old southern beauty secrets

Revitalize Your Face
Before applying your makeup—what Southern grandmothers fondly refer to as “putting on your face”—wake up your skin by immersing it in a bowl of ice water. Hold your face in the water for five seconds, repeating this process three times. This simple routine not only reduces puffiness and tightens pores but also gives you an energy boost to kickstart your day.

Applying Pond’s Cream
When it comes to iconic beauty staples, Pond’s Cream is always a frontrunner. Southern moms have relied on this all-in-one moisturizer for generations due to its consistent hydration and incredible versatility. It even doubles as a makeup remover before cleansing—a true multitasker in one jar!

Softening Your Eyeliner
It’s no secret that achieving smooth eyeliner application can be tricky. Over time, pencil eyeliners tend to dry out, making them harder to use. To make your liner glide effortlessly across your lash line, try warming it up with a blow dryer or lighter—or just leave it outside on a hot day! Your unsteady hands will thank you.

Applying Vaseline Before Perfume
One of our favorite beauty hacks is extending the life of your perfume with a little help from Vaseline. Simply dab a thin layer on your pulse points—like your wrists, inner elbows, and neck—before spritzing on your favorite scent. The warmth from these areas helps diffuse the fragrance, making it last all day.

Breaking Out the Bio-Oil
For over 35 years, Bio-Oil has earned a devoted following, akin to the love for Windex in My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Whether it’s scars, dry patches, stretch marks, or scratches, this healing oil is a go-to solution. The brand took three decades before even launching a second product, proving how effective the original is. Definitely worth keeping on hand!

Sleeping on Silk
You may feel like a retro Hollywood starlet, but it’s worth it when you wake up with frizz-free hair. Regular pillowcases can cause friction, leading to frizz and breakage. Sleeping with a silk scarf or on a silk pillowcase can minimize damage, especially for curly or textured hair.

Using Velcro Rollers
Speaking of old-school beauty, velcro rollers are making a well-deserved comeback. Nothing else can give you that perfect bouncy volume, and they also reduce the need for heat styling. You can set them, leave them in while you get ready, and take them out just before you head out the door. Many Southerners fondly recall their moms driving them to school, still rocking those rollers!

Applying Castor Oil to Eyelashes
While there are plenty of fancy eyelash serums on the market, sometimes simplicity works best. Try using castor oil on your lashes each night to enhance their length and thickness over time. With consistent use, you should notice a difference in four to six weeks—without needing to splurge on pricey products. It also works wonders on your brows!

Heating Up Your Eyelash Curler
Not all beauty hacks are risk-free, and this one requires a little extra caution. For a longer-lasting curl, try warming your eyelash curler with a blow dryer. Direct the heat onto the curler for about five seconds, but always test the temperature with your finger before applying it to your lashes.