With Mother's Day rapidly approaching this Sunday, it can be all too easy to balk and stick to the flowers and chocolates routine. It's the thought that always counts, so why not treat mom to something that will last a little longer than chocolates or flowers? Mother's Day should be about making time for her, or rather, giving her the opportunity to make the time for herself. So this year, we've done the leg work for you and scouted the best bath and beauty products that will be worth her while -- from Tatcha's camellia cleansing oil to a gardenia-scented diffuser from Illume, we've provided the makings for the ultimate, indulgent goodie basket.
1. Shiseido's Eudermine Revitalizing Essence
The Shiseido brand is one that is highly revered, specializing in unique skin care products. Their Eudermine Revitalizing Essence is one of their oldest products, first introduced in 1897. This lotion restores skin's moisturizing levels and even responds to climate change and time of year, so it's the perfect essential to use year-round for all skin types. It's ideal to use daily and for those with sensitive skin.
2. Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment with SPF 15
An oldie but a goodie, Fresh's Sugar Lip Treatment is one of the best lip balms on the market. And dare we even say that it's tastier on the lips than a Hershey's bar. It's free of petroleum, lanolin and mineral oil so it doesn't make lips feel sticky or goopy. It contains SPF 15 (because mom always said to wear sunscreen), has a wonderful citrus scent and instantly revives dry and chapped lips. The Sugar Lip Treatment comes in a variety of styles and color tints for those who want a little color along with restorative lip moisture.
3. First Aid Beauty's Vitamin Hydrating Mist
Faces need their vitamins too and First Aid Beauty's Vitamin Hydrating Mist is the perfect solution. It's vitamin-rich formula not only refreshes, awakens and hydrates skin in a light mist, it also actively protects against environmental aggressors. It's ideal to use in the sun or in dry wind as well as during travel. A Plus: it's said to double as a makeup setter also.
4. Illume's Gardenia Essential Diffuser
Diffusers are a great, subtle alternative to regular air fresheners and their aesthetically pleasing packaging doesn't hurt either. Illume features a diffuser in a wonderful gardenia scent. This light floral scent is perfect for any room and is alcohol free. Illume's Gardenia Essential Diffuser serves as a longer-lasting alternative to a bouquet of flowers.
5. Tatcha's Pure Step Camellia Cleansing Oil
Camellia oil was originally used by geishas in Japan to remove their layers of makeup. Asian skincare and makeup line, Tatcha, has revamped this makeup remover to create a light-weight formula for all skin types. The Camellia cleansing oil is packed with botanical oils, oleic and linoleic acids and vitamins A, B and E. This cleanser won't strip skin and can even remove waterproof makeup and sunscreen.
6. Philosophy's Fresh Start Cleansing Duo
Where bath products, soaps and cleansers are concerned, the Philosophy brand remains king (or queen). Their Fresh Start Cleansing Duo should be vital to any power cleansing regime. It's tried but true formula works to balance skin and replenishes with topical antioxidants. It's multipurpose, so it's not an involved process; it's a three-step, cleanser, toner and makeup remover. Time savers are the best!
7. Elizabeth And James's Nirvana Mini Set
There's no better way to round out a bath and spa day like spritzing on a little perfume (bonus points if you're rocking a freshly-warmed bathrobe). Our current favorite is the Elizabeth & James duo pack of their Nirvana perfumes (Nirvana White and Nirvana Black, respectively). The combo of mini roll-on perfumes is the perfect gift set. White boasts a bouquet of peony, chic muguet and musk while Black is a scent blend of sandalwood, violet and vanilla. Although these scents are distinct, their notes are subtle and translate well on skin, making it the perfect go-to gift set. Creators Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen probably gave a set to their own mother and if there's one thing the Olsen twins are, they're trendsetters.
Check out your local Sephora or shop online for great deals on these items. Happy Mother's Day!