February has arrived. We’re finally past the dreariness of January and heading full steam ahead into a new month that celebrates falling in love — whether that’s with a new romance, a new movie or book, or, for many of us here at Refinery29, new fashion and beauty products.
And there’s something for everyone. For those searching for a new edition for their handbag collections, there’s not one but two launches we have our their eyes on. Plus, skincare lovers can indulge in a serum that has been 10 years in the making. From hair oils by the legendary Sam McKnight to Simone Rocha’s Valentine’s Day collection, click through to discover everything that is on our radar this February…
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Simone Rocha Launches ‘The Valentine Bag’
Straight off the back of a hugely successful Couture Week collection with Jean Paul Gaultier, Simone Rocha is launching sweet treats for Valentine’s Day. The Irish designer is bringing love in the form of a top-handle Valentine bag featuring the brand’s signature floral pearls. Available in two sizes, the handcrafted leather bags come in four different colourways, including classic cream and baby pink, alongside moodier iterations like oxblood and jet black. Each bag comes with two customisations: a crystal beaded charm (complete with the designer’s synonymous bow) or a pearl crossbody strap. Happy Love Day, indeed.
Shop at Simone Rocha and in stores
Simone Rocha Mini Valentine Bag, $, available at Simone RochaPhoto Courtesy of Simone Rocha.
Hair by Sam McKnight Launches Love Me Do Nourishing Oil
When we think about some of the world’s most famous faces, such as Princess Diana, Kate Moss and Lady Gaga, one thing they all have in common is their hairstylist: Sam McKnight. A legend in his own right, McKnight has been behind some of the most iconic, high-profile magazine covers and runway looks. Now, his namesake brand is launching a “foolproof” hair oil that’s perfect for the dry, winter season. The serum-oil hybrid includes three seed oils for extra nourishment and deep, penetrating conditioning so your hair can wave goodbye to flyaways and welcome in weightless shine.
Shop at sammcknight.com, Space NK and Cult Beauty
Hair By Sam McKnight Love Me Do Nourishing Oil, $, available at Cult BeautyPhoto Courtesy of Sam McKnight.
Coachtopia Friends Product Drop
February may be synonymous with romance, but Coach’s sister line, Coachtopia, aims to celebrate friendship this Love Month with the launch of their Friends collection. Designed by Coachtopia beta community member Sabrina Lau, the capsule toasts to the importance of BFFs via a range of ready-to-wear and accessories. For those looking for heart-adorned pieces, don’t fret: The collection includes a selection of graphic tees, hoodies, and even a puffy lime heart skirt. Another highlight is a range of handbags designed by Marissa Crider of Offbeat Sweet constructed from post-consumer waste.
Shop at Coach from February 1stPhoto Courtesy of Coach.
La Roche-Posay Launches Mela B3 Serum
French pharmacies are known for their gentle but effective ingredients, and La Roche-Posay is perhaps the most recognisable of the bunch. For winter, the brand launched an anti-hyperpigmentation serum that aims to correct the appearance of dark spots (even if they’re longstanding) and skin unevenness. Working alongside well-known skin saviours such as niacinamide, retinol and hyaluronic acid is Melasyl™, a new, multi-patented ingredient described as an active “melanin trapper”. The powerful yet lightweight serum brightens the most stubborn dark spots while maintaining the ever-important skin barrier. Expect visible results in just 12 weeks.
Shop at La Roche-Posay, Boots and Look Fantastic from February 5thPhoto Courtesy of La Roche-Posay.
Veronica Beard Debuts Handbags
Known best for its dickey jackets and classically cool denim, New York-based fashion brand Veronica Beard is expanding its offering with the introduction of handbags. Having forayed into footwear in 2017, the brand’s newest non-apparel launch includes seven silhouettes in a range of sizes, colours and fabrics such as leather, canvas and raffia. The standout design, the Goody Bag, boasts a drawstring top handle and three distinct colourways (including an eye-catching olive green). It is designed as a practical addition to any wardrobe as it can be worn as a crossbody or shoulder bag. “When we started designing handbags, we thought a lot about what would complement our customer’s lifestyle. We want to give her the dream handbag, crafted with luxurious materials and finishes, a bag that is chic, timeless, and versatile,” cofounder Veronica Miele Beard said in a press release.
Shop at Veronica Beard from 3pm GMT, 1st FebruaryPhoto Courtesy of Veronica Beard.
L’Oréal Paris Launches Panoramic Mascara
If the eyes are the window to the soul, then our eyelashes act as very important curtains. While some may say that all mascaras are created equal, we know that a big, fluffy brush is the only way to build an elite eyelash and L’Oréal Paris often has some of the best affordable options in the game. Dubbed its biggest makeup launch of the year, the brand is changing the lash game with the new Panoramic Mascara by Volume Million Lashes. For those looking for a pumped-up lash look, the mascara uses a new multi-level bristle brush that makes lashes look 1.4 times bigger. No lash is left unturned as the brush is engineered to catch every individual lash (including the pesky corner pieces), and the mascara is made with a clump-free formula that’s buildable for both a subtle or statement eye.
Shop at L’Oreal Paris, Boots and Superdrug
L’Oreal Paris Volume Million Lashes Panorama Mascara Black, $, available at Boots
Rathbornes Dublin Dusk Scented Luxury Candle
This candle isn’t new — in fact the Dublin-based company dates back to 1488!! — but they are 1000% worth a shoutout. The weighty pieces look like stunning centrepieces, the scents are subtle but robust (my fave, Dublin Dusk, has notes of oud, cedar and ginger) and they last way longer than a typical Bachelor relationship. (P.S. That long burn time is partially due to a two-day pouring technique.) I’ll take 100, please.
Shop at Rathbornes
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