How to Become Picture Perfect!

Sharing an interview about my book, Face This:

Look Pretty in Photos (Without Retouching)

by Grace Gold | Source: MakeUp.com

Bat those lashes

Tired of getting caught looking less than fabulous in photos? Shelley GoodStein, author of Face This: Real Advice From Real Models, Photographers and Makeup Artists On How to Become Picture Perfect, believes there’s a science to making the camera your BFF. Here, she shares her top tips for scoring your best profile shot ever. Smiiiiilllle…

The focal point of a profile picture is always the eyes–so make ‘em pop. For a natural look, you can’t go wrong with cream or taupe eyeshadow. For more fun, try sheer washes of color with a soft sheen, which will add light to your peepers. Don’t forget liner for definition, curled lashes and mascara!

Instantly whiten teeth

Nothing lights up a photo like a pearly white smile. For a quick brightening, use this model trick: after brushing, rinse your tooth brush, dip it into hydrogen peroxide for 30 seconds, and then brush again. Hydrogen peroxide not only lightens teeth, it kills germs and heals canker sores.

Show off luscious lips

A contrast of  lipcolor looks great in photos, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Lipgloss looks best as a highlighter dotted down the middle of your lower lip and outlining the cupid’s bow. Unless it’s Halloweenm, steer clear of glitter in photos, which can add an unnatural glare to your face.

Go for a solid color

When it comes to clothing, patterns and prints can confuse the viewer’s eye, and stripes can make you look wide (Yikes!). Try a vibrant shade like red, purple or blue to enliven your eyes and convey confidence, or rely on basic black for a sleek, elongated look.

Embrace lightweight fabrics

Wondering why the camera adds 10 pounds? It’s likely the fabric you’re wearing. Stay away from bulk-adding sequins, corduroy, terry cloth, flannel, taffeta, velvet and angora sweaters. Say yes to lighter, matte materials made with cotton, silk or lycra.

Legs for days

Work those stems! Heels help define your calves and give your hips a little exaggerated curve, while nude shoes that match your skin tone will make your legs look longer. If you have a cute pedi, don’t be afraid to kick off your shoes and go barefoot–it makes you look approachable.

Make it about you

The background shouldn’t overpower you; go for simple and clutter free. Make sure that objects behind you don’t look like they’re growing out of you. A stone wall, leafy green nature and interesting spaces, like under a doorway or to the side of a window, all set the stage for you to dazzle.

What’s your look-cute photo secret?

Ageless Beauty - MORE Tips to Looking 10 Years Younger

Source: More Magazine's Member Voices : Blogger of the Moment

A Ford Model's Secrets to Ageless Beauty

Advice from a successful model on skin, lips, hair, and fashion that will keep you looking — and feeling — young. 

by Shelley GoodStein • 

Shelley GoodStein is the author of "Face This: Real Advice from Real Models, Photographers and Make Up Artists on How to Become Picture Perfect!"

Competing in the modeling world at any age is challenging, but now that I'm 47 years old, hitting the runway with girls half my age is definitely a test in self-confidence. Here are some tips to keeping current and fresh in a world where looking your best is always the goal.

To become inspired, pick a few celebrities in your age range that resemble you and take note of the changes in their hairstyle, wardrobe, and overall look. They are getting the best advice from the best stylists, designers, and makeup artists in the world. My own style icon is Demi Moore, a standout beauty who continues to get better with age. Besides stalking the stars, here are some other tips you can use to help find your fountain of youth.

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. This is the place toshow some skin and let it glow through your makeup!

2. Lighten up your lips.

Dark lipstick will age you and 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. Also 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. 

3. 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. 

4. Age-defying hair.

Age should not influence your choices with hairstyle, color, or length. What should be determining your decisions are your lifestyle/career, how much time you can devote to your hair each day, and the products and tools you want to use. I think a great length for almost everyone is shoulder-length hair, and it keeps people guessing at your age! As we get older our hair thins, but adding highlights for dimension will make it appear thicker as will long layers.  

5. Stay current.

Fashion changes twice a year so choose a trend that you love and incorporate it into your style. When it comes to your wardrobe, it's important to make sure your clothes are tailored and fit you. More bulk and heavier fabrics make you look bigger. When in doubt, always go the more classic, timeless route and add great accessories. 

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 beingold. Have fun, smile, enjoy your life, and you will soon discover the secret to ageless beauty! 

Spilling Beauty Secrets that Celebrities Would Rather Keep to Themselves.

