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

Growing up, 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’m not talking about some fancy olive oil-infused product; I mean pure, cold-pressed EVOO, which she kept at her bathroom sink. Throughout my life, that’s been her go-to moisturizer for every skin issue imaginable. Eczema? Just apply some olive oil. Psoriasis? EVOO’s your answer. Acne? Just add a bit of oil! While I’m not keen on replacing my psoriasis treatment with olive oil, I’ve definitely resorted to using it as a moisturizer in a pinch. I still prefer it over my salad, but considering my mom just turned 60 and looks fantastic, she might be onto something.

Everyone has their own beauty rituals that work for them. For me, it’s Venus razors, which I’ve been using since high school. Meanwhile, our moms and grandmas have been following their beauty routines long before I discovered my colorful razors. I recently asked some wonderful women from older generations to share their cherished beauty secrets. Here’s what they revealed about maintaining their beauty.

Classic Makeup Tips

Many had classic makeup tips to share. For instance, Marie S. has been applying white eyeshadow below her brows since 1977, while Jeanne S. swears by red lipstick—berry during the day and fire engine red at night. Holly O. is a fan of Maybelline Great Lash Mascara, the iconic pink and green one. Gloria J. never leaves home without her lipstick, a lesson learned from her mother, and Shelley T. swears by Vaseline for removing her eye makeup.

Signature Scents

Some also shared their signature scents. Holly W. has been using Red Door perfume since its release in 1989, while Genie W. sticks to Ivory soap, a family tradition, along with Jean Nate perfume.

Hair Care Secrets

When it comes to hair care, old-school methods seem to reign supreme. Vickie W. still relies on Velcro hair rollers, insisting they provide a better hold than curling irons, while Janice C. uses hot rollers every night. Caroline J. has been loyal to Aquanet since 1985 for perfect hair control. Anne H. proudly colors her hair at home, using Clairol once a month to keep her natural blonde turned white a secret.

Skincare Routines

For skincare, many moms emphasized its importance. Bea U. believes Jafra’s Royal Jelly is her secret to youth. Kathy E. relies on Ponds cold cream for makeup removal, while Rhona W. dedicates time to weekly clay masks. Janet T. remains loyal to Oil of Olay, a product she’s used since her teenage years, and Julie H. has been using Jergens Cherry Almond lotion after her showers for almost 50 years.

Simple Yet Effective Tips

Some beauty secrets are simple yet effective. Jeannie B. shares that her mother used cornstarch baby powder to stay fresh, while Mary Louise G. swears by a big sun hat for sun protection. Glenna I. reminds us that confidence and good hygiene are the ultimate beauty secrets.

I love the variety of options we have today in beauty products, from skincare infused with hyaluronic acid to hair care potions. However, there’s something to be said for sticking to what works and embracing timeless tips. After all, if it’s good enough for Grandma, it’s likely good enough for me.

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In Summary

We asked our mothers and grandmothers about their beauty secrets, and their timeless tips ranged from makeup advice to skincare routines and effective hair care methods. They’ve shared what has worked for them over the years, reinforcing the idea that sometimes the simplest solutions are the most effective.