05/16

Dear Daughter

As a young girl, everything that I was taught about beauty and fashion was from my mother. I’ll never forget the day my momma came back from a big city business trip up North and said to me, “Molly, you won’t believe it. All the college girls are wearing their hair…straight!” Gasp! She was also the one who taught me about the importance of skincare and how “a little rouge never hurt nobody!” It’s no surprise that I’ve learned a lot since those days but my momma was definitely the first one to teach me the ropes.

Let me start out by saying that I love, love, love being a mother to a son. But, there’s just somethin’ about raising a girl that takes me right back to the relationship my mom and I had. Now, Scarlett is obviously far from picking the right shade of lip or perfecting her routine—but that doesn’t mean I can’t prepare! In the realm of beauty, skincare and wellness are a top priority. If you don’t take care of yourself from the inside out, no makeup in the world will matter.

Here are some skincare tips that I can’t wait to share with Scarlett—and some that you can pass on to your daughters too!

1. Never Forget Sunscreen 

When it comes to skincare and the health of your skin, sunscreen is everything. Not only can sun damage cause pre-mature aging but it can also risk the chance of skin cancer. As someone who used to worship the sun, it’s not worth it! Pale is in when it comes to taking care of your skin in the long run. Every day, without fail, apply it. When choosing a sunscreen, always look for broad spectrum. This means that it protects from both UVA (the aging rays) and UVB (the burning rays.) Always look for an option that protects you from both!

For more added sun protection, never forget a pair of sunnies or a great hat. Oh, and if you must have a glow before an event—never underestimate a little sunless tanner.

2. Start A Routine Early

If I could pick one main lesson my momma taught me, it’s this one. It’s NEVER too early to start taking care of your skin. Starting in your early teens, cleanse and moisturize morning and night. Wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily (preferably an SPF 15 or 30). Pack it in your school bag, especially if you play sports outside, so you can reapply. And always, always, always wash your face after!

If you grow up blemish prone like I was (sorry!) consider a salicylic acid-based cleanser, and a simple moisturizer. One with a low dose of benzoyl peroxide works, too. If you do have acne, it’s totally normal so don’t be embarrassed. We all go through it! A great skincare regimen will help you stay on top of it.

Oh, and one last acne tip: DO. NOT. PICK. EVER! Picking or scrubbing your skin a million times a day will not help. It will disturb the pH balance of your skin. Keep it as simple as possible and let it be

3. Don’t Go To Bed With Your Makeup On

I’ve definitely been guilty of this one but don’t do it. Ever! I don’t care how tired you are—take off your makeup. Your skin will seriously thank you! All that beautiful makeup you applied will end up caking up and clogging your pores. No makeup in the world will take away the place of good skin.

If you find yourself lazy like me, find a routine that works for you. Years ago when I was modeling in Europe, I found this AH-mazing product called Micellar Cleansing Water. It’s a cleanser and a makeup remover in one so it truly does do it all. All you need to do is pour the water on a cotton pad, press it against your skin, and voila! We used to not be able to get it in the United States but now Garnier SkinActive has their version of Micellar Cleaning Water at the drugstore. Score! Use it up, baby! Get the most out of your beauty sleep. Eye cream and sleeping creams are a must-have no matter what age you are. Garnier SkinActive, the same company, also has a great Miracle Anti-Fatigue Sleeping Cream that I’m OB-sessed with! It’s thick without being greasy and moisturizes so you can wake up with a glow.

4. Glow From The Inside Out

You are probably getting sick of me saying this by now but I’ll say it again. If you don’t take care of your body from the inside, it won’t look as good on the outside. A healthy diet can do wonders for the skin! Never forget that. Eat organic as much as possible, get your daily dose of fruits and veggies, and the biggest beauty secret of them all: drink lots and lots of water. Not only will it make you feel good on the inside but it will make you glow from the outside!

5. Embrace Yourself For All That You Are

You never have to be the smartest, prettiest, tallest, richest, or funniest to be a success and stand out. Confidence makes a girl a woman—and it’s always gorgeous.

Believe in yourself and always have faith. No makeup or skin product can replace the confidence that radiates within you. Follow your dreams, be grateful, have a sense of adventure, and most importantly—always have fun!

You are our beautiful baby girl and we can’t wait to watch you grow! We love you, Scarlett!