Do you roll your eyes at every heart-shaped product you see at this time of year? Or perhaps you don’t have a special person to spend the day with and feel a bit left out? Don’t worry; I’m here for you with my alternative ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re a fan or not, it’s a day to celebrate love, so how about a little bit of self-love?
I’m not a lover of Valentine’s Day, and I’m not afraid to admit it. I find the whole concept of having a special day to show someone how much you love them a little nauseating and kind of ‘forced’, but that’s just my opinion. I know many people will disagree with me, and that’s ok, if we all enjoyed the same things, the world would be a very boring place, wouldn’t it?
You may have heard of the phrase ‘self-gifting’ – it’s everywhere these days. And this idea of ‘treating yourself’ is becoming increasingly popular, but it doesn’t necessarily have to mean ‘buying’ something. Self-gifting can also apply to your well-being, too. So, here are five of the ways we recommend spoiling yourself this Valentine’s Day.
#1 An Instant Confidence-Boost
It sounds cliche, but it works; a confidence boost is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. When I’m not feeling my best, I spend that extra bit of time on my makeup, I put on an outfit that I feel good in, and spritz myself with my favourite perfume before leaving the house. Pick a scent that instantly lifts your mood or your signature that always gives a little kick of confidence when you need it. At the moment I’m enjoying Miller Harris Sublime Blossom Eau de Parfum. It’s a modern floral that combines the sophistication of jasmine and ylang-ylang with a sensual twist of warm sandalwood and creamy vanilla.
#2 Buy Yourself A Little Something
Spoil yourself with a little gift to you, from you. I always like to choose something that I wouldn’t normally buy myself, a present that’s a little bit extravagant but won’t break the bank. Now, this could be anything, whatever floats your boat. You may opt for that £6 tub of super-indulgent ice cream you’ve been eyeing up every time you’ve been to the supermarket. Or, if you’re a beauty-lover like me, you’ll choose a luxury lipstick. And it doesn’t get more luxe than GUERLAIN Rouge G. Choose your favourite colour lipstick (I’m a neutral lover so mine’s 02 Light Beige) and then pick your favourite case to slot it into, ‘Simply White’ is the only choice for me!
Find out more about the GUERLAIN Rouge G lipsticks and cases in our guide.
#3 Have An Early Night
Picture it – fresh cotton sheets on the bed, your favourite book, film or tv programme and an indulgent candle filling the room with a relaxing aroma (I love the Acqua di Parma La Casa Sul Lago Candle). It’s one of my favourite ways to pamper myself and the best part? It doesn’t have to cost a thing. They say the simple things in life can bring the most enjoyment and this is one of them! I recommend you try it every once in a while.
#4 Book A Day Off For No Reason
Think about the reasons you would normally book a day off work. A holiday? A wedding to attend? A long weekend away with the girls? All of which are excellent reasons to break away from the daily grind, however, when was the last time you booked a day off to do absolutely nothing? A day dedicated to doing just what you want. Sounds blissful, doesn’t it? Well, as someone who loves to do this now and again, it is! I love to begin my well-earned day off by using all of my ‘special occasion’ body products, one of which is the Miller Harris Scherzo Body Cream. Rich in notes of dark rose, decadent champagne and oud – this is my absolute favourite at the moment. What you do next is entirely up to you! A day of leisurely shopping, getting your hair done, a long walk in the sunshine or simply just laying on the sofa with a cosy blanket and doing nothing, guilt-free!
#5 Make Yourself Breakfast In Bed
Nobody to make you breakfast in bed? No problem. Take a quick trip to the kitchen and make yourself a hot mug of steaming coffee and a thick slice of toast smothered in avocado (add a few garnishes if you’re feeling fancy!). Then, place it all on a tray and take it back to bed while you leisurely enjoy that magazine you’ve wanted to read all week. I like to take my morning ritual to the next level though; I pop on a facemask and let it get to work while I enjoy my breakfast in bed. The Kiehl’s Avocado Nourishing Hydration Mask is the perfect morning pamper, and it looks just like a mashed avocado!
