Mother’s Day is less than a week away and I have a round of thoughtful gifting ideas that convey love and appreciation to the women in our lives! More practical than a box of chocolates with greater longevity and daily use than a bouquet of flowers, these presents reflect every major category of beauty gifting.
Additionally, I’ve included some style on rotation and a giveaway for Beauty Professor readers!
Kindly scroll on for more details, swatches and images of the suggestions in action as well as a style segment and giveaway specifics…
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| My mom, best friend and Beauty Professor assistant and oft-photographer, Laura. |
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| Gifts in every beauty category. |
To streamline the approach, I’ve divided the product suggestions into three major categories: Fragrance, Skincare for Face and Body and Makeup for Face and Eyes.
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| Fragrance. |
// FRAGRANCE //
- *Houbigant Jardin Secret: Brimming with notes of bergamot, rose, jasmine, ylang ylang, amber and white musk, this nostalgic take on a beguiling garden is a must for floral lovers.
- *Aerin Mediterranean Honeysuckle: Cool blue oceanic notes are offset by the warmth of a sun drenched coast; lily of the valley, mandarin and jasmine samba absolute harmonize to create a magical and sophisticated perfume.
- *Natalie Purse Spray (also available on Amazon): Reminiscent of her favorite fragrance, this scent inspired by Natalie Wood is punctuated by pure and natural gardenia.
- *Byredo La Selection Boisee: Two of the three of these brilliant travel-sized gems rank amongst my personal favorite…I have featured the leather and black violet infused Black Saffron (reviewed HERE) and violet, sandalwood and magnolia drenched Mojave Ghost (reviewed HERE) countless time on Beauty Professor. Super Cedar is new to me and I am transfixed by the silky woodsy notes. All in all, this trio is divine!
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| Face-oriented skincare. |
// FACE-ORIENTED SKINCARE // Cutting-edge indulgences that will keep skin looking its best.
- *Decorte Brightologist Tincture Solid Stick Serum: This solid pen harnesses the transformative yet gentle power of Kojic Acid to target dark spots and discolorations, brightening and clarifying with each application.
- SK-II Facial Treatment Essence LE Sakura Edition: Forever a part of my skincare routine, this Pitera-rich essence brightens, smooths and clarifies the skin for a glowing visage; the limited-edition sakura pink bottle makes for a gorgeous gift, no?
- *La Prairie White Caviar Illuminating Pearl Infusion (reviewed HERE): An essential part of my current rotation both day and night, this incandescent formula contains caviar and vitamin C to dramatically firm, lift and brighten the skin in 4-6 weeks; the infusion makes for an excellent pre-foundation primer and works well to bolster the effects of all subsequent skincare components for skin that literally glows.
- *FOREO Luna Play Plus: As a huge fan of the diminutive FOREO Luna Play (reviewed HERE), I am thrilled with this slightly larger version; it uses a AAA battery (no need to charge!) and expertly cleans my skin in the shower, removing every last trace of makeup without causing irritation.
- *Tammy Fender Epi-Peel: Kaolin clay, spearmint and rosemary work together to purify and refine skin, leaving smaller pores and brighter skin in its wake.
- *Le Metier de Beaute Neck and Décolleté Firming Cream: For a more youthful and lifted neck and décolleté area, considering investing in this opulent formula which employs advanced ingredients for noticeable results in as little as a week; my mom and I both LOVE this.
- *Clé de Peau Beauté Concentrated Body Brightening Serum: A staple in a my skincare routine, this serum restores health and illumination to sun damaged areas including shoulders, arms and the décolleté. I use it ever single night after showering and am super pleased with the results.
- *Kaplan MD Hydrating Essence: Bouncy and moisturizing, this exceptional skincare component delivers essential hydration to the face while still feeling entirely lightweight.
- *FOREO IRIS (also available at Nordstrom): Expertly designed to massage the delicate orbital area for more lifted and alert looking eyes, this brilliant tool dramatically reduces puffiness and dark circles with regular usage. Additionally, it increases the efficacy of eye-related skincare as the gentle micro-vibrations will heighten absorption of creams and serums.
