What We Learned From Our Mothers

In honor of the women who made us who we are today, we’re sharing the words of wisdom our mothers imparted on us. From their beauty tips to their life advice, we are eternally grateful.

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Bobbi Brown and her mother. (Photo: Bobbi Brown)

“My mother taught me to be nice and respectful to others. She also taught me to find a window if a door closes. In other words: Why not?” — Bobbi Brown

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Sara Bliss and her mother. (Photo: Sara Bliss)

“When it comes to beauty and health, my mom was such a pioneer. She was doing yoga, meditating, and using natural beauty products back in the 70s. She was a health food junkie long before it was cool. She really understood that connection between health, wellness, and looking your best. It’s amazing to me how many of the things she was doing have become templates for healthy living. I loved growing up with such a great role model.” – Sara Bliss

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Joanna Douglas and her mother. (Photo: Joanna Douglas)

“My mom is one of those creative types with boundless energy, ingenious ideas, and the drive to go after exactly what she wants regardless of what anyone might say or think. Growing up I just crossed my fingers that some of it would rub off. Her philosophy on beauty was equally liberating, trying perms and bobs and blue eyeliner on a whim, but always returning to her signature look: long flowing hair, no makeup. I, too, had my phases—she even provided me with the pink hair dye in middle school. In the end, she taught me that true beauty is a lot deeper than hair color or makeup, and that if you’re kind, hardworking, and resourceful all your dreams can come true.” — Joanna Douglas

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Tara Tersigni and her mother. (Photo: Tara Tersigni)

“My mother taught me to be patient and considerate of others. She always makes time for those who are important to her and cares for people in her personal and professional life. She lives to make women feel good, confident and strong and that’s exactly what she does and gives to me.” — Tara Tersigni

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Alexandra Perron and her mother. (Photo: Alexandra Perron)

“My mom has taught me the importance of inner beauty. She has always stressed the importance of being kind, generous, and respectful of others. I love that my mom has been incredibly supportive of my dreams—she’s never been one to tell me or my sister that we can’t do something. She’s always encouraged us to do what we love. I hope everyday that I will grow up to be just like her.” —Alexandra Perron

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Noël Duan and her mother. (Photo: Noël Duan)

“To be honest, my mother didn’t teach me much about beauty — you don’t really learn about makeup if you grow up in Communist China. My mother taught me about handling pressure with grace and without complaining. She moved to the U.S. with me when I was one year old, and back in the day, you had to take a train across China before you boarded the plane to San Francisco. (And this was before everyone had cell phones!) As you can imagine, it was not easy for a young woman to move by herself away from everyone she knew with a (fairly difficult) baby on her back. I am forever grateful to her for making sacrifices so that I could live my dreams.” — Noël Duan

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“My mother is one of the strongest people I know. She barely wears makeup, and didn’t allow me to wear makeup till I was older than 13. She always told me and my sisters we never needed to wear makeup — that we were beautiful without. She still doesn’t like when I have makeup on.” — Laura Cates

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Alaïs Diop and her mother. (Photo: Alaïs Diop)

“I learned many beauty tips from my mama.

  1. Mix pure shea butter with your body lotion or rub a small amount in your hands and apply on very dry skin areas (it’s usually best at bed time because it smells a bit strong).

  2. Always remove your makeup before going to bed (no matter what time it is). And always moisturize your face and body.

  3. Apply lavender drops on your pillow to relax and fall asleep. Or make your own eye mask with fresh lavender and apply on your face to soothe your eyes.

  4. Always put your makeup on before getting fully dressed. It prevents from putting blush or concealer all over your new white top…

  5. Less is more. Don’t do a smoky eye with a colored lipstick. Pick one!”

— Alaïs Diop

Don’t forget to enter to win a $500 Bloomingdale’s gift card for your mom this Mother’s Day. Visit our Facebook page for more information or click here.

Related:

The Gift of an Uncool Mom

Celebrities Reveal What Their Mothers Taught Them About Beauty

These Amazing Mothers are Changing the World