We know what girls like. We know what girls want. And those of us who are fancy-free and so very un-betrothed typically don’t like Valentine’s Day. But many of us do want gifts.
No matter how vehemently the more single—ahem, decidedly unattached—among us doth protest, it’s just no fun to be cupid’s reject. After all, when the parade of flower arrangements and boxes of gooey, pink-filled chocolates pile up in our coworkers’ cubicles, even the staunchest anti-Valentine’s Day gals can feel a little left out.
So we’ve vowed to spread the love to our single girlfriends. Call us commercial holiday saps, but we like the idea of giving thoughtful gifts to the ones we love most—and that especially applies to our besties.
This Valentine’s Day, we’ll be one-upping cupid with these beautiful, bright beauty buys. We can’t think of a single friend who wouldn’t absolutely welcome some gorgeous additions to her makeup bag or vanity table. These beauty finds are foolproof ways to make her smile and feel prettier. Consider them the antidote to the Valentine doldrums.
Say it with us: No single girl shall go ungifted this Valentine’s Day. (And if you’re a lady who loves herself something fierce, well, then what’s stopping you from treating yourself to some of these beauty essentials? You do love pretty things. And you do primp on a daily basis, so a little splurge on the tools of the trade makes perfect sense, right?)
1. Bliss in a Bottle: Clinique has long been selling happiness by the bottle, and this fruity-yet-spicy scent is sure to put a smile on her face—and last so much longer than a bouquet of flowers (and most relationships). Happy in Bloom, Clinique.
2. Here Comes the Sun: This organic conditioner is ideal for winter-ravaged hair and for ladies who prefer organic products. Plus, how can you not feel even an eency-weency bit sunnier when you squeeze this bright yellow bottle? Repair Treatment Conditioner, Alterna Hemp.
3. Pink Perfected: Why not celebrate the pinkest day of the year with this shimmery balm? The tube reminds us of a glow stick, and we were doubly excited to learn that it hydrates and protects from the sun. Ultimate Lip Care Protect & Shimmer SPF 12 in Rose, Jemma Kidd Make Up.
4. No Need for Tears: Perfect for the sensitive eye area and for your sensitive friend, this makeup remover dissolves even waterproof mascaras without being too harsh. Lash Injection Antidote, Too Faced.
5. One Hot Date: We typically only gift appliances (haircare or otherwise) at weddings, but we’ve decided to spread the love. We couldn’t resist this impossibly affordable, pretty-in-pink ceramic straightener. Sleek Nano Straightener, Vidal Sassoon.
6. Ripe for the Plucking: Let’s face it—tweezing can be a painful experience. But these posh, playful tweezers make the chore downright cheery. Agatha Ruiz De La Prada Slant Tweezers, Tweezerman.
7. Color Us Happy: Valentine-induced, single girl depression has met its match. Much like our kindergarten coloring book sessions, these POP polishes will add a healthy dose of play and whimsy to a day when boys chase us endlessly only to catch us, pull our ponytails and flee. Nail Polish in Yellow, Orange, Radioactive and Pinky, POP Beauty.
