I Asked Editors to Share Their Valentine's Day Starter Packs—37 Chic Substitutes for Flowers and Chocolate

I have, and always will be, a huge proponent of daily journaling. It's why I have multiple ink-scrawled notebooks in my possession. However, some days are just too busy for me to pen a full page. When that happens, I love reaching for my gratitude journal. It takes five seconds to fill out, yet I know it makes a difference. It's grounding, calming, and makes me feel more positive throughout the day and more grateful before I go to sleep. It's my little anti-stress secret.

I've written about this lipstick so many times, but honestly, it never feels like enough. I'm convinced it's the best red lipstick that I'll ever have in my collection. The pigment is so vivid, the texture is so creamy, and the matte finish is like plush velvet. Don't get me wrong. At $86, it's certainly an investment, but if you crave the perfect French-girl red lipstick, it's worth it.

"What's chicer than matching your nail polish to your lipstick?"

I've been loving Tocca perfumes lately. With garden-inspired scents and decadent glass bottles inspired by antique crystal decanters, they feel like little love notes sent straight from the Italian Renaissance. This one, Lucia, is sweeter and softer than what I normally prefer, but I can't stop wearing it. Notes of sunlit lemon, woody vetiver, and lush fig evoke the Italian tradition of dolce far niente, the art of slow living.

As a beauty editor, this candle sparks so much joy for me. The fine bisque porcelain vessel is adorned with sculpted lips, and once the candle inside is burned, it transforms into a keepsake. I, for one, can't wait to keep my makeup brushes in it. Meanwhile, the candle itself is made of paraffin wax blended with 100% natural oils and essences. It's fragranced with sexy notes of cognac, coriander seed, red currants, plum, rose, jasmine, and leather.

I recently wrote about my experience with ear seeding—a traditional Chinese medicine practice that can help manage stress, boost mood, and even offer indirect skin benefits (yes, really). I've been wearing them nonstop ever since, and I swear they help me feel calmer, cooler, and more collected throughout the day. My ear seeds of choice are from Moon Rabbit. They're so chic (they look like little piercings), and they come with a handy placement guide. They're the perfect wellness-focused Valentine's Day treat.

"There's no better time to read or reread Wuthering Heights before the new movie adaptation comes out. Classic romance novels hit different in February.

"I'm obsessed with curating the perfect olfactory experience for my space, and Diptyque's Rose Scented Classic Candle has been one of my favorite ways to achieve an addictive floral freshness. One of the brand's most beloved products, this candle smells exactly like freshly picked roses covered in one of the last forests of winter. The classic scent is now available in a stunning limited-edition porcelain vessel designed by Constantin Riant that resembles porcelain and Toile de Jouy."

"While I usually gravitate toward light, aromatic floral scents with skin-like warmth brimming just below the surface, lately I've been into gourmand fragrances for late winter. Valentine's Day offers the perfect opportunity to lean heavily into gourmand options like Maison Louis Marie's Fleur de Vanille Hair and Body, which combines mouthwatering notes of raspberry, cyclamen flower, and vanilla blossom with cashmere musk and smoked birch."

"This will be the year I give up my trustworthy protective styles (namely, knotless goddess braids) to perfect my silk presses before temperatures start to rise again in the Pacific Northwest by June. To help me pull off the full, bouncy, '90s-blowout look, I have my eyes on this aesthetically pleasing and easy-to-use hair roller and clip set. It includes six extra-large metal rollers and sectioning clips to create voluminous, long-lasting styles and a salon-like finish in minutes by targeting limp roots and frizz."

"I completely blew through my first bottle of this sweet dream–inducing sleep spray, and I can't wait to get my hands on more. I've been using this as a linen spray for bedding or sleepwear between washes to refresh fabric, as a wrinkle release spray to keep your fabrics looking smooth, and as part of my nighttime routine to help me wind down. Its velvety composition opens with notes of bright bergamot and warmed with lavender on top of a blend of soft florals and warm woods."

"Allow me to confirm: Olehenriksen’s Pout Preserve really is worth the hype. The formula is ultra nourishing (so much so that I use the unflavored version as a nighttime lip mask!), the subtle tints work with any lip combo, and the flavors are beyond divine. This just-launched iteration, with an addictive gourmand twist and rosy-mauve pigment, has quickly become my favorite pick, and it’s practically begging to be worn on Valentine’s Day."

