Every day could be Mothers' Day, but if you want to pamper her tomorrow, now's your chance
Panic stations! If you're reading this before you go gift shopping for your mother tomorrow, shame on you. The woman who made sure you were fed and watered, warm and dry and loves you unconditionally deserves better than a last-minute rush to the shops for all her efforts. Good thing you have Dr Phyl to prescribe some last-minute ideas to save your bacon.
Just the two of youHave the day out with Mum combining lunch with a complimentary treatment at one of the beauty pods stationed at the Dundrum Town Centre. Each treatment takes 20 minutes and you can choose from a hand and arm massage, makeovers from the top colour brands, and upstyle hairdos from the Peter Markteam.
Eyes rightThe delicate skin around the eyes is the first area to show the signs of ageing. Ceramide Gold eye capsules from Elizabeth Ardenare single dose pearls of magic. Ceramides help to both lift and strengthen skin with its softening satiny texture resulting in a smoother, brighter look - and what mum wouldn't want that? €54
Do it HerselfA little bit of indulgence will do Mum a power of good - this Aromatic Indulgence set from Darphincontains five of the brand's hero products including oils, balms and creams presented in a chic brown vanity bag. A mood-enhancing candle is also part of the set, which sells at €80, a saving of 40 per cent on the usual cost. For stockists, tel. 0800-0342566.
Cleopatra momentWho wouldn't love to sink into a bath infused with the heavenly scent of No 5? Chanelhas brought out a limited edition Velvet Bath Milk which foams into a rich lather and allows mum to soak her cares away. €53 from Chanel stockists.
Fragrant memoriesMy mother's wedding bouquet contained freesias - her favourite flowers. Tomorrow I will be giving her the fragrance Antonia's Flowersand beating my four sisters' gifts into second place. The scent is based on perfumer Antonia Bellanca's love of the freesia and the resulting scent is like walking into a florists on a fine summers day. €88, available at spacenk at Harvey Nichols and Nue Blue Eriu, Dublin.
Face FirstYou could team up with siblings to give a super luxe face cream. Sisley'smulti-award-winning Global Anti Age combines 10 years of research and is its best selling product. Hydrates, repairs and firms - you know she's worth it. €278 at Brown Thomas.
Heaven scentIrish company Max Benjaminproduces luxury scented candles at affordable prices. Their Lemongrass & Ginger gift set is lovely and fresh for this time of year, and the candle has the bonus of being suitable for use around the food areas of the home. Matching body lotion completes the set. € 30 from Arnotts, Kilkenny and Meadows and Byrne.
Colour by numbersA customised gift is always special, and here's a neat idea from Prescriptives. Buy an empty palette with a gift card for her to have it filled with her special eye and cheek shades by one of their colour consultants. There is also a custom blend lipgloss service with a vast array of finishes and flavours. Prices from € 15 to € 33 at Brown Thomas.
Bliss timeHow about a deluxe hair treatment? The Shu Uemurapeople include a heavenly hair and scalp massage using specific invigorating products to leave hair silky smooth and revitalised. Hession Hairdressingin Drumcondra has a special mother/daughter offer for €109, which includes a scalp massage and blow dry for mum plus a mini treatment for yourself. You can also choose a complimentary hair product to the value of € 30. For an appointment, tel. 01-8376265.
pclarke@irishtimes.com