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| The FOREO Iris. |
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| Speciality skincare. |
// SPECIALTY SKINCARE // New and targeted releases to address a variety of skin needs.
- *Kate Somerville UncompliKated SPF 50 Soft Focus Makeup Setting Spray: This brand new release from Kate Somerville offers immense sun protection in a ultra-lightweight spray that also blurs fine lines, for a magnifying and soft focus result. SPF and skin perfection? Yes, please!
- *TOCCA Simone Hand Cream: In fragrant melange of watermelon and frangipani, this luxe lotion bathes hands in moisture, making it the ultimate nightstand companion.
- *African Botanics MARULA Firming Body Oil (also available at Space NK): A marvelous way to pamper one’s self post-shower, this rich oil absorbs on contact, infusing skin with a wealth of antioxidants, hydration and glow…the increased firmness further heightens its value, ounce-for-ounce.
- *Molton Brown Delicious Rhubarb and Rose Shower Gel: Decadently fragranced and plushly nourishing, this shower gel is an indulgent way to bathe and shave.
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| Makeup. |
// MAKEUP // Universally flattering formulas and hues that are easy to apply and look effortless on all ages, these are the products you will love give (while picking up a backup for yourself)
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| From L-R: Tom Ford Reflects Gilt, Sisley-Paris Phyto Blush Twist in Petal, IT Cosmetics Confidence in a Glow and Hourglass Diffused Bronze Light. |
FACE:
- *Tom Ford Sheer Highlighter Duo in Reflects Gilt (reviewed HERE): The gossamer kiss of light this highlighter imparts looks incredible on skin of all ages and types; focus it on the high points of the face for an ethereal glow.
- *Sisley-Paris Phyto Blush Twist in Petal (reviewed HERE): This creamy petal pink blush dries down as a silky powder; light yet pigmented, it immediately brightens the face without looking the slightest bit conspicuous.
- *Confidence in Your Glow cheek palettes (also available with an exclusive brush–pictured above–from QVC): A gradient face palette that satisfies bronzing, blushing and highlighting needs in a single sweep, these streamlined gems are enriched with anti-aging ingredients for cheeks that glow from the inside out. Additional thoughts and swatches later on in this post.
- *Hourglass Ambient Lighting Bronzer in Diffused Bronze Light (reviewed HERE): A true brown bronze with a mostly matte finish, this is the bronze for those seeking a supernatural warmth with absolutely no orange undertones.
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| The *GlamBoard in action. |
While on the subject of recent IT Cosmetics releases, I am excited to share swatches of the all shades of the *Confidence in Your Glow cheek palettes as well as swatches of the cult-status *Your Skin But Better CC Cream. The releases are pictured above in the innovative *GlamBoard, a creative and space-saving clear acrylic tray that expands over one’s sink to increase surface area when getting ready in one’s bathroom. Additionally, the *GlamBoard is perfect as a tray on one’s bed, hotel room or any area requiring a flat and sturdy surface for housing and organizing one’s makeup products…luxurious and utilitarian, it’s a beauty lover’s must.
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| *Confidence in Your Glow |
The *Confidence in Your Glow cheek palettes (also available with an exclusive brush–pictured above–from QVC) feature a come in three versatile shades that capitalize on a ombre concept, containing bronzer, blush and highlighter in a gradient pattern that can be applied individually or swirled together for a pop of face-flattering color. The powders are finely milled and blend like a dream, making them one of the easiest ways to create a full face look in mere seconds. The palettes come in three shades, swatched below.
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Better CC Cream. |
One of the best CC creams on the market, the *Your Skin But Better CC Cream offers buildable full coverage, purely physical SPF 50 protection and a glowing, natural finish that stays place all day. It banishes all signs of imperfections while feeling light and breathable on the skin making it an excellent choice for the foundation-phobic who still want a refined and polished canvas. The formula can be easily applied with one’s fingers (though I prefer to use a Beauty Blender for a quick and seamless finish) and works well with a variety of skin types. Try it…you’ll see exactly what I mean!