As a model I am constantly having my makeup done by different makeup artists. Each one has their own special skills and techniques they use to make their A-listers look stunning! These secrets seem to be reserved only for actresses, models and celebrities because they are so well guarded, but I am sharing a few of them with you that the rich and famous would probably rather keep to themselves. Shhhhhhhhh....

Just like a fairy tale there is a beginning to the happily ever after beauty transformation. And it starts with a makeup primer. Good for you if you're already using this under your foundation, but I bet you missed the confidential memo about the importance of using one for your eyes. You need to use an eye shadow primer so the shadow has something to cling on to and doesn’t crease up into the folds of your eyes making you look old and tired. The one I see used the most on set is NARS Smudge Proof Eyeshadow Base $24.

The other trick that makes your eyes look bigger is lining the inside rim with a white or flesh colored eye pencil. My favorites to use are Tarte's EmphasEYES Inner Rim Brightener $18 and Smashbox 'Eye Beam' Double-Ended  Brightener $22. You can highlight and brighten your eyes in one step. After lining the rims, you want to make sure to highlight the inner corner of your eyes and the brow bone. This added step is what brings the sparkle you see from the eyes in red carpet photos.

It is well known that olive oil is a healthy alternative to use in our diet, but it can also be used to remove your eye makeup. A study from the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology comfirmed that oleic acid, which comprises 80 % of olive oil, can seep into the layers of the skin and help prevent premature aging. Not only effective in moisturizing this delicate area of our face, if you use olive oil to remove your eye makeup you may also notice an improvement in your lashes. See my Going to Great Lengths blog post for why moisturizing your eyes will add to oomph to your lashes and watch this video by Michelle Phan using olive oil to remove her makeup.

If your teeth are sensitive to whiteners, try using another little secret that some of my model friends use for their pearly whites. After you are done brushing your teeth, rinse your toothbrush and dip it in hydrogen peroxide and brush again. Hydrogen peroxide not only whitens teeth, it kills germs and helps canker sores heal.

Using injectable fillers are not the only way to get that bee stung lip look. You may have tried some glosses with lip plumpers (my favorite is Soap & Glory Sexy Mother Pucker) , but the problem is that they are expensive and only come in limited shades and formulations. You can achieve this puckered pout after you apply your favorite lipstick by dabbing on some ordinary peppermint extract or cinnamon oil, which can last for up to 4 hours, or use it mixed in with some Vaseline for your lips. It puffs by irritating the lips and dramatically increasing blood circulation. You can purchase the oils at a health food or massage oil store for about $5 and the bottle will last a long time. Just be sure you are not allergic by testing on your wrist first.

If you like being in the know, order your copy or download my book  Face This  where I share these and many more secrets to looking prettier in your pictures!

A Real Model's Diet - the Inside Skinny!

The Supermodel Diet … 
It’s not all about cutting carbs, starving or cabbage soup.

Many people ask me how models stay skinny? Convinced of some supermodel secret to dieting, everyone wants the short cut. Truth is, there is none. Some women, believe it or not, really don’t have to obsess over their weight. However, I have noticed some commonalities to the way my model friends eat that I want to share with you because models aren’t the only ones who like to look thin. 

Adhere to a Routine. Models tend to eat the same thing every day for breakfast. One of my best skinny model friends has a bowl of hot oatmeal, raisins and skim milk … EVERY SINGLE MORNING! This makes choosing what to eat a no-brainer and takes the variable of adding in extra calories out of the equation.

Brown bag your lunch. If you are grabbing something on the go, when ordering out do it the model way:

• Linda Evangelista has been quoted saying, “ I don’t diet. I just don’t eat as much as I’d like to.”  Order an appetizer as your entrée. Portion control is KEY and this method does it for you. If you’re with a friend order 2 apps and split them for variety.

• Skip the sauces and choose tomato or oil and vinegar in place of mayo, cream or butter sauces. Better yet, order all topping on the side and use sparingly.

• Use spices! According to a Forbes article, models that make the most money often eat fibrous foods with spices to speed up their metabolism. So reach for the red pepper flakes and hot sauce girls!

• What keeps me skinny is that I only eat food I really like. If something is on my plate that is just so-so, I leave it. It's important to be mindful of what you're eating and why.

Eat Green and Only White if it's protien . This is an easy trick we can all use. When you are making choices remember to load up on green leafy vegetables and keep away from any white processed carbs (bread, pasta, cookies, rice) Eating white only for protein  - egg whites, chicken, turkey, pork or fish.

