Dry Brushing to get Rid of Cellulite and Make Your Skin Glow!

Our skin is sometimes known as the third kidney because it eliminates over a pound of waste a day, but when the skin is clogged with million of dead skin cells and other debris, toxins can stay in the body putting stress on other elimination organs like the kidneys and liver sending them into overload. The skin is the last part of our body to receive nutrients yet the first place to show a vitamin deficiency. Alot of people suffer from cellulite build up which is really a toxin build up that manifests  as dimply skin where we wish it wouldn't show.

Numerous sources report that dry brushing works to remove cellulite. Science does not support this theory however, but even if the underlying cause of cellulite is unaffected, the temporary swelling seen after dry brushing can help achieve the appearance of smoother skin temporarily. Well, it can't hurt ... Plus skin brushing is one of the best and oldest, natural anti-aging technique that you should be taking advantage of to help move lymph fluid, increase circulation and make your skin look healthier i.e. GLOWING!  


WHAT IS DRY BRUSHING?

Skin Brushing is the act of gently brushing your skin with a body brush or loofah. Taking only 5 minutes once a day or a couple times a week, you can do this at home to exfoliate the skin removing dead skin cells {super important if you are out in the sun at all because our skin thickens from exposure}, promote new skin cell growth, stimulate blood flow and tighten the skin.



WHAT YOU NEED

To dry brush purchase a soft, natural fiber {vegetable bristle, not synthetic} long handled, bath-type brush from a local health food store for about $10. A loofah or rough towel will also work. As your skin becomes accustomed to the process you can switch to a coarser brush. Keep it dry, don't leave it in the shower.

GET NAKED AND START BRUSHING

The ideal time of the day to do this is when you're body is dry, before showering so you can wash off the impurities from the skin resulting from the brushing.


Start out brushing with light but firm pressure (especially in more callous areas like your soles and elbows) beginning with your feet in an upward direction and working up toward the heart. Some people say you should use long sweeping stokes, or short flicking strokes, but I like to use small circular motions. Avoid sensitive areas and your breasts. Your goal is for pink/flush looking skin, not to irritate your skin so it should not be red.

                                                                                            vega-licious.com

Finish by showering and moisturizing, after all you did just remove all those dead skin cells!

Start today and notice the improvement in the way your skin looks and feels ... Your skin is the largest organ of your entire body!




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

 

DIY beaded and embellished shoes! How to make them yourself..

As promised, how to make your own beaded shoe tutorial! And here's what you'll need:

Sandals: These are from Payless on sale for only $14.99 {get them HERE} they are suede which was super easy to glue on. I think sandals are the easiest shoe to work with because you have access between the straps. Keep in mind if you want to use a medallion like these that you will need to choose the right style to be able to that.

Seed beads: These are easy enough to find, but make sure for this project that you get them in a flat matte color and not shiny, transparent. They come in different sizes - for this project I used #11. Seed beads roll around easily so use a piece of felt to keep that from happening.



Thread: There are a few options here, clear or color. I decided to use an orange thread to match my shoe and it can be regular spool thread or embroidery thread. You can also use illusion cord sold in craft stores but make sure it is thin enough for your bead.




Needle: This is a no brainer and you MUST get a beading needle which is long and bends easily. I bought this needle at Michaels in a 4 pack and it has the eye attached to make threading easy peezy!

You'll want to start by making your bead strings that you'll be using. I found that the longer the strand the easier it was to work with. For the multi-color you don't need to follow a pattern but here is a close up to give you an idea how this shoe looks. And you can see my beed string matches perfectly with the store bought beading.

Glue: The best and strongest glue that dries clear to use for these projects is E-6000. It also helps if you can use a glue syringe to apply it so it doesn't become a big mess. You can get them {HERE}for a few bucks. I forgot to order some so I used my own insulin needle and cut off the tip. Sometimes being a type 1 diabetic has it's advantages! HA

To fill the syringe you pull out the plunger and stick the glue nozzle inside and squeeze until it is filled. You will need to repeat this. Be sure to order extra syringes if you are not able to finish the project in one sitting because after you put the glue in they are impossible to clean.