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
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| Eyes + Lips. |
// EYES + LIPS //
- *Surratt Beauty Relevee Eyelash Curler (reviewed HERE): Truly the best on the market, this lash curler instantly makes eyes look bright and awake; currently sold out just about everywhere, it’s currently available at Spring, which offers super quick free shipping!
- *Colleen Rothschild Ultimate Lip Balm: Smooth and silky with lush emollients, this lip balm hydrates on contact.
- *Dr. Brandt Needles No More 3-D Lip PlumpFix: New in my rotation, this genius lip product has AM and PM formulas in a single dispenser to prime in the day and plump overnight.
- Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Liquid Rouge #11 Lingerie (reviewed HERE): Perhaps my favorite lip product on the planet, I am now on tube #2 of this shiny peachy pink wonder. Opaque yet shiny with excellent lasting power, I get questions about what is on my lips each and every time I wear it (which is multiple times a week).
- *Crunchi Lip Gloss in Ella: This creamy and opaque, 100% clean formula is non-sticky and brilliantly shiny. Ella is a tender warm pink with enough opacity to wear on its own; it also looks incredible over nude lip liner.
- Gucci Peach Blossom Lipstick (also available at Saks and reviewed HERE): This lovely lip color has had a permanent place in my handbag ever since picking it up earlier this spring. The soft peach hue looks great on a spectrum of skin tones and the moisturizing formula envelopes lips in a cloak of comfort.
- Sisley-Paris So Intense Mascara (reviewed HERE): Two coats, almost daily, makes my lashes happy; the fortified formula increases lash growth, making it the gift that keeps on giving.
- *Crunchi Eyeshadow in Fearless: This stunning copper bronze has intense color payoff and a impressively clean ingredients list. I am smitten with the high-performance offerings from Crunchi and will be featuring more from the product line in the coming days!
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| Swatches in direct sunlight. |
In the image below, I am wearing:
- *IT Cosmetics Your Skin But Bette CC Cream in Medium Tan
- *IT Cosmetics Confidence in Your Glow in Nude Glow to bronze and highlight
- *Sisley-Paris Phyto Blush Twist in Petal (reviewed HERE) on the apples of the cheeks
- *Crunchi Eyeshadow in Fearless
- Sisley-Paris So Intense Mascara (reviewed HERE)
- *Gucci Peach Blossom Lipstick (also available at Saks and reviewed HERE) on the lips topped with Clé de Peau Beauté Radiant Liquid Rouge #11 Lingerie (reviewed HERE)
// STYLE NOTES //
As an aside, the current Southern CA transitional weather–it’s been warm and then transforms to quite chilly in a matter of days–has me embracing a classic sweater dress and boots. The combination works well in a variety of climate situations and feels effortlessly casual…my go-to dressing mood! Although the dress above is currently unavailable (I purchased it late last year), I found some similar options in lightweight materials that will work well in the months ahead…fortunately, the Gucci Liza boots are STILL available; truly, they are one of my best style investments to date.
- Sacai Cotton Jersey Dress
- Ribbed Choker Mini Dress
- Monrow Long Sleeve Dress
- ASOS Knit Sweater Dress
- IRO Open Back Jersey Mini Dress
- Gucci Liza Boots
Additionally, as a shopping service announcement (can that be a thing?) I just placed an order for some of my favorite brands on sale at Nordstrom. They include:
- FRAME Cotton Trench Coat:
- Equipment France Crop 3/4 Silk Blouse in Bordeaux:
- Equipment France Slim Signature Shirt in Cranberry:
- FRAME Mini Bootcut Jeans:
I also picked up a Dyson Supersonic Hairdryer Set (reviewed HERE) for my mom (so hope she doesn’t read this!) and the new Christian Louboutin Metalinudes Loubilaque in Preciosa for the two of us ; )
–Shop the Style etc.–
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| Soleil Toujours. |
// GIVEAWAY //
Finally, I am excited to extend a giveaway to Beauty Professor readers! I’ve partnered with Soleil Toujours (available at Net-A-Porter, SpaceNK + Violet Grey and reviewed HERE) and one lucky winner will receive the Sheer Sunscreen SPF 30, Set + Protect Micro Mist SPF 30 and Mineral Sunscreen Glow SPF 30.
