Surprisingly age-old wisdom is more fact than folk-lore.  So it turns out mother knows best.

“If you keep making that face, it’ll freeze that way.”

While your expression won’t freeze in an instant, “repeated facial movements — especially ones held for long periods of time — can cause lines over time. Consistent muscle contractions pull skin while age and sun exposure weaken skin’s collagen, making it less likely to bounce back from the temporary tugs and creases. Eventually short-term lines turn into permanent, visible ones.

“You look prettier with your hair off your face.”

Too much hair covering your face can drag your features down. Styling hair away from the face looks natural and plays up your features. Just be sure to keep hair soft and not pulled back tightly, which can add years to your appearance. Keeping hair out of the way also helps prevent skin from absorbing the styling products in your locks, which can clog pores and cause breakouts (not quite the youthful look you’re going for).

“Less is more when it comes to makeup.”

Women don’t need more makeup as they age — they need the right makeup. Any dry substance on the face piles on the years by accentuating creases, so toss the heavy powders and matte lip colors. Use a clear setting powder with a satiny finish that diffuses lines instead. Swap matte lip colors for creamy, satiny, or glossy ones, and avoid harsh lines when applying makeup, as they look old-fashioned. “Go for a smudgy, smoldering look around the eyes; look for softer lip pencils; and make sure you blend, blend, blend.

Check out other things your mom was right about here.