The Best-Kept Beauty Tricks I Stole From My 'Nanny'

By Southern Living Editors
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Credit: Courtesy of Cheri Leavy
"My grandmother's favorite quote was "Pretty is as pretty does." Nanny taught me that true beauty comes from how you make other people feel in your presence, not just from how you present yourself. Her look was all about the details, and these small details are what made her style special and unique. She loved to accessorize, especially with pearls, which she thought illuminated her face. Nanny also had a gigantic amethyst ring that you'd never catch her without, and my mom wears it now. She gave me a wide silver band etched with flowers and leaves; I wear it every day. My mom and I were both named "Best Dressed" seniors at Glynn Academy in Brunswick, Georgia, so it's clear that my grandmother instilled a love for fashion in the generations that came after her." —Cheri Leavy
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Marguerite "Nanny" Sheffey Symons

Credit: Courtesy of Cheri Leavy

Jekyll Island, Georgia, circa 1950

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Eyes

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

"Just like Nanny, I use eye shadows in lavenders and pinks to highlight my hazel eye color."

Buy It: Stila Matte ‘N Metal Eye Shadow Palette, $49; sephora.com

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Scent

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

"She wore Chantilly, a light musk by Houbigant, which also makes my favorite scent."

Buy It: Houbigant Paris Quelques Fleurs L'Original Eau de Parfum, $190 for 3.3 oz.; nordstrom.com

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Skin

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

"She was loyal to her skin-care regimen and didn't skip steps when applying makeup, down to finishing powder to set her look."

Buy It: Mary Kay Translucent Loose Powder, $16; marykay.com

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Cleanser

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

"She told us to never sleep in our makeup. I use a cleanser that also restores moisture."

Buy It: One Love Organics Vitamin B Enzyme Cleansing Oil + Makeup Remover, $42; birchbox.com

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Lips

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

"Nanny was never without her signature pink lip color, even if she was making breakfast in her housecoat!"

Buy It: All-Day Lipstick in Starlit Pink, $22; esteelauder.com

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Nails

Credit: Robbie Caponetto

"Her nails were always painted to match her lipstick. She would approve of my go-to pink shade by RMS Beauty."

Buy It: Nail Polish in Sublime, $15; net-a-porter.com

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By Southern Living Editors