As a beauty editor, I have the privilege of testing a lot of different products, and every now and then, they'll go missing—only to be later found in my mom's purse or makeup bag. In fact, just the other day, I caught her using my favorite tinted moisturizer, and she quickly played it off like she had no idea where it came from or how she got it. These interactions are honestly super wholesome because I know how much she loves skincare, and it always gives me a good idea of what to get her for Mother's Day.
Truthfully, I used to struggle to figure out what to get my mom, and I would often find myself making mental notes of gift ideas throughout the year, just to forget them later on. This year, I asked her to make a wish list of her favorite skincare products, and to say she was enthusiastic would be an understatement. Like me, my mom is someone who is more likely to splurge on skincare than makeup, so I knew she'd be selective. Below, check out the 13 products that made the cut.
This serum is a perfect addition to a nighttime routine for any mom. The lightweight formula contains hyaluronic acid to treat fine lines, wrinkles, and dryness to boost firmness and elasticity. Plus, if you use it during the day, it works as an antioxidant booster to protect skin against free radicals for up to eight hours.
This is one of those products that start off in my makeup bag and end up in hers time and again. My mom and I are both big fans of the mineral sunscreen that doubles as a base for makeup. It has no white cast, smells super fresh, and contains key ingredients such as squalane, glutathione, and Super Zinc non-nano zinc oxide. The combination targets dark spots, fine lines, wrinkles, elasticity, and firmness.
My mom isn't one to get spray tans or test out countless self-tanners, but she does love products with a subtle tint that gives her a glow. This SPF 45 lotion from Winnie Harlow's Cay Skin is a winner because of its lightweight formula that works on all skin tones. It's fragrance-free and contains key ingredients like sea moss, cocoa-seed butter, hydrating nectar, watermelon extract, and more.
My mom uses these at least once a week and always restocks because of how well they work for her. These patches from Peter Thomas Roth gently exfoliate skin with 1% glycolic acid and microencapsulated retinol. The two work together to treat uneven skin texture, tiny bumps, and other signs of aging around the eye area. They also contain niacinamide, green tea, caffeine, and pomegranate to brighten and de-puff.
Made with ingredients such as vitamin E oil, turmeric-root extract, and saffron extract, this body oil hydrates skin fast and absorbs quickly. The result? Noticeably radiant skin. You can use this immediately after a shower for a pampering experience or on the go when you need something fast.
Another staple that often gets restocked is this wrinkle-targeting cream from Clinique. It contains soybean extract, hyaluronic acid, and peptides to visibly reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. There's no oil or strong fragrance, making it perfect for sensitive skin.
My mom has sensitive skin, so fragrance-free products are almost always a must. This water-based cream from Neutrogena is perfect for those with normal to extra-dry skin and provides hydration for up to 72 hours. My mom describes it as a cool-down for her skin because of how lightweight it is.
Among my mom's several night creams is this one from Eucerin. She says that her dark spots get lighter at a faster rate than what she experienced with other formulas. She also loves the glow it gives her thanks to the provitamin B5. You can trust that the finish is hydrating but never sticky.
This Korean skincare buy is one of my go-tos, and it quickly became a favorite of my mom's after she tried it a few years ago. If you've ever wanted to go to bed with "glazed donut" skin, this will get it done. The mask is super thick and contains Scottish heather, lady's mantle, and the Napiers Aqua Formula to boost hyaluronic acid. My mom likes to use this when her skin is extra dry, whereas I use it when I feel acne coming on.
My mom has tried a few makeup removers in her lifetime, but the one she keeps coming back to is this Pond's formula. This thick cream delivers a gentle cooling sensation that even I've grown to love. It can remove stubborn, waterproof makeup while moisturizing skin for a noticeable glow. Plus, there's no rinsing required. Just apply it with a cotton pad and wipe away.
High on my mom's wish list is this cream and massage tool from Sisley. I first showed her the brand's Sensitive Skin Soothing Care ($240), and she immediately fell in love and started looking into its other products. Given how invested she is with trying eye creams, I wasn't surprised when she told me about this set.
The cream contains Persian acacia and lindera extracts with a yeast-and-soy protein complex to target fine lines and wrinkles. Soy peptide extract firms upper eyelids, and Atlas cedar extract and fermented pomegranate extract reduce the appearance of dark circles. In short, you can trust that this is worth the splurge.
Made with hyaluronic acid, this anti-aging night cream goes above and beyond to deliver radiant skin with a firmer, more lifted appearance. In addition to fighting off collagen loss, it treats fine lines, wrinkles, and dullness. It's made with key ingredients like algae extract, sigesbeckia extract, and vitamin E, to name a few.
If loss of firmness and dark circles are concerns, you'll appreciate this formula from Guerlain. This anti-aging eye cream also targets wrinkles and puffiness with the help of hyaluronic acid, Ouessant honey, and Guerlain-exclusive royal jelly, which is packed with carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and vitamins. The lightweight blend leaves skin feeling smoother and can be used any time of day.
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