Mums' Best Beauty Tips

by BR Kellie

"When your mother asks, 'Do you want a piece of advice?' it is a mere formality. It doesn't matter if you answer yes or no. You're going to get it anyway." - Erma Bombeck

Never has a quote so resonated with me as the above from Erma Bombeck. Mums sure like giving advice. I should know... I am one. Daily I dispense with my thoughts in the hopes that the blessed child will avoid the pitfalls of life that I fell into having ignored my own mother's advice. Lately, said advice has turned to skincare as my daughter reaches the tween age and her skin has sprouted the odd pimple, and my advice to her is based on my own failed experience: cleanse twice a day with a gentle cleanser. Don't strip your skin. 

Good advice, I think. Whether she continues to take it in the future once she's the one in charge of buying her own cleanser, well... we'll see. As for the advice that the Beauty Review Crew was given by their own mother's that they took rather than ignored? There's some real gems in there...

BR Kellie

My mother wasn't one for dispensing beauty advice. Luckily I had others around me who were happy to let me in on their beauty secrets, the best being that you should always moisturise your decolletage and chest area. Something I didn't appreciate in my youth, but now as I gather more years under my belt and can see the lines and crinkling on that area, I can't help how much worse it'd be if I hadn't followed that piece of advice. 

BR Queenie

My mother's best piece of advice to me was to avoid applying mascara to my lower lashes if I wanted to avoid walking around with what looked like spider legs in that area. Suffice to say, I ignored her advice. Once. Turns out tarantula legs aren't that pretty, and she was right all along.

BR Natalie

My mother has the most beautiful skin. Smooth. Soft. Flawless. Her trick? Moisturising with Johnson's Baby Moisturiser twice a day without fail. It's a gentle product, without many nasties, and it's served her well.

BR Amelia

Back in the day foundation was slapped on until it was mask-like. Eyeliner was thick and black. Blusher was clown-like. More was more. For some. I had a mother who gently directed me to make the most of my features but in a subtle way. A little mascara. Eyeshadow to enhance. A flush of blush. A slick of lipstick. To this day I follow her advice and my photos from decades past are grateful for it.

BR Tabatha

'Mum, I'm tired.'

'Drink water.'

'Mum, I have a headache.'

'Drink water.'

'Mum, I'm thirsty.'

'Drink water.'

I'm amazed I'm not half-camel. While other kids were swilling juice or Coke, I was gulping back litres of water. Something I resented at the time, but am gratful for now since hydration is one of the easiest ways to improve your overall look. Brighter eyes, plump skin, fewer pimples - and it's all down to my mum setting me up with a good hydration habit from an early age. Thanks, Ma! 

As for the advice we're universally giving our own children, godchildren, nieces and nephews...

We bang on about it here, we bang on about it there, we bang on about it everywhere. The best thing you can do for your skin is to apply sunscreen. And that's the biggest piece of advice we'll give to anyone and everyone whether it's wanted or not. 

So, my lovelies, what was the best beauty advice the mum or mum figure in your life gave you? What advice will you be passing on to the youngsters around you? Sharing is caring so get chatting below!