“The women in our family like to keep it simple,” says Nadja Soimaud of the beauty mantra that keeps her and her mom, Karla Ferguson-Soimaud, looking immaculate in the Miami heat.
For Karla, a contemporary art advisor, collector, and curator whose contributions to the city’s Little Haiti arts district have been celebrated by The New York Times, it’s essential that her makeup transitions quickly from day to night. “I like a clean face during the afternoon, but there are a lot evening events in the art world, whether it's gallery openings or shows."
Nadja, an Emory-bound student with plans to study political economy, keeps it that much more streamlined. “I’m in class most days, which means a sweatshirt set and minimal makeup.” Skincare is her biggest everyday staple, which she bumps up with light mascara, tinted lip balm, and highlighter.
In spite a 4-inch height difference, the duo regularly dips into each other’s closets. (“She’s model sized, I’m mini,” Karla laughs.) In today's beauty video, they swap products just as easily, starting with Skin Activator serum to hydrate, boost, and prep. Next it's a creamy swipe of Baby Cheeks blush—Nadja gravitates to the rosy flush of Petal, while Karla loves Bichette's lush red tone.
Synchronized swipes of Lit Up Highlight and Squeaky Clean tinted lip balm finish the look with a pop of sheer color and plenty of post-facial dewiness. Watch their 4-step ritual below—we dare you not to smile.
What mom/daughter beauty secrets do you share?
Nadja: “We’re big on skincare. I love toner pads with a chemical exfoliant, and I look for a serum with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid. I also use a Vitamin C serum in the morning.”
Karla: “Nadja tells me what to do as far as skincare! (Laughs.) She’s the expert. In return, I do her eyeliner. I taught her how to do winged eyes and line her lips.”
Describe your everyday makeup staples.
Karla: “We’re in Miami so the heat factors into it. I like to keep it natural and accentuate my features. I believe in using really great products. On a daily basis, I fill in my brows, and then it’s mascara, lip gloss and go. For an occasion like Art Basel, I’ll go super glam with a smoky eye.”
Nadja: “I don’t wear much makeup at school, but I always have blotting papers with me!. At night, I’ll use a very light mascara. I put it on and then remove a bit with another brush to keep it super natural. I also wear tinted lip balm, and highlighter. I’m really big on highlighter!
We love your matching gold heart necklaces! Who makes them?
Karla: “They’re from the jeweler Dinh Van I got mine from my mother-in-law and loved it so much that when Nadja turned 13, I got her one. Now it’s a tradition.”
Any big Mother’s Day plans for this year?
Karla: "I plan on relaxing!"
Nadja: "And I'll be cooking a big dinner for my mother and grandmother, doing their nails, and facials!"
