We Reached Out to Our Moms and Grandmas for Their Timeless Beauty Tips, and They Delivered

When I was young, my Italian mother always kept two bottles of extra virgin olive oil at home: a large one for cooking and a smaller one for her beauty routine. I mean, there was a bottle of high-quality, cold-pressed EVOO right next to the sink. For as long as I can remember, she has relied on it to moisturize her skin. It’s her secret weapon, and she insists it’s the solution for every skin issue imaginable. Eczema? A dab of olive oil will do. Psoriasis? EVOO it is. Acne? Just apply some oil? While I’m not ready to ditch my psoriasis medication for olive oil, I have used it as a moisturizer in a pinch. I still prefer it drizzled over my salad, but considering my mom just turned 60 and looks fantastic, perhaps she’s onto something.

We all tend to have our go-to products. For me, it’s Venus razors. They debuted during my senior year of high school, and I’ve had a Venus razor and a can of Skintimate in my shower ever since.

Our moms and grandmas have beauty secrets that have stood the test of time, long before my colorful razors and fruity shaving creams. Many of them have been using the same products and routines since before I was even a thought.

I asked a group of stunning women from an earlier generation to share their tried-and-true beauty secrets. I wanted to discover how they maintain their beauty and confidence. Here’s what our Mamas and Nanas do to stay fabulous.

Classic Makeup Tips

“I’ve been applying white eyeshadow under my brows since 1977. I’ve toned it down a bit, but the idea remains. My face feels incomplete without highlighting my brow bone.” – Maria S.
“I keep it simple: only red lipstick. Berry for daytime, fire engine red for nighttime. There’s no need for nude shades.” – Jane R.
“Maybelline Great Lash Mascara is it for me. I’ve tried others, but nothing compares.” – Lucy O.
“I always wear lipstick. My mother never left home without her favorite Revlon pink, and she taught me that a little effort goes a long way in feeling good about yourself.” – Gloria J.
“Vaseline is my go-to for removing eye makeup. Nothing else works as well.” – Shelly T.

Signature Scents

“Red Door perfume by Elizabeth Arden has been my favorite since it was launched in 1989.” – Helen W.
“I’ve used Ivory soap since I was born because that’s what my mother always bought. Also, I’ve loved Jean Nate perfume since high school, and I can’t find it anywhere else.” – Gina W.

Old-School Hair Styling Tips

“Velcro hair rollers have been my secret for years. They give a better set that lasts longer than any curling iron.” – Victoria W.
“I use hot rollers daily. After showering at night, I dry my hair, pile it on my head, and wear a high ponytail. It gives my rollers more body.” – Janet C.
“The purple can of Aquanet is my go-to. It’s only $2, but it holds my hair perfectly since 1985.” – Carla J.
“I’ve never paid anyone to color my hair. I went from blonde to white in my twenties, and no one can tell because I use Clairol every month.” – Anna H.

Skincare Secrets

“Jafra’s Royal Jelly is my secret for looking youthful.” – Bea U.
“I swear by cold cream. I use Ponds every night to remove my makeup. That’s all I do for my skin, and I look great for it. My husband uses Noxzema as aftershave, and I even use it on sunburns.” – Kathy E.
“I apply clay masks weekly. I’ve done this every Sunday night since college, and at seventy, I have very few wrinkles.” – Rhona W.
“Oil of Olay is my holy grail. My mom bought me my first bottle when I began wearing makeup, and I’ve only strayed once when my husband gifted me an expensive set.” – Janet T.
“I’ve been using Jergens Cherry Almond lotion after every shower since I was 16—48 years ago.” – Julie H.

Nuggets of Wisdom

“My mother used cornstarch baby powder—no talc! She applied it under her arms, on her ‘downstairs’, and in the small of her back to stay dry. I followed her lead; I might look like a powdered donut, but I stay cool.” – Jeanie B.
“Invest in a big sun hat. When my friends tanned, they ended up with leathery skin. I stayed under an umbrella with my sun hat and look so much younger than them.” – Mary Louise G.
“My secrets are confidence and hygiene. If you’re clean and tidy, people will see you as beautiful if you smile and believe it.” – Glenna I.

In today’s world, we have countless choices for beauty products. My countertop is filled with skincare items featuring hyaluronic acid, CBD oil, and even mushrooms. My shower is overflowing with innovative hair and skin products, and my makeup bag is ever-changing. I genuinely love exploring new options.

However, there’s something to be said for sticking to what works for you. If it’s a classic for Nana, it just might be a keeper for me too.

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