This Small-Town Alabama Grandmother Has a Timeless Approach to Beauty

Troy University cheerleader, circa 1958 

Childhood weekends spent at my grandmother’s house in Union Springs, Alabama, meant building forts with hand-stitched quilts, sitting on the porch steps to hear the whip-poor-wills sing, and sneaking into her closet to rummage through her jewelry box. Hiding under the hems of Nanny’s dresses, I’d unlatch the red leather box to reveal her decades-old collection of costume jewelry, an 8-year-old girl’s treasure trove. I felt grown-up clipping on a pair of dangling earrings, lining my wrists with bangles, and pinning an antique brooch to my shirt. When I came out of hiding to proudly model my finds, Nanny would spy the excitement on my face and let me keep a piece. She’s always told me the same styling advice: “The best accessory you can ever wear is a smile.”

“This new moisturizer earned Nanny’s stamp of approval, since it’s made by her go-to beauty brand. I use it to smooth and shine my dry skin.”

Buy It: Dove Whipped Body Cream, $8; amazon.com

“I’m a third-generation devotee of Clinique’s hydrating yellow lotion; I’ve never used anything else. I love being able to customize the trusty formula to fit my skin’s needs.”

Buy It: Clinique ID Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion+ for Uneven Skin Texture, $39; saksfifthavenue.com

“I inherited Nanny’s curly hair. Running a quarter-size dollop of this product through wet hair tames my frizz-prone waves.”

Buy It: Be Curly Style-Prep, $26; aveda.com

“Pedicure gift cards are recurring birthday presents in our family. I always pick a neutral shade with a seasonal twist.”

Buy It: Easily Suede, $9; kohls.com

“Nanny highlights her bright smile with a swipe of pink lipstick. She never leaves home without a tube in her purse.”

Buy It: Revlon Super Lustrous Lipstick in Pink Velvet, $8.49; ulta.com

“My mom and grandmother spray on this signature scent for special occasions. Now I like mixing it into my own perfume rotation.”

Buy It: N°5 Parfum 7.5 ml, $130; chanel.com