovery Set
Burning my five-wick Homecourt candle brings me such tremendous joy. I’m partial to the CoCo scent, but if you’re not sure which is your vibe, this discovery kit is the way to go.
Hotel Lobby Candle
Paris Nuit Candle
Nothing is sexier than a night out in Paris. Bring the City of Love to you by lighting this candle, inspired by a dimly lit hotel lobby bar.
Not that I ever need an excuse to treat myself (or ask someone I love for a little gift), but Valentine’s Day seems like an extra apt time to do so. This year, I have my eye on these three beauty tools that will make my mundane Get Ready With Me a little more exciting.
XCover – Rate sheet
Laifen Mini · High-Speed Hair Dryer
I appreciate a thoughtfully designed device more than anything. This guy is 33 percent lighter than full size hair dryers and just as powerful. And if a special someone wants to get me plane tickets somewhere fabulous to accompany this travel-sized dryer, I certainly won’t complain.
Nothing is unsexier than stinky breath. I’d like to avoid that altogether, so I have my eye on this dentist-recommended electric toothbrush that gives TLC to my gums, teeth, and tongue.
Laifen
P3 Pro 3-Blade Electric Shaver
If you happen to be in the market for a gift for your boyfriend, husband, or friend, well, I’ve found the perfect gift for them, too. This electric shaver gives the cleanest shave—and that means less beard rash for you.
For more than 30 years, Marie Claire has been an internationally recognized destination for news, fashion and beauty trends, investigative packages, and more. When it comes to the products Marie Claire recommends, we take your faith in us seriously. Every product that we feature comes personally recommended by a Marie Claire writer or editor, or by an expert we’ve spoken to firsthand.