"I know countless celebrities and content creators swear by Repetto’s Camille pumps, but it’s somehow taken me until now to officially make the investment. Apparently, they’re the most comfortable everyday shoes you could buy (says someone on my IG feed who wore them for eight plus hours around Italy), and they’re versatile enough to pair with tights or socks during winter. I figured now’s the perfect time to bite, especially when I clocked them in this vampy wine hue."

"Red nails certainly scream V-Day, but I think babydoll-pink looks just as cute. This Celisse polish has a natural sheen to it that looks glowy sans topcoat, but I recommend snagging the full set (topcoat, nail file, buffer, and cuticle oil) for all your healthy-nail needs. Why not show your nails some extra love?"

"Dior lip glosses are expensive but so, so worth it in my opinion. The extremely satisfying doe foot applicator alone is enough to keep me repurchasing, but it's also the perfect juicy topper over a lip liner."

"I'm so happy there are now mini versions of Patrick Ta's viral blushes. I apply the cream blush over the powder as Patrick Ta recommends, and it stays for hours."

"I'm just picturing these red shades paired with a glossy, cherry red lip."

"This burgundy makeup case is perfect for housing your daily makeup routine."

"This is perfect for the gorgeous bouquet they're inevitably going to buy you..."

"If you see me wearing this striped robe in meetings, no you didn't."

"Some might say a red lip is too on theme for Valentine's Day, but I strongly disagree. Plus, it doesn't get chicer than this Hermès lipstick. Fun fact: The signature refillable and color-blocked tubes were designed by fashion designer Pierre Hardy."

"If I'm wearing makeup, it's pretty much a guarantee that Merit's cult-loved Flush Balm is on my face. The shade Rouge (the prettiest sheer wash of red) feels so on theme for Valentine's Day, and naturally, I'm obsessed."

"I would quite literally stock every single product from Truly in my bathroom if I had the space. I love the Glazed Donut collection, in particular (the smell is so effing yummy), and this post-shave lotion never fail to give me glowing and smooth skin with nary a bump or ingrown in sight."

"Byredo's Casablanca Lily is part of the brand's highly concentrated Night Veils collection. The brand says it evokes mystery, sensuality, and nocturnal beauty. Its notes of plum, gardenia, carnation, Indian tuberose, rosewood, and honey 'gradually unveil themselves like petals unfolding in the stillness of night.'"

"How cool is the apothecary-like packaging of Kindred Black's collection of slow beauty products? Environmentally focused, the brand makes natural, artisan skincare, cosmetics, and botanical perfumes (plus other goodies for your vanity and home) sans plastic. Start with this ultra-reparative lip treatment, which not only cures chapped lips practically instantaneously but also delivers the prettiest glossy shine."

"I have this bralette in every color. I kid you not. It's pretty, super comfy, and affordable."

"Taunt is my favorite DedCool scent, and this candle is a lot of fun. I think that's all I need to say!"

"I've been using Fur Oil for years, and I always end up with an empty bottle. This is an especially great gift for anyone who struggles with ingrown hairs post-shaving. I love earthy scents, and this oil can easily replace my need for a perfume without it being too overwhelming. Adding this to any self-care day can easily create a more luxurious vibe."

"If you're like me, a little TLC on Valentine's Day will never do you wrong. I've been using this hair mask as a replacement for conditioner when I want a treatment that's extra hydrating, and my curls soak it right up. It'll leave hair feeling soft, looking shiny, and smelling amazing."

"I'll admit it: A good manicure can literally transform my mood. These days, I'm less likely to go to the actual salon since there are a lot of high-quality press-ons available for more than half the cost. These are one of my favorite styles from Chillhouse. They're super chic and last me about two weeks."

"These are by far one of my favorite pieces of recovery tech. I've used these on several occasions, and the relief they give my legs is next level. These have seven compression levels and use dynamic air compression to leave legs feeling refreshed. They're not cheap by any means, but trust me when I say they're worth it."

"I first came across this pick from P.F. Candle a few years back, and it's been my favorite scent for my room ever since. The top notes consist of orange and leather. The middle notes: black tea, pepper, tobacco leaf. And the base is a mix of sandalwood, teak, patchouli, musk, and amber. Together they create the perfect blend of earthy and woody that's fitting year-round."

"I can't recommend this gift enough. Whenever I have family or friends over and want to skip the small talk and catch-ups, we dive into this game. It's all about getting vulnerable and connecting with each other with the help of question cards. You can play with one other person or a whole group. There's also a couples expansion pack!"