Entering is easy…from now though 5/11 at 11:59 PM PST, simply share a comment on this post that details (1) what is so sensational about the mother (or mother figure) in your life and (2) why you’d like to try this organic skincare brand and leave your email address in the comment so you can be contacted should you win! A winner will be chosen at random and emailed by 12 PM on 5/12 so that they can forward their shipping address for the prize.
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| Last look. |
–Shop the Post–
Bottom Line: I hope you were inspired by this Mother’s Day Gift Guide and would love to know what your plans are for the coming weekend. Also, don’t forget to enter the Soleil Toujours Giveaway…seriously sunny weather is on its way and your skin deserves the best protection possible!
Good things ahead, including a fresh FOTD featuring new product procurements and a QVC beauty with a good cause spotlight…xx,
–The Beauty Professor
**PR samples provided for review denoted by an asterisk (the rest purchased by me), however, as always, all of my opinions are expressly and unequivocally my own. © 2012-17 Beautyprofessor® All Rights Reserved. Do not copy, reprint or republish content and/or photos without author’s written permission
Comments (23)
Thank you for this awesome giveaway! 1) My mother has had many challenges in her life. She broke her back while pregnant with me and has since had multiple surgery and has lived in chronic pain. She leaned on painkillers, alcohol and her beloved cigarettes to cope and this style of living all came to head this past year. She was diagnosed with vascular dementia which is the kind you get when you don't treat your body nicely. She is only 73. She no longer can drive a car and we got her moved into an assisted living facility. She had hip surgery in February and it looked like she might not make it unless she changed her behavior dramatically. WELL, I am happy to report that CHANGE can HAPPEN. She gave up her best friends- cigarettes, alcohol, and is being weaned off more pain meds. She has lost weight, her numbers are all improving and she is stopping further damage to her brain. SHE is actually coming to Portland for a visit on Mother's Day (which is incredible because she has not been able to travel in years). I am just so thrilled that she is ALIVE and that we have more years to enjoy her. She has always been my rock and seeing this positive change has been a godsend. 2) I am ALL about age prevention and sunscreen is my all time # 1 fav. The problem is that not all of them agree with my skin and this organic brand looks like it would be perfect for my finicky skin. Thank you for all your do. I love your site and information and loved seeing a picture of your beautiful mama too. xoxo
Thank you so much for this giveaway! 1. As long as I can remember, my mother has sacrificed for her children. Her health, her focus, her dreams – she spent her energy on us, and I can never fully repay her. 2. Mom also has very fair skin that she is now trying to protect after a childhood/teenagehood in So Cal. She would love to try these amazing looking sunscreens!
jennifer[at]lemesurier[dot]com
Hi Rachel! We are back after 6 wonderful weeks in Paris, Corsica, Sardinia and my favorite, Rome. What a wonderful time! My Mom, who has everything has always been and always will be one of the most beautiful woman I've ever known. She remains such a powerful influence in my life and still a person I come to for honest advice in my life. She is 88 years young and of good health. Your giveaway is wonderful and as always on the lookout for new skincare, just love the fact that it is organic. You have helped me decide to send a goody package to Mom. I always enjoy your posts and although read them on our trip am now able to comment. Have a lovely week pretty lady!
Love this post. You have a beautiful mom!
I did try the Natalie perfume and I did like.
Looks like I need the Confidence in a Glow of QVC. I will go through your post to purchase!!!! I just love The Beauty Professor!!!
Is there a like to QVC for It Cosmetics For the warm blush with Brush? When I try to order through your blog it sends me to Ulta and I want the one from QVC with the brush. Thank you!!!! Judi
I was able to order the It blush through your blog so you get credit!!! It worked when I tried it again! I hope you have a wonderful day Rachel!!!
