ROMANCE LANGUAGES
Our favorite ways to give... and receive.
Written by LENA RAFF
Illustrations by DONALD ROBERTSON
The theory of “Love Languages”—the idea that different personalities give and receive love in different ways—has become as much a part of the cultural zeitgeist as flowers and candy for Valentine’s Day.
So, in preparation for the most amorous day of the year, we’re putting a very VIOLET spin on these modes of expressing adoration and affection. Whether you’re shopping for an extremely special loved-one, dropping a hint, or showing yourself a good time, there's a little something for everyone—no matter their style.
Without further ado, meet The VIOLET GREY Love Languages.
SCENT APPEAL
Fragrance reigns supreme this time of year for a reason: There are some things you can only express in the extraordinarily evocative form of scent—the sense with a direct line to the areas of the brain that effect awareness, memory, and emotions. So, perhaps ask yourself, what are you trying to say? Or more importantly, how do you want them to feel?
For something undeniably indulgent, Perfumehead’s warm and sophisticated gourmand, La La Love, is at the top of our list. If turning heads is the name of the game, Opera Infernal from Fabbrica Della Musa—with energizing bergamot and rich praline—is sure to deliver.
Maybe an unorthodox choice is better suited? Go for heartbreak in a bottle: Madame Grey’s Pour Cheveux Strip-Tease. On the other side of the coin, Penhaligon's The Coveted Duchess Rose is delicate and wistful—quintessentially poetic.
MAGIC TOUCH
Intimacy embodied, skin contact is one of the most powerful paths to feeling connected to another human being. We like to encourage proper prep for getting up close and personal with skin-smoothing- and-conditioning powerhouses like MUTHA’s The Nudist Body Scrub and TRONQUE’S Triple Active Body Milk. And, when moving things to the bedroom, it’s always best to ensure the linens feel luxurious against bare skin. Slip’s Silk Pillowcase gets extra points for keeping hair soft and hydrated while you sleep, working wonders for next-day bedhead.
Planning something slightly more chaste, like holding hands or receiving a ring, perhaps? Turn to the Activating Hand Serum from Habelo for shockingly soft and radiant mains.
LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT
Pink and red—colors that signal arousal and passion—do have a way of making one feel romantic. Turn up the volume on this vibe with SAIE’s exclusive-to-VIOLET Dew Blush in Cherie for a skin-like sheer flush, or pair a flirty pink like Lip Suede Matte Lipstick in Petal from Westman Atelier with Fara Homidi’s Doux Smudge & Contour Lip Pencil for cushiony lips that will have them wondering if they’ve ever thought about anything other than kissing you.
OUR PLEASURE
The makings of an extremely fun evening? Kiki De Montparnasse’s Silk Blindfold, Nécessaire’s The Sex Gel (pleasantly slippy, not sticky), and a toy disguised as jewelry, Crave’s Vesper Vibrator. Might we suggest wearing the Vesper—or presenting it—at dinner, so you both have something to look forward to all night long.
SELF-LOVE
This is perhaps the most important and foundational of our Love Languages. We’re here to celebrate love in all of its forms, and while other amorous entanglements may come and go, you’ll have you forever and always. So, this Valentine’s season, we give you permission (not that you need any) to shower yourself with affection—and gifts.
A few of our favorite splurges for treating oneself include Altesse Studio’s Prestige Handmade Repair & Shine Brush, made by hand in France since 1875 with premium hair-enhancing boar bristles. For an impactful vanity upgrade, go for the beautiful Seymour Body Duo from Commune, or the always glamourous t3 Volumizing Hot Rollers Luxe Set.
Lastly, we'd be remiss, when speaking of splurges, if we didn’t mention the device that revolutionized at-home corrective skin care: the Lyma Laser. There’s much to say about it, but all you really need to know is this: It is worth it. And so are you.
