The world of J-Beauty never stands still, constantly evolving with cutting-edge innovations. This Valentine’s Day, whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for someone special or indulging in a self-care treat, we’ve curated three exciting new offerings from ALBION. This guide features the latest skincare breakthrough from ALBION and two global makeup icons, now part of our collection: PAUL & JOE Beauté and Anna Sui Makeup. Plus, to spread the love, we have a special exclusive offer for you, our customers.
The Art of Gifting: Valentine’s Day Traditions in Japan
Valentine’s Day is widely celebrated in Japan but with unique traditions that set it apart from how it’s celebrated in the U.S. The holiday, introduced in the mid-20th century by chocolate makers, gained popularity with a distinctive twist—women take the lead in gifting chocolates to men. This tradition began due to a mistranslation in early advertising campaigns but has since become a part of Japanese culture.
The most common gifts exchanged on Valentine’s Day are chocolates: honmei-choco (romantic chocolates for a loved one), tomo-choco (friendship chocolates exchanged between friends), and giri-choco (courtesy chocolates for colleagues and acquaintances). In recent years, jibun-choco (self-love chocolates) have become popular, as people want to treat themselves.
Chocolate is just one option. Luxury beauty and self-care products, beautifully packaged and carefully selected, are also highly appreciated. At ALBION, we are delighted to offer you several new and exciting beauty products that will make an excellent gift for your loved one or a perfect treat for yourself.
The Ultimate in Self-Care: EXCIA Double Key Advanced Serum
The ultimate in self-care, EXCIA Double Key Advanced Serum is designed for those seeking high-performance skincare that helps visibly improve the look of aging skin. Infused with 21 meticulously selected beauty ingredients, including antioxidants and enzyme-activators, this luxurious serum deeply hydrates while enhancing skin’s appearance for a smoother, firmer, more radiant look.
The innovation behind “Double Key” lies in its dual-formula system, blending a refreshing, hydrating water base with a richly moisturizing oil base in a proprietary 3:1 “golden” ratio. The water base delivers instant hydration, while the oil base seals in moisture for long-lasting nourishment.
To ensure optimal absorption, the Advanced Delivery System preserves ingredient integrity, releasing them at the right moment for maximum effectiveness. Indulge in this premium serum as part of your self-care ritual and experience ALBION’s scientific approach to skin wellness.
Très Chic + Kawaii: PAUL & JOE Makeup Collection Set
For a fun yet sophisticated gift, look no further than PAUL & JOE Beauté—a brand created by French designer Sophie Mechaly that blends French joie de vivre with Japanese beauty innovation. Inspired by its French roots, designed and made in Japan by ALBION, the exclusive Makeup Collection set is perfect for anyone who loves high-quality yet playful beauty. Inside, you’ll find a trio of eyeshadows, mascara, the iconic cat-tip lipstick, and a luxurious hand cream, all in signature PAUL & JOE packaging.
Although French in origin, PAUL & JOE Beauté has become a beloved J-Beauty brand across Asia, celebrated for its feminine, cheerful, and timeless chic aesthetic. Every product is formulated with skin-loving ingredients such as organic orange flower water, jojoba oil, and white lily extract, while Secret d’or (champagne gold pearl blend) adds a natural 360-degree radiance.
A key ingredient in all PAUL & JOE’s formulations is centuries-old Italian olive oil, sourced from the Cazetta family in Puglia, renowned for its skin-nourishing properties. Whether gifted to a loved one or yourself, this gift set brings Parisian chic meets J-Beauty excellence.
Always Rock-n-Roll: A Black Rose Lip Gloss by Anna Sui
For a chic gift with an edge, choose Anna Sui’s signature Ring Rouge—a lip gloss and statement accessory in one. Originally launched in 2001, ALBION has now reimagined this beauty icon with Anna Sui’s distinctive black rose motif. The highly reflective glitter-infused formula delivers a sheer, glossy tint for a plumped, radiant look. Shades range from True Red and Charm Pink to Mystic Purple and Humming Orange, allowing you to match the mood or occasion.
Formulated with a blend of hydrating plant oils—including camellia, macadamia, sweet almond, and rosehip oils—and mineral SPF, this gloss keeps lips soft, nourished, and protected.
Edgy and urban, hip and feminine, Anna Sui’s collection is exploratory makeup with style. As Anna Sui puts it, “I have always loved big antique garden-variety roses. Tea Roses have the most intoxicating smell… And black is always cool, always rock-and-roll.”
Exclusive Valentine’s Day Offer
At ALBION, we’re celebrating you, our beautiful customers, this Valentine’s Day! Our gift to you—from February 7 to February 14, 2025, spend $100 or more and receive 4 mini samples of Flora Drip ($84 value)—a perfect treat for your Valentine or yourself!
This Valentine’s Day, swap flowers for a skincare bouquet—Flora Drip’s botanical-infused formula offers a luxurious, skin-nourishing indulgence that will last beyond the holiday.
Happy Valentine’s Day from ALBION ♥️
Valentine’s Day is about more than just gifts—it’s a reminder to prioritize self-love and well-being. True beauty begins with how we care for ourselves, whether it’s a luxurious skincare ritual, a mindful pause, or embracing small moments of joy
In Japan, beauty is deeply connected to self-care and thoughtful rituals, favoring balance, quality, and long-lasting results over trends. At ALBION, we design skincare that does more than enhance the skin’s appearance—it turns daily self-care routines into moments of quiet luxury.
This Valentine’s Day, take a moment to slow down, reconnect, and nourish both skin and spirit. However you celebrate, we hope your day is filled with kindness, self-care, and a touch of indulgence—whether shared with someone special or enjoyed by yourself.
