BEAUTY rituals are often passed down to us from our mothers, but the generational flow of advice is changing, thanks to the wealth of information available on social media.
These days, children are just as well-versed as their parents, with influencers and brands alike creating content and products specifically designed for tweens and teens.
No one is more aware of this than these mother-and-daughter duos, who are so obsessed with beauty they’ve made it their full-time job.
We quiz the women who are shaping the worlds of fragrance, make-up, skincare and supplements for their best beauty advice, and discover what they’ve learned from each other.
Chantal & Alexandra Roos, founders of fragrance brand Roos & Roos
“My approach to beauty is – and has always been – simple,” explains Chantal.
“Day to day, I use a little mascara and a touch of black liner, some blusher and a small amount of lip balm,” she adds.
Her daughter, Alexandra, has a more complicated routine.
“I can be a compulsive buyer of make-up products that I never end up wearing, except for tinted lip balms, which I consume excessively – and perfume, of course.”
The latter is something Alexandra has definitely learned from her mum, who is a fragrance industry legend, having launched YSL’s Opium and Paris, as well as Issey Miyake’s L’Eau d’Issey and Jean-Paul Gaultier Classique and Le Male.
“I follow my mother’s advice on skincare – she told me the most important thing was to cleanse my face thoroughly and use a good moisturiser, and that everything else was unnecessary, except for protecting my skin from the sun and wearing sun protection all year round,” she explains.
But when it comes to hair, the pair couldn’t be more different.
While Chantal has a weekly blow-dry at her favourite salon, Alexandra says: “I only go around four times a year for treatments.
“My hair is always messy, which used to drive her mad when I was younger – hers is always well-groomed.
“My mother is much more disciplined in general!”
THE ROOS’ MUST-HAVES
Collosol Eau de Lait, £21
“This is an incredible make-up remover and cleansing lotion, created in 1955, and which I have been using forever,” Alexandra says.
Guerlain Les Légendaires Jicky, £133 for 75ml EDP
“My mother always wore this perfume [when I was growing up] and I thought it was the chicest thing on Earth – it’s expensive and only for bourgeois ladies,” says Chantal.
Victoria Beckham Beauty The Concealer Pen, £64
“I discovered this recently – it’s easy to apply, very fluid and has the perfect amount of coverage,” says Alexandra.
Roos & Roos Les Larmes de Tiresias, £179 for 100ml EDP
“Our latest fragrance is a staple on my dressing table at the moment,” says Chantal.
Ruby & Reena Hammer, founders of Ruby Hammer Beauty and Indu Beauty
“My attitude to beauty is very simple – I prioritise consistency,” Ruby explains.
On this, Reena shares her mum’s approach.
“Doing anything once is probably not going to work, you have to be consistent.
“I buy good-quality products, and spend 10-20 minutes a day on my beauty routine.
“It’s my mum who taught me the basics early – anything in life takes care – you get out what you put in,” Reena says.
But while Ruby is understandably passionate about make-up, given her career as a make-up artist and make-up brand founder, Reena is the opposite.
“I don’t wear much make-up,” she confesses. “Mum still tells me now – and I’ll be 40 this year – ‘You need a bit of this here and more of that there,’ but I lack the skills she has!”
“I just think I am more experimental,” explains Ruby.
“I take after my own mum, who would try everything, whether the newest eyeliner or lipstick.
“She always wore colourful clothes and jewellery, and nothing was off-limits.
“I love colour, too, and the impact it can have on your complexion and mood.
“It’s only make-up – if you don’t like it, you can wipe it off and start again!”
THE HAMMERS’ MUST-HAVES
Weleda Skin Food, £9.50
“This does what it says on the tin!
“The whole household uses it, including my four-year-old, Max.
“Dry feet, cuticles, elbows – it’s a hero product,” says Reena.
CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser, £13
“I’ve used this for about 15 years – it’s gentle, but thorough,” Ruby says.
Ruby Hammer Beauty Cheek Colour in Bronze, £24
“My mum’s new bronze cheek stick is amazing – I use it on my eyes and cheeks and it gives me the perfect mix of shimmer and definition,” Reena says.
Shiseido Vital Perfection Overnight Firming Treatment, £118
“Your skin feels incredible the morning after using this – it just works,” Ruby says.
Maxine & Darcy Laceby, founders of Absolute Collagen
Both mum and daughter favour a low-key approach to beauty, but while Darcy thinks less is more when it comes to make-up, her mum disagrees.
“We’re actually pretty similar in our outlook,” Maxine says.
“We both believe that what you put inside your body has a direct impact on how you look and feel on the outside.”
“But we definitely have our own little twists on things.
“Darcy rarely wears make-up and is comfortable embracing a fresh, bare-faced look, which I really admire.
“On the other hand, I enjoy a bit of coverage!”
Maxine’s daring approach to beauty has not rubbed off on her daughter, either.
“Mum tries out new things and isn’t afraid to swap products in and out, but I’m the opposite,” says Darcy.
“I’ll research something within an inch of its life before I try it, and once I commit, I commit.
“I’m very loyal to products that deliver.”
However, since launching their supplement brand, Darcy’s scientific approach is rubbing off on Maxine.
“Darcy has a degree in food development, so when I first started experimenting with bone broth, she took it to the lab for testing before I shared it with any of my friends.
“That testing has really shaped how I think about beauty and taught me the importance of clinical trials.
“It’s so easy to be swayed by clever marketing, but real results come from real evidence.
“We’ve both learned that not all ingredients are created equal.”
THE LACEBYS’ MUST-HAVES
Dove Essential Nourishing Body Lotion, £6.99
“This has been a staple for probably 20 years! It’s deeply moisturising, and comforting.
“Sometimes the tried-and-true favourites really are the best,” says Maxine.
Aesop Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, £27
“I’ve always had very dry hands, the type that actually crack and bleed in the cold.
“This lives in my backpack – it smells incredible and it works,” says Darcy.
Absolute Collagen Sculpt Pro GLP-1 Supplement Support, £99.98
“I’ve been on a GLP-1 medication for around two years and was experiencing a few common side effects like loss of skin elasticity and muscle,” says Maxine.
“So I challenged the team to create a solution designed to support rapid weight loss, and this absolutely delivers.”
Revision Skincare YouthFull Lip Replenisher, £42
“I apply this before bed and my lips feel plumper and hydrated by morning,” says Darcy.
“It’s that rare mix of treatment and feel-good product that doesn’t dry out your lips and leave you needing more.”
