Beauty

20 Valentine's Day Beauty Gifts Under $20 That Still Seem Like A Splurge

by Katie Stanovick

By now, the inundation of Valentine's Day gift ideas is in full swing. And if you find yourself scanning through options only to wince at the price tag when you find something suitable for your significant other or friend, don't stress. Put down the homemade coupon book with massages and I'll-do-the-dishes-tonight slips and instead, snag one of these Valentine's Day beauty gifts under $20.

Luckily, opting for a lower budget doesn't mean sacrificing luxury or well-made products. While you might not be able to dish out $335 on Tom Ford's latest perfume, you can get a Charcoal Bamboo Bar Soap from cult-favorite brand Herbivore or Anastasia Beverly Hill's famous Dipbrow Gel in a mini size perfect for travel. Or, buy basically everything on this list for less than that one (albeit great-smelling) perfume. Whether your Valentine is makeup-obsessed and would swoon over a Cloud Paint from Glossier or is just looking for a candle from Paddywax to unwind with, there is a wide range of budget-friendly luxe items out there.

Even though January felt like forever, the Feb. 14 date is now right around the corner. In the interest of time, simply work those arrow keys and scroll through 20 beauty gifts under $20 that will have your Valentine feeling like a million bucks without you having to spend anywhere near that amount.

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Nars Single Eyeshadow

Monochrome looks have been popping up constantly in 2020. Help your Valentine stay on trend with these single-shade eyeshadows from Nars. They come in 43 color options and three different finishes — matte, satin, and metallic shimmer — so if choosing one seems too hard, snag a few.

Tony Moly Petite Bunny Gloss Bar

Keep things cute with this glossy lip balm. Not only will it look adorable on a shelf, but the ultra-hydrating and sheer finish are sure to look great on, too. It comes in six different shades, from pale pink to bright red, and has a fruity smell for the sweet thing in your life.

Anastasia Beverly Hills Mini Dipbrow Gel

If your giftee knows a thing or two about eyebrow products, they've probably heard of Anastasia Beverly Hills: The brand essentially revitalized the eyebrow game over 20 years ago. Get them the fan-favorite Dipbrow Gel in a mini version so they can take it everywhere they go.

CosRX Moisturizing Honey Overnight Mask

Give your honey the gift of honey. Nothing is quite as luxurious as a night in doing face masks and self care, which is why this overnight honey mask from COSRX could be your next go-to. It is 87.26% propolis extract, a resin-like material made from bees, that helps sensitive skin get rid of bacteria and calm inflammations.

Smith & Cult Nail Polish

Nail polish is one of those things that can seriously elevate a look. If your giftee is all about manicures, get them lacquer from fan-favorite brand Smith & Cult. All 43 colors are vegan, cruelty free, and follow the brand's "8-free" policy of avoiding eight unfriendly ingredients.

Paddywax Love Ya Tobacco & Vanilla Candle

Set the mood with this heart-themed candle from Paddywax. Its top notes are spicy cinnamon and nutmeg while the middle is sweet and woody patchouli and vetiver. It finishes smooth with tobacco, sandalwood, and vanilla notes for a relaxed vibe.

Glossier Cloud Paint

Buying for a Gen-Zer or millennial (or, really anyone a fan of well-made products)? Don't pass up the chance to grab something from Glossier. The brand's Cloud Paint is a blendable cream blush that comes in six shades inspired by New York City sunsets.

Tartelette™ Party Amazonian Clay Eyeshadow Palette

Make your money seriously stretch with this six-shade eyeshadow palette. A mix of matte and shimmer, these hues are perfect for V-day fun, but also work effortlessly into everyday makeup looks way after the Feb. 14 date.

Herbivore Bamboo Charcoal Cleansing Bar Soap

You might know charcoal and bamboo as separate beauty buzzwords, but Herbivore's bar soap is actually made with an activated charcoal derived from bamboo. While the eponymous ingredient does the dirty work of exfoliating and purifying, tea tree essential oil cools everything off and clarifies the skin.

Oribe Supershine Moisturizing Hair Cream

This luxury haircare brand tends to ring in on the more expensive side, which is why the Supershine Moisturizing Hair Cream in its travel size is a great way to try the product (and also makes a great gift to introduce new users to its magic). It's a leave-in conditioner that helps to tame frizz, elevate shine, and add softness to strands.

Mario Badescu Facial Spray

Since 2016 Mario Badescu has gained a serious cult-like following. Its facial spray is one of the products that sits on the top shelf of nearly every beauty lover's vanity mirror, so it makes for a perfect affordable (and on-theme) gift for your Valentine.

Monogram Hair Pin

There's something about a personalized gift that makes most people giddy. Pins and pearls are having a major moment so combine the two for an on-trend gift. Keep things minimal by grabbing only the first initial or go full-out maximalist and spell out their whole name.

Fenty Beauty Pro Filt'r Mini Instant Retouch Setting Powder

Bring out your Valentine's inner bad gal with this mini setting powder from Fenty Beauty. Made for securing makeup and ensuring longwear, this gift is a smart buy for the beauty lover who enjoys a night on the town. Since it's a mini version, it doesn't have the full shade range of the Pro Filt'r Setting Powder, but it is offered in five different hues.

Benefit Cosmetics Lovetint Lip & Cheek Stain

For a Valentine that barely has any room on their shelf, opt for this two-in-one lip and cheek stain. It's highly pigmented and non-drying, so both cheeks and lips will be looking flushed without feeling dehydrated.

Morphe Mini Highlighter

Give the gift of glow this February. This near perfect-rated highlighter adds a pop of shine across cheekbones, eyelids, cupids bow, or anywhere else you might see fit. It's also a mini compact, which means it's a smart nab for on-the-go beauty lovers.

Pacifica French Lilac Roll-on Perfume

Have your giftee *basically* transported to France with this French lilac perfume from Pacifica. It blends lilac with magnolia leaves, heliotrope, ylang-ylang, hyacinth and subtle notes of nectarine for an ultimate soft and sweet scent.

Flower Beauty Lash Warrior Mascara

This fan-favorite mascara promises to add 150 percent more volume and length to lashes — seriously. The brand, created by Drew Barrymore, is dedicated to making products to empower women and indulge in beauty while simultaneously not breaking the bank.

R+Co Spa Headband

Bring the spa experience home. Grab this headband for a luxurious feel while your Valentine washes their face, does makeup, or puts on a face mask. Plus, it's *almost* cute enough to pass off as a regular headband for the pressed-snooze-too-many-times days.

Botanics 100% Organic Nourishing Facial Oil

Oils have solidified themselves as a staple in skincare routines, so much so that people are DIYing them. Rather than struggling through the creation process, buy this all-around face oil from Botanics. Its key ingredient, rosehip extract, helps to nourish skin and secure moisture.

Patchology Soothing Lip Gels

Whether you know someone who can't resist a lip-mask selfie from time to time or you want to prep your pout with your Valentine before the holiday, this $15 pack of five soothing lip masks is a fun gift that feels perfectly festive.

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