2019-02-01_Southern_Living

BEAUTY & STYLE

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FEBRUARY 2019 / SOUTHERNLIVING.COM

46

My mother has thick hair and smooth skin that would make

you green with envy, but under her chic exterior, you’ll find

a triple threat of sass, sarcasm, and street smarts that makes

her one of a kind. You’d never know we share genes by our

looks alone, but hang around the two of us long enough, and

you’ll swear we’re the same person. When it comes to style,

she showed me what trend-proof choices look like and

how to find them at half price. She taught me the impor-

tance of moisturizing, stopping before over-plucking my

brows, and keeping a tube of lipstick on my person at all

times. But her best advice shaped my character, regardless

of how well-dressed or lipstick-laden I might be. For these

qualities (sass included), I’m indebted to her.

MARY SHANNON WELLS

BEAUTY SECRETS

My Mom,

the Beauty Icon

An Alabama mother with a timeless look

and charm that’s all her own

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ROBBIE CAPONETTO

The barely there banana scent

of this sunscreen echoes

her longtime weakness for

that flavor of Laffy Taffy.

Original SPF 30

Sunscreen Lotion, $16;

shop.trustthebum.com

My mom uses a spritz of this alcohol-free formula

every day for a light hold without a helmet-like shell.

Pantene Pro-V Airspray Flexible Hold Hairspray,

$5; target.com Â

Mom leans into pale pinks,

while I gravitate toward

deep shades, but we always

agree on a classic neutral.

Lisbon Wants Moor,

$11; opi.com

On my parents’ wedding

day, my mom’s makeup artist

picked this shade for her, and

she still wears it. Dramatically

Different Lipstick in Think

Bronze, $20; clinique.com

She’s never been into overly

fragrant candles, which

is why this one’s a winner.

Whenever I catch a whiff of it,

I’m reminded of home. Nest

Fragrances Bamboo Candle,

$42; neimanmarcus.com

BARBARA

WELLS

(at right) Mardi

Gras, Mobile,

Alabama, 2017