But first - let me take a selfie! Real supermodel tips.

The holidays are fast approaching which means lots and lots of fun dress up opportunities! But first ... don't forget to take the selfie!

Here are some tips straight from the girls that get paid to look good having their pictures taken.

• Find the light and point your face towards it
• Check the background and get out of the dirty bathroom i.e. shower curtain backdrop. Hint: Try to find a solid colored wall or uncluttered area
• Use a flattering filter - this can hide even the worst blemish!
• Play to your best side - we all have one! For most of us it's the side that your nose slightly points to. The reason is that it will make your nose look straighter and smaller. 
• Chin up and make sure you are holding the camera above you
• Be silly and put your personality into the shot - pout or make the kissy face. 

You might also like to read about how to get rid of the turkey neck in your photos {HERE}

How to be More Attractive - for Free!

Have you ever wondered why some people seem to defy all odds, get promoted or influence others so easily? Let's face it, sometimes it's not the most talented or most beautiful model that gets the job or wins the beauty pageant. Is it chance; a lucky break? Nope ... it goes by the name of CONFIDENCE!

Forget the makeup tricks, the best angles - This is one attribute that can set you apart from the crowd. The best part about confidence is that you can increase the amount you possess at any time. Confidence is sexy, confidence is attractive and the best part about it is that you don't have to be born with it ... it's free and available to everyone.

A growing number of research studies indicate that everything I just told you is true. The Univ of California, Berkley showed that over-confident people are more admired, more influential and promoted over their more competent peers. Associate Professor Cameron Anderson who co-authored the report stated that "people are very easily swayed by others' confidence even when that confidence is unjustified."  

The fact is that confidence will take you places. Believe in yourself. Prepare yourself. Invest in yourself. Take the chance and walk into the room with confidence and other's will see it too. Time to get your mojo moving and go after your dreams.

A Models Recommends her best Holiday Beauty Gift Guide for 2014!

A big thank you to ULTA Beauty for collaborating with me for my favorite segment of the year - HOLIDAY gift sets. These are limited edition pairings that sell out quickly so be sure and take advantage of the savings and one stop shopping at Ulta.com 

Watch the video from the show {HERE}

I don't know about you but when it gets down to the 12 days before Christmas and I still have gifts to get and parties to go to I begin to panic. So this year I am going to end my day with a little beauty  from TARTE!

Petite Treat 12 days of Tart $37 ($122 value)

Exclusive to ULTA Order yours {HERE}

I also featured Tarte's amazonian clay blush - 12 hour, long lasting color infused with clay from the banks of the Amazon river.

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• VIVA la Juicy Noir gift set $76 ($97 value) {Here}
• Juicy Pen Spray Set $36 ($66 value)  {Here}

Fragrance is always a go to and for the holidays you always get something extra in the set. I want you to look for the new rollerballs and pen spray sets that many brands are now making ... they are perfect for you purse!

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Inevitably when I go shopping it is always tempting to buy one for you and one for me, which is why I love

 Lorac's Royal Eyeshadow Collection $38 ($305 value)

Literally I can keep one for myself and the cost of each of these GORG palettes is literally less than $10 each. Named for all your besties - Queen, Princess, Duchess & Countess!

               A total STEAL - don't wait - Buy Now {HERE}

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While at the show yesterday, a stylist who was performing a makeover told me she had the CHI pro hair dryer for 9 years and just this year replaced it with a new one. I don't know about you but I use my hair dryer nearly every day! CHI is known for their innovative and infrared technology and trusted heat tools. These cool limited edition Ulta Exclusive colors just give you another reason to run out to get yours today and over $50 off!

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Another Ulta Exclusive with EVERYTHING you need for that candlelight glow and DIRECTIONs on how and where to apply - an 8 piece set that includes a high quality shadow and blush brush!

Bare Minerals Vision of Light $49 ($145 value) 

Buy yours {HERE}

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Ulta's Glam and Glow Blockbuster $19.99 ($175 value)

I can't imagine needing 54 eyeshadows or 8 eyeliners but I sure like the option of having them! A 76 piece collection in it's own case to update your makeup collection. Available {Here}

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The most legendary Eye Primer in the beauty industry will make any shadow more vibrant, creaseless and last 24 hours. Now available in 4 different formulations:

URBAN DECAY Eye-Shadow Primer Potion $20

• Original - invisible {HERE}
• Sin - champagne colored primer  {HERE}
• Eden - nude colored primer {HERE}
• AntiAging   {HERE}

HAPPY HOLIDAYS - Happy BEAUTY!
XO
SHELLEY