Growing up in Northern California, she instilled in us a beauty philosophy that was unfussy, dedicated and curious. Today, those qualities are at the heart of all our endeavors, from our Beverly Hills beauty space, Striiike, to our red-carpet assignments (for actresses like Emily Blunt, Carrie Brownstein and Kiernan Shipka) and editorial photo shoots.  

Just thinking about Merri Mom (real name, Merri Levin) — who resides in Lake Tahoe where she works as a nurse — makes us smile. A onetime aerobics instructor with an enviable spandex wardrobe, she encouraged us to stay fit (with sports like wakeboarding and skiing) and to eat right (breakfast items with sugar as a first, second or third ingredient were not allowed at the table). Always one to try new beauty trends, she gave us perms over the kitchen sink and corrected cuts whenever an unsupervised sister lopped off chunks (Kristie gave Ashley a skater-boy cut at age 8). To this day, she collects makeup like it’s her job, even though she always ends up wearing her trusted pink lip gloss.

We celebrate Merri Mom every chance we get, but Mother’s Day calls for something extra special. This year, we selected a mix of rich creams, hydrating serums and nourishing masks to combat the toll that the dry air and high altitude of her surroundings and the daily hand-washing she does for her job can take on her delicate skin. We also included a few little luxuries and indulgences because, well, she deserves them.

If you’re stuck on what to get your own mother this year, perhaps our gift selections, below, will inspire you.