A LOVE LETTER TO ROSE

Love is in the air. And what better way to celebrate Valentine’s than with the flower power of Rose. A bunch of these from a loved one is always a treat, though rose is a favourite in the beauty world, too.

When it comes to perfumes, rose petals are put through an intricate process to extract that opulent, feminine scent. Back when I was younger, I considered myself a budding perfumer and squished rose petals in water. Your scent, Madam.

Maybe not. Though my love of this fragrance has stayed with me. Rose has a lifting effect on my mood. I love not only what it symbolises – love, beauty and spoiling yourself – but also its powerful healing benefits. Rose is beauty’s magic potion as far as I’m concerned.

From helping to maintain the skin’s PH balance to its antioxidant properties, Rose has a wealth of beauty benefits. It’s also an astringent, and so rose water is great for cleansing your pores. And for those of us with irritated skin, it’s antibacterial properties means its kind and gentle, too.

So whatever you’re doing this Valentine’s Day – single, in a relationship, or it’s complicated – treat yourself to roses. You deserve it.

First up is Skin Design London with their Alpine Rose Glow (£105 for 50ml, available at skindesignlondon.com). This delicious, organic moisturiser is intense enough to hydrate even the most stressed complexions. I also find this works wonders for my pigmentation and calms down any redness. This is a star buy for more mature skin as it plumps and increases the skin’s elasticity. A bit on the pricey side, but totally worth the splurge.

Relax and unwind in an indulgent, gorgeous smelling bath. Ren’s Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil (£32 for 110ml, available at spacenk.co.uk) envelopes your senses and leaves your skin nourished and silky. It’s long been my favourite bath time treat. A small amount of this oil turns the water luxuriously milky while promoting the skin’s healing process.

Another fabulous pick me up is Melvita’s Organic Rose Beauty Mist (£8.45 for 50ml, available at easyparapharmacie.co.uk). Either add a quick spritz of this in the morning to set make-up, or at any time of the day when you want to freshen up. Its antioxidant properties leave your face feeling hydrating, as well as helping to combat signs of fine lines and aging.

One of my all-time favourite facemasks is Aromatherapy Associates Rose Hydrating Face Mask (£43 for 100ml, available from spacenk.com). I love that this product can be used as both a quick ten-minute hydration boost, or left on the skin overnight. For anyone with seriously dry, unhappy skin, this formula – packed full of aloe vera and damask rose water – is the perfect way to restore natural radiance.

Pixi’s Rose Oil Blend (£26 for 30ml, available at marksandspencer.com) is another great buy for dehydrated skin. I use both morning and night, massaging a few drops into clean, dry skin. With rosehip, jojoba, pomegranate seed and rose geranium, this oil feeds your complexion and leaves you with a glow.

For lips that need a bit of glamour, By Terry’s Baume de Rose Nutri-Couleur (£35.50 for 7ml, available at spacenk.co.uk) is a balm that comes in six, gorgeous smelling shades. From subtle sheens to bright pops of colour, this leaves my lips feeling like they’ve had a makeover. Containing rose flower essential wax as well as shea butter, this is your one-stop shop for kissable, Valentine’s lips.

Last up, I couldn’t not mention Byredo’s unbeatable rose perfumes. My favourites are Rose Noir and Rose of No Man’s Land (both £142 for 100ml, available at spacenk.com). A grand departure from my days of squashing rose petals at home, this is the ultimate gift for my grown-up self!

Whatever you’re doing tomorrow, I hope it’s filled with love and roses. LSx