LOVE THY SELF: V-Day Gift Guide

Romance for One. <3

Each Valentine’s Day we are smothered with facades of “romance” – roses gently placed along hallways, heart-shaped boxes of chocolate, giant teddy bears, oh and we can’t forget those cheesy Instagram captions about “the one”. For years, society has told that this is what love is…this equals true romance! And while HOKU is certainly an advocate for all things love, we also want to be real with you guys. Love doesn’t need to be extravagant and it most certainly does not have to be validated by a relationship. Love comes from within, and there is nothing more important than the love you have for yourself.

So, in light of the most “love-filled” holiday of the year, HOKU is breaking stereotypes to offer you a gift guide that revolves around the truest love you will ever experience, self-love. It’s time to indulge in the art of self-love, self-appreciation, and self-desire --- because nothing feels better than treating yo’ damn self. We’ve hand-picked a series of our favorite heart-stopping sustainable products made to make you feel a little more ethereal than you already are.

So, go ahead, indulge. You deserve it.

AXIology Evil-Free Lipstick
in Clarity

Ahhh, the coveted bold lip. No outfit is complete without a complimentary chic and unparalleled lipstick. With the Clarity Lipstick by Axiology your lips will ready to pucker up and break some hearts! This 100% cruelty-free + all-natural lipstick is ultimate go-to for that high-impact red carpet pout or that subtle just-kissed stain. Versatile and conscious, Clarity’s subtle yet illustrious dusty rose shade is HOKU’s choice to take on any day.

7 Virtues Vanilla Woods Eau de
Parfum Rollerball

Ladies, never make the mistake of forgetting your fav fragrance ever again! This Vanilla Woods Eau de Parfum Rollerball by The 7 Virtues has completely captured our hearts (you could say it was love at first smell!). If Heaven had a smell, this would be it -- made with a sweet and seducing blend of caramel, vanilla, rose and pear, this organic, fair trade essential oil will help to alleviate stress with one spritz. Ethically sourced in Madagascar and free of phthalates, parabens, sulfates, and formaldehyde, there’s no question that we’re in the middle of falling madly in love with this product!

Ettitude Bamboo Lyocell
Eye Mask

Cupid really did a number on us with this one! With self-love comes taking care of your body and lots of beauty sleep! Having a good night’s rest helps to brighten your complexion, counteract eye puffiness and helps prevent wrinkles! That said, we’re head over heels for the Ettitude Organic Bamboo Lyocell Eye Mask! This baby will keep your eyes cool throughout the night and it’s an eco-friendly, vegan alternative to a silk eye mask! So you can dream sweet like the sleeping beauty you are!

Ogylique Skincare Timeless
Rose Moisturizer

We’ve got nothing but love for a good, quality moisturizer! Moisturizer is an essential part to every skin-care routine so of course, we couldn’t help but include one of our favorites in this selection! The Timeless Rose Moisturizer by Odylique uses natural and organic ingredients that help calm redness and promote skin restoration – it’s ethereal smell and velvety texture is the perfect V-Day treat for your skin. How romantic!

Nat’s Organics Coconut
Lip Scrub

Apparently, there is only one happiness in this life…to love and be loved. Well, we are certainly in love with this Nat’s Organic Lab Coconut Lip Scrub and we have a feeling it loves us too! Made with all-natural ingredients like sugar, coconut oil, agave and vanilla essential oil, this lip scrub is sure to show your lips all of the rejuvenating love it needs. It’s 100% organic, cruelty-free and vegan, which makes us sooo ready for a lifetime of love with this product!  

Ogylique Skincare Revitalize and

Cleanse Gift Kit

Revitalization is our middle name (ok, not really) but does make a nice pair with your skin! This Valentine’s Day, we’re recommending another Odylique favorite, their revitalizing skin care gift kit that’s packed with an award-winning Creamy Coconut Cleanser, Lemon & Tea Purifying Wash and a and a 3-in-1 Maca Mask (whoa, is your heart thumping as hard as ours?!). All the goods in one gift kit, this baby is the ultimate treat-yo-self gift.

Words: Kiana Kanoa

Model: @mckennahiller

Graphics: Daevry Calibuso

Sustainability Analysis & Selection: Ayla Forsythe