Gear review: Valentine’s Day

Whether you cozy up at home, take a jaunt, or go out on the town with your special someone this Valentine’s Day, these gifts and gadgets can sweeten the experience.

Ilios Beauty Ring Mirror

First thing’s first: Ya gotta look good for date night, whether it’s in or out of the home. Two reversible sides on this 9-inch diameter mirror offer one- and five-times magnification, and the mirror flips with the touch of a finger. Zooming in to put on eye makeup “perfectly” is a good thing, as is being able to see details of lip liner if you’re of a certain age and need glasses. But, magnifying all those fine lines and wrinkles: Not so much. Seriously, though: This mirror has it all. Lighting replicates natural daylight, so you don’t get caught with foundation flaws when you step outside; in fact, it has three settings: cool, blend, and warm, each of which you can dim from lowest to full-on, in five different increments. The LEDs are the same type professional photographers and film sets use. Plus, the built-in phone mount and webcam, when used with the flattering lighting, make Face-timing and other video adventures flawless. $259, ilioslighting.co

Mystery Ranch Mission Wheelie 65

Whether you’re hopping on a flight for a romantic getaway or driving to your getaway, a duffel bag with wheels makes traveling so much easier. The Mission’s polycarbonate shell is weather resistant and durable. Though I haven’t put it through the acid test of rough flight baggage handlers, it’s held up great to rain and snow, as well as being wheeled through muddy slush. The large mesh pocket within the lid and an interior wall pocket separates smaller items, which is nice for toiletries. Web handles make it easy to move when the collapsible handle is down, and the wheels roll very smoothly. This is my go-to bag for weekend jaunts to visit my parents on the Front Range. $339, mysteryranch.com

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‘It’s a Date’ Scratch-off Cards

Whether you’ve been together for decades or are just starting to date, this little scratch-off game adds fun and creative adventures to your relationship. Three color-coded groupings of cards allow you to quickly choose daytime, night, or anytime. Once you’ve narrowed down the timeframe, you’ll find “DIY home” dates like choosing a craft to do together; “festive, good-weather out-and-about” dates like revolving food or décor around a season; or “sexy, serene” dates like taking a candlelit bubble bath together with your favorite drinks. Before you scratch with the included plastic coin, you can also choose the length of time and cost range on each card. Some of the cards heat up the date with a little competition, while others foster a cozy and romantic evening. Overall, the 40 cards offer a perfect balance of choice and surprise. $15.99, Amazon.com/dp/B0BRNZ6FSW

City of Scents Aspen Incense and Aspen Room Mist

To begin, I should admit: I always want to run out of the room when I can smell someone’s perfume or cologne in a theater or other closely-seated venue. Bluntly stated: I hate perfume. But I do love essential oils, so this incense and mist suits me wonderfully. Infused with fragranced oils, it adds a subtle, yet effective enough, aroma, inspired by Aspen’s firs, along with the woody base of a campfire (without the smoky smell), myrrh, and anise. The incense releases a gentle fragrance that creates a retreat atmosphere, which is perfect for romantic evenings. And, I was surprised at how far it extended into my home — from my living room into my foyer and a bit beyond. My initial use of the mist was not-so-romantic; my husband had thrown onion skins in the garbage and cooked menudo, of which I’m not a fan, so I returned home, tired, to a pungent odor. After less-than-tactfully exclaiming “EW! WHAT is that smell!,” as opposed to our usual, more loving greeting, he left the kitchen a little hurt, and I sprayed it with the mist. (I told you I overreact when faced with smells that activate me.) The mist took care of the odor with a pleasant, more subtle scent, and I promptly apologized, embracing him with a much more loving greeting. So, you might say that Aspen Room Mist saved our night. Incense, $18 for 12 sticks; mist, $24, cityofscents.com

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Geometrical Pocket Tripod PROv2

Selfies are OK, but shooting a memorable photo without a designated “photographer” requires some kind of tripod. I already “love and cherish” my Geometrical Pocket Tripod, which folds up to the size of a credit card (only a bit thicker) to carry in my purse, so it’s on hand for spontaneous group, or couple, photos wherever I go. The new Pocket Tripod PROv2 adds improved durability, which, truthfully, I didn’t need with my original pocket tripod, but more durable is always better. It also connects onto photography gear, such as traditional tripods and sliders, which adds even more options for use. The carbon-fiber holder is simple to set up: After initially measuring your phone with the included card and choosing an adapter ­— out of the nine included — just flip the two sides up, and viola: It holds your phone vertically or horizontally. The adapters slide (not so easily, since they do have to hold the phone in place), so you can tilt your phone up or down to capture the perfect photo or watch a video hands-free. If you want photographic memories on the go, this is a must-have. Now $39.95 (regularly $45), pocket-tripod.com

Kimberly Nicoletti is a freelance writer, editor, and writing coach. She can be reached at kim@kimberlynicoletti.com