Modeling HOW TO: Stand out and Get Noticed!

Most models will tell you stories of long castings stuck in corridors, looking around at a sea of clones all dressed in tight black clothes, wearing heels, and with their hair pulled back in a pony tail.  How is a model supposed to stand out and get noticed?  There is no golden ticket answer, but how you present yourself and the impression you leave can go a long way in increasing your odds of separating yourself from the pack and getting the booking.

For over a decade the modeling industry has seen an extremely limited range of models, which is the polar opposite of the “cult of personality” of the supermodel era.  Knowing how agents and clients perceive you is critical: do they consider you professional, mature, focused, committed?  Do they see you as a waif when you feel like a bombshell?  There can’t be a disconnect here or it will mean a much bigger struggle to achieving your dreams. 

There are golden rules to creating a great reputation as a model so pay attention: 

• Always be professional:  Strive for a good relationship with your bookers and agents, since you must work as a team to build your career.  Always being professional, means being reliable, cheerful, a team player, on time, and never being a know-it-all.  If your agents and bookers know you are ambitious, focused, and a good listener, they are more likely to go above and beyond to help you achieve your dreams.  Ask them how you can build your brand to get more attention from editors and casting directors.  Be interested, and interesting!

• Be original:  The old adage that you should always be yourself because no one can do it better than you is true, and no more so than in building a modeling career.  Don’t be a cookie-cutter model. No one can do you better than YOU!  And do yourself a favor and don’t look at all the other models in the model apartments or at castings and measure yourself against them.  Ever.  Everyone is building their own career, so concern yourself with yours.  That goes for fashioning your “look” on another model – it doesn’t work, and a copy is just a copy. 

• Know your strengths and work them:  Whether it is high cheekbones, long legs, amazing eyebrows, a great body, a supermodel walk, a chameleon face, or a great personality, see it for the advantage that it is and work it.  Are you a good mover, or a power poser? Are you athletic or super feminine, androgynous or sexy?  Own it and make it work for you.

• Be aware of your social media presence:  This is somewhere that you can have more control over your “model image” and show your strengths to their best advantage.  But be careful what you show – clients DO look at model’s social media accounts – it matters!  If you are athletic and can do cartwheels, here is your platform to show it off.  If you are a fun-loving model who likes to dance and giggle, make a little clip and post it to show you have a great personality.  Just remember – the industry is watching.

Be fearless:  Stay true to yourself because clients and agents notice a confident, focused model who is a pleasure to work with, who delivers, and is professional.  There are too many models with hang ups, insecurities, or a bad attitude, so don’t be that model – and you will stand out for being the opposite!  Be YOU!

#business of modeling #standing out  #know your strengths #how to succeed in modeling #be unique #be original #beyourself

Lineisy Montero – Breakout Star for 2016 ... Model Crush Monday!

Nineteen-year-old Dominican beauty, Lineisy Montero has had two banner years in a row, after her stunning breakout star turn on the Prada Fall 2015 runway – the only black model to walk for the legendary fashion house since Naomi Campbell and Jourdan Dunn years before her.  Everyone wanted to know who was this new face with the amazing cropped, natural afro??  They know who she is now!

With her super high cheekbones, smattering of freckles, and the dimple in her chin, Lineisy’s face is instantly recognizable, as she becomes the darling of many fashion designers and magazine editors, including her campaigns for Chanel, Prada, and Bally, and appearances in Vogue, Bazaar, and ID magazines.  She has walked to runways for many designers including Burberry and Marc Jacobs as well.  All this after being discovered on a roller coaster in her hometown of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic.  

Lineisy is a standout exotic beauty amongst the rows and rows of model clones and has made to sort of leap from new face to star face in true supermodel fashion, but she wants to be known for her work as a model first, and a black model second.  Whatever she’s selling, we’re buying! Go Lineisy!

Lineisy Montero’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/lineisymontero/

#new faces #breakout models  #exotic models, #black models #new supermodels #ones to watch #Dominican models

Eat To Be Beautiful - Model Beauty Diet!

