Valentine’s Day first became associated with romantic love within the circle of Geoffrey Chaucer in the 14th century, when the tradition of courtly love flourished. Traditionally, Valentine’s Day is a celebration for the ladies. However, by the 18th century, it had grown into an occasion in which both men and women expressed their love for each other by presenting flowers, offering confectionery and sending greeting cards (known as "valentines").
In this 21st century, the proliferation of Valentine’s Day “noise” out there can become deafening. From what kind of flowers to buy to the right restaurant to book, the average man is deluged with suggestions on how to make the day special. Little wonder, then, that one of the most essential elements can get lost. The need to be fresh and well-groomed for that all important date night. Because, while the extraneous details add flourish, you need to ensure that you’re suitably taken care of before you can take care of your other half. Luckily, with almost 215 years of experience, Truefitt & Hill is well-versed in looking after the needs of the modern man. 
With that in mind, we have debuted two special initiatives in time for Valentine’s Day. With every online purchase of our Travel Cologne Gift Set - a handsome line-up of scents comprising 50ml bottles of our Sandalwood, Apsley and 1805 Colognes - customers will receive a complimentary Pre-Shave Oil worth £22. And in our St James’s store from the 12th until 14th Feb, with every purchase over £120, our clients will receive a 50ml bottle of 1805 Cologne. This timeless fragrance - the title of which alludes to the date of our founding - is a blend derived from our Palmerston Bouquet, which was created in the 1850s for the then Prime Minister. It contains a heady mix of bergamot, cardamom, lavender and mandarin; a suitably sophisticated scent for Valentine’s Day night.
Whether you’re a gentleman purchasing for yourself with a view to sprucing up in time for the special occasion, or you’re purchasing as a Valentine’s gift for the man in your life, it’s a way to indulge with the finest grooming products, formulated with centuries of experience. Cinema’s most iconic romancers and smooth talkers have relied on Truefitt & Hill to help them look polished and refined, from Cary Grant to Fred Astaire and Errol Flynn, so it’s no surprise that our emporium’s a one-stop shop for men seeking to finesse their look before Valentine’s Day.
If you’re readying yourself for romance in time for the 14th, we’d recommend taking the time to experience our in-store barbershop. Not only will the range of wet shaves, haircuts and facials leave you more confident and pulled-together as you pop the champagne, but the timing couldn’t be more opportune. It’s been a particularly harsh winter - especially in this past week - and that can cause damage to your skin. Think of Valentine’s Day as a pit stop to recharge and refuel as we reach the end of the season; our Traditional Hot Towel Wet Shave or Deluxe Facial Treatment will leave your visage suitably soft, smooth and refreshed. Your skin will thank you, and so will your date for the big night.