Beauty advice from our mothers

‘The most valuable beauty tip my mother gave me was to smile. Not only does it lift and illuminate your face, it makes you feel good inside, and may brighten someone else's day.'

Naomi Gates, Sandown, Isle of Wight

‘My mum insisted I learn how to cleanse and moisturise my skin properly when I began experimenting with make-up at 12. Now, at 44, I regularly receive comments on how young I look for my age and how few lines I have. Whether this is thanks to good genes or a good beauty routine, I have Mum to thank for both.'

Karen Taylor, Doncaster

‘My mother always used to claim that washing your hair in beer improved its condition and brightened its shine.'

Noeleen Butler, Witton Gilbert, Durham

‘Always wash your face thoroughly and apply a light layer of almond or olive oil on your skin a few minutes before putting on your face cream at night. I've done this religiously ever since my mum recommended it when I was in my early teens. I'm now 35 and I don't have any lines yet!'

Katie Walsh, Oxhey, Herts

‘I thank my mother for passing on her beauty tip on the many benefits of olive oil. As a child, I hated taking a teaspoonful a day, but I've persevered, to keep my hair, skin and nails in excellent condition- and my joints mobile. I also slather it on my hair on holiday to deter sun damage. In winter, a little rubbed into my hands every night prevents painful cracked skin. At 70, my mother's youthful looks are testament to the beauty treasure that is olive oil.'

Gail Smith, Thorpe Hesley, South Yorkshire

‘As a child growing up on a busy farm, I noticed that my mother washed her face often. One day she explained that it was the best thing she could do not just for her skin but for her wellbeing, as it gave her a few minutes to herself to refresh her mind. It was her relaxing moment.' Ann Collins, Welwyn Garden City, Herts

‘My mum's nails are always shiny, as in the winter she paints them daily with tea-tree oil.'

Vera Barnes, St Saviour, Guernsey

‘My mum taught me to dab egg whites on the under-eye area, as it firms it up. Lemon juice will remove yellow from smoker's fingers, while honey on scratches will prevent scarring. Vaseline works as a lip gloss, as well as stopping staining if applied round the eyes when tinting eyelashes.'

Sue Millward, Sanderstead, Surrey

‘The one tip my mum gave me was to moisturise, moisturise, moisturise. It doesn't have to be a very expensive brand, as long as it's a good one and suits your skin. Day and night, your skin needs protecting and hydrating.'

Patricia Stowell, Caerau, Cardiff

‘One of the best tips my mum passed on was to treat chapped hands by soaking them in warm water to which you've added a couple of drops of comfrey oil. In the cold winter weather I do this a couple of times a week and my hands feel much better.'

Melanie Lodge, Mirfield,West Yorkshire

‘My mother still looks amazing at 81. She swears by green clay, which, in France, you can buy in health stores and chemists. You mix it with water and it soothes any cuts, burns, rashes and skin imperfections. Drinking the water is a good detox remedy, and in a poultice it can lessen aches and pains. I always have a tube in the house just in case.' Fabienne Levett, Lydney, Glos

‘My mum's beauty tip is to keep active. She's always done a lot of swimming and walking and she's still very active in her mid-70s, exercising several times a week. She's also careful with what she eats, but allows herself the odd luxury. She looks 20 years younger.'

Jane Redfern Jones, Wrexham

‘My mother used to eat jelly cubes regularly, which gave her strong, healthy nails. I've carried on the tradition and have healthy nails, too.' Karen Collier, Portsmouth

‘My mum always used to tell me on our holidays that swimming in the sea cleanses your pores and gives you a glowing complexion.'

Olivia Robertson ,York

‘My mother taught me to moisturise not just my face, but my neck, hands and elbows, as they all age, too. When I hear beauty gurus saying the same thing now, I smile.'

Grace Tierney, Stamullen, Ireland