Let's face it, when it comes to beauty, some of the best advice comes from our mamás. Growing up, I can't tell you how many times my mother would warn me not to leave the house without looking perfectly primped and pulled together. Just look at how she used to doll me up when I was little (Mami and I pictured above). "You never know who you might run into," she used to say–and still does! My mother's solid beauty advice was instilled in me at a very young age and I have to admit, I still appreciate it and follow it years later.
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As overbearing as her beauty commandments might seem, I've noticed that it's always on those days when I actually do file my nails, slap on some lipstick, and add a little blush (like Mami always suggests) that I suddenly feel like I can conquer the world. Think about it: There's a reason why women spend a ton of money on cosmetics. It's because when we look great, we feel great too.
Our mamá's beauty advice has proven to be important during our adolescent years, teen years and beyond. I've rounded up some of the best beauty advice I've received from my mother over the years:
1. Get a manicure: "Never leave the house without your nails done," my mother would always tell me growing up. "If you don't have time to get a manicure, then keep your nails neat with a little filing and a coat of clear polish." I have to admit, until this day this is one of those beauty rules I still often struggle with. But it really does make a difference.
2. Beauty is pain: I remember being the only one in junior high school with bushy, thick brows because I was too afraid of the pain that comes with waxing or tweezing. My mamá would always tell me: "Sometimes you have to suffer for beauty," and that's so true whether it's getting your brows plucked, getting a wax job, or even a skin treatment. I've learned over the years that it's a painful effort that tends to be worth it in the end.
3. Moisturize: My mother has always been on my case about moisturizing. Moisturizing your face doesn't just hydrate dry skin, but it also helps plump your skin and prevents fine lines and wrinkles. I know now to NEVER leave the house without applying a moisturizer and SPF to my face and neck.
4. A little bit of powder can go a long way: I definitely have my mornings when I'm WAY too tired to even think about doing my makeup. On days like that I think back to my mother's beauty words of wisdom and lightly dust my face with a little mineral powder to fight shine. I also add a little bit of blush to the apples of my cheeks for a quick pick-me-up.
5. Get your hair done: Anyone that knows me, knows I'm pretty hair-obsessed. I take especially good care of my long, thick hair and get regular trims, deep conditioning treatments and blow-outs. That's because I grew up with a mother that told me to make sure my hair always looked its best. "Un día con el cabello desarreglado me baja la moral," she would always say (or "A day with undone hair lowers my morale").
6. Mascara is your best friend: My mother always used to tell me if I wasn't planning on wearing any makeup to at least put on two or three coats of mascara. It will open up your eyes and make you look well-rested and wide-awake.
7. Less is more: When it comes to your hair and makeup, less is always more. My mother always says to stick to looks that flatter your face and always try to play up your best features. It's the best way to doll yourself up without looking like you're trying too hard.
8. Have a signature fragrance: "Every woman needs a signature fragrance," my mami would always say. She would constantly tell me not to over spray either. A few sprays at the front of the neck and one at the back of the neck was always enough.
9. You're never too young to use anti-aging products: My mom started using age preventive products in her early 20s which is why by the time I was 20, I was already protecting my skin daily with SPF, using a night cream, and an eye-cream. Hopefully by the time I'm her age I look as great as she does!
Image via Johanna Ferreira
