Beauty secrets: celebrity sisters share tips that keep them looking and feeling good - Beauty & Style

Ebony, March, 2003

DON'T hate them because they're beautiful. With polished, perfect white teeth, luminous skin and hair that is to-die-for, these high-profile Sisters appear to be ready for the paparazzi from the moment they rise out of bed. But how do they do it? The following are some tried-and-true beauty secrets from some of the biggest and brightest high-profile Sisters on the scene. And their tips are as wild as they are wondrous--from baby wipes to seaweed body wraps, these Sisters say that if you follow their lead, you'll be looking picture-perfect every time you step out of the house.

HALLE BERRY, Academy Award-winning actress

"I wash, cleanse and moisturize my face two times a day, in the morning and at night ... I use products that have triple fruit acid cleansers, which work great to exfoliate the skin. In the morning I use a cleanser and a toner, then I rub pure vitamin C on my face. Lastly, I apply moisturizer. I use two different moisturizers, a lighter one in the summer and a heavier cream in the winter."

Mary J. Blige, Grammy Award-winning recording artist

Says Mary's stylist, Tre Major: "Mary is daring, and she has the perfect look, attitude and skin tone to do whatever hair colors I dream up--pink, red, or blonde--it just works. She colors her own cropped hair, but I also customize wigs and hair extensions for her. I always deep-condition her hair to keep it healthy and vibrant, and I usually use three or four colors for streaking and to give the style depth. A weekly hot oil treatment is also recommended."

Star Jones, attorney, television personality, co-host, The View

"I use baby wipes on my face. It cleanses my skin, removes makeup and moisturizes as well."

* Teri Woods, author

"I use [a facial wash] and apply [petroleum jelly] to my face every morning and night to moisturize and soften my skin."

Mo'Nique comedienne, actress, author, co-star of UPN's The Parkers

"To maintain healthy-looking skin, I drink lots of water, cleanse my skin with an astringent, followed by a moisturizer."

Victoria Rowell actress, CBS' The Young & The Restless

"I believe in giving my body the same treatment that l give my face, so I indulge in a monthly facial, and I like to use the steam sauna to cleanse my pores."

Jody Watley, recording artist

"I feel that what you put in your body nutritionally, spiritually and emotionally will exude from the inside out. I try to live as stress-free as possible, and not get weighed down by negative or past energy. Stress can make you look worn really quickly, so I indulge in massages, seaweed body wraps, manicures and pedicures. I also love spinning, which is high-intensity stationary cycling. I don't consume any carbohydrates after 7 p.m., and I drink plenty of water."

Lisa Leslie, WNBA, Los Angeles Sparks

"In order to maintain beautiful healthy skin, I use cocoa butter twice a day after showering. This not only helps to keep my skin looking smooth and beautiful all year long, but it also aids in removing scars."

Kameelah Williams, recording artist with 702

"The key to beauty is exuding it! Being self-assured of your interior as well as your exterior exemplifies grace, confidence, and high self-esteem, which makes you beautiful."

Cindy Braggs, recording artist, En Vogue

"To alleviate pregnancy-related stretch marks, once your pregnancy begins to show, I recommend applying a thick layer of [cocoa butter] to your tummy morning and night. Be sure to wear cotton undergarments because the [cocoa butter] can be a bit messy. Consult your doctor about an appropriate exercise regimen, and get out and do it!"

Dee Dee McGuire, radio personality, the Doug Banks Morning Show

"My skin tends to be dry, so I exfoliate once weekly. I get a facial monthly and I apply [a moisturizer] to my face on a daily basis. When removing makeup, I use makeup remover. I have a hectic schedule, but I work out at least twice a week, and I treat myself to a manicure and pedicure two times a month."