Yes, of course you can’t go wrong with a box of chocolates, or a bunch of daffodils. But if your mum loves fragrant, beautiful things too, here are some ideas for small treats and lavish indulgences, from Ireland’s most elegant bathrobe to the perfect night cream, starting from €17…
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1. The Bathing Ritual
Check out the gorgeous new limited-edition Ritual of Yozakura range from Rituals, available from March 4. In a striking new deep purple colour, the collection features a deeper, richer and more lingering scent than the Ritual of Sakura range, the global bestseller, also inspired by cherry blossom (think of Yozakura as a sister range, for evening): we love the Rich Foaming Shower Gel, which is both indulgent and accessible; and the wonderfully fragrant Shimmering Body Oil, which is supremely glamorous, leaving a trail of softly shimmering scent on your skin. The diffuser and room spray help to transform your home to something far more fabulous. At Rituals boutiques nationwide from March 4. www.rituals.com
2. The Daily Essential
Boots have a new mascara, Define & Enhance, which is good for combing and lengthening lashes without clogging or overfacing them. It’s a very easy mascara to apply and ideal for a fresh spring look with a focus on natural. €17, at selected Boots stores and www.boots.ie.
3. The Beauty Kit
Also on lashes, consider Lash Star, owned by Irish entrepreneur Orla Maguire, is specialist lash and make-up brand, with a range that features lash curlers (made in the same place as the cult Shu Uemura ones) through to eyeliners and mascaras. We love these mini scissors (€19, via www.zolobeauty.com), designed for use with false lashes but just widely useful, and presented in a neat magnetic-close case. The Lash Star range is available at www.zolobeauty.com (and keep an eye out for their great new tubing mascara, coming soon).
4. The Fragrant Treat
This set of Chanel Chance perfumed mini hand creams makes a pretty gift and is, of course, beautifully presented. €75, at counters nationwide. I’d also recommend the No1 de Chanel Revitalising Red Camellia Mask which is lifesaver for mature skin, giving it a gorgeous long drink and gentle exfoliation. With red camellia extract and oil, this gel mask really soaks into your skin and feels like an entire facial in a pot. It’s a beauty. €92, refill €78, at counters nationwide. www.boots.ie
5. The Super Skincare
Without generalising, mums love Clarins. The new pretty in pink Multi Active range includes a restoring Night Cream (€65) – the version for dry skin is especially velvety. Even better, book your mum in for a facial at the lovely Clarins boutique on Wicklow Street, Dublin 2 (www.clarins.ie). There are half-hour treatments available from €45 (try also the Revitalising Ritual for face, 15 minutes, free).
6. The Exclusive Luxury
How about an elegant bathrobe – so many of us wear care-worn fluffy or towelling numbers that have seen better days. For the ultimate upgrade, take a look at the exclusive, limited-edition robe from Dromoland Spa. Inspired by Lady Ethel, one-time chatelaine of Dromoland Castle, it’s been made specially by designer Deborah Veale for the super-luxurious hotel spa. Beautifully long with wide sleeves, it’s really too beautiful to keep for the bathroom – you could wear it as an evening coat. And it’s now available to order – but as a limited-edition, and it will certainly sell out. A wonderfully unique Irish gift that will last for ever. €280, at www.dromoland.ie. On the website, you’ll also find the intriguing Scopoli perfumes, made by an Irish company. These are also available at Cosgrove’s pharmacy in Monkstown.
7. The Designer Delight
Consider a single beautiful lip colour – such as Dior Rouge Dior Couture lipstick, in matte or satin, €51 – in elegant packaging. And for a super-extravagant gift, head for the Dior boutique in Brown Thomas Grafton Street and browse the perfumes, which include bestseller Gris Dior, and light, springlike, super-chic Cologne Blanche, created by perfumer Francis Kurkdjian.
8. The Treatments
Tara O Rourke, a holistic therapist, yoga teacher and trainer for Dr Hauschka, based at Saol Beo in Clontarf, offers a range of relaxing and restorative treatments that would be perfect as a gift idea. Many of the facials are designed specifically for mature skin, and there’s a two-hour face and body treatment that’s ideal for the menopause (€185); Dr Hauschka treatments are very special, too (€155, 120 minutes). We love the sound of the Nunaia facial (70 minutes, €95), using one of our favourite Irish skincare lines. (www.nunaia.com) www.saolbeo.ie
