Welcome to Refinery29 Loves, the monthly news bulletin where you’ll find the best things to shop and see in fashion and beauty right now.
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.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by us. All product details reflect the price and availability at the time of publication. If you buy or click on something we link to on our site, we may earn a commission.
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 colorways, including classic cream and baby pink, alongside moodier iterations like oxblood and jet black. Each bag comes with two customizations: 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 Valentine Bag With Beaded Flower, $, available at 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.
Hair By Sam McKnight Love Me Do Nourishing Shine Oil, $, available at Hair by 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 1st
Coachtopia Cropped Tee: Floating Heart, $, available at 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 recognizable 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 saviors 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,
La Roche-Posay Mela B3 Dark Spot Serum, $, available at 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, colors, and fabrics such as leather, canvas and raffia. The standout design, the Goody Bag, boasts a drawstring top handle and three distinct colorways (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 and Neiman Marcus
Veronica Beard Crest Lock Bucket Bag, $, available at Veronica Beard
L’Agence Debuts First Swimwear Collection
L’Agence — known for its effortless blend of laidback California vibes and Parisian sophistication — is kicking off pool season early. The L.A.-based brand just launched a 58-piece swimwear collection inspired by ’70s-era glam and scenic Côte d’Azure. Find bikini separates and one-pieces — most of which are made with shaping fabric and feature underwire support — as well as cover-ups that can also be worn going out and crystal-embellished mesh sarongs. Prices range from $100 to $425.
Shop at lagence.com.
L’Agence Maribel Mesh Pareo, $, available at L’Agence
L’Agence Gabrielle Grommet One-Piece, $, available at L’Agence
L’Oréal Paris Launches Panorama 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 Panorama Mascara. 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 and Target
L’Oreal Paris Voluminous Panorama Mascara, $, available at Target
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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