Mother’s Day is serious business. Rather like Valentine’s Day, she may say not to make a fuss, but you’d best not turn up empty-handed. If you have a close relationship with your mother, a beauty gift is a lovely way to encourage self-care and relaxation. Remember, if you’re older than seven, a homemade macaroni frame probably won’t cut it.
Max Benjamin Amalfi Candle Range (€24.95 each)
These luxuriantly packaged, richly fragranced candles are inspired by the scents and colours of the Amalfi coast. They’re particularly feminine and summery. Try Dolce Sole for a universally pleasing floral citrus scent.
Jo Malone London The Bloomsbury Set Fragrances (€56 each)
This fragrance collection is named for the Bloomsbury set, an influential group of writers, artists and intellectuals that included people like Virginia Woolf and EM Forster. Whisky and Cedarwood is a standout from the collection, with its notes of an old-fashioned study.
Molton Brown Exquisite Vanilla & Violet Flower Body & Home Gift Set (€87)
Violet is often considered old-fashioned, but in this trio it is combined with vanilla to sumptuous effect. Evocative of home baking and freshly cut violets, this set is irresistible.
Aveda Beautifying Radiance Polish (€48.50)
Rosemary is a vastly underrated ingredient and fragrance in skincare for the body. Its mild disinfectant properties make it luxuriant but effective in a scrub, and this one also contains lavender and bergamot for transporting relaxation.
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Eye Gelée (€51)
I am especially sceptical about eye creams as often your facial serum will do the job of hydrating the eye area just as serviceably. However, this eye gel pen depuffs, brightens and minimises fine lines around the eye area instantly. It gets on very well with foundation and other skincare, and visibly improves the skin in the eye area.
Clinique Buff Brush (€35)
This brush is wondrous for applying foundation for any finish from natural to full coverage. Buff a little in vigorously for a flawless natural finish, or stipple slightly more product on for higher coverage.
Rathborne’s Dublin Tea Rose Diffuser (€46)
Rathborne’s Dublin Tea Rose candle is a strong contender for my all-time favourite, and the diffuser offers a more lasting fragrance. I always associate it with Dublin’s Westbury Hotel, where they burn a three-wick Dublin Tea Rose candle in the ladies’ room.
Sisley Izia (from €81 for 30ml)
Pink pepper, white bergamot and rose accords dance on a base of amber, musk and cedar to make this fragrance buoyantly carefree but still grounded and supremely womanly. It is light and airy but still has some bite. Completely delicious.
LUSH Happy Mother’s Day Gift (€94.95)
If your mother has had a tough year (or you need to get back into her good graces), this gift is sublime and joy-producing. It contains myriad hand, body, bath and shower products and is wrapped in an ebullient floral knot-wrap. If you’re on a small budget, consider a selection of LUSH bath bombs for a less extravagant but still lovely gift.
Chanel No 5 (€89)
Created in 1929 as “a woman’s perfume with a woman’s scent” Chanel No 5 (€89 50ml, Boots) is a classic. You can’t really go wrong, even if she doesn’t like the scent (unlikely) she’ll love having that iconic bottle sitting on her dresser.
AromaWorks Electric Aroma Diffuser (€51.95)
If Mum needs help unwinding, and let’s face it who doesn’t, then AromaWorks Electric Aroma Diffuser (€51.95, Arnotts and selected pharmacies nationwide) is the gift for her. The colour-changing mood lighting, along with your choice of essential oil diffused into the air, creates a peaceful atmosphere and looks pretty too.
Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Mother’s Day Gift Set (€32.50)
The Yves Saint Laurent Touche Éclat Mother’s Day Gift Set (€32.50, Boots) includes a Touche Éclat pen, a mini Luxurious Mascara and a mini Instant Moisture Glow. I’m yet to meet a woman who doesn’t love a bit of a Touche Éclat pick-me-up, and the two minis are just the cherry on top.
Almond Milk and Honey Gift Set (€29.95)
Honey is the ingredient of the moment, so this Almond Milk and Honey Gift Set (€29.95, The Body Shop) should go down a treat, as well as being a pretty good deal for your wallet. The set includes a cleansing bar, body butter, hand cream and shower cream, all of which are great for sensitive, dry skin.
Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair Always On Set (€64)
If Mum has always wanted to try Estee Lauder’s night repair serum, then the Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair Always On Set (€64, Brown Thomas) is a must buy. The cleanser, serum and eye cream make for a lovely bedtime routine that will help your skin to repair itself while you sleep. Dry and dehydrated skin as well as signs of ageing and dryness will all be treated.
Jo Malone London Nectarine Blossom Honey Bath Oil (Limited Edition €80)
There is no nicer treat than a long bath, except maybe for a long bath with Jo Malone London Nectarine Blossom Honey Bath Oil (Limited Edition €80, Brown Thomas). Jo Malone has become synonymous with luxury and her scents are beyond what you deem possible for something manufactured. Treat Mum to something a bit extravagant. She's worth it.
