Forget Flowers — This Is the Valentine’s List For Those Who Really Want to Fall in Love

Because lovers come and go. But good skin? Now that’s how you get in the mood.

Valentine’s Day seems to fall into two categories for most people: It's either an over-the-top circus-like day of worshipping romantic love while draining all of your savings, or a gagging-ly pink and red reminder of just how lonely you are.

But there's also a third category, a more sane category. Your third option is recognizing this day as a day to to celebrate love, friendship, and yourself! Love can take many forms, and this year love is in the air, your skin, your hair, everywhere, because this year we're celebrating with K-beauty!

When I think Valentine’s Day, I close my eyes and see roses, pretty pinks, rich reds, hearts, and luscious lips. With those images in mind let me show you Beautytap's Valentine's K-beauty picks for an unforgettable V-Day that'll last way beyond February.

Rose to the occasion

A dozen roses may be the ultimate symbol of Valentine’s, but honestly it's a little morbid. So what's Valentine’s Day without a dozen overpriced stems that are going to die in four days tops? An upgraded one. Trade a dozen roses for some of these rosy treats instead.

JayJun Rose Blossom Mask

This mask is beloved by so many that it makes sense to choose it as a perfect Valentine’s pick. The ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid and face hugging cupro fabric envelops your skin in moisture and juicy rosy goodness thanks to the inclusion of Rosa centifolia flower water. Maybe it's just my practicality in old age, but I would much rather have the power of rose on my face than a dozen sad reminders of life's fleeting presence on my counter.

JayJun Roselle Tea Eye Gel Patch

Here's another JayJun pick that's wildly popular right now and for good reason: They are little miracle workers when it comes to decreasing puffiness around the eyes. The little gel patches can be slipped on at any time throughout your day to soothe tired eyes and give a boost of hydration, but my favorite use for them is calming inflammation. Keep them in the fridge and show your eyes a little love with these beauties.

 

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Steambase Roseherb line

I super duper have my eye on this line, which uses spring thermal water and a variety of "roses" in their formula, and by that I mean rosemary, rose hip, and rose geranium. Thermal water is said to have superior healing properties and help reduce inflammation, as well as provide better hydration. For that alone I can't wait to try the Steambase Roseherb Build Up Cream, Build Up Serum, and Build Up Emulsion. There's even a Roseherb Build Up Toner if you want to go full throttle on this day of roses.

CELLNCO Rose Therapy Nutrient Boost Ampoule

If you like a little fermentation LINK with your rose, then this might be the product for you. CELLNCO Rose Therapy Nutrient Boost Ampoule contains rose oil, Rosa damascena flower water, and galactomyces ferment filtrate for a vitamin-packed hydration lovefest.

AZN Labs Afterglow Ampoule

Although this ampoule doesn't contain roses, it certainly sounds like it's going to deliver a complexion much like a dewy fresh rose petal! The new Afterglow Ampoule has me chomping at the bit to try its line-smoothing technology. Not only does the packaging look like the finest Valentine, it contains astaxanthin. If you're not familiar with astaxanthin, I have a feeling it's about to be a lot of people's new best friend. You've probably seen it and not even realized that this dark red carotenoid is found in the tissues and skin of salmon, lobster, and even flamingos!

OK, OK, but why do you care? Because it boasts an astounding 6,000 times more antioxidant power than vitamin C. Happy freakin' Valentine’s to my skin indeed. This ampoule looks like it's going to give you a rosy glow that has previously only been seen in the bedroom nudge nudge wink wink. Not to mention immense protection from free radical damage, which leads to premature aging. So sign me up and seal it with a kiss because I want this stuff all over me come February 14th!

Hera Rosy-Satin Cream

I've saved the rosy-best for rosy-last. OK, watch this commercial and tell me you're not daydreaming of slathering this all over yourself while popping high-end chocolates in your mouth and sipping champagne like the bad bitch you know you are.

This cream is L-U-X-E, and I am here for it. The shea butter and Damask rose oil make your complexion cast a glow and feel like a dewy moist dream. If you're into creams with a luxurious feel like I am, you're going to love this one. It's what I call an "experience cream" because you're getting a wonderful experience each time you use it. It's really the absolute perfect way to get into the Valentine’s mood.

Blush away!

Etude House Two Tone Treatment Hair Color

Are you so into the whole V-day aesthetic that you really want to go all in? Personally, I am so into pink and reds right now that it's taking over all aspects of my clothing, makeup, and even furniture choices, so I am all about this time of year! Show your love of the season in a semi-permanent way with a week of Spicy Red or Pale Pink hair! Slap a bow on yourself and let your crush know their Valentine's Day present has arrived.

PRPL Kiss & Heart Cushion

If you're a utilitarian no-nonsense type, you might be shocked to learn that these adorably cute cushions are right up your alley. The cover of this cushion looks like a simple Valentine, but inside you'll find everything you need for a no-fuss but all-out-cute makeup look! There's a BB cushion as well as a trio of glosses (that can also be used as a wash of blush) inside. I'd personally slip this in my “walk of shame” bag to prepare myself for February 15th, if you know what I mean.

Pucker up

More than any other holiday, Valentine’s really focuses on the lips. Whether you're single and looking, partnered up, or perfectly content on your own, a fun, sexy lip is a great way to give a nod to this love-fueled holiday.

meloMELI Cotton Shot Lip Tint Season 2

I'm a big fan of the original meloMeli Cotton Shot Lip Tints (Moongirl Orange was my jam), which have a really unique blotted “dry” formula that gives a cottony look to the lips without being drying. But the three new color choices for Season 2 look awesome, too. There's Twiggy Honey Beige, which would pair perfectly with a dramatic smoky eye. Punching Pucia Pink looks peppy and fun, while Kissing Tomato Red broadcasts a frequency that practically screams “omg can you imagine how good it would feel to kiss these lips!”

PRPL Dual Tint Balm

If you do plan on spending the day making out, maybe PRPL Dual Tint Balm is what you need. With one side being a super hydrating vegetable oil-based balm and the other a long lasting tint, this product is essentially a must-have for hot and heavy Feb. 14th lip action.

meloMELI Matte x Heart On The Lips

Things are goin’ good, the night is ramping up, we've almost reached peak V-day, so let's wrap this all up with a big heart on — A Heart On The Lips! I've tried these soft matte creamy lipsticks, and I absolutely loved them! They give a perfect yet comfortable matte lip, which is a pretty wondrous achievement on its own, but they also come in THE perfect red shades. There's a red for everybody in this line. I personally love Finn, Rae, and Chloe. If you love a dramatic red lip like I do, you'll want to snap up every one of these romantic hues. What better way to celebrate love — and yourself!

Do you love or hate the holiday? What are some of your Valentine's K-beauty picks? Let’s hash it out in the comments!