My Grandmother's Beauty Essentials

A lot of my beauty routine steams from what my Mother bestowed upon me as a youngster and of course some of what she knows came from my Grandmother. So who better to sit down with to see what products we have in common, if any and ask why she is loyal to certain items and what she does not like.

For those wondering my Granny is pretty bad ass, she'd face the Devil himself, is the original gamer girl (seriously there is not a game console she doesn't own), 4ft 11 and keeps my ol' Grandad on his toes. She is a retired florist (yes that is where my love of flowers comes from) and has a no nonsense approach to everything, a killer perm and if you ask her a question you best be ready for the truth. With that in mind let me share what she has divulged...

My Grandmother's Beauty Essentials

"From the day I turned 15 I have had my hair permed, I know it is not good for the hair but I don't like it any other way. I get a loose perm four times a year and try my best to take care of my hair in-between appointments. I only wash my hair once a week using Head & Shoulders Shampoo & Conditioner - I like both the scent and that it removes a week's worth of hair spray (L'Oreal Elnett if you are curious). Other than that I'm rather fuss free with my hair if I do say so myself"

My Grandmother's Beauty Essentials

"I've never been a huge fan of fragrance, I find they often leave me with a headache or leave me coughing, for that reason I prefer lightly scented body lotions. I like anything floral and fresh, I also prefer products that have a pump applicator as they are quicker and easier. For at least a year now I have been using - Roger & Gallet Lait Melt in Body Lotion in Rose. It is delicate and reminds me of the Spring, the added bonus of course is that it also moisturises my skin.

My Grandmother's Beauty Essentials

"As a young woman I wore make-up daily, I can't recall the exact shade name but I didn't feel like me without a slick of Revlon Red Lipstick and a quick coat of Revlon Mascara. Now it just seems like a faff, especially as I spend most of my time in the Garden. If you're happy, you are pretty - it is as simple as that and don't listen to anyone else who says otherwise.I do however swear by Estee Lauder Sumptuous Infinite Mascara - it stays put and never flakes. Sometimes you have to pay more for a great quality product."

My Grandmother's Beauty Essentials

"I have two moisturisers of choice Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream and Olay Beauty Fluid, I like both equally so but find that the Olay Beauty Fluid is my go to product in the Summer - the light texture is refreshing and doesn't feel heavy on my skin. In the Winter to combat dryness I switch over to Khiels, it can be a little greasy but it gets the job done! I don't really use cleansers, rather I'm more at home with a bar of Dove Soap and a lovely, fresh face cloth. For me simple works best and I find the scent of Dove soap to be rather welcoming."

My Grandmother's Beauty Essentials

"I have a thing about nails, I like long, strong nails - they don't have to be painted, nicely shaped will do. I file my nails once a week and always ensure I follow up with a nail harder to prevent splits, chips and snags. I've used a good few in my time but I really like the Boots No.7 Strength & Growth Treatment, like most of their products it is underrated."

My Grandmother's Beauty Essentials

"I do wish that I had taken care of my skin better as a youngster - when I was young Nivea cream was what we used to protect ourselves from the sun, which we all now know is ridiculous. I also wish I never started smoking - that is my one piece of advice to everyone, don't go near cigarettes. They will age you terribly (amongst the health implications) and cost you an arm and a leg in the process. It is a silly habit and one I wish I never fell prey too."

For the record I don't smoke and other than L'Oreal Elnett we do not have many products in common. - I guess I have different needs and of course belong to a different generation. I do however share a similar stance when it comes to hair care - less is more and I do file and take care of my nails; oddly my Mother is a nail biter and uses more hair products than I care to think about! I'm also a huge fan of fragrance and never use soap for anything other than my hands and body.