Gifts for all the lovely mums - including my own - out there

Allow me a brief sojourn from my usual beauty review - this Mother's Day I'm acknowledging the infinite ways I've tried and tested my mam's resolve.

It's a rule universally acknowledged that as you migrate from your teenage years you cause your parents less problems. Not one to follow rules, I like to mix things up and have decided to bring messy break-ups and house moves into my 30s (I wouldn't want you to get complacent mam, I know you love a little excitement).

Throughout my snotty meltdowns and emotional fallouts, of which there have been many, my mam has remained resolute, always on hand with wise words or a freshly brewed herbal tea, ready to cushion my fall. And fall I did, again and again.

Mam, I'm speaking to you now. I'm sure you wanted to give me a shake at the best of times, but if you did you hid it well - I only ever heard your comforting words and your promises that "this too shall pass". There are infinite ways that I could tell you I love you but I don't have enough column inches and I'm not sure how many of my regular beauty readers have stuck around to read this far.

But just know I love you and, in that vein, here are some of the gifts that you and every other mum are deserving of today and every other day.

PS: Here's hoping the only other drama you endure this year is on Coronation Street.

 

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Irish mammies may be the best at taking care of us - but today let's make sure they don't forget to take care of themselves too. From candle sets to supplements, perfume to self-care subscription boxes, there's plenty here to make your mam - and yourself - feel loved and celebrated.

 

1. This Makes Scents Máthair Three Candle Gift Set, €34

Irish mammies are always saying, 'I'll light a candle for you', so I think it's about time, they lit one for themselves.

This supermam-worthy gift set contains three 120ml candles, including mood-boosting Lemon Balm, calming Sage & Sea Salt and rosemantic Velvet Rose & Oud, that burn for up to 20 hours each.

As with all goodies handmade by the brand, it's kind to the planet too as the candle jars are made from recycled glass, and the gift box and wrapping are made from recycled - and recyclable - materials. So 'mam', 'mum', 'mom' or 'ma', no matter you call her, spoil her. See thismakesscentscandles.ie.

 

2. Hush & Hush MindYourMind, 60 Capsules, €58.50

My mam is a carer but more often than not, she forgets to care for herself. I think every Irish mammy is guilty of this.

If her sleep has been suffering during the pandemic, this melatonin-free dietary supplement promotes a state of mental calmness to help her fall asleep and stay asleep until you bring her breakfast in bed this morning.Hush & Hush is available from selected beauty salons nationwide and online at hushandhush.ie.

 

3. Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Soleil Cristal, 50ml, €89

If there is one thing, I wish for my own mam it's happiness with top notes of joy - which is why I'm adding a new scent to her bathroom cabinet this Mother's Day.

Inspired by the idea that a beautiful perfume should bring happiness, Soleil Cristal is the latest addition to the La Vie Est Belle family.

Wafting of sparkling notes mandarin, a bursting heart of white flowers and a wake of sunkissed vanilla combined with patchouli, it's sunshine - not to mention major brownie points - in one very pretty bottle.

Available from Brown Thomas online at brownthomas.com and Arnotts online at arnotts.ie.

 

4. Mama Moments Subscription Box, €44.95 every two months

Up and down the country, women are feeding, clothing, schooling, entertaining and comforting the next generation all while juggling housework, holding down full-time jobs and running businesses - all under one roof.

Which is why I am so thrilled that Mama Moments founder Sarah Ryan has come up with the perfect box of treats for flat-out mothers everywhere.

Delivered bi-monthly, the brilliant subscription box includes five to six full-sized products carefully selected to encourage self-care among mammies.

The majority are sourced from small, independent, female-led, local businesses so each box not only supports the recipient, but also a whole network of mums running businesses from their kitchen tables. Go on, you deserve it! Available from mamamoments.ie.

 

5. Codex Beauty Labs Bia Pamper Care Kit, €60

 Let's face it - you've probably caused your mam a 'laughter line' or two over the years. But now at least you can be part of the solution too by gifting her this clinically-proven skincare set. The pampering kit includesthe nourishing Bia Skin Superfood cream for face, hands and body, as well as two skin-softening soaps. Available from leading pharmacies nationwide and codexbeauty.com.

 

6. AYU Cosmetics Mother's Day Gift Set, €75

My mam might disagree but she is what you would call a natural beauty. Not a makeup aficionado, she is more invested in skincare of late and only turns to her make-up bag when occasion calls for it, which naturally during a pandemic, isn't often. Nevertheless, I think it's important that she's stocked with quality beauty essentials when the pubs finally open up again, so I'll be showing the love today with this AYU Cosmetics gift set. I've long since been raving about this Irish brand and I just know my mam will fall in love with their silky eye shadows and lip products too. See ayu.ie.

Sunday World