Beauty Tips From Mom

As we approach Mother’s Day, it seemed timely to share some of Mom’s wisdom. Not general wisdom (which you can read about here), but her beauty wisdom. Most mornings, as I slather cream on every inch of my face and body, I think of her and of her beauty tips… Here are my favorite ones.

1. A hat and long sleeves at the beach always. My Mom learned from her Mom that porcelain skin is a sign of sophistication. No tan for her, ever… And sunscreen even in the shade.
2. Applying creams, lotions, oils, balms to your face and body is an essential act of self care. Mom sees her time in the bathroom as her time of rituals, and the layers of creams as layers of chain mail – her armor to face the day, face the world.
3. Every year you age, you need to spend one more minute in the bathroom every morning and evening, taking care of yourself. While you can jump out of bed, brush your teeth and put your hair in a pony tail and look perfect when you are 20, that rapid of a routine does not work in your 40s.
4. There are few things a bath can’t fix. Physical pain, heart pain, head pain. Add some fragrant oils or Epsom salts for extra soothing benefits.
5. Never forget your neck, décolleté, arms and hands – they will give your age away before your face will.
6. Cute feet are an essential accessory. Take care of them. She applies Alchimie Forever’s Dry skin balm twice daily to feet and ankles.
7. She never leaves the house without mascara or lipstick on – but doesn’t use any other makeup products.
8. She believes, as Marilyn Monroe did, that “a smile is the best makeup any girl can wear.”
9. Look at yourself in the mirror every day. Ideally naked, full length mirror. Pay attention to the changes in your body, your skin, appreciate them. If you do this, not only will signs of age not surprise you, but you will learn to love these changes in your face and body.
10. Confidence is beautiful.