My Mom’s Always My Valentine, and I’m Gifting Her Chanel, Merit, and More — Starting at $7

My mom has always been my Valentine. Through all of the heartbreaks and abandoned Valentine’s Day dates, my mom has always made sure to show up with the same love and kindness year after year. She customizes flower bouquets for me and my sisters, makes her famous lasagna soup, and finishes the evening off with her signature peach cobbler and handmade French vanilla ice cream. I’m drooling just thinking about it. 

In return, though she never asks for anything, I make her a beauty basket to thank her for all she does for me and my sisters. I included a bunch of products I know she’ll love or ones she’s been wanting to try, along with a card with a sweet message. This year, I have Chanel nail polish, Topicals eye masks, French body cream from L’Occitane, Merit blush, and more on the list of things I plan to stuff her Valentine’s Day basket with — and prices start at $7.

10 Editor-Picked Mom Gifts for Valentine’s Day:

• Merit Flush Balm, $30
• Avène Thermal Spring Water, $19
• Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks, $22
• Chanel Le Vernis, $32
• L’Occitane Shea Body-Rich Lotion, $36
• Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum, $38
• Victor and Rolf Flowerbomb Tiger Lily Eau de Parfum, $145 
• ESW Beauty Blueberry Coconut Milk Firming Plant-Based Milk Mask, $7
• Chanel La Crème Main, $55
• Avène Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream, $79

Merit Flush Balm

My mom is always so obsessed with the way my blush looks, so of course, I’m using my Valentine’s Day gift basket as a chance to surprise her with my favorite blush. I prefer a deep red because it gives that illusion of sun-kissed skin even in the dead of winter, and it shows up better on deeper skin complexions. My go-to for a quick and easy application is Merit’s Flush Balm. It comes in nine shades and features a lightweight buildable formula that won’t cover your skin's natural texture. The dome-like shape makes it simple to swipe directly to the cheeks or lips, and it can be further blended out with a brush or fingers for a more natural finish.

L’Occitane Shea Body-Rich Lotion

I have been scrapping out every last drop of this L’Occitane Shea Body-Rich Lotion, and since I plan on restocking, I thought I’d toss one in my mom’s basket so she can get in on the luxe experience of this lotion. It’s infused with 15 percent shea butter, which nourishes and relieves tightness while moisturizing the skin for a full 48 hours. The rich formula absorbs quickly into the skin but leaves an effortless glow without leaving a sticky or greasy residue, and features an easy-to-pump bottle so you can savor every drop. Lastly, it has a light, clean, and refreshing scent that isn’t overwhelming. 

Avène Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream

My mom is aging like fine wine because she puts a lot of effort into her skincare routine. She has been eyeing the Avène Retrinal 0.1 Intensive Cream for some time now, so I plan on surprising her with a bottle in her basket so she can give it a try. The cream is formulated with retinaldehyde, which smoothes the appearance of wrinkles while brightening the skin. You apply the cream nightly to the face, neck, and décolleté, and they’ll appear radiant and more youthful.

Shop more of my Valentine’s Day picks for my mom, below.

Merit Great Skin Instant Glow Serum

Flowerbomb Tiger Lily Eau de Parfum

Topicals Faded Under Eye Masks