The beauty report: Mother’s Day gifts

Mother’s Day falls tomorrow, and woe betide anyone who forgets. For mothers who don’t receive appropriate offerings of appreciation tomorrow, there’s no harm in a little assiduous self gifting.

Children are often inadvertently responsible for some of the signs of fatigue and stress that show on our skin, so there’s no harm in their Mother’s Day gift acknowledging that.

The trials of everyday life and sleepless nights tend to show around the eyes first. Clarins Super Restorative Total Eye Concentrate (€69, from March 29th) is specifically targeted at mature skin and promises to make a visible difference to lines around the eye area.

The rich formula may be too much for younger skins, but women over 50 will love the rich, comforting formulation and soothing sensation of this cream. At almost €70, it’s certainly an investment, but if your eye area is your primary area of concern, this is the product to go for.

Q10plus Anti-Wrinkle Serum Pearls (€14.99) is a lovely new affordable offering from Nivea. Though there is nothing at all wrong with aging, good skincare helps to ensure that your skin looks the best it can at any age.

This serum is ideal for mature skin given that it is rich in co-enzyme Q10, which studies have shown to help reverse the effects of UV damage. Given that the sun is a primary cause of damage and premature ageing to the skin, co-enzyme Q10 is a handy ingredient to have on hand. Hyaluronic acid provides an immediately visible plumping and hydrating effect. This rich golden serum feels luxurious to use, and, is a bargain at under €15.

The Mac Cinderella Stroke of Midnight Palette (€49) is exclusive to a limited collection which launched nationwide just yesterday.

Don't let the whimsy of the Cinderella-themed packaging (to celebrate the upcoming film) put you off; this palette houses everything you'll need for a basic eye look to take you from day to evening.

Containing a generous six shades in various finishes from matte to satin (there’s even a very subtle deep aubergine glitter in there), this nude-based eye palette is supremely flattering on people of all ages. The cost works out at just over €8 per shadow, and since individual Mac eyeshadows retail at more than twice that price, the palette is a sound investment.

Giorgio Armani Sí Eau de Toilette (€52 for 30ml, exclusively from Arnotts, April 1st) is a new, lighter version of the iconic Sí fragrance.

The crispness of green pear and the tartness of blackcurrant married with the rich depth of amber, musk and vanilla combine to create a scent that is both light and intense. Floral undertones add a note of interest. The scent is fresh at first, then settles into a sophisticated floral musk fragrance which is perfect for evening.

Though it’s beautiful on anyone, mature women will appreciate its grown up richness. There isn’t a mammy in all Ireland who doesn’t appreciate a good fragrance.

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lkennedy@irishtimes.com