Hey Single Ladies! Pamper Yourself With Roses for Valentine’s Day

OK, so I’m not single now. But I have been single. And I know that that sinking feeling when you leave school or work and no one ever left a bouquet of flowers on your desk. Fuck ’em. You should be your own Valentine. After all, self care and self love is the first step to radiating such beauty and happiness that your true love spots you and decides to introduce him or herself. So let’s do with with some rose beauty products, loveen. (That’s what my Swiss friend calls me and I’m not totally sure where it comes from, but I like it.)

I’m not talking about giving yourself a bouquet (though you could!) but using the potent properties of roses to make you feel like a young, glowing princess.

Did you know the Chippewas, Pawnees, Flathead and Chayenne tribes all used roses to treat various maladies? According to Organic Authority, rose essential oil is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory (great for treating acne or redness), contains antioxidants that might even help protect against sunburn, is a natural astringent that calms and soothes the skin without leaving it dry as alcohol does, and calms the mind with its scent (it’s commonly used in Ayurvedic practice for that purpose).

So, treating yourself to rose beauty products isn’t just a twee thing for Valentine’s Day – it’s a real way to get yourself glow-y all year round.

I rounded up a passel of rose-based, non-toxic beauty products to stock up on before this national day of celebrating love. Just be aware that pure rose essential oil is every expensive, so some of the products listed are pricey. Check out the ingredient list to make sure it’s up to your standards!

From the left:

Osmia Organics Linden Rose Hand Cream: Organic linden blossom CO2 extract is combined with organic, Bulgarian rose otto essential oil (one of the most precious, therapeutic, and expensive essential oils in aromatherapy), leaving your hands smelling faintly of honey and rose petals, and softened, but not greasy.

One Love Rose Clay Konjac Sponge: Made with 100% pure konjac plant fiber, prized for its ability to detoxify pores and smooth skin while buffing away dirt and makeup. Soft yet exfoliating, The Cleansing Sponge is ideal for everyday use on even the most sensitive skin. The rose clay heart is perfect for rosacea, sensitive, mature, and dry skin.

Olivine Love + Roses Beauty Mist: Picked during only the morning dew, it takes tens of thousands of rose petals to make just one ounce of the rose oil used in this beauty mist. It will refine and renew skin at a cellular level, help to lower cortisol levels, ease depression and anxiety, and is a scientifically-proven aphrodisiac.

Éminence Rosehip Triple C+E Firming Oil: This new product is packed with rosehip oil (rich in Vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene and essential fatty acids), jojoba oil, seabuckthorn oil (a superfruit with powerful antioxidants, vitamins and essential fatty acids), rosemary leaf extract, and milk thistle (contains silymarin, a polyphenol to help maintain hydration in skin and prevent signs of aging), this facial oil fights the signs of aging, smooths wrinkles and hydrates deeply.

Dr. Hauschka Rose Nurturing Body Cream: Organic shea butter, almond and jojoba oils absorb into skin, boosting its suppleness while rose petals and essential oils prevent dryness and support the natural barrier function of your skin. (PS. There’s a body oil version of this, too, if that’s your thing.)

Mun No. 1 Aknari Brightening Youth Serum: I’ve been following this new brand for a few months now, and I’m excited to share it with you! Formulated with clinically proven ingredients, it reduces the appearance of fine lines, prevents premature wrinkle formation, visibly brightens dark under-eye circles, counteracts sun damage and nourishes, revitalizes, softens and smoothes your skin. Prickly Pear Seed Oil is one of the rarest plant oils in the world and is exceptionally rich in Omega-6 Fatty Acids and Vitamin E, a natural antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals. Plus there is Argan Oil and Bulgarian Rose Essential Oil, which gives it a pretty scent, aids absorption, and provides a bright, silky and even-toned complexion.

Lovefresh Morrocan Rose Deodorant Stick: OK, but seriously, a deodorant that smells like roses! It contains only fair trade shea butter, coconut oil, kaolin clay, sodium bicarbonate (aluminum-free), emulsifying wax (coconut derived) and natural organic essential oils.

HAN SCC Moisturizing Lip Gloss in Pretty Cool Pink: Concentrated with antioxidant rich argan and acai oil to hydrate and treat lips with its high Vitamin E content, and infused with anti-aging super-fruit extracts and vitamins. All the pink colors of HAN’s lipglosses are in part derived from crushed rose petals!

Flynn & King Buff Facial Exfoliant and Face Mask: A trio of cleansing clays works to unclog and tighten pores, while organic coconut water, rose petals and organic oils keep skin supple and hydrated.

Laxmi Rose Water Regenerating Mist: With skin-balancing Moroccan Rose Water and pore-tightening Kigelia Africana, this elixir will help ensure a smooth, healthy complexion. And, per Laxmi’s policy, these ingredients are sourced in a way that producers earn at least three times local average wages. 

de Mamiel Rosey Lip Balm: Made with skin-softening ingredients such as calendula oil to heal cuts, sores and dryness; evening primrose oil to moisturize, and monoi oil to nourish and protect. Rose oil makes it smell sweet!

Kypris Beauty Elixir 1,000 Roses: Contains scientifically established nutrients, botanical extracts, and the essential oil of 1,000 organic Bulgarian roses, to repair environmental damage and deliver dewy, glowing, rose-petal-soft skin. Especially good if you have skin damaged by time, hormones, or pollution.

Osmia Organics Milky Rose Soap: Organic rose petals top this pretty bar. The organic buttermilk powder contributes to a rich, creamy lather, making this a luxurious soap bar to cleanse your soft skin with. (Note that this does not contain rose essential oil, which Osmia explains beautifully why not here.)