I also had to factor in postage to Devon (sadly I am confined in the North for the day), which rules out a fair bit when you consider how much it can cost to get a large or heavy parcel down south. After considering all the options, I decided to get her a selection of B. skincare as it ticked all of the boxes on my 'what a present needs to be' list.
You might wonder why I didn't go for a better-known brand, such as L'Oreal and Olay. There are a number of reasons for this, but the most important is that I use this brand and would highly recommend it for those who want great skincare and makeup.
For a previous Mother's Day, I bought her some of B.'s products as I had just started using them and she got on really well with them. This time around, I thought I'd get her a full routine that is easy to stick to, which means I didn't bother with the facial serum, skin tone corrector, rejuvenating oil or glycolic cleansing peel that I was also eyeing up - although I may get her the peel at a later date.
So why exactly did I choose this brand and these particular products?
Possibly one of the most important aspects of a product for me is whether they are vegan or vegetarian. I'll use either but I try to steer clear of companies that don't state this, aren't accredited - B. carries the leaping BUAV bunny - and don't have global policies against animal testing.
All of B.'s makeup and skincare products are completely cruelty-free and suitable for vegans - right down to their makeup brushes! This is one of the reasons I've been so happy I've had good results with them and why I'll work my way up through the skin phases rather than try and find another brand.
I'm lucky enough to have attended an in-depth training day on all B. products when the brand was first launched - B. is a Superdrug exclusive and I used to work as a Team Leader in the Truro store - so I know all about the active ingredients they contain.
While other brands include the same ingredients - such as tetrapeptides, which work by 'blurring' wrinkles to reduce their appearance, and hyaluronic acid, which is crazy moisturising and plumping - they don't contain them in such high concentrations. This means that you won't see the same level of results as you would with other anti-ageing skincare on the market.
I can honestly say that I have seen great results using these products. When I switched to the Phase 2 eye cream, I saw that my eyelids became a lot less hooded and the crow's feet that were starting to appear vanished.
My skin can be quite sensitive and skincare products can cause problems ranging from sore patches, dry skin, changes in texture and burns. Because of this, I'm really careful with any skincare I buy people, even if they don't actually have sensitive skin.
I have used loads of B.'s products, including skincare and makeup and have only had a reaction to one - the original micelar water, which actually burnt my skin (this is why I bought the Micellar Oil instead). Everything else has been ideal for my skin and has not caused any adverse reactions.
In fact, they seem to make my skin less prone to reactions so I am happy to give these products as gifts.
Reasonable prices
Perhaps one of the best things about B. products is that you get all of the above for reasonable prices. You won't end up paying £20+ for a face cream, in fact, you often won't have to pay full price as the range tends to have amazing offers on that make everything more affordable.
This whole bundle came in at under £5 per product when averaged out and will last for several months, by which point they will be on a similar offer again.
I definitely recommend B.'s skincare and will let you know how my mum gets on!