With Mother’s Day closing in on us (it’s May 8th in the US, you guys!), your inbox is bound to experience a significant increase in urgent promotions heavily laced with free shipping offers. Because I don’t want you getting carpal tunnel syndrome, I’ve narrowed the madness down to just a handful of picks. From indulgent bath and body collections to luxurious home scents and mom approved skincare, enjoy the tightly edited suggestions below, don’t forget to check out something like this afterpay for skincare if you are thinking of getting your mom approved skincare as a present. Also, my card rule: yes to handwritten cards, no to gift cards.
Molton Brown Dewy Lily of the Valley & Star Anise
Inspired by the purity of a bridal bouquet, this brand new collection debuts sophisticated floral notes that redefine a modern classic. Balancing white and green with just a hint of warmth, the range is Molton Brown’s first simultaneous bath, body and home fragrance rollout. Celebrating Lily of the Valley, a Kate Middleton favorite, this unique blend also highlights Magnolia and Ylang-Ylang channeling dewy meadow realness at every whiff. Subtle and feminine, the aroma lingers without overpowering. Featuring the hand-drawn design of lily of the valley bells on every bottle, these make a perfect gift for any mom. Major perk if your mom is a May baby as it’s also the birth month flower! The range includes Bath & Shower Gel ($30), Body Lotion ($42), Eau de Toilette ($65), Hand Cream ($15), Three Wick Candle ($74) and Aroma Reeds ($65). Fun fact: you can’t go wrong with whatever you pick. moltonbrown.com, barneys.com, bluemercury.com, nordstrom.com
L’OCCITANE Mother’s Day Gift Sets
A sure winner to please even the mom with everything, the stunning L’OCCITANE gift sets are always a good idea. Without becoming overwhelmed (and you may because the choices are abundant), zoom in on your mom’s favorite scent first. Provencal Lavender? Mediterranean Verbena? Either one is bound to be a hit, but for more adventurous connoisseurs, there are Olive, Orange, Almond and Shea Butter, to name a few. Each with its very own story. Full of formulas to enhance their beauty routine and provide unforgettable sensory experiences, these gorgeous gift boxes are so much more than mere statement making. My all time favorite picks are the Relaxing Lavender Gift ($69) and Néroli & Orchidée Deluxe Set ($75). loccitane.com
ILLUME
Known for their superb and affordable candles, Illume is a brand with an aesthetic so flexible, it successfully caters to every personality type and decor taste on the scale whether bohemian chic or uptown proper. From hand creams and luxurious soap bars to every style, color and scent imaginable in a candle, the selection is so impressive, finding a Mother’s Day gift is a breeze. Artfully wrapped, the Luxe Trio Soap Set (triple milled magic in Anemone aka poppy, Coconut Milk Mango and Thai Lily for $20) paired with the Cloverleaf Lavish Hand Creme ($20) is a decadent option that won’t break the bank. When in doubt, get a candle. Whether you opt for the stylish demi glass, casual lustre jar, or lively tins, Illume has got the looks and the scents. Cactus Verde or Chanterelle Moss, anyone? Prices vary. illumecandles.com, Nordstrom.com or Anthropologie.com
Oribe
For a mom who take pride in her hair, score major bonus points by surprising her with Oribe. Known as some of the best in the industry, these formulas are borderline legendary. Slightly on the pricy side, but without a doubt splurge worthy, the Beautiful Travel Collection ($65) is studded with reparative, gloss inducing, and color protecting solutions that are a perfect introduction to this luxury brand. They are also TSA approved. Anything Oribe smells just incredible. The brand’s new Côte d’Azur Luminous Hair & Body Oil ($72) extends the aromatic experience past the shoulders with the sheer fragrance of Bergamot, Jasmine, and Sandalwood. Heavy on the OMG factor, this nourishing, rejuvenating, and strengthening medley of plant oils and butters, it also contains the brand’s signature Oribe Signature Complex of Watermelon, Lychee, and Edelweiss Flower Extracts because it’s literally anti-aging for your hair. Talk about legit. oribe.com, net-a-porter.com
Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look In a Palette
No doubt buying makeup as a gift can be risky but for moms who love color yet haven’t dropped direct hints, the new Charlotte Tilbury Instant Look In a Palette ($75) will help you unlock the favorite child trophy. Bringing seven of her superstar formulas into one palette, our Fairy Makeup Godmother delivers dramatic makeover results by completing four steps in five minutes. Yes, Charlotte Tilbury is a huge numerology fan. From shadows and brighteners through bronzer, blush and highlighter, this genius desk to dinner concept offers a universal, natural and truly flattering look for every complexion. Completely non-challenging, this easy to use assortment is a staple for the mom who’s always on-the-go. charlottetilbury.com, Nordstrom.com, net-a-porter.com
Derek Lam 10 Crosby Collection
Inspired by the view from his downtown Manhattan address, Derek Lam created the 10 Crosby fragrance collection, which is driven by stories and scenarios of an imagined moment. Think ‘Sliding Doors’. The creative approach resulted in ten modern and unique scents that range from fresh and floral to heavier, musky, and oriental. Encouraged to be embraced day to night, they stand out with an edgy twist and impressive sillage. Exclusive to Sephora, 10 Crosby is also available in a coffret that houses all ten Eau de Parfums in deluxe travel .25 oz vials (95). The moms who embrace fragrance and go beyond the familiar, will find this Derek Lam set a real treasure. If you’re feeling confident that she’ll love a full size falcon, the options include Rainy Day (Neroli/Vetiver), Blackout (Osmanthus/Chati Tea Essence) or 2am Kiss (Salty Wood/Crystalized Amber). $95 each at Sephora.com
Lastly, if your mom is a skincare aficionado, explores industry newness, and enjoys pampering sessions at home, following are a few suggestions I guarantee she will love. For details, click the images below.