In the South, young girls of a certain standing do not wear makeup. There is no mother-daughter battle, it simply isn't done. However, before a girl should have trouble with her skin, Mother will ensure she has provided the three most important ingredients to help maintain a classic, southern beauty: healthful nutrition, the out-of-doors, and fine, carefully selected ablutions, often found in the garden.
Cultivating Beauty
Southern girls love a good challenge, and our heat, strong sun, and humidity can wrinkle and freckle delicate skin so. It is quite a foe. So many of us in the South have such light or delicate complexions, and it is a point of pride to work to maintain pretty skin. Southern mothers take prideful care of their own complexions and their hair, so southern daughters learn at the feet of the masters.
That diligence pays off. I think of the many true beauties of Mississippi and Louisiana who do not wear cosmetics until Fall Rush, and then it's a lovely rosy lipstick and perhaps mascara and powder. The beauty of dark hair and ivory skin is always bejeweled with bright, vivid eyes, often in shades of emerald, jade, or azure or are rich chocolate or jet. Such a striking and classic southern beauty.
Quiet Perfection
Many southern girls have developed a true understanding of their looks, and realize cosmetics often detract from and do not add to their natural charm. Many Virginia and South Carolina girls of English lineage have relied upon their natural English rose beauty. They are the auburn-maned and honey blondes, and their eyes are often the sage green of their tweeds, the amber of their foxes, or the true English bluebell. These are the high cheek-boned and peaches and cream girls you see along with their greatest accessories: a fine horse, a pack of pups, and the feel of the pretty countryside alight within them. You know that girl: long, glossy hair and glowing skin. There is a quiet perfection in that, and southern girls know it.
Quiet Perfection
Many southern girls have developed a true understanding of their looks, and realize cosmetics often detract from and do not add to their natural charm. Many Virginia and South Carolina girls of English lineage have relied upon their natural English rose beauty. They are the auburn-maned and honey blondes, and their eyes are often the sage green of their tweeds, the amber of their foxes, or the true English bluebell. These are the high cheek-boned and peaches and cream girls you see along with their greatest accessories: a fine horse, a pack of pups, and the feel of the pretty countryside alight within them. You know that girl: long, glossy hair and glowing skin. There is a quiet perfection in that, and southern girls know it.