"A mother knows best." This phrase has proven to be accurate, especially regarding our beauty regimens. We were all guilty of watching mommy as she got ready for bed, a night out with the girls, or even work.
Our mothers and grandmothers have passed down some of the most timeless beauty hacks from generation to generation. Here are four beauty tips I've learned from my mom.
1. Scarf/Bonnet:
For most of us, wrapping our hair is essential no matter the hairstyle we are rocking. We were taught to protect our hair by any means; even if it meant sleeping upright all night to maintain the style for the next day of adventures. Every night my mom would tie my hair up with a scarf and assure me that this would make my current style last longer.
2. Moisturize Moisturize:
We've all been lotioned down by our mothers before we left the house in the mornings. Moisturizing has carried over into my adult life. Having a good moisturizer for your face and body is key to keeping a natural glow. My favorite moisturizer to use is cocoa butter. It will keep your skin moisturized, and it's excellent for healing scars or marks. You can't go wrong with a little cocoa butter.
3. Facial Cleanse:
There's no better way to start or end your day than with a clean face. My mother has always stressed the importance of a clean canvas. As teenagers, she would buy my siblings and I exfoliating facial wipes for our morning cleanse; they worked wonders on our faces. She told us that a good cleanse will help with blood circulation in the face and remove dirt and dead skin.
4. Lip gloss or lipstick:
My mother always had something to give her that little extra shine or color on her lips, and when I finally got my hands on some lip gloss, I might have used the whole tube in one day. I made sure I had lip gloss in my mini purse as a kid, and even though my purse is now filled with other essentials, you better believe lip gloss is included.
These tips passed down from our mothers, grandmothers, and great grandmothers are more than just beauty tips; they are a part of our black girl magic. These are a part of our culture. Yes, we get our looks from our mothers, but it is not just genetics. She has been our beauty guide since the beginning. They have taught us how to nurture our beauty. My mother has greased my scalp, moisturized my skin, and even protected my hair, and from being a child till now, I still use everything my mom has taught me. I can honestly say I get it from my Mama.