To begin you will glue the beads for the medallion in the center working around. Just cut off the thread after you set it into the glue. I used a kabob stick from my kitchen drawer to fit the beads in but a toothpick would do the trick too.

After you have the solid beading for the medallion finished, use your multi-strand to make the final loop around it. Then you should begin at the front twisting back and forth with the strand.

AND THERE YOU HAVE IT!

My next project? 

 These Giuseppe Zanotti boots, I saw them last year in a resale store .... still asking $400, so I am thinking I could do it myself using old jewelry taken apart, gems from the craft store and finds from unexpected places. Have fun creating!

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

 

●► BONUS Video: I show you how to make a lip palette from your melted lipsticks in this Melt Proof Makeup interview, and I wore these shoes! Also learn how to wear bronzer, cheek stains and I reveal the biggest secret of all, and often skipped, way to longer lasting makeup in sweltering heat --------->

Shopping is a Team Sport - My Favorite Online Sites!

The summer Olympics offer some great entertainment, but it's hard when my iPad is sitting next to me not to be lured into my personal favorite event, online shopping, while I'm watching "you know who" in the pool!

Maybe "fab abs" along with "power shopping" should be added to the rosters! One thing's for sure, I've been impressing the UPS guy with my stats and my hubby would tell you I'm well on my way toward winning the World Title in this arena ... although I do know a few girls who could give me quite a bit of healthy competition! Today I share with you my winning online sites and a few current obsessions so that you can bring home the Gold everyday too!

Madewell diamond shirt $45

Ann Taylor 

Anthroplogie

Asos

BCBG

Banana Republic

Club Monaco

Bloomingdales

Gap

J.Crew

Intermix

Loft
Mango

ASOS spike bracelet $13

Nordstrom

Piperline

Revolve Clothing

Shopbop

Suddenlee

TopShop

Zara

LOFT graphic prints

ASOS wedges $66

ZARA orange/red combo

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

 

Orange You Glad It's Summertime :)

After my interview on ABC's Morning Blend last week so many of you asked what I was wearing again... which got me to thinking that I had some advice in the style department to share too so here it is! The shoes were a giveaway from my girlfriend's closet, by BCBG, from a few years back but I have created a tutorial on how to make them and you can find the link at the end of this post.

●► But, in case you missed it ... here is the Melt-Proof Makeup Interview from Wednesday. Learn how to wear bronzer, cheek stains and I reveal the biggest secret of all {and most often skipped} way to longer lasting makeup in the sweltering heat. Plus I show you what to do with your melted lipstick that got left in the car!

Melt-Proof Summer Makeup and DIY Melted Lipstick Palette ~ Tips from FORD model Shelley GoodStein

 Eyelet Dress: Chelsea & Violet 

Sunnies: Fendi {Similar style Here} 

Shoes: BCBG {DIY seed bead tutorial coming soon! Base shoe HERE for $14.99}

Cartier gold Pasha watch {Similar Style Here} and NOIR pyramid bracelet

Must have summer straw tote: Vintage Kate Spade {loving this one at Nordstroms}

DIY TUTORIAL ON HOW TO MAKE THESE CUTIE PIE SHOES YOURSELF {HERE}

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

 

Using Bronzer to Contour a Slimmer Face : Kim Kardashian cast as makeup artist!

No matter how you feel about Kim's drama filled life - she is a girl that knows how to put her best face on for the camera and in this interview she shares her secret for flawless beauty photos.

Kim K becomes makeup artist in order to show her tips on contouring ... and her muse is the editor of Harper's Bazaar, Laura Brown. The products are the wrong colors for Laura but the technique is spot on when it comes to illustrating the how-to's of how to contour for a slimmer looking face.

