Mother’s Day Picks for a Mom-To-Be
I’m not a mother yet, but by the size of me anyone can tell I’m on my way. I have six weeks left to indulge myself so this year, in honour of Mother’s Day, here are five great gifts for a mom-to-be. (Hint, hint.) — Alex Laws
Smelling Salts
The word potpourri catapults me right back to 1988 but these beautiful Côté Bastide crystals are worth the time travel. Made in Provence from the sap of the acacia tree, they infuse your home with the woody, sweet scent of sandalwood. Particularly handy, since it’s not nauseating in the slightest and can mask all kinds of other unwanted aromas, before they hit the Diaper Genie.
Côté Bastide Ambre D’Or Potpourri Crystals, $105, at Holt Renfrew and Ogilvy.
A Mother of a Massage
Who knew lying on your front would become such a novelty? Most prenatal massage happens with you on your side, but thanks to a body cushion with the stomach and boob portions cut away, at the Hammam Spa you lie face down while the RMT applies pressure where you need it. Using the plant-butter-filled Essential Balm from owner Celine’s signature line Cela, (whose name is inspired by her three daughters) the massage boosts stimulation and helps to eliminate knots. Plus you leave with what’s left in the tube so you can continue at home, provided you can find a willing participant…
Cela Prenatal Massage at the Hammam Spa on King Street West, Toronto, $160 for 60 minutes. Cela Essential Balm, $45, Thisiscela.com
Hydration Hit
Since getting pregnant my skin’s been more reactive than usual so I’ve had to take it easy with some of anti-aging heavy hitters. I’m excited to get them back into my skincare — and with the certainty of sleep deprivation on the horizon, I’m going to need them. Hyaluronic acid, the most surefire way to skin hydration, is top of the list. This one from beloved no-nonsense UK brand the Inkey List also contains collagen, which I assume will also be sucked from me soon.
The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum, $11, at Shoppers Drug Mart.
Stick It Out
The easiest shortcut I know to “fake awake” after an evening of overindulgence is a sweet pink hue on the apples of the cheeks and I’m guessing it works when you’ve been up half the night with a baby, too. I’ve got my eye on this multi-tasking Beach Stick whose light-diffusing spheres make skin look dewy and a variety of waxes prevent it from drying you out. It can be used on lips and cheeks and is easy to blend with fingers — which is how I assume I will be applying all my makeup from now on.
Charlotte Tilbury Beach Stick in Las Salinas, $45, at Holt Renfrew.
Mask Task
I was skeptical (ask Estée Lauder makeup artist Marc-André Thibodeau) that my skin would take foundation without flaking, but this mask gave me the perfect dewy base for a face full of makeup at this year’s Canadian Beauty Awards. Rich in hyaluronic acid the foil backed mask locks in moisture for ultimate absorption. With any luck, I will get to do a few more now, while I still have uninterrupted 10-minute stretches.