![\"romantic](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/kimberlypearl.co\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/romantic-red-rose-valentines-day-bouquet.jpg?resize=840%2C1050&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/p>\nDays of grey and rain<\/strong>; both L.A. and I needed the compulsory pause.<\/p>\n The world abound with the idea of romance.<\/strong> Say what you will about the kitsch and clich\u00e9 of Valentine’s Day, but what could be sweeter than darling desserts, bouquets, and a palette of cherry, burgundy, and chantilly cream at every turn?<\/p>\n Lighting a candle every other morning.<\/strong> Make a ritual of work, and work will begin to feel more fulfilling than like an obligation. I’ve been burning Nepo Latrop\u00a0Paupouli<\/em><\/a> with as much diligence as I have devotion\u2014so much so that even when the candle is unlit, my apartment still<\/em> smells like an altar of smoked vanilla and honeyed leather.<\/p>\n Finding two more first-edition books by Eve Babitz to add to my collection.<\/strong> (Another altar of sorts, for women writers whose prose has fundamentally changed, or spoken to, me.)<\/p>\n Clarity, finally.<\/strong> In the holistic sense\u2014especially after the literal dust and debris settled post-wildfires\u2014but more (vainly) so concerning my skin. It’s been a battle over the last three years, a change largely attributed to moving cross-country, entering a new decade, and<\/em> pivoting my career in such a short period. I wouldn’t change any decision, but admittedly, would’ve been considerably happier had I sooner understood what my skin needed. (This was all the more frustrating because I work in beauty, and have over a decade of skincare under my belt.)<\/p>\n My skin is fickle still, but a little less unpredictable than before. Incorporating Augustinus Bader\u00a0The Cream<\/em><\/a> into my daily regimen has been one of the few changes that have made a visible difference in both my skin texture and tone.<\/p>\n Dior Forever Skin<\/em> Perfect<\/em> Stick Foundation<\/a><\/strong>. Working brand-side in beauty for so long has made me a scrupulous beauty editor. I can’t help but be dubious of viral products\u2014which more often than not, are industry plants backed by incredible marketing power\u2014and while I can admire them from a business perspective, I’m critical of the formula itself. The Dior multi-stick is worth it; not only is it one of the best natural-looking foundations<\/a> I’ve yet tried, it’s gorgeous layered for a full-beat, flash-on moment.<\/p>\n Meeting Edward Bess<\/a> at Dover Street Market L.A.<\/a><\/strong> I happened to be doing some reconnaissance for upcoming projects (one of which involves Chopova Lowena’s new fragrance collection<\/a>), and this impromptu introduction felt rather kismet. There’s a specific cohort of beauty brand founders I adore and truly find magic in what they create; Bess is one of them.<\/p>\n Indulging<\/strong>. Notable bites include Crossroads’<\/a> Lion’s Mane Tart; Cam\u00e9lia’s<\/a> grilled oyster mushroom, Tokyo negi soubise, and tar\u00e9 plate (the Spritz is perfectly crisp, too); ADKT’s<\/a> vegan risotto (a Valentine’s Day special); Chill Since ’93’s<\/a> vegan sandwich; and Su\u00e1 Superette’s<\/a> strawberry matcha latte.<\/p>\n A Valentine’s Day delivery from Cartier.<\/strong> Pinch me, even now.<\/p>\n And finally, a bounty of new perfumes to play with.\u00a0<\/strong>Initio Narcotic Delight<\/em><\/a> bewitched (surprisingly, so much so I wrote about it here<\/em><\/a> and have worn it at least twice a week since); Amouage Purpose<\/em><\/a> stunned; Cartier L’Heure Convoit\u00e9e<\/em><\/a> brought joy; Edward Bess Good Love<\/em><\/a> captivated; and Kerosene Found in Light<\/em><\/a> haunts.<\/p>\n .\u00a0 \u00a0.\u00a0 \u00a0.<\/p>\n xx<\/p>\nA SENSIBLE <\/em>EDIT<\/h6>\n