It's Self-Love Season: Here are the Valentine's Day Gifts You Can't Miss!
Hello February!
This month has been insane to say the least. The constant terrifying and heartbreaking news cycle has been really getting to me, and making it harder to stay focused on the positives and daily joys in life. I’ve been trying to remind myself to just tune out more to protect my mental health and the energy surrounding me, and try to focus on all the things that I’m privileged to have and incredibly grateful for.
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and this year is all about self-love, whether you are partnered or single, so make sure you treat yourself and show yourself all the love you deserve. I rounded up some of the gifts of the season, and things that are helping me take care of myself in these crazy times.
Here are a few of my favorite self-care themed Valentine’s gifts you should add to your list!
5 Valentine's Day Gifts You Can't Miss!
Urban Decay Tube Job Mascara
I still love cluster lashes, but it seems the trend is fading and they may be going out of style, and personally the damage they have done to my natural lashes is very real. I just started using Urban Decay’s Tube Job Mascara, and let me tell you – they did their big one with these! The formula just glides on and leaves your lashes looking long and lush, without any of the damage that comes with lash extensions.
This mascara is perfect for your every day glam, and holds up all day without running or smudging.
The formula comes in black, brown, and a daring platinum blonde that would be perfect for a high fashion look. And paired with their 24/7 Liquid Stick liquid eyeliner which comes in all these colors, your eye makeup will be unstoppable.
And I never got over the Urban Decay 24/7 Glaze-On Shimmer Liquid Eyeshadow and All Nighter Setting Spray, so be sure to add those to cart when you get to shopping!
Viqure Lumirea Photofacial
I recently partnered with Viqure to review the Lumirea Photofacial Device, and this post isn’t sponsored - I just wanted to give an update after using it!
This tiny tool is a powerful and effective at-home light therapy tool designed to address multiple skin concerns commonly associated with aging. It uses a combination of 530-650 wavelength light (DPL) and 900-1800 wavelength light (NIR) to promote smoother, brighter, and more youthful-looking skin.
Unlike traditional LED devices that use a single wavelength, Lumirea’s dual-light approach targets different layers of the skin to support collagen production and cellular repair. This makes it more versatile—and potentially more effective—than cheaper at home devices.
With consistent use, this little thing will help address a variety of skin issues, like fine lines and wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dullness and texture irregularities, and improve overall skin vibrancy and resilience.
It is a little expensive, but if facials are in your budget regularly, you can skip those and this will be more than worth the investment. And you can use my code Malikah15 for 15% off the product!
Quince Cashmere and Silk
Stepping away from beauty for a minute, its freezing out there! And nothing says warm, cozy and luxury like a brand new cashmere sweater. I’ve been obsessed with Quince since I first got my husband one for Christmas.
I got their famous $50 cashmere sweater and to be honest was not impressed because it was super thin and you could completely see through it, so I did return that one. But I decided to try their heavier weight Fisherman Crewneck Sweater which was $99 and that was a world of difference. Obviously $50 is an amazing price for a cashmere sweater, but to me, it looked like a $50 sweater. The fisherman sweaters are $119 for the turtleneck and $99 for the crewneck, but they look like $300 or more, and they definitely give that quiet luxury look!
I love a cream turtleneck, but my makeup would never let me be great, so I got the turtleneck in black and the crewneck in cream. I also got coordinating washable silk skirts, the midi length was just $69.90 and the mini was $59.90 and I think these are some super cute and stylish winter looks.
Cecred Oil Ritual
Moving on to hair! If you have been following me for a while, you know I’m almost always in braids or a weave, but since September I decided to just give them and focus on the health of my hair and learning how to properly style and maintain it.
I ignored Cecred for a while since I truly thought it was all hype, but since I started regularly using the products after buying a bundle on sale, I have to say I am obsessed. My wash and style time is down to 2-3 hours start to finish for a silk press on my type 4 hair, and my strands feel hydrated the full 7-10 days between washes.
