Classic beauty advice from mom

Spoonful of Sugar

"My grandma told me to scrub my face with sugar to keep it soft, then moisturize afterward." —Ivonne Lanza, Woman's Day reader

What the expert says: Grandma was right. Sugar is one of the gentlest exfoliants around, says Flor Mayoral, MD, a Miami dermatologist. A pinch of sugar mixed into your cleanser is a good tip. As is Grandma's suggestion to moisturize after: "This will keep skin hydrated after you scrub," says Dr. Mayoral.

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Cute Curls

"My grandmother taught me to curl my hair using only bobby pins." —Kelly Cox Jamesson

What the expert says: "Pin curls are still an effective way to get natural-looking waves," says Katie Marshman, a stylist at SalonCapri in Newton, MA. After washing and drying your hair, take one-inch pieces, spin each one away from your face until it spirals up to your scalp, and secure with bobby pins. The longer the curls set, the more pronounced they'll be. For loose waves, pull them down after 30 minutes. To style, use your fingers (brushing causes frizz).

Lipstick Trick

"My mom used lipstick on her cheeks, and I do the same!" —Rheta Graham

What the expert says: This is a great way to create a realistic hue, says Kristina Vogel, a makeup artist and founder of the line Bath Bar. "Use a shade in a cream formula that mimics your natural flush," she says The trick: Don't swipe the color on directly. Instead, apply to the back of your hand to warm the lipstick, then tap with your finger onto the apple of your cheeks and blend.

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Smart Slumber

"Sleep on your back as much as possible, my mom said. It helps prevent face wrinkles." —Kim Lastoria, Cleveland

What the expert says: Very true, says Dr. Mayoral. "Consistent pressure on a specific part of the face creates lines—and some people who always sleep on one side of their face will develop a larger number of wrinkles there." And though your body can fight creasing by replacing broken collagen fibers with new ones, "after the age of 30, our collagen production steadily decreases," explains Dr. Mayoral.

Luscious Locks

"Mom told me to use beer for shiny hair." —Miriam Gonzales

What the expert says: The hops in beer add smoothness and shine, says Marshman. "After shampooing, simply rinse with a bottle of any type of room-temperature beer," she suggests. "Leave it in for five minutes, then rinse again, which helps get rid of the beer scent. Once hair is dry, it will have a glossy finish."

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Editor Tips, 1

"My aunt taught me to steam my face. Once a week, I pour boiling water into a large bowl and place my face over it (not too close!). The steam helps open up my pores before I cleanse my skin." —Donna Duarte-Ladd, style editor, Woman's Day

"When a blemish pops up, I reach for toothpaste. Just spot-treat the area and let the toothpaste set, then rinse away. It helps to quickly dry up the imperfection. Thanks, Mom!" —Melissa Mathews Brown, beauty editor

Editor Tips, 2

"My sister encouraged me to keep a stash of face wipes in my desk, in my gym bag and under the bathroom sink. You can use them to freshen up." —Crystal Tate, associate beauty & style editor, Woman's Day

"My mom warned me not to overpluck my eyebrows when I was younger. Now, I appreciate that mine are still full, and I don't have to worry about filling them in—at least, not yet!" —Sara Lyle, deputy editor