This Southern Mama Has One Quick Beauty Routine

By Jeanne Lyons Davis
December 19, 2018
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Credit: Fred Frey
Her signature look comes together in a flash
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Michelle Oustalet Lyons

Credit: Fred Frey

Jennings, Louisiana, circa 1980

“Being the eighth of 10 children, Mom didn’t let the bustle of a crowded house full of occupied bathrooms interfere with her style. She mastered a perfectly teased crown and a classic makeup routine in under 10 minutes, relying on a trusty lineup of products to help her get the job done. Now fondly known as ‘Shug,’ she’s a retired librarian and an antiques enthusiast and still plays by her own book. Her expertly edited beauty routine is designed to set off her sweeping eyelashes, stunning smile, and those cheeky dimples that have become my signature too.”

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Deep Clean

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

“Whether it’s the kitchen or the shower, ‘quick and easy’ is her motto, and this multitasking cleanser fits the bill.”

Buy It: Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleanser, $7; amazon.com

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For the Cheeks

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

“Shug’s pearl of wisdom: ‘You can never wear too much rouge.’ ”

Buy It: Milani Color Harmony Blush Palette in Berry Rays, $13; ulta.com

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For the Lashes

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

“One coat of black mascara is all she swipes on those gravity-defying lashes.”

Buy It: Le Volume De Chanel in Noir, $32; nordstrom.com

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Line the Eyes

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

“There was a period of navy liner during the eighties, but like the shoulder pads of that decade, we pretend it never happened. This black pencil has been her go-to ever since.”

Buy It: True Color SuperShock Gel Eye Liner Pencil in Blackout, $8; avon.com

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For the Lips

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

“Shug and I agree, leaving the house without wearing lipstick is like getting into the car without keys. It’s never going to happen.”

Buy It: Clinique Chubby Plump & Shine Liquid Lip Plumping Gloss in Goliath Grape, $19; neimanmarcus.com

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Hold the Hair

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

“She has used this spray for decades; Louisiana humidity doesn’t stand a chance.”

Buy It: Freeze and Shine Super Spray, $12; ulta.com

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A Sprits of Scent

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

“My grandfather bought this for my grandmother in Europe before it was sold Stateside. Today, it instantly reminds me of Maw-Maw and Shug.”

Buy It: YSL Opium Eau de Parfum Spray, $122; nordstrom.com

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