A Model's Secrets

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Look 10 Years Younger in Makeup!

It's inevitable,

we are all getting older and it shows on our skin. The older you get the more you have to cover up. Makeup can often draw attention to fine lines and wrinkles but you can defy nature and erase 10 years by making a few switches in how you're using it. And who isn't interested in looking younger?

1. Let your skin show through.

Less is more when it comes to makeup. Using too much foundation and powder accentuates fine lines and is a one-way ticket to looking older than you are. If your skin is pretty even, you may want to ditch your foundation and just use a light concealer on areas that are pigmented to even out your skin tone. Try a tinted moisturizer or the new BB Creams, which are great all-in-one time savers! If you're using a foundation, keep it light and start with a primer, a silicone based under-makeup, makeup that sort of glosses the skin to keep product from settling into any wrinkles or fine lines. Skip powder foundation because anything dry will make your skin look crepey, you want to think dewy and luminizing! The more hydrated your skin the younger your skin will look.No matter what your age this is the place to show some skin and let it glow through your makeup!

2. Get cheeky.
Blush can help create that flushed innocence often referred to as a “youthful glow". As we age the fat in our cheek pads fall, so use blush on the high points of your cheeks to draw the eye upward, being carelful not to apply color too low or far in.

3. Lighten up your lips.
Dark lipstick can seep into or draw attention to those fine lines around your lips that sometimes are referred to as "bar codes" as you age. It's best to trace around your natural lip line with a lip pencil that matches the color of your lips and then gloss or use a light shimmery pink color. Stay away from peachy orange shades, which can make your teeth appear yellow. Lips get smaller, especially the upper lip as we age so steer clear of matte or traditional lipsticks that can dry out lips. Instead choose lighter, sheer, hydrating, glossier lipsticks to look younger instantly. Many higher-end brands like Dior and Chanel carry these in their line. They cost a little more but are totally worth the splurge.

4. Add a little shimmer.
To bring light to the face use shimmery neutral eye shadows in colors like peach or champagne. If you use a foundation base or eye primer to the lids before applying your shadow it will help keep it from creasing.

5. Define your eyes.
When you want to make an impact with your look, focus on your eyes — it's what people notice first. Lining your eyes will make them appear full and wide open, but go softer by using a pencil or shadow in charcoal, dark brown or navy. Nothing accentuates crow's feet and tiny lines around your eyes as much as a harsh, black liquid eyeliner. Use a less-intense line underneath or it will weigh your eye down and make you look tired. Skip mascara on lower lashes entirely if you have dark circles under your eyes, because it will draw attention to the darkness. Lashes can fight the gravity of aging by using an eyelash curler which is an instant wider eye youthful look.

6. Fill in brows.

Always take the time to do this step. As we age are eyebrows become lighter and more sparse. By filling them in with a powder or pencil about the same color as your hair, it magically makes your eyes appear lifted upward!

The Biggest secret of all to looking youthful is staying healthy!

Pay attention to your weight, what you're eating and add exercise into your daily routine. There's a big difference in getting older and being old. Have fun, smile, enjoy your life and you will soon discover the real secret to ageless beauty!

To learn more model's secrets to looking your best and taking your best photos check out my new book Face This: Real advice from real models, photographers and makeup artists on how to become Picture Perfect! Available for just $7.99 on Kindle, Nook and iTunes. Also as paperback from Amazon.com

Friday, May 11, 2012

TREND ALERT: Chunky Statement Necklaces and How to Wear Them

Bangles might rule the wrist, but make room in your jewelry closet because there's a new kid in town ... the Statement Necklace!

The chunkier, the funkier, the bigger, the better! So ditch the small delicate pieces and get ready to go BOLD!

This accessory doesn't have to be expensive, but it can add a pop of color or glam to any outfit made from a variety of materials: glass, hammered metal, gemstones, beads, acrylic, plastic, shells or resins.

Because of it's size, a chunky necklace can stand on it's own or it can look great when worn with other necklaces as a layering piece.Wear them with a button down shirt for work (under the collar like a man's tie), a simple t-shirt and wide legged jeans for play, or a chic strappy dress to go out. A huge trend that you'll see going into Spring 2013 are vintage rhinestone necklaces worn with ordinary tees - so start rummaging through Grandma's old drawers and finding treasures at your favorite antique store.

I think they are best paired with a solid, but if you're a Bohemian type of girl look for one with some geometric shape and wear it with a great maxi dress or ethnic print.

A chunky flowery necklace is best worn with a sundress, white or beachy looks.

Think pearls are old fashioned? Well, not when Rhianna wears them! Here she is rocking a 5 strand choker with a pair of vintage Chanel sunnies. Perfection.

When dressing for a formal affair, don't overlook the power of pearls as a statement necklace to transform plain to fabulous! This is wear you can buy something cheap, no one can tell the difference with pearls and really there's no reason to own the real thing unless it's a family heirloom. Even the women on the Titanic kept the real ones at home. The secret is to make them your own by adding a brooch, a inexpensive bling stretch ring from Forever 21 strung thru the bubbles or wrapping them around your neck a few times, layering ... think outside the box to create your own statement!

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Exercise Won't Make You Lose Weight - 3 Bite Rule

There is no question in my mind that we are what we eat. Of course exercise is good for you but it won't make you lose weight ... especially if you are rewarding yourself with something to eat afterward.

Think about it ... if a woman who is 130 pounds spends half an hour on the treadmill running 5mph (a 12 minute mile) she will burn 236 calories, but if she stops at Starbucks for a medium size, 16 oz caramel macchiato, she consumes 240 calories and there goes her work out! Also, many people believe that by exercising one area of the body that they can get rid of the fat there. While ab exercises tone and strengthen the muscles of the stomach, it will not remove the outer layer of fat that is covering the muscle up - you need to lose weight allover to do that.

We all pretty much know that in order to weigh less, we need to eat less. To lose weight you need to cut your calorie intake so it is less than the calories you burn. One pound of stored body fat is equal to 3500 calories, so you need to create a 7000 calorie deficit to lose 2 pounds. (It would take 15 hours of running or 30 hours of walking to do that for a 130 pound person)

Stop beating yourself up about not having time to get the gym and start watching what you put on your plate to get your metabolism into bikini mode. Before you take another diet trip to South Beach or sign on for the Cabbage Soup, Lemonade or Cookie Diet remember that it's all about calories. If you cut 500 calories out of your life each day, you can expect to lose one pound a week...the sane, safe and sensible way!

Overwhelmed? Start with a simple rule that I sometimes follow when the scale is tipping up - The 3 Bite Rule! Whatever you're serving for dinner, whatever is on your plate, pizza, cupcakes, or cheese ... Have it, but just 3 bites. It will make you feel that you've indulged and satisfied your craving by tasting the flavor but not feeling guilty about totally busting your diet goals. It helps to add a full glass of water before "biting" to feel fuller. Remember, It's called willpower for a reason - if it were easy everyone would be a size 4!