Newest beauty craze hits the US - Sleeping Masks

One of the hottest new categories in the beauty world comes from straight from Asia. It's called a sleeping mask and not the satin kind you wear over your eyes to keep the light out. 

It's important that we help our skin repair and renew itself at night when we save it from the sun and the elements. Also when we sleep our body temperature rises causing dehydration. These new sleeping masks are products designed to use at bedtime after your regular moisturizer.

One of the most popular Laneige Water Sleeping Mask, reported sold in Asia every 15 seconds, is now available at Target for just $23, that is if you can get your hands on one because the stores are selling out as fast as they can get them in! It's not a heavy creme like I expected, instead it's a light blue gel that goes on very sheer and smells great. It reportedly leaves your skin brighter and more hydrated. I am already a big fan!

The other Sleeping Mask I am obsessed with is from UK brand James Read and is called their Sleep Mask Tan. Love this gel moisturizer too at nighttime because it contains a small amount of self tanner - enough so that you wake up looking like you've just been dusted with a bit of bronzer. 

How to be a model: It should cost you NOTHING! FREE tips

I have been represented by some of the top modeling agencies in Miami, Chicago, and currently work with the prestigious Ford Agency and internationally with Silver Agency in Paris, and one thing I know for sure is that it should cost you NOTHING to break into the modeling business or to sign with an agency. Truly the only thing you need is a digital picture in great light, which is FREE assuming you at least know anyone with a smart phone.

The reason no-one will tell you this is because this is how people make money. Modeling conventions, modeling schools, workshops, conventions .... Don't get me wrong advice about what to do and how to look your best is all good, but the truth be told -most girls that get signed with an agency that have been "schooled" are told to forget about almost everything they learned.

Getting agency representation is the first step to becoming a model and any agency will tell you that they do not require their new models to show up with a professional portfolio on day one. In fact, if they sign you, most agencies will want you to work with a few particular photographers and groom your look to a specific market. Many girls I know spend a small fortune on sub-par photographs that the agency immediately takes out of their books. It is better to have 3 great, strong photos than 20 so-so photographs. One thing I have learned over the years is that a client will remember you by your best and your worst photo. You never want to let them see anything less than great! A first impression in this business is a lasting one.

Study the agency or company website you want to be represented by and find out what it is they require and give them exactly what they are asking for. This is not the time to try to be clever. Again, give them EXACTLY what they are asking for. 

Many agencies may also have an open call day or some may have online submission. Below is Ford Model's submission guidelines and you will notice that they specifically ask you NOT to submit professional photos, NOT to wear makeup and NOT to pose.

Agencies are looking for that "IT" factor. Yes you must be 5'9", you must be thin - but just as important is your personality, energy and spirit - they are looking for diversity, not a cookie cutter mold of measurements.

The most critical warning I can share with you is that you must prepare yourself for rejection. As a wanna be model, or working model, this goes with the job. I have not gotten jobs because I am both too tall or too short, because I have blue eyes or simply because they really wanted a blonde. Once I was booked for a job with a very dark black girl and the art director was upset that I looked so "fair" next to her and proceeded to direct the makeup artist to make me appear darker. We were already on location and the makeup artist only had some brown eye shadow with her so she proceeded to try to paint it on my face. It was humiliating. Rejection is a never ending part of the model experience so you must expect it and prepare to learn how to handle it. If one agency turns you down, try another. And never sign with an agency that wants to charge you money for classes or photos first.

There are many examples of famous models who were initially turned down for representation. Tyra Banks was rejected by many Los Angeles agencies before landing at Elite. Gisele Bundchen has reported that she was turned down by 42 agents before she was 17. Both of these women have appeared on countless magazine covers and runways around the world, earning them SUPER-model status.

People of all races, ages and backgrounds can become a model. Some make alot of money and others do it to have fun, but one thing is for sure - it shouldn't cost you a penny to try!! Check in with me here at A Model's Secrets for more advice on how to become a model and tips I have learned behind the scenes. Check out my post about How to MOVE like a model for a photo {HERE}

XO

Shelley

A Model Recommends Halo Hair Crown Extensions - Less than 30 seconds to put on! No clips, No glue, No damage!

I always love having a chance to visit with you on air at nbc affiliate KPNX in Phoenix. Today I talked about celebrity secrets to looking younger ... Let's face it we'd all like to know the skinny when it comes to beautiful bronzed skin, pouty lips, gorgeous lashes and luscious locks of hair that make the stars appear ageless on the red carpet! Well, it's all about getting the best products and knowing how to use them. 

Watch the video below and see how you can quickly look like you've been drinking at the fountain of youth. By the way, did you notice my hair transformation? You can have fuller, longer hair in less than 30 seconds - I show you how easy it is to put on the Halo Crown hair extension!

Here are the products I featured - Click on the name to go to their website

Vita Liberata Phenomenal Tanning Mouse 

Halo Hair Crown Extensions

Luscious Lips Device

GrandeLash MD Lash serum