This article was written by Katie Chang and was originally published on AskMen.com.
As a grooming writer and apothecary owner, I get frustrated when guys tell me they're afraid to purchase anything beauty-related for their moms on Mother's Day. And I hear the same lines over and over again.
"It's too personal." "What if she doesn't like it?" "I don't know where to begin."
The list goes on and on.
I think the key to coming up with a great (much more than good) Mother's Day gift idea is just a little consideration. Namely: what kind of woman is your mom?
Because based on her personality, you can absolutely find a beauty product she will love. For example: even the most practical and low-maintenance mom will appreciate a little pampering, as long as the gift is truly useful and practical.
So, here are 12 beauty products for every type of mom. They've been carefully selected by yours truly, in the hopes that your mom will received a personalized and, more importantly, thoughtful, present this Mother's Day.
Trendy
Hugo Woman
The newest perfume launch from the famed fashion label celebrates today's style-driven woman: someone who isn't afraid to lead the pack, and happily sets her own rules. While the scent opens with fruity and floral notes of boysenberry and Himalayan red grass, it dries down to a warm finish of sandalwood, cedar, and amber. It's beguiling, modern, and incredibly chic, much like the face of the fragrance: Danish model Freja Beha Erichsen.
$46.00 at Amazon.com
Mr. Smith Shampoo and Conditioner
Think washing and conditioning your hair can't be a luxurious experience? Think again. This sleekly-designed duo from Australia takes the daily ritual and transforms it into something indulgent, pampering, and cool. The minimalist packaging, herbal scent, and natural ingredients (both products are sulfate and paraben-free) works wonders on all hair types, so who knows? Maybe you'll want to buy yourself some, too.
$29.95 at MrSmith.com
Too Faced Melted Metal Liquified Metallic Lipstick
Here's the thing about wearing a statement lipstick: no matter what shade you choose, the color should be bold, crisp, and long-lasting. And these tubes do just that: they're easy to apply, come in a range of vibrant shades, and stay put. Just don't be thrown off by the metallic part. Unlike glitter -- which winds up looking messy or worse, immature -- metallics help pouts look full.
$21.00 at Toofaced.com
Practical
Rita Hazan Root Spray
If your mom airs on the practical side, chances are maintaining her hair color isn't a priority. But with these innovative touch-up sprays from celebrity hair colorist Rita Hazan, that's totally cool. Ranging from blonde to black, there's a shade to match every hair color, and the water and sweat-resistant pigment won't budge until it's shampooed out. It's a breeze to use, to boot: simply spray (a little goes a long way) and go.
$40.99 at Amazon.com
Mario Badescu Facial Spray With Aloe, Herb and Rosewater
Sometimes, the best gifts are items you would never purchase for yourself, but would love to receive. Case in point? This affordable face mist. It might not look like much, but trust me: your mom will love it. A quick mist instantly refreshes and soothes the skin with natural botanicals. Want to make using it even more enjoyable? Store it in the fridge for an extra-cooling sensation.
$12.00 at Amazon.com
McBride Vitamins in a Jar
Regardless of age or personality type, every mom will appreciate a lovely face moisturizer. This version comes from a one-woman operation in Brooklyn, and has a sweet story to match: McBride was the maiden name of the brand's founder, Wini Burkeman. Loaded with vitamins like A, C, and E, it cares for and nurtures the skin. Like how your mom did and still does for you.
$45.00 at McBride.com
Luxe
La Mer Reparative SkinTint SPF 30
From the brand that launched Creme De La Mer, the beloved cult face cream, comes another must-have. Much more than a conventional tinted moisturizer, this combines comprehensive broad-spectrum sun protection with ingredients that help reverse existing sun damage. A small dab subtly blurs imperfections, and imparts faces with a dewy and luminous finish, for the kind of skin all women want.
$95.00 at Cremedelamer.com
Van Cleef & Arpels Precious Oud
Oud is a note that's been trending in the fragrance world, as of late. While a succinct description of the scent is difficult to give -- fans claim it can be a combination of woody, sweet, and floral -- no one can argue that it brings a luxurious dimension to any perfume. And this one from the legendary French accessories and fragrance house is no exception: it's beguiling, warm and hypnotic.
$114.99 at Amazon.com
G.M. Collin Diamond Radiance Sculpting Cream
I'm not sure that any woman, regardless of age, would say no to putting diamonds on her face. Yes, I said diamonds. In addition to diamond powder, this luxurious, anti-aging moisturizer also features a peptide complex (stimulates collagen production) and snow algae (fights sun damage). With faithful usage, say goodbye to dryness and fine lines, and say hello to a firmer and tighter complexion.
at GMcollin.com
Sporty
Bobbi Brown Face and Body Bronzing Duo
While sun lends skin a healthy glow, I don't care for what else it can cause: like wrinkles, dryness, and even worse, cancer. This is where I'm all for faking it (with some bronzer). Just find one that's shimmer-free and not too orange, though, for a natural-looking finish. This sleek compact is especially handy, since it contains two shades that can be used on both face and body.
$80.00 at Amazon.com
100% Pure Cocoa Kona Coffee Body Scrub
With 100% clean, all-natural ingredients (hence the name), this body exfoliant stars organic Hawaiian coffee. Not only does it smell delicious, its leaves skin baby-soft and firm with the help of caffeine (which temporarily tightens the skin). Earn extra brownie points by recommending that your mom use it post-workout: it's like enjoying a mini spa treatment at home.
$58.25 at Amazon.com
Lacoste Pour Femme Eau de Parfum
Play up your mom's sporty side with this fragrance from the storied French design house. Because the founder, Jean René Lacoste, was both an innovator and tennis player, all of Lacoste's offerings pay homage to his athletic legacy (without sacrificing style). This scent is crisp with notes of apple and black pepper, so your mom can even wear it while working out.
$57.00 at Amazon.com
Need more Mother's Day gift inspiration? Check out:
- Mother's Day Gift Ideas
- Best Mother's Day Gifts
- Last-Minute Gift Ideas
- Unique Mother's Day Gifts