A model’s healthy skin, hair and nails are their stock in trade.  They have to take care of themselves to be at the top of their game just like an athlete, and to have the health and stamina to go the course in such a rigorously demanding industry.  Beauty really does begin on the inside and whatever you consumer really does appear on your face … and hips! 

It’s so important to remember that taking care of yourself is essential and that you can’t succeed if your face, hair and body show signs of too many late nights, too much junk food, too much alcohol, and not enough nutrition and proper exercise. Going to any extreme such as fasting and doing liquid diets will not keep you healthy enough to sustain yourself.  It will show and it’s not beautiful!

Maintaining healthy, balanced eating habits and exercising are the recipe for beauty and health.  Exercising, results in increased blood flow, which makes skin glow, and gives you energy.  I am going to share fitness tips of top models in an upcoming post, so stay tuned!

The number one thing your body needs is H2O – water!  Keeps you well-hydrated, revs up a dull complexion, and keeps you going!

Here are some super foods that are packed with the nutrients you need for a healthy complexion, shiny hair and a lean body:

• Biotin for healthy skin, and strong hair and nails:  bananas, beans, lentils, salmon, and eggs.

• Omega 3 fatty acids for shiny hair:  eggs, soybeans, chicken, seafood, and nuts.

• Vitamins A and C are antioxidants and have skin-firming properties:  citrus fruit, kiwi, apricots, carrots, mangoes, spinach, and sweet potatoes.  

• Vitamin E has anti-inflammatory properties and reduces inflammation:  sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ, avocadoes, and dark leafy greens such as spinach, kale, and arugula.

• Zinc affects the immune system and hair strength:  cashews, soybeans and green beans,

• Protein: keeps your body fueled and toned:  lean beef (gives your iron as well), lean chicken, eggs, low-fat dairy. 

• Olive oil and green tea increase blood flow and oxygen to the skin – essential for glowing skin.

• Quinoa – this is an easy to prepare protein filled with amino acids, iron, zinc, potassium and calcium. 

Foods with a high glycemic index such as bread, pancakes, bagels, many processed cereals, pies, cookies, pastries, muffins, candy, etc., add to any puffiness you might have, and makes you look less contoured.  Moderation is key. 

So think about maintaining good nutrition and try to add nourishing foods and drinks into your eating habits, get enough sleep, exercise, and be the picture of health.  You will look more beautiful, and have more energy – which is crucial for a successful modeling career.  

A model with healthy hair, glowing skin, stamina, and a toned body will always succeed over a model who does not take care of herself.  It’s her business to be her best!

Photos by Allana Wesley White Photography Allana Wesley White (@allanawesleywhitephotography) • Instagram photos and videos for Starbene Magazine Italy

#healthyeating #modeldiet #nutrition #eattobebeautiful #modelhealth #nutritionforbeauty #beautyfoods #naturalbeauty #modelfit #healthyskin #healthyhair #modelbeauty #modelhealth #energyfood #juicing #antiox

All American Beauty, Hailey Clauson - Model Crush Monday!

To commemorate the Fourth of July, we are celebrating with the all-American beauty and Sports Illustrated cover star Hailey Clauson! Born and raised in LA, Hailey was discovered at age 14 and was quickly booked to shoot a campaign for Wildfox Couture.  Now 21 years old and a statuesque 5’11” with one of the most amazing curvy figures in the industry, Hailey has fronted campaigns for Gucci, Jill Stuart, and Agent Provocateur, walked for Zac Posen and Calvin Klein, and appears in editorials worldwide. 

In real patriotic style, Hailey appeared in a red, white and blue “painted on” bikini in Sports Illustrated - talk about fireworks!  Happy Fourth! 

#Hailey Clauson  #Sports Illustrated cover girl #rookie of the year #American supermodels #sexiest models #Fourth of July #All-American Beauty

Summer Beauty Tips fromTop Makeup Artist and Beauty Expert Colleen Stone!

