Valentine’s Day gifts can leave a lasting reminder

A bouquet may be lovely, but floral-themed treats mean a longer-lasting Valentine’s gift. Katie Wright picks the best of the bunch.

Valentine’s Day gifts can leave a lasting reminder

THERE’S no denying that a dozen ravishing roses is a fabulous gift to receive on Valentine’s Day.

But once the blooms have wilted and the aroma faded, you’re left with just a memory of the romantic gesture.

Rose beauty treats, on the other hand, leave a lasting reminder of that special someone every time you use them.

From posy pink polishes to kissable lip colours and petal-infused perfumes, here are 12 floral finds to rival even the most spectacular bouquet...

CREAMS OF THE CROP

A lotion or moisturising oil makes an even more luxurious gift when it’s scented with the Queen of Flowers.

Aromatherapy Associates’ delectable body lotion is your guaranteed route to rose-infused relaxation. Slather the rich cream on daily to leave skin as soft as rose petals.

L’Occitane’s latest fragrance, Arlesienne, is centred around rose accords from the famous French Grasse region, enhanced by sweet violet and saffron.

The range’s Beauty Oil carries the delicate scent, while softening skin and adding gloss to hair.

Aromatherapy Associates Renewing Rose Body Cream, €40 (www.spaceNK.com, Dublin)

L’Occitane Arlesienne Beauty Oil, €26 (www. loccitane.com)

POLISHED PRESENTS

Nail varnish may not seem special enough for the most romantic day of the year, but choose from the top end of the market and you’ll find beautifully packaged pots that will delight any mani-addict.

As you’d expect from a French brand, Chanel nail polishes ooze style and sophistication. Try Phenix for a bold, edgy statement on Valentine’s day. Dermatologically tested.

Burberry, famous for their rain coats, promise to coat your nails in the latest colours. it comes with including antioxidant pro-vitamin B5 and myrrh extract to strengthen and condition your nails.

With spring in the air why not try subtle rose pink, pretty enough to sit on even the most decadent dressing table.

For a long-lasting polish look no further than Dior Vernis True colour.

Nail friendly and enriched with organic silicon, the high-gloss Majesty, a deep red rose colour, is sure to get you noticed.

Burberry Nail Polish, in Oxblood, €19

Chanel Le Vernis in Phenix, €23

Dior Vernis true colour, ultra-shiny, long wear, Majesty, €25

SMELLING LIKE ROSES

Fragrances based on the unforgettable aroma of rose are lush, feminine and will never go our of style.

The latest addition to the beloved Jo Malone line-up is Red Roses Cologne, a blend of no less than seven varieties of the heavenly floral, with a dash of lemon and hint of honeycomb.

Looking for a heady scent packed in a show-stopping bottle? Go no further than Diamonds Rose Eau de Toilette by Emporio Armani.

A top note of bergamot blends with raspberry and blackcurrant. But it’s the subtle scent of Bulgarian rose that’ll keep you coming back for more.

Arriving just in time for Valentine’s Day, Fleurs de Cerises Cherry Blossom L’Eau by L’Occitane is a citrusy scent that marries cherry blossoms with violet and rose petals. Spray it on first thing in the morning and enjoy the uplifting scent all day long.

Jo Malone Red Roses Cologne, €50 (www.brownthaoms.ie)

Emporio Armani, Diamonds Rose Eau de Toilette, €38

L’Occitane Fleurs de Cerises Cherry Blossom L’Eau, €41

KISSED BY A ROSE

The spring make-up collections are chock-full of pinkish complexion enhancers and pout perfectors, to emulate that first flush of love glow.

Case in point: Bobbi Brown’s Rose Shimmer Brick, a shimmering rosy rainbow that runs from raspberry to rosewood, finishing with a dash of pale gold highlighter.

Then there’s M&S’s Autograph marbled blusher, a pretty peachy-pink that looks like a blooming rose head too.

Chanel’s lip liner in Rose Delicat is the perfect base for petal-pink lipstick, while Origins’ new KissZing crayons deliver a subtle wash of colour and keep your lips kissably soft.

Bobbi Brown Rose Shimmer Brick, €42.50 (www.brownthomas.ie)

Autograph Pure Luxe Multi-Blusher, €17 (www.marksandspencer.ie)

Chanel Precision Lip Crayon in Rose Delicat, €21.50 (www.boots.ie)

Origins KissZing in ’Rosemance’, €19.50 (www.debenhams.ie)

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