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    1. Beauty

    I’m Hard to Impress—But These 13 Valentine’s Day Beauty Gifts Would Woo Me

    I’m swooning.

    Samantha Holender's avatar
    By Samantha Holender
    Last updated 12 February 2026 In Buying Guides

    When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works.

    valentine's day background theme with a beauty gift of lipstick on top next to a girl with blonde hair
    (Image credit: Valentine's)
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    • Sexy Skin
    • Silky Sheets
    • Kissable Lips
    • Flirty Fragrances
    • Mood-Setting Candles
    • Splurge-Worthy Treats
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    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.

    Sexy Skin

    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?

    Night Body Serum

    Moroccanoil
    Night Body Serum
    $62
    $62 AT SEPHORA

    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.

    Instant Golden Glow With Almond Shimmering Body Oil

    L'Occitane
    Instant Golden Glow With Almond Shimmering Body Oil
    $54
    $54 AT SEPHORA

    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.

    samantha holender in a polka dot top

    For Marie Claire's 2025 Fragrance Awards party, I whipped out this magic duo of body oils.

    (Image credit: Samantha Holender)

    Silky Sheets

    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.

    Bamboo Bedding Deluxe Bundle - Silk - Driftwood / Twin/twin Xl

    Cozy Earth
    Bamboo Bedding Deluxe Bundle - Silk
    $878
    $878 AT COZY EARTH

    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.

    silk sheets

    Brooklinen
    Luxe Hardcore Sheet Bundle
    $256
    $256 AT BROOKLINEN

    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.

    Kissable Lips

    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 lipstick

    Sisley Paris
    Phyto-Rouge Shine Lipstick
    $70
    $70 AT DERMSTORE

    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.

    Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment - Vanilla Bonbon

    OleHenriksen
    Pout Preserve Hydrating Peptide Lip Treatment - Vanilla Bonbon
    $23
    $23 AT SEPHORA

    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.

    Flirty Fragrances

    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.

    Aerin Amber Musk Vanille Eau De Parfum Spray

    Estée Lauder
    Aerin Amber Musk Vanille Eau De Parfum Spray
    $150
    $150 AT NORDSTROM

    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.

    Tilia

    Marc-Antoine Barrois
    Tilia
    $300
    $300 AT MARC-ANTOINE BARROIS

    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.

    Mood-Setting Candles

    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.

    Candle Discovery Set $75 Value

    Homecourt
    Candle Discovery Set
    $75
    $75 AT NORDSTROM

    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.

    Paris Nuit Candle

    Hotel Lobby Candle
    Paris Nuit Candle
    $58
    $58 AT NEIMAN MARCUS

    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.

    Splurge-Worthy Treats

    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.

    Laifen Mini · High-Speed Hair Dryer

    Laifen
    Mini High-Speed Hair Dryer
    $110
    $110 AT LAIFEN

    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.

    laifen purple toothbrush

    Laifen
    Wave Special
    $90
    $90 AT LAIFEN

    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 electric shaver

    Laifen
    P3 Pro 3-Blade Electric Shaver
    $180
    $180 AT LAIFEN

    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.

    Why Trust Marie Claire

    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.

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    Marie Claire Newsletter

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    Samantha Holender
    Samantha Holender
    Social Links Navigation
    Senior Beauty Editor

    Samantha Holender is the Senior Beauty Editor at Marie Claire, where she reports on the best new launches, dives into the science behind skincare, and shares the breakdown on the latest and greatest trends in the beauty space. She's studied up on every ingredient you'll find on INCI list and is constantly in search of the world's glowiest makeup products. She's constantly tracking the biggest nail and hair trends to pop up in the beauty space, going backstage during fashion weeks, tracking celebrity looks, and constantly talking to celebrity hair stylists, nail artists, and makeup artists. Prior to joining the team, she worked as Us Weekly’s Beauty and Style Editor, where she stayed on the pulse of pop culture and broke down celebrity beauty routines, hair transformations, and red carpet looks. Her words have also appeared on Popsugar, Makeup.com, Skincare.com, Delish.com, and Philadelphia Wedding. Samantha also serves as a board member for the American Society of Magazine Editors (ASME). She first joined the organization in 2018, when she worked as an editorial intern at Food Network Magazine and Pioneer Woman Magazine. Samantha has a degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from The George Washington University’s School of Media and Public Affairs. While at GWU, she was a founding member of the school’s HerCampus chapter and served as its President for four years. When she’s not deep in the beauty closet or swatching eyeshadows, you can find her obsessing over Real Housewives and all things Bravo. Keep up with her on Instagram @samholender.

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