“To Me, From Me” – A Valentine’s Day Gift Guide.

On what feels like the 74th day of January, I’ve decided that it’s time for a little “Treat Yo Self” style post. If you’re anything like me, you spent all of your hard earned cash on others over the Christmas season and now it’s time to give back – to ourselves. Every January for as long as I have been working, I’ve put aside approximately €50 of my wages to purchase a Valentine’s Day treat for myself. I love me, who do you love? This year, I’ve decided to post the list of gifts that I’ve narrowed it down to; in the hope that it will inspire you all to treat yourself to a little something. Go on, you deserve it.

Clarins “Joli Rouge Velvet” (742V) – €24 from Debenhams:

It wouldn’t be a Valentine’s inspired gift guide without a red lipstick, now would it? This offering from Clarins is one of my all time favourites and I’ve had the shade in my handbag for over a year now. The formula has a matte finish but genuinely feels lightweight on the lips. It’s not drying but it has an intense pigment with real lasting power. Every time I wear this, I get lots of compliments so I definitely recommend purchasing if red shades with blue undertones are your cup of tea.

Sass & Boho “No F**ks Given” Candle – £20 from Sass & Boho:

This candle from Sass & Boho is top of my personal wishlist so I think I’ll definitely be ordering one of these as soon as my wages come through. I moved into a new apartment a few weeks ago and I’ve become obsessed with home fragrance, even more than before. Sass & Boho are one of my favourite candle brands because their products are fantastic quality – they burn evenly, for approximately 50 hours and don’t lose their fragrance like lots of cheaper options on the market. They’re also an Irish company so if you treat yourself to one of their products, you’ll be supporting one of our own businesses. I haven’t tried the “No F**ks Given” scent yet but I love the sound of a masculine scent that is spicy with floral undertones. Plus, the packaging is so cool that I’ll reuse it as a make up brush holder. Practically making money.

Stila “Lingerie Soufflé Skin Perfecting Primer” – €32.95 from Cloud 10 Beauty:

I know nothing about this primer from Stila. It’s brand new to the market and boy, do I want to add it to my collection. I’m generally a fan of the Stila brand so when I saw the packaging, which is so beautiful, and heard that it’s a lightweight formula comprised of natural botanicals and over 70% water; I was drawn in. I’m hoping it will have a plumping and hydrating effect on the skin but will keep you updated after I get my hands on it.

IT Cosmetics “Confidence in a Cream” – £38 from Cult Beauty:

Some of you will already know that I’m fairly obsessed with IT Cosmetics’ “CC Cream”. Well, when I purchased it a few months ago, the sales assistant on the counter gave me a few decent sized samples of “Confidence in a Cream”. It’s safe to say that I fell in love and I’m dying to purchase the moisturiser once my January spending ban is behind me. The formula includes hyaluronic acid and collagen to help plump the skin and hydrate it. I definitely noticed an improvement when I was using the samples so I’m looking forward to getting my hands on a full size jar.

Lauryn Rose “Geometric Gold Disc Necklace” – €39 from Lauryn Rose:

If you were following the blog around Christmas time, you will know that I’m a huge fan of Lauryn Rose. They’re an online Irish jewellery store, selling beautiful, dainty pieces. I’m particularly fond of their “Geometric Collection” which they engraved for free with every order. I’ve ordered this particular necklace for myself, engraved with the number “23” (my lucky number). I also think it would be beautiful engraved with an initial of your choosing.

And there you have it, the extent of my February shopping list. If you know of anything that you think I should add, please let me know – I obviously intend to be broke in March too!

Rouge x