Some say that Valentine’s Day is an over-dramatised, unnecessary excuse to make single gals feel the burn of loneliness, and to make couples spend their cash on cards, candles and crap. Well, here in the Onya beauty department, we respectfully (but thoroughly) disagree. How can you hate the day when it’s okay to make that bold, I-made-you-a-mixed-tape gesture to the hot guy on your morning tram? The day when everything from the froth on your cappuccino to the mash potato on your dinner plate is in the shape of a heart? And most importantly, the day when the sexy minx inside us all can come out for an unbounded (or bounded…depends what you’re into) night of passion and pleasure. Hats (and panties) off to you, St V – our annual reminder that love truly does exist – solo or shacked up.
Romance, Katie’s Way:
Pucker up and place strawberry kisses (eek, Nikki Webster flashback!) all over your man’s body with Kit’s ‘Had Me At Hello’ Lip Gloss ($19.95). He’ll enjoy the come-hither colour, and you’ll enjoy the tingly sensation (not there…yet) it leaves on your lips! Nothing like a good lippy to seduce a man, right ladies?
Brew a pot of love with Be Genki’s ‘Sensuality’ Herbal Tea ($20 for 40g). Specially made to send a warm fuzzy feeling throughout yours and your partner’s body, you’re guaranteed to be completely googly eyed (more so than usual) by the third sip.
Pre-romp tip: be as perky as a Playboy Bunny’s breasts with the aid of In Essence’s ‘Energy’ Pulse Point Roll-On ($19.95). Enliven the spirit (and unleash the minx) by dabbing a touch of this potion onto your temples, wrists, forehead… where ever takes your energetic fancy. You can also add a bit of energy to your bubble bath by removing the roll-on tip and pouring a few drops into the water.
Pamper your lover (and be pampered in return, of course!) with Be Genki’s ‘Sensuality’ Body Oil ($32). Gently work this light blend of lavender, ylang ylang, bergamot, melissa, jasmine and rose otto into every square inch of one another’s bodies, and feel the air in the room become thicker and thicker.
For a more earthy option, try Sunspirit Scentual Massage Oil. With a blend of sweet almond oil, bergamot, geranium, ylang ylang, rose and sandalwood, you’ll be sure to send one another to a state of unrivalled pleasure.
Kit’s Body and Massage Oil ($37.95), made from a heavenly blend of lavender, bergamot and rosewood, is equally “ooooo” inducing. Let’s just say that all three oil blends aid significantly in the exploration (and stimulation) of your lover’s body.
Now ladies, I’m about to share a foolproof, guaranteed-to-get-lucky tip with you, because that’s just the kind of selfless gal I am. So, after your romantic Valentine’s Day dinner of oysters and red wine, tip toe into the bedroom (whilst he’s doing the dishes), and scatter a few drops of In Essence Sandalwood Pure Essential Oil ($56.95) on the pillows and over the sheets. The strong aphrodisiac scent will drive him wild. You’re welcome!
If you’re not a big fan of sandalwood, try In Essence Ylang Ylang Pure Essential Oil ($24.95) instead, another scent with strong sensual aphrodisiac properties. If he’s not sensitive nosed, try a few drops of each to send that passion into overdrive.
Both In Essence essential oils, as well as Sunspirit Heaven Blend (a vitalising blend of bergamot, grapefruit, palmarosa, patchouli, rosemary and rosewood) can be used in an oil burner to set the mood to lovin’ in your bedroom.
At some stage of the night, I advise that you grab Lush’s ‘Love Birds’ Soap ($6.50) and get bubbly. It might be best to use this one before the action takes place (possibly during your romantic, candlelit bubble bath) as it is scented with some seriously knee-weakening essential oils. The combination of sensual jasmine and vanilla will not only stimulate your senses, but will also leave your skin oh-so touchable.
Relax, Holly’s Way:
Now, as Katie said, Valentine’s Day isn’t just for the ladies in love. Who says love has to involve another person? Take this night to dedicate a whole evening to unashamedly indulgent, luxurious self-loving. Single or not, we don’t do it enough, do we? And not all things from the sad single-stereotypes have to be left behind; take that cookie dough into the tub with you!
MOR Marshmallow Bathing Elixir ($49.95 for 500ml)
Start the evening off right with a long, hot, relaxing bubble bath. Turn off your phone (those emails can wait), light some candles – anything from Glasshouse will melt away your tension – and enjoy the moment. Apricot and hazelnut oils will deeply moisturise your skin, and the scents of vanilla musk, jasmine flower, sugar-dipped rose petals white carnation and cotton candy will help you sink just that bit deeper into the bubbles. Plus, the outstanding packaging will help you feel like you’re in a 5-star hotel. Luxe baby, luxe.
Maybe the self-loving can’t start until you do a little ex-boyfriend venting? LUSH has you covered with their “The Ex-Factor” bath bomb ($6.50). Rip his head off, crush him into little pieces and pummel his privates, then take a deep breath and relax into the now ylang ylang and vanilla scented hot water. Sounds like a beneficial way to remove some rage to me!
After your bath, envelop your skin in softness with Creamy Vanilla Body Butter from Kit ($24.95). Even if you’re the only one who will be feeling them, your skin will appreciate the big drink of shea butter, almond oil, vitamin E and cocoa butter.
Slip on something you wouldn’t normally wear to bed, say, that silk negliee. Doesn’t that feel better than the oversized, hole-ridden t-shirt you got from your 2002 rowing camp? Complete the transformation into goddess with InEssence’s Pulse Point Roll-On aromatherapy oils. Take your pick from Precious Perfume, or Relaxation – or choose both! Apply in circular motions to the wrists and temples.
Change your thinking with Sodashi’s Chakra Balance 4 Love ($50) which will cultivate love, both for ourselves and towards others. They say you can’t truly love another until you love yourself, right? A few drops of this applied to the sternum and balls of the feet and I suspect it won’t be long before you start attracting all kinds of kind-hearted hunks.
Create the mood for the entire house with a few aromatherapy oil burners around the place. My pick for oils would be Bloom Organics certified organic lavender essential oil ($20.00), known for its strong relaxation properties. Ylang Ylang burning will also help you relax, with an added sensual bonus.
Subtle Energies Ayurveda Aromatherapy Facial Oil ($78.10)
After a thorough cleanse, treat yourself to an indulgent face massage with this divine facial oil. Mogra, Sandalwood and Rose will balance you out, and those intoxicating scents combined with the steady and calming pressure of your fingers may just put you to sleep. Facial massage isn’t just about relaxtion, it also has fantastic physical benefits too. Steady, circular movements (from the centre of the face outwards, towards the glands) will increase circulation and flush out any toxins, making you glow while the oil will deeply hydrate. Rejuvenated skin and mood – double win!
Do I need to remind you that you don’t need a partner to enjoy Valentine’s Day? After all this, I hope not!
