As you all know Valentines Day is rapidly approaching and wether you are planning on wining and dining in a restaurant, or cooking up a storm with your best Gordon Ramsey impression, its important that you feel and look super sharp for the evening ahead. Here at The Gentleman Select, I’ve put together some and top grooming preparation ideas from the likes of SCRUBD and Aesop, to accessories from Debenhams Hammond & Co, all geared towards making sure you are looking and smelling super sharp this Valentines Day.
The Soap
I covered SCRUBD quite recently in The Gentleman Select and for me, their soap is something which still commands a strong place within my bathroom. Currently selling in the likes of Harvey Nichols, they have a cracking Soap Collection Gift Box out at the minute if the other half is looking for ideas. If this is your first date, do not fret, I throughly suggest you treat yourself to one of these amazing bars of soap, crafted using a mash up of old artisan methods and cutting edge techniques. Suitable for all skin types, I would go for the Charcoal & Black Pepper which will leave you fresh as a summer breeze when you jump out the shower.
The Eye Cream
Given that most of us reading this are based in the severely sun absent shores of Great Britain, it is likely that many of you like me will sporting some dark bags under your eyes. Not the ideal accessory for your big evening I’m sure you will agree. To help combat this i’ve found a great example in Aesops Anti-Oxidant Eye Cream. You only need the slightest amount to dab under your eyes and the copious amounts of vitamin E and C within go to work, nourishing that thinner layer of skin under your eyes to help you look and feel a lot fresher ahead of your fancy evening.
The Pocket Square
An essential for sprucing up any blazer or suit you might be wearing, the pocket square is the ideal finishing touch for your outfit. Ive picked out a couple from Debenhams Hammond & Co by Patrick Grant range which should tick all the boxes. They key here is although both have different patterns, they are very subtle so they will pair well with pretty much any colour and material. First up is the dark blue paisley pattern. Made from soft cotton, the design incorporates little bit of colour, copper, white and some lighter blues as I say all of which will add just smallest hint of a gentlemanly edge without being to loud in the process.
Our second choice of pocket square is again in a lovely soft, subtle cotton material with a slightly different pattern. The classic old polka dot. With a base colour of grey, dark blue dots and trimming, it is a great little item for wearing with a lighter colour blazer or suit and a crisp white shirt.
The Hat
Given we are still seeing some snowfall and its February, its likely this valentines day is still going to be a cold one. With this in mind, a good hat should do the trick to keep you both warm and looking sharp if you are out and about. Debenhams Hammond & Co have a fantastic range to choose from however the one which stood out for me is their houndstooth flat cap by Patrick Grant. Along with the lovely pattern, it has delightful light brown check across it and is finished off with some sharp royal blue, monogrammed lining. For me it also folds very conveniently so once you are indoors, you can pop to the bathroom for a quick fix of your hair and you are ready to go.
The Scent
Currently I’m going a bit Oud daft on the scent side of things and it looks like theres no chance of this letting up. I just find the aroma so complimentary to this time of year with its lovely warmth. There a lot of brands producing great scents at the minute but one of my favourites has to be Colonia Oud from Acqua di Parma. The spicy, woody notes of this fragrance really are incredible and with only the smallest of amounts, will last the entire course of the evening.
Valentines Day is certainly about going that little bit further in the effort you make, whether it be for an evening with your other half or a big first date you are keen to impress on, I’am sure these little accessories and grooming essentials will all help towards you having a wonderful evening and creating a lasting impression.
