With Mother’s Day just hours away, rushing into Tesco to grab a bunch of roses probably sounds tempting. But before you do, consider this: the average bunch of roses, most of which are sourced from Kenya, racks up a whopping 7,000 air miles between grower and supermarket shelf. What’s more, the same flowers will (unless organic) have been grown under a regime that employs pesticides – and lashings of them. So what about flowers grown closer to home? Unfortunately, they don’t score any better, with hothoused blooms racking up a similar carbon footprint to those flown long distances. They might be pretty but they certainly aren’t green. But luckily treating your mum doesn’t have to cost the planet.
‘The thing my mum wants most of all is a bit of time in her children's busy schedules,’ says Climate Rush activist and Lush campaigns manager, Tamsin Omond. ‘She lives in Weymouth, I live in London, one of my brothers is in Leeds and the other is in LA. I'll make my usual quite extraordinary card - think pritt stick, glitter, feathers and a collage of magazines. And then I'll set up a Skype conference with all of us calling in for the morning of Mothering Sunday - we rarely get a chance to all see each other and send our love - so this is a real treat. And then - this year - because my ma has recently invested in an allotment I think I'll join her in the garden with some wild flower seeds (good for the bumblebees) and a brand new pair of secateurs (she's been asking for them for ages!).’
‘Women of all ages love to be pampered, but as we get older there’s generally less time to get out there and sample what the beauty world has to offer – especially when you’re a busy mum,’ says Pai Skincare’s Nicola Sutton. ‘For mums with sensitive skin (a problem which can worsen or come on suddenly post-pregnancy) trying new products is even more challenging, as many are reluctant to splash out on products that their skin may not tolerate. With Pai you can treat your Mum to be a bit of luxury, and gently yet effectively restore her natural radiance.’ If you don’t have time to get creative like Tamsin and don’t want to resort to a bunch of carbon-heavy blooms, then an organic beauty treat or two could be exactly what you need. Low carbon, locally made and utterly gorgeous, here are five beauty treats that will put a smile on your mum’s face come Sunday.
The gift set
‘Beauty products, especially those that have a therapeutic effect, are great gifts for hardworking mums,’ says Bodhi founder, Elijah Choo. ‘They’re perfect for helping mum to switch off and indulge in some pampering “me time” on Mother's Day.’ Jasmine essential oil, the key ingredient in the Jasmine Falls Bath and Shower Therapy and Body Moisturiser that make up Bodhi’s Love for Mum gift set, £25, might be better known for its aphrodisiac properties but also happens to be wonderfully relaxing. What’s more, the gorgeous-smelling shower and bath gel lasts for ages, while the luxurious lotion will leave your mum’s skin in tip top condition.
Find out more: www.bodhi.uk.com
The treatment
If your mum already owns all the beauty products she could possibly need, send her for a spot of pampering instead. The recently launched ‘Aroma Lift’ facial by Aromatherapy Associates (prices from £90) is perfect, and combines a natural fruit enzyme peel with a firming micro-current massage. Having your face prodded with a mild electric current really shouldn’t be soothing but Aromatherapy Associates have managed to make it work. According to our tester, the results were impressive: fresh, glowing skin immediately noticeable post-treatment and for weeks afterwards.
Find out more: www.aromatherapyassociates.com
The magic wand
OK, it’s not a real magic wand but Lush’s Mum Tulip bubble bar wand, £4.95, has a bewitching effect on your bath. The tulip shaped block of bubble bath is made using uplifting grapefruit and bergamot essential oils, along with luxurious cocoa and tonka bean. Cruelty and preservative free, not only does the lovely bubble bar wand last for ages, it’s affordable too.
Find out more: www.lush.co.uk
The hand cream
Hard working hands are often the first place to show signs of ageing and for mums who garden, chapped fingers can be a real problem. Instead of turning to petroleum-based products such as Vaseline to see off the problem, treat her to Pai’s organic Fragonia and Sea Buckthorn Instant Hand Therapy Cream, £16, instead. Packed with vitamins A and C and enriched with omega three, six and seven, it absorbs quickly, banishes dry skin and smells wonderful to boot.
Find out more: www.paiskincare.com
The perfume
Perfume is one of the worst offenders for synthetic ingredients and non-natural preservatives but the organic alternative doesn’t always smell particularly special. Happily, Sharini’s decadent Ambre Essentiel, £47.50, not only smells wonderful, it’s synthetic, paraben and sulphate free to boot. Despite the name, Ambre Essential is a blend of organic rose, patchouli, bergamot and cedarwood that’s wonderful enough for even the most saintly of mums.
Find out more: www.sharini.com
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