My hands down favorite product in the line is the Cecred Oil Ritual. I apply it to dry hair, sit under my steamer for about 20 minutes, then wash and deep condition. Not only do I love how this makes my hair look and feel, I love the ritual behind and the reminder to spend the extra time taking care of myself.
It is expensive, and I do use a lot of oil each time so it doesn’t last more than 4 or 5 washes, but for me and my healthy hair and length retention journey it is worth it!
Anecdote Candles
And the last thing on my list – you can’t have a self-care day without some candles, and my current favorite brand is Anecdote Candles. They are a small brand that designed candles inspired by trending moments and personal memories, all hand-poured in Brooklyn NY.
Bottomless Mimosas has been a long time favorite of mine for the bright citrus scent, and I also keep Mid-Century Modern and Pool Party in the rotation. I also grabbed a few travel sized tins of new scents I wanted to check out before committing to a full-size, and I highly recommend you take advantage of the lower prices on those to get to know which of these scents will be your fave!
What are you planning for Valentine’s Day?
3 Ways to Spend Valentine's Day and What to Wear for Each!
Did you know Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays? Other than having an excuse to get dressed up and eat candy, there is just something special about the spirit of love that’s in the air. Personally I think the holiday is just as fun if you are coupled up or single.
Whether you spend it with your significant other or group of besties, there are plenty of options for what to do, and of course what to wear.
Here are a few looks I love for whatever plans the holiday may bring!
Red Hot Date
If you’ve got an evening planned that calls for bombshell vibes, you can’t go wrong with a little red dress or bodycon number. Just make sure to wear a long coat and/or tights since it is still February and we don’t want anyone freezing!
For Girls Night Out (or in!)
If you and the squad are planning dinner or drinks out, go for something trendy and fun. I love a red on red ensemble, like a cozy sweater and slim fitting pants, or a fun jumpsuit or party dress.
Hosting at Home
There’s also nothing wrong with keeping it a low-key night at home! Whether you are alone catching up on Netflix, or having some friends over for a low-key get together, chic loungewear is always in order.
Valentine’s Day Looks I Love!
Love is in the air. Whether you may be single or in a serious relationship, Valentine’s Day is always a good time to show some love to the special people in your life. Plus it’s a great excuse to get all dolled up for a fun, romantic night out. Here are some of my favorite looks to celebrate the special day.
Slay in this sexy, sleek gown. The burgundy silk gown with front slit is simple, elegant and stunning. If dinner or dancing somewhere swanky is the plan, this dress will have you looking and feeling like the belle of the ball.
YFB Clothing Adele Dress
This twisted wrap front dress is perfect for a 70’s glam vibe. The shimmery fabric and deep v-neck are showstopping and the length is made for twirling around on the dance floor. Just keep things from spilling over with a bit of strategically applied fashion tape!
If you are going for a softer romantic vibe, you’ll love this off-the-shoulder dress with embroidered sleeves. The bold red is the perfect hue for Valentine’s Day, and the colorful details call to mind a beautiful, tropical vacation. Plus the silhouette is fun, unique, and universally flattering.
For the daring girls only. This bodycon bandage jumpsuit in hot red will show off your curves like nothing else. This is the option if you want to keep all eyes on you! This one of a kind style is best paired with simple, clean, shoes and accessories so let the jumpsuit do the talking!
When you gotta let them know! This trendy bomber will be a hit for a Galentine’s Night Out with your besties. Keep the boys away with the cheeky Heartbreaker graphic on the back of the jacket. With jeans, high heeled booties and a bold red lipstick you’ll be ready to, well, break hearts.
Party like a rock star in these standout vinyl jeans! The hot red hue just screams I’m with the band. Whether your plans are to go to a concert or cocktails at a hip new bar, these jeans will have you looking like you just walked off a stage. Keep the rest of the look simple with a basic tee and simple booties
Embrace your ballerina dreams with this fun, fluffy tulle skirt. The soft red color is edgier than pink and incredibly delicate and romantic. With a simple silk tank or classic white t-shirt you’ll be date night ready! If you are feeling a little more hipster, try it with sneakers instead of heels for an unexpected cool girl vibe.
I originally wrote this post in collaboration with Party Mean