5 Beauty Products Every Southern Woman Should Own

Whether you’re heading to work or rolling through the carpool line, a little lip color, be it muted mauve or pretty plum, instantly revs up an otherwise subdued look. And if you have to make a quick trip to the Piggly Wiggly in your sweatshirt and leggings (heaven forbid!), a dynamite lip color can distract from flat hair and weekend clothes. Score! 

While a subtler hue is the ticket for daily wear, nothing feels more celebratory or festive for a night out than a classic red lip. The perfect shade of red delivers retro glamour in spades, and it flatters every skin tone.

Protect your skin by kick-starting your makeup routine with a moisturizer that’s loaded with sun protection. Not only will your skin feel soft throughout the day, you’ll be shielding your face from the sun (and the wrinkles and lines that come with it). Win-win.

Forgetting your spritz of perfume before you walk out the door is akin to forgetting to slide on your rings or leaving your purse at home – you just feel naked! Whether you’re a fan of golden oldies like Elizabeth Taylor’s White Diamonds or you’re charting newer fragrance territory with Chloé’s Eau de Parfum, a trademark scent is a staple of Southern beauty icons. (And it never hurts that perfume bottles look especially lovely on your vanity.)

Every Friday, for as long as I can remember, my grandmother went to see Miss Mona for a manicure. And while I’m sure she changed up the color every now and then, I only ever remember her wearing OPI’s Bubble Bath. The frothy pink is now a favorite among all the women in my family, and my cousin even wore it on her wedding day. Of course, it’s fun to switch things up and try new polishes at the salon (goodness knows there are a multitude to choose from!), but when it comes to especially important days, it’s nice to know you’ve already got a color you can count on.