Everyone wishes they had the advice of a top makeup artist not just for photo shoots and skin care, but for every day, as the seasons and trends change, and it can be hard to keep up with all the new products hitting the market.  Top makeup artist Colleen Stone has worked with Pandora, Dooney and Bourke, Echo, FemeStage and countless other projects this past winter and spring, including TV appearances for Coco Rocha. Colleen answers our beauty questions and shares her tips for spring and summer beauty, so we can all try to look as gorgeous as her models and you can find more tips on her website at www.blushandbeyond.com

1) What is your secret weapon to achieve amazing summer skin?

As the summer months heat up, so does the humidity, and your skin care routine should be adjusted. A lighter day moisturizer like one of the new gel type moisturizers such as Neutrogena Hydro Gel will keep skin hydrated without the heaviness of a regular winter cream.  Sunscreen is a must for the summer too and there are many lightweight versions to choose from that won’t clog pores and make skin look oily.  I really like some of the sunscreens coming out of Asia, specifically Korea. They protect the skin with advanced technology and feel and smell more like moisturizers than typical sunscreens. Beautiful summer skin can be achieved with some spot concealing and a bronzer. I like to use waterproof concealer to protect from the humidity, like Lancome’s Effacernes, and a cream based bronzer like Tom Ford’s Shade & Illuminate.

2) What is your best skin prep advice for models for the night before a photo shoot?

Plenty of sleep, of course, and lots of hydration!  Anytime you have a photo shoot the next day, it’s important to take the time to properly remove your makeup, hydrate your skin, and get plenty of rest, although sometimes models with busy schedules may not be able to sleep as much as they would like.  That’s where makeup artists’ work comes in, sometimes using sheet masks or under eye masks to revive tired skin. The night before a photo shoot is NOT the time to try new skin care products or treatments or pick at your skin, as it will only look worse in the morning, leaving the makeup artist with little choice but to add a lot of concealer.

3) What is your favorite summer makeup trend?

My favorite summer trend for 2016 is a natural looking bronzer and highlighter, or “nontouring”. This new term refers to the look that is the opposite of contouring.  Instead of heavy streaks of contour cream or powder topped with shiny highlighter (Hello Instagram!) this look is more “model who jet-sets from Ibiza to St. Tropez.  Her bronzer is subtle.  You Tube tutorial coming soon!

4) What in your opinion are the top three things a model can do to have good skin?

Great skin begins from the inside, which means that in order for your skin to be clear and have a glow, you need to have proper nutrition and hydration. Fruits and vegetables provided plenty of the vitamins and minerals essential for healthy skin, so if you don’t feel your diet is adequate, adding a fresh pressed green juice everyday can go a long way to achieving a healthy glow. Exercise helps eliminate toxins through sweating and also reduces stress, so a regular exercise routine that includes cardio and toning will help you maintain beautiful skin. And finally, a skin care routine that works for you and that you maintain on a regular basis. Making sure to properly remove makeup will really help your skin allowing for any treatment products like serums to penetrate. I am a fan of the double-cleansing method, especially for models who wear a lot of makeup on a regular basis. Double-cleansing involves removing makeup with an oil cleanser, and following that with a foaming cleanser or a milk cleanser to remove any residue and clean the skin, exfoliating dead skin cells.

5) How do you deal with summertime humidity on location so the model doesn’t look like a hot mess?

When humidity soars, the less makeup the better. Trying to cover the skin with foundations and powders will only lead to patchy skin as you sweat. Cover any imperfections with a waterproof concealer and coat lashes with waterproof mascara. I like to use waterproof eyeliner, like the Aqua Eyes from Make Up For Ever to add touch of color and fun for a summer look. Try lining eyes with a bright aqua eyeliner, add some bronzer, and finish with a lip stain or balm in a coral shade. Minimal fuss and gorgeous!

Colleen Stone’s blog Blush and Beyond gives tips and advice to looking your model-beauty-best.  www.blushandbeyond.com

David Gandy @OHMYGANDY - Model Crush Monday!