Using bronzer to contour in all the right places is what Kim says has led tabloids to accuse her of countless plastic surgeries. The "3" method is exactly the way you should be doing it too, but be sure to blend and use the right shade for your skin tone.

If you aren't using a bronzer yet you should definitely be adding it to your beauty rountine! Not only will it give you that sun kissed glow during the summer, but it's a perfect product to use for contouring the skinny into your face! Think about the days you've been at the beach and how that little bit of a tan makes your eyes pop and your teeth look whiter. You just FEEL prettier.  Kim does a great way showing us the "3" method to sculpting along the hairline and under the cheekbones - like her or not, she is giving you straight up, great beauty advice here.

Bronzer has gotten a bad rap in the past as giving women a fake - baked on look. This happens when you apply it all over, so if you are using it for warmth apply it only to the high points of the face where the sun naturally hits you : forehead, high cheekbones, chin and nose.

Powders are the easiest to use and I really like the ones with different shades that you swirl together with a brush. To keep bronzer looking real, use a big fluffy brush and apply lightly, if you use too much product it will pack on too much color and look like the stripe that Kim made on Laura's face. Keep a light touch and go over the area again until you get the look you like.

Everyone's face can benefit from sweeping a little bit of bronzer underneath their chin to eliminate the double chin look and don't forget to hit the earlobes if you're wearing your hair back to keep from looking like dumbo with big white ears sticking out from your perfectly tanned face.

CHECK out my post on HOW TO DePUFF and CONCEAL UNDEREYE CIRCLES !

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

 

Pack and Travel in Style the Way Models Do!

Models are constantly jet setting around the world, I myself have been in 3 cities coast to coast for photoshoots in the last 2 weeks, packing and unpacking. Here are some tools of the trade for packing and traveling in style so you can finally throw away that velour jogging suit.

1. Pick a color scheme. A model's is usually neutrals - black, white, beige. Add your pop of color with a bright bag or some other fun accessory like a statement necklace.


2. Edit. After you are done packing pull a few things out. You never wear all of it and usually purchase a couple things while you're there. If you feel you have to add after that, make it a rule that it has to go in your carry on so that you keep it light.


3. Wear the essentials. To make it easier on yourself make it a uniform for your travel day. Comfort is key, but you'd never catch a model headed to the airport in her PJ's, no matter how early check in is. Choose wrinkle free fabrics and instead of a tracksuit think jeggings, skinny jeans with a long untucked blouse over top or a long maxi skirt layered with a t-shirt/sweater. Because I hate being cold, I wear heavier items that I won't have to pack but will want with me just in case of weather. Dark jeans with a bit of stretch or leggings, layers on top - tshirt and cashmere sweater, leather jacket and boots in the winter/open toe shoes in the summer. I usually add in a scarf for color and it doubles as a blanket on the plane.


5. Sarong. I always throw one of these in my suitcase with a swimsuit. Hot tubs or beach I am always prepared! A sarong is a great piece that can take you in the elevator to the pool, a cover up at lunch, and over your halter top for dinner if it get's a little chilly.


6. Minimize your accessories. I never travel with expensive jewelry. Not only do I have to worry about where I leave it or lock it in the hotel safe, it wreaks havoc at security. Plus I always pick up some local touristy little treasures when I'm there. 


7. Don't forget a big pair of sunglasses to throw on when you arrive. No matter how tired you are no one will know, you will just look effortlessly chic!


8. Huge Plastic Ziplocs. Seasoned traveler and model Cheryl Tiegs says she uses these to roll up clothing and then pushes out all the air for efficient packing. I like them for cosmetics that might leak in which case I "double bag" and so that I can easily see where everything is. To learn more tips from real models about traveling click here to read some quotes from the pros.

Great video to watch from fellow Ford model, Delphine, with tips on how to look glam while traveling!

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

 

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