4 Beauty Secrets Courtesy of Asian Mums

We can’t get enough of trendy, new lip tints and bubble masks, but there’s no denying the appeal of the tried and tested beauty secrets we picked up from our mothers.

Thanks for the good skin and hair – now show us how to keep them.

If you spent your childhood sitting at the vanity, watching your mum apply her many serums and moisturisers, you know that TV commercials got the technique wrong – pat, don’t rub. Why do East Asian women have such smooth skin? Well, mostly good genes, but the patting helps. Patting increases absorption and blood circulation while avoiding the pulling and stretching that can happen with rubbing.

Technically, this is the preferred Asian technique as our skincare products tend to have a more watery consistency but it’s also a great way to apply thicker products where rubbing can lead to flaking. You can also use this method when applying multiple layers of products like sunscreen over moisturiser over serum.

Master variations such as:

• Press: Press down with both palms a few times – this is ideal for facial oil application.
• Tap: Just like patting, but use only your fingertips for delicate eye and lip areas.
• Fist: Instead of using your fingers or palms, use your fists to rub in more concentrated products. This still results in some tugging, so limit the method to your cheeks and neck.

SOURCE: skin-brushing.com

Dry brushing was GOOP-approved recently, but it’s been Chinese mum-approved for years. It is basically brushing your face and body with a (surprise!) dry brush, which helps to exfoliate and improve circulation.

Like other scrubbing techniques, dry brushing should be done with light, gentle strokes. Brush with smooth, upward gliding motions.

You can read more about dry brushing here.

For tougher areas like elbows, knees, and heels, opt for a pumice stone paired with olive oil to get rid of flaky skin.

SOURCE: lifeofhair.com

Before it became the ubiquitous VCO (virgin coconut oil), coconut oil was the substance inflicted upon thick, unruly hair by Indian mums everywhere. Coconut oil is purported to boost hair growth by stimulating your hair follicles, but it’s also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and fatty acids which nourish your scalp, reduce split ends and dandruff, tame frizz, and deeply moisturise and condition.

Update the method with an overnight oil mask.

1. Warm a tablespoon of oil – you can place it in a bowl of hot water.
2. Part your hair in sections. Using a cotton ball, apply the oil to your roots.
3. Massage your scalp with your fingertips, using gentle, circular movements.
4. Distribute the oil through the rest of your hair with a deep toothed comb.
5. Wrap your hair in a warm towel to seal in all the goodness and leave it in overnight.
6. Rinse out the next morning. Voila! Soft, smooth hair.

SOURCE: whatthechung.tumblr.com

If you’ve got almond shaped eyes, heed the wisdom of your mothers and apply liquid eyeliner to your top lid only – too much liner can overwhelm your eyes. For a fun twist, opt for a winged look that’s drawn straight (rather than upturned) or a liner in a bright, colourful shade.

SOURCE: fanaru.com.com

On the other hand, Indian mums favour the kajal or kohl eyeliner look which usually involves a thick application to the waterline for an uber dramatic look that draws attention to their eyes (to remind you that they’re always watching you). Here’s how you can update the look:

• If you’ve got small eyes, leave the inner corners unlined. Alternatively, line your inner corners with shimmery eye shadow!
• For a subtle smoky eye, apply a thick layer of kohl eyeliner and smudge gently with a smudging brush.
• To open up your eyes and make your lashes look fuller and longer, don’t forget to tightline – fill in the spaces between your lashes to create a thin, almost invisible line.
• For an intense black, dip an angled eye brush in black eye shadow and dab it over your eyeliner. This not only escalates your look; it helps the creamy kohl stay on longer.

SOURCE: sephora.com

Pro-tip: You may be inclined to go full traditional when purchasing your kohl eyeliner, but bear in mind that many of the cheaper products on the market are lead-based. Be sure to read your labels carefully, or opt for a product from a known brand like Sephora’s Long Lasting Kohl.