You know that face and those eyes, and chances are you are quite used to seeing the number one male supermodel David Gandy in little more than underwear.  Who hasn’t lingered on the Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue perfume ads?  David has fronted those campaigns for a decade already, and D&G even created a coffee table book on all things David Gandy.  The most successful and famous British male supermodel ever, 36 year old, 6’3” Gandy has redefined the “look” of male models with his extremely fit physique.

Known for his personal fashion style, Gandy has been named many times over an “International Style Icon” around the world.   He designs a massively successful men's collection for Marks & Spencer, and has sat on panels and councils for fashion industry events and discussions. 

David regularly writes a blog for Vogue magazine discussing fashion, antiques, automobiles, and London life. With a racing license to his credit, he also reviews cars for GQ Magazine.  He began a film production company after appearing in several short films, and Jennifer Lopez’s “First Love” video.   With a keen business sense, he has created a ‘brand” unlike any other male model in the past. 

So - international man of style, fitness guru with his own fashion and fitness apps, books dedicated to all things Gandy, a passion for fast cars and boats, fashion design, film production and a dedication to charitable causes, David Gandy is so much more than those amazing blue eyes and that incredible physique. And yes, he looks great in a tux and with his British accent ...  we vote for David Gandy to be the next James Bond! Follow his links to see more of this renaissance man in all his glory.  You’re welcome.  

David Gandy’s links:

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/DGandyOfficial

Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/davidgandy_official/

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/OfficialDavidGandy

Style app:   http://www.davidgandystyleguide.com/about.html

Fitness app:  http://www.davidgandyfitness.com/

#male supermodel  #David Gandy #Dolce et Gabbana #male models #fashion  #model industry #men’s style #male fashion icons #supermodels #ohmygandy

HOW TO: Nail an Amazing Beauty Shot

Beauty shots and natural portraits are the most important photos a model needs, which is why they can be some of the most difficult images to achieve.  They establish how photogenic the model is, how the light plays off of their bone structure, whether they are chameleon-like when wearing lots of hair and makeup, or whether they have a more natural beauty.  Agencies choose the best portrait that represents the bone structure and gaze of the model at her best, and use this as her lead image on the agency website, as the first shot in her portfolio, and on her composite card.  So yes!  It’s very important and it's the shot the agency is always looking for, to capture the attention of casting directors and potential clients.  A great headshot can literally change a model’s career and put her on everyone’s radar.  

Frequently testing with the right people let’s you learn what works for you and what doesn’t.  The best portraits enhance your look and show of the best of you, your uniqueness, and your power to hold someone’s attention with your eyes.  It shows if you can be transformed with hair and makeup – fashion designer’s and editor’s dream models.  It shows if your particular type of beauty is more sensual, or classic, or edgy and cool.  

Whatever your look the basic principles to achieving a great portrait stay the same.  Here are some photographers’ tips for nailing a great beauty shot.

Tip 1:  understand the hair and makeup so you can interpret what the theme of the shot is, for example: natural hair and makeup shot outdoors versus dramatic hair and makeup in studio – very different, and the best models are amazing at both
     
Tip 2:  relax – any stress you have is going to show all over your face and in your posture

Tip 3:  don’t over-think it – let the photographer guide you; you are a team creating the image together, so don’t get in your own head and miss your chance to create something amazing

Tip 4:  posture counts:  relax your shoulders, angle them to the camera if the photographer suggests it, and think like a ballerina.  Be aware of your collarbones and let your head pivot on a long, graceful neck as this lets the light hit your cheekbones, brow bones, and jawline – extra tip – know where the light source is!

Tip 5:  It’s all about the eyes:  no matter how gorgeous the light is, how amazing the makeup and hair looks, if your eyes don't “talk”, the shot will not work and be flat and amateur.  On the photographer’s direction, create a little movie or scenario in your mind and “play the part”.  Express emotion with your eyes, thinking about love, joy, happiness, strength, power, or vulnerability.

