SHOW MAMMY SOME LOVE Many of us cannot see our mums this Mother’s Day, so it’s time to get creative.
Beauty
Maggie Gibbons
In Ireland and the UK, Mother’s Day is always held on the fourth Sunday in Lent, and this year it is next Sunday, March 14. It was a originally a day to honour and give thanks to the Virgin Mary, also known as Mother Mary – and while that is still the case for many, it’s now more of a secular celebration of all mammies.
While it would be great to spend the day with your mother, unfortunately this year, for many of us, that’s not possible. However, that needn’t mean you can’t create some lovely treats to share virtually. It might mean exercising a bit of creativity, or indeed making something personal, like a lovely card, or a photobook of lovely memories.
Remember, showing someone you love them is never just about money. Sure, money allows us to buy nice stuff, yet the simple gestures that cost little or nothing are often the ones remembered, and appreciated, long after the day has passed.
Free and fun
Many of us have wonderful memories of baking buns and cakes with our mothers, when we were children. Maybe you could reintroduce it? Collect the ingredients, bake together and make it a fun experience. Only thing is, as adults you don’t get to lick the bowl! Sure that was often the best bit of the lot. Even when my mother made rice we’d get to ‘lick’ the saucepan.
When the baking is done you can enjoy a cuppa with the treats. If neither of you is into baking, why not have a glass of wine together, this will give you plenty of time to have a good old natter. If this all sounds like too much bother you can arrange a nice lunch or dinner to be delivered to her. There are plenty of food delivery services in Mayo that could surprise your mum with delicious meals. Check with your local restaurant to see what they’ve planned.
Home spa
We all love a bit of pampering, and wouldn’t it be great fun to share a beauty session with your mother? (Yes, sons, that means you too!) It might get her trying out a few products she’s never previously used. This is where we bring the beauty salon home – whether you’re both under the same roof or miles apart. Get two sets of everything, cleanse, serum, mask, etc. You could send her a new set, and maybe use products yourself that are already in your bathroom.
Masks
There’s nothing more fun than sharing a face mask experience. Now that we’re spending more on skincare, masking is a great habit to get in to. I have a couple I particularly like, that have totally raised the bar when it comes to masks.
The Filorga Meso-Mask smoothing radiance mask (€49.00 for 50ml, cosmeticsonline.ie) is an intensive beautifying wonder that helps to smooth wrinkles and reduce the signs of skin fatigue. It’s rich in collagen and elastin, and can be used on the face, neck and eye areas.
On a budget, there’s Seoulista Super Hydration Instant Facial (€8.99, selected chemists nationwide). This is infused with hyaluronic acid to quench dry skin. It’s also packed with vitamins to nourish the skin, and can be used weekly.
Serious serums
If mom is a serum virgin, then this is a great time to change all that. Serums are like moisturisers on speed! Pixi Overnight Glow Serum (€35) is one of the most popular, as it contains 10 percent glycolic acid, which over time minimises signs of damage. It may cause some skin sensitivity so test it first.
Thalgo Intensive Wrinkle Correcting Serum (€78, beautyfeatures.ie) claims to lessen the appearance of wrinkles. It includes Hyaluronic Acid and a ‘Retinol like’ plant active that work to smooth skin and give a more youthful-looking complexion. Not sure what ‘retinol like’ means, at that price, I’ll let you know when I’ve given it a fair trial!
Conceal the years
AYU is an Irish Company set up by make-up artist Suzie O’Neill. She started out designing brushes and has now expanded her range to include foundation, concealer, bronze palettes etc. Her range is both top quality and affordable – something we all look for in this overcrowded marketplace.
O’Neill’s award-winning AYU Instant Under Eye Concealer (€18, ayu.ie) is fantastic for brightening and evening out the skin under the eyes. I also dab it in the corner of the eyes as these areas can be very dark. It’s so lightweight you’d never know it was on, except for the effect.
Face rollers
These are the latest must-have gadgets, and they have hit the beauty market in a massive way. Like a tiny rolling pin, they apparently offer major skin benefits. They improve blood circulation in the face, which helps with puffiness, and can also help stuffy sinuses. They are brilliant aid to getting your moisturiser and/or serum deeper into your skin.
Sana Naturals Rose Quartz face roller (€23.95, sananaturals.ie) is a beautiful, relaxing supplement to your usual routine. What a lovely way for your mum to massage her face while reaping the beauty benefits at the same time!
Maggie Gibbons is an Image/Style Consultant based in Louisburgh. She can be contacted at living@mayonews.ie.