My mom is my best friend too!!!!!
My mother raised six children and kept her sanity. I have two children and I don't know how she did it. She is 82 and still going strong and loving life every day, a great model for her children. I like to use organic skin care products as anything we put on our bodies affects our dna and with all the chemicals in our air, water and food I think we need all the help we can get. Thank you for the opportunity to win these products.
My mom is a source of inspiration for me and is unconditional in her love and support!
I would love to try these organic products because I have been trying to find a good sunscreen product as I am looking to be more aware of sun damage.
My mother is the leader of the whole family. At 74, she is the rock of our family. I would love to try these products to protect my skin this summer! anitakayduvall[at]gmail.com
My mother is such a big inspiration for me and always supportive!
Would really love to these these products. Email: Caroline.modin[at]hotmail.com
My mom was a strong beautiful woman who molded me into the woman I am today. Beautiful giveaway! I love organic products and this is just so nice! I would love to try them.
tat2gurlzrock at hotmail dot com
My mother passed away when I was in my mid-20s, but I have been blessed by others whom have entered my life to fill that role. First of all, I would like to acknowledge the great woman that my biological mother has been for me. She raised fifteen of us in a new country in 1970s with great wisdom and inspiration. She taught us that education was one of the key to life successes.
Besides that, she taught us that to be the uncommon men/women…meaning to be better than what society expects of us (being the best of what we expects for ourselves, our future, our children, and many generations to come).
To the mother, whom is in my life now. She is my greatest cheerleader with great maternal advices and a true friend. She has seen me at my worst and my best and has never left my side when I either falter or excel.
I am currently switching over to natural and organic beauty products, so I would love to jump start my beauty regimen starting with these brands. Thanks so much for this giveaway! emscout9 at Hotmail dot com
My Mother has always been very stylish and always impeccably turned out. She passed on her love of skincare products to me as well (and shoes!). I am always looking for the perfect product and would be so excited to try these.
My mom has faced every challenge in her life with grace and determination. She had to sacrifice her dream of becoming a nurse in order to help support her 6 younger siblings. She became a widow at 39 and raised the 3 of us – including my special needs brother at a time when there were few resources – to become self-sufficient, caring adults. The year after my father died our family business was destroyed in a flood and hurricane. And a year after that she had a stroke during what should have been a simple medical procedure. She learned to speak and write all over again and got back to work as quickly as possible. In between all this, she had to fight in court for 5 years to get her mortgage insurance paid and clear my dad's name as they claimed he knew he was sick when they took out the policy. She was widowed a second time and nursed my step father thru his cancer as well. Whenever I think I am having a bad day or life is hard, I think of my mom and realize just how blessed I have been. And through it all, she never lost hope. Now, I love all things beauty and skin care. I am fortunate that I can buy these products myself so I would like to pass on winning anything here, but instead wish everyone and their wonderful mom's a truly wonderful "Happy Mother's Day."
My mother passed last year, but she was amazing – loving, supportive, funny, warm, nurturing – I try daily to measure up to her as a mother and grandmother. I really try to stay out of the sun as much as possible, so this would be for my daughter-in-law who likes to tan.
Cynthia dot Richardson at azbar dot org
(1)My mom is very storng & beautiful woman .I learned lots from her her.
(2) Me & my mom both want to try these awesome products ..its really look amazing.
billano_kawaii[at]yahoo.com
My moms a Breast Cancer survivor and has always been there to help me with my kids one which had diabetes type 1 at 20 months old and a heart transplant at 17 and my daughter had Burkitts non Hodgkin's Lymphoma at the age of 7 b3. My mom is always helping out watching my kids while my husband worked when i traveled for work. My mom is just a call away when i'm in need love her so much for her kindness and the big heart she has.
Sorry forgot to include (2) why you'd like to try this organic skincare brand because having skin cancer we only use organic green products so i would enjoy these so much.
I love Molton Browns products from B-Glowing! My favorite is their Eucalyptus body wash!