Tip 6:  Relax your mouth and do not be tempted to do fish lips – ever.  Some models look great when they bite their back teeth together and leave their lips apart – this makes a more defined jawline.  Other models look great when their lips area bit apart and their teeth are not touching at all – it’s vulnerable and sensual if you do it right.  Practice in front of a mirror not a phone, which distorts your face.  

Finally, trust the photographer.  Don’t be an inanimate mannequin.  If the beauty shot could have been made by putting makeup on a plastic head, then it doesn’t work.  The best beauty images “talk”.  

Models and credits:

Fei Fei Sun by Willy Vanderperre

Jena Goldsack by Steven Chee

Edita Vilkeviciute by Boo George

Anna Ewers by Patrick Demarchelier

Amanda Murphy by Thomas Whiteside

Crista Cober by Cedric Viollet

Stella Lucia by Camilla Akrans

Aya Jones for W Magazine

Adriana Lima by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

#beauty images #how to take a great beauty shot  #model headshots  #beauty tips for great headshots  #best headshots  #comp card shots

Rosie Huntington-Whitely our Model Crush Monday!

Rosie Huntington-Whitely got her modeling start at age 16 by launching straight into a Levi’s commercial.  Not a bad start for a farm girl from Devon, England.  

Known for her full lips and amazing body, Rosie became a Victoria’s Secret regular and eventually was crowned a V. S. Angel in 2010.  She has appeared in campaigns for Burberry, Agent Provocateur, Karen Millen, Loewe, Leon Max, Miss Sixty, and Godiva, and walked the runway for Givenchy, Ralph Lauren, Roberto Cavalli, Michael Kors, Prada, to name just a few. 

Bombshell Rosie not only has Victoria’s Secret to her credit, but has appeared in the legendary Pirelli Calendar in 2010, and was named No. 1 on Maxim Magazine’s Top 100 List in 2011.  Now an actress, Rosie has appeared in “Transformers: Dark of the Moon” and “Mad Max: Fury Road”.  She is one of those rare models that appeals to both men and women, for her “English rose” beauty, gorgeous hair – and yes – that body!

Instagram:  @rosiehw

#supermodels #pirelli models  #victoria’s secret models #best bodies #best hair #maxim models #models turned actresses

New Beauty Trends: Micellar Water, Hyaluronic Acid Face Gels, and Facial Oils

Liu Wen for La Perla by Mert Alas and Marcus Piggott

Three of the biggest new product categories in skincare seem to fly right in the face of traditional thinking, especially in the summer when keeping our skin clean and fresh is key, and using products that keep us from looking greasy is just about the number one skincare concern.  So how can a rich, super-hydrating cream, facial oils, and makeup remover that doesn’t need to be washed off and yet gets the job done, possibly work??  Read on!

Facial oil is gentle on your skin, won’t clog your pores, moisturizes, and even tricks your skin into thinking it is oily enough to stop over-active sebum production – which means less breakouts!  Try Olay Regenerist Luminous Facial Oil for a glowing complexion without the grease, Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil for luminous skin and a dose of antioxidant vitamin C, and multi-tasking Kopari Coconut Sheer Oil which does everything from moisturize to makeup removal, and even to repairing split ends of your hair.

Facial cleansing wipes don’t always get all your makeup off and often require warm water and a face cloth as a follow up to really leave your skin feeling refreshed and ready for serums and moisturizers.  Micellar water is a one-step wonder, with tiny micelle-molecules latching on to dirt and makeup, and wipes it all away without the need for any extra products or steps.  European women swear by micellar waters and many will not let normal tap water anywhere near their face.  It even works as a light moisturizer – no need to rinse it off.  

Bioderma Sébium H2O is the makeup artists’ choice for thorough and gentle makeup removal, especially for models during show season when their makeup is changed multiple times per day.  Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water has two formulas, one for regular makeup and the other for waterproof makeup, all without rubbing your skin at all.  Makeup artists are also using micellar water facial wipes now as well, usually to remove makeup from body skin on models during shoots, but it has been noted that they are less affective than micellar water used directly with makeup removal pads.  Simple Cleansing Micellar Water boosts hydration in the skin up to 90% and is formulated to be gentle on sensitive skin.