Get Moving. Most models don’t aspire to have that hardcore, muscle-bound bodybuilder figure, but when interviewed you will hear ALL of them talk about doing some sort of regular exercise like yoga, pilates, or jogging ... several days a week – No Excuses!

Snack. At runway shows, it is common practice for the producers to bring in food platters. What is interesting is that the fruit and veggies trays are always empty, while the sandwich plates and chip bowls remain full. Models know that it’s important to snack on healthy low calorie foods. They are careful to never arrive anywhere feeling ravenous. I always carry a granola bar or nuts in my model tote when I show up for a job. Eating a banana and drinking a bottle of water before dinner will  help you eat less and pass on the bread basket or seconds because you already feel full. By the way, models are always drinking water and staying well hydrated!

Supplement. The Aussie supermodel, Elle Macpherson is reportedly a fan of dietary fish oil and makes foods like makerel and salmon, which coincidentally are good for glowing skin, a beauty staple. Emergen C and vitamins are also on a model’s list.

Work a Party. VIP invitations are always coming to models via their agency, promoters and social networks. Many believe that most models exist strictly on cigarettes, caffeine and alcohol, but lots of supermodels, like Heidi Klum, avoid alcohol. Most people realize that alcohol is filled with empty calories so drink sparkling water from a wine glass or a Diet Coke in between your cocktails. Also, carry a purse so you can’t snack as easily with your hands free.

Contrary to popular belief, not all supermodels have an eating disorder or believe in dieting, but they are motivated to keep a disciplined routine when it comes to eating. The secret comes from finding the sweet spot … a happy weight and an achievable way to maintain it.

Once you have the diet down pat, check out my other post on how to Make your Legs Look Longer or The Dream Diet: How to Lose Weight While you Sleep

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

 

How to DeBloat after all Your Holiday Partying

The media suggest that the average American usually gains between 7-10 pounds between Thanksgiving and New Years, but according to the most reliable study to date published in the New England Journal of Medicine, it is less than one pound!


If your clothes feel tight and your face puffy it is more likely you are experiencing the "bloat" which can tip the scales up to 5 pounds plus.

Holiday festivities include family potluck gatherings, neighborhood gift exchanges, Thanksgiving dinner, cookie swaps, Christmas and office parties, not to mention the celebratory New Years toast!  All of these rich and processed foods that are being served usually mean more sodium - leading straight to water weight. 

It’s important not to freak out and remind yourself that weight loss and weight gain are mathematical equations and in a few days it would be nearly impossible to consume enough extra calories for a real 5 pound gain. 1 lb = 3500 calories AND 5 lbs = 17,500 calories extra.  Here are some  strategies to help you de-bloat.

1.  In between parties cut back on calories. 

This shouldn't be very hard to do since you have overindulged and feel full. Bethenny Frankel, author of Naturally Thin, suggests whipping up a big pot of vegetable soup to slim down. Just throw some onions, broccoli and carrots, in a fat free chicken stock and puree to eat with brown rice. 

2.  Fill up with loads of de-bloating foods to tell your body to get rid of all that water. Some natural diuretics are watermelon, asparagus, oats, cucumber, ginger, pineapple, and yogurts containing probiotics ("good" bacteria) can help.

3.  Eat fiber to help clear your colon of any undigested foods and air. Foods like bananas that are high in potassium  have also been shown to beat bloat by causing your body to flush out the water.

4.  Drink lots of water to stay hydrated. Sodium intake acts like a water retention magnet so you need to drink enough water to flush all of this from your system or your body will keep trying to save water reserves.

5.  Sweat it out. Working out not only helps burn calories away but you can sweat out unwanted water swelling. Before supermodel Heidi Klum gets in front of the camera she de-bloats with an Epsom salt-rich bath. Magnesium sulphate in the salts draw out the fluids from your body.


6. Plenty of Zzzzzz's. Sleeping raises growth hormone and reduces stress. Stress can increase cortisol levels in your body over time and cortisol inhibits sodium loss through the small intestines. Water will stay where the sodium is which often causes water retention. So focus on getting to bed early and letting your metabolism get in check to help your body recover from the overindulging.

Shelley GoodStein is a 47 year old FORD model who speaks to women through television, national articles and public forums about a model's secrets to looking good from the inside out and the beauty of aging! She is the author of Face This: Advice From Real Models, Photographers and Make Up Artists on How to Become Picture Perfect!