You may not have wanted to admit it when you were 14, but now you realize: Mother really does know best. That mean kid at school really did grow up to be a loser, it’s probably better you didn’t get that bellybutton ring, and yeah, being tan really isn’t the greatest accomplishment in the world.

She taught you everything she knows about life, and this includes her best beauty secrets. Here, in honor of Mother’s Day this Sunday, soak up the advice from moms across the country with these 21 pearls of motherly wisdom from Spa Week staffers’ mamas, along with the smart moms of our Twitter and Facebook friends.

Remember, if you’d like the perfect way to say thank you and return the favor, Spa & Wellness Gift Cards are still on sale, redeemable at over 5,000 spas, and you can print them instantly for a last minute gift!

What’s the best beauty trick or tip you learned from Mom?

MOM’S MILKY WAY

“Use whole milk around your eyes to brighten and de-puff under eye bags.” – Kelly’s Mom

USE COTTON WIPES, NOT WHAT YOU WIPE WITH

“Take your make up off every single night and when you do, never use tissue or toilet paper – it dries out your skin.  Always use cotton wipes.” – Samantha’s Mom

SOFTEN YOUR SOLE

“For the most supple feet on the block: 1. Soak in warm soapy foot bath. 2. Lather in heavy, intensive cream or Vaseline. 3. Wrap in plastic wrap. 4. Put socks on over plastic wrap and go to bed. 5. Don’t take them off till the morning.” – Erin’s Mom

YOU ARE ALREADY THE FAIREST OF THEM ALL

“Use Fair & Lovely to “bleach” your skin and make you lighter!” (This is very popular among Indian women). – Mel’s Aunts. And… “Never use Fair & Lovely! You are beautiful just the way you are.” – Mel’s Mom

TWENTY, NO QUESTIONS

“Start using wrinkle cream way before you have wrinkles – in your early twenties.”  - Kaitlin’s Mom

“Always take care of wrinkles. Start when you’re twenty!” (My skin is flawless thanks to that tip.) - Katrina’s Mom

YOGA YOUR FACE

“Do facial exercises to prevent wrinkles. You can do them while driving – don’t worry about what the passerby thinks!” – Anne’s Mom

LOOK RICH, THINK PORE

“Use fresh coconut oil to hydrate your skin – it’s a Caribbean thing. It’s best when applied right after a shower, when your pores are still open. Also, never use foundation, because that clogs your pores.” – Melissa’s Mom

KEEP YOUR HEAD UP

“Mason Pearson brushes can fix any bad hair day.” – Michelle’s Mom

DON’T BE THE MASK

“Always blend your makeup into your neck so you don’t look like you’re in a mask.” – Stephanie’s Mom

HEY SUGAR, SUGAR

“Sugar and honey makes perfectly good exfoliant!” – Lilly’s Mom

“Use granulated sugar as an exfoliant.” – @Float_Center’s Mom

Ole, Ole!

“Use Oil of Olay – it’s the best.” (now it’s Olay) – Snow’s Mom

DON’T LET DISHES AGE YOU

“ALWAYS, always wear gloves when washing the dishes.” – Lei’s Mom

DIY

“Try it yourself! Mani-pedis and makeup applications can be done at home.” – Keonte’s Mom

PALE IS THE NEW TAN

“Sun block!!!!” – Lilbit’s Mom

YOU CAN PICK YOUR FRIENDS, BUT…

“Don’t pick your face!” – Emily’s Mom

DON’T BE STATIC

“Stocking static? Use a tiny bit of unscented lotion on your tights when you have a static cling. Works every time!” – Stephanie’s Mom

EVERLASTING LIPS

“If you want to preserve your lipstick, lick your drinking glass before drinking.” – @CourtneyLeiva’s Mom

ROCK-A-BYE BABY

“Always get a good night’s sleep.” – Cure Spa’s Mom

WASH THAT FACE

“Always remove your makeup at the end of your day.” – Maritza’s Mom

“Never, ever go to bed without washing your face.” – @Spillerus’s mom

“”NEVER go to bed with makeup on, and never use soap on your face – just lots of cold water to avoid wrinkles.” – Noemi’s Mom

“If you’re not going to be responsible about washing your face twice a day, don’t wear makeup.” (So… she doesn’t.) – @EnvylikeJewelry’s Mom

DON’T SKIMP

“Always buy the BEST products you can afford. Your body will thank you later.” – Vanessa’s Mom

“Never skimp on quality skincare.” – @ChrisOhCOH’s Mom

“Never skimp on yourself.” – Ruth’s mom

SMILE AND BE YOU

“Stay natural. You don’t need so much makeup.” – Shirin’s Mom

“Taking care of yourself is ageless in itself.” – Yvette’s Mom

“Smile.” – @shanegibson’s Mom

“Smile.” – Sarah’s Mom

“Smile often.” – @TheZenGirl’s Mom

“Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” – Shayna’s Mom

 

Top photo via this post about beauty tips for lazy moms… perhaps the moms not listed here.