Galentine’s Day is right around the corner, and there’s no better time than now to start shopping for the special ladies in your life! In my opinion, there’s nothing better than receiving a self‑care bag (or basket) from my bestie during the annual holiday celebrated on February 13 to honor the joy of female friendship and the women who lift us up.
It’s a subtle way of saying I see you, love you, and I want to pour into you just as much as you do for me. It doesn’t have to be filled with expensive finds, but things that truly work. As I like to think, if it’s good for me, it’s good for my bestie!
Over the last few months, I’ve been trying out a boatload of products, and I can confidently recommend the following skincare, makeup, and fragrance finds that have become staples on my dresser. I hope this makes your shopping experience less stressful!
Skincare
BeautyStat | Universal Triple Action Daily Peel
I try not to physically exfoliate my face (no micro-tears for me, thank you), so I usually reach for peel pads. The Universal Triple Action Daily Peel from BeautyStat has quickly become a favorite. I use them at night and wake up with the glowiest skin ever. I often get compliments before I’ve moisturized.
Keys Soulcare | Golden Cleanser & Keys Soulcare | Skin Transformation Cream
Keys Soulcare has it going on! Of all their products, two of my standouts are the Golden Cleanser and the Skin Transformation Cream. The cleanser removes dirt and makeup without stripping my skin thanks to ingredients like glycerin, manuka honey, and chamomile. Paired with the cream, my skin feels nourished and balanced every single time.
The Skin Transformation Cream feels amazing on my skin. The moisturizer includes ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, malachite, and bakuchiol, which work together to provide all-day hydration, help plump the look of skin, and improve the appearance of skin’s tone and texture.
GrandeLASH | Sensitive Lash Serum
I don’t know if I’m gaslighting myself or if my lashes are really growing, but I swear I’ve seen a difference since using this serum. The only caveat: avoid getting it in your eyes — it stings.
Versed | Mood Lighting Luminizing Glow Drops
When my skin looks a little dull, I turn to these drops for an instant glow boost. They’re subtle but noticeable, with polyglutamic acid (which holds 4,000x its weight in water), blackberry extract for antioxidants, and vitamin E for moisture. It’s skincare that doubles as a soft highlighter.
Makeup
tarte™ x Dunkin’ | Maracuja Juicy Shimmer Glass Lip Plump
Plump, plump, plump it up! For juicy, kissable-looking lips, I’ve been obsessed with this collab. The packaging is cute, the shimmer is playful, and it’s basically everything I want in a lip product.
Westmore Beauty | Lasting Effects Soft Glide Eyeliners
I don’t often wear eyeliner, but when I do, it’s this one. Once applied, it doesn’t budge — perfect for long days when I still want to look put-together from day to night.
Maybelline | Super Lock Brow Gel
Whether I’m hopping on a Zoom meeting or running errands, this brow gel has me covered. It locks brows in place and holds up to face-touching without fraying. Perfection in a tube.
Polite Society | Highlight Society Powder Gloss Highlighter
If you haven’t noticed yet, I’m all about the glow—head to toe. One of my ultimate go-tos has been the Highlight Society Powder Gloss Highlighter because it strikes the perfect balance between bold and subtle. The formula is buildable, never leaving that frosty, artificial look. Just a luminous sheen that melts right into the skin, thanks to Yarrow Flower and Vitamin E.
Body Care + Fragrance
Cyklar | Vanilla Verve Sensorial Body Wash
This body wash leaves my skin smelling amazing and feeling soft and warm, too. It’s oil-infused and makes my skin feel silky, though it can leave the tub a little slippery if not emulsified properly. Vanilla Verve (a spicy, woody vanilla) is my favorite scent in the collection — but I’m excited to try Crescent next.
Soft Service | Buffing Bar in Affogato L’Orange
You know what they say, beauty is pain. The original bar may be too sensitive for skin, but this one is perfect and far less abrasive. It buffs away buildup, prevents ingrown hair, and leaves my skin glowing. As a bonus, the L’Orange scent is divine: bold espresso, vanilla-coconut cream, and a twist of Italian citrus. Ciao bella!
Guess Travel Stories KYOTO Hair & Body Mist
KYOTO is a floral amber scent that strikes the perfect balance of romantic and softly sweet. Cherry blossom and magnolia swirl with whipped cream for a dreamy finish. On days when I want something fruitier, I layer it with Oakcha’s Strawberry Sensation — the combo is chef’s kiss.