Hyaluronic acid is the key ingredient in the new gel moisturizers, which is naturally found in skin, keeping it hydrated and supple.  These formulations are light, oil-free, and their hydrating power gives skin an immediate glow.  Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel has the added benefit of olive extract which helps skin retain moisture.  Biotherm Aquasource Everplump smoothes skin and hydrates for 72 hours.  Tarte Drink of H2O has the added benefit of marine antioxidants that speed up skin’s own repair systems against sun damage and inflammation. These gels are a great choice even in summer months as they are lightweight, oil-free and are absorbed quickly into the skin.  

#Olay Regenerist Luminous Facial Oil   #Korres Wild Rose Vitamin C Active Brightening Oil   #Kopari Coconut Sheer Oil   #Bioderma Sébium H2O   #Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water   #Simple Cleansing Micellar Water   #Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel   #Biotherm Aquasource Everplump   #Tarte Drink of H2O   #facial oils   #hyaluronic acid  #micellar water   #new beauty trends   #summer beauty #new beauty products

Jourdan Dunn - Model Crush Monday!

British supermodel of Jamaican heritage, Jourdan Dunn is truly an icon of her time.  At just 26 years old, she is already a veteran of the modeling industry after being scouted at age 15 by Storm Model Management in London. 

Jourdan has been awarded “Model of the Year UK” in both 2008 and 2015, and “Model of the Year” by Harper’s Bazaar US in 2013, for her dominance of the modeling industry, walking hundreds of designer runways, and fronting major fashion and beauty campaigns worldwide.  Not to mention starring in TWO Beyoncé videos, and appearing as herself in Zoolander 2”!

Jourdan was the first black model to appear solo on the cover of Vogue UK for February 2015 in twelve years, and is applauded for being vocal about racial discrimination in the modeling industry.  Dunn is on Forbes’ list of highest earning models for 2014 and 2015 – no mean feat considering the barriers that have existed throughout her career for non-Caucasian models.  In 2015 Jourdan was named a face of Maybelline NY, starring in their campaigns throughout the world. 

Jourdan became a mom at age nineteen to her son, and was so focused and determined to support her child that she went right back into modeling three months after giving birth. This supermodel – and mom - knows her way around the kitchen and has turned her cooking passion into a series called “Well Dunn”, joining fellow models and other celebs cooking up their favorite foods on Jay Z’s You Tube channel. 

We love Jourdan for using her power and influence to help break down the barriers in the modeling and fashion industry, making careers possible for a wider range of women that truly represent all of us, and proving that beauty is colorblind!

Jourdan Dunn’s Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/officialjdunn/

#jourdandunn #supermodels #blacksupermodels #highestearningmodels #racialdiversityinmodeling #racialdiversityinfashion #modelmoms 

Yoga your way to a toned Model body!

Yoga has so many benefits, from increased flexibility, body toning, to the calming effects of breathing and meditation.  So it’s no wonder that it is often a part of many models’ fitness routine. Combined with another form of exercise such as running, boxing, pilates, dance, or swimming, it can really round out a fitness regime to give you a “model body”.  

  

Models need to be flexible to be able to get themselves into sometimes-awkward positions for photos – and then holding that position for what seems like forever! Yoga gives you core strength which really helps to be able to maintain these positions and to really stretch your torso, or arch your back.   Yoga also helps with balance, which again is great for holding those poses, not to mention helping you to be more stable when walking or standing in heels, which is key for models.

Amy from Jeans and a Tea ( www.jeansandatea.com ) shows us some amazing stretches that are great for flexibility, and even how to put your hair up in a twisty so you can look cute while you practice your tree pose. 

Setting aside time to do a proper yoga session can really help models to work on lengthening their muscles, toning, and strengthening their core, all while relaxing and stretching.  Breathing and finding your “center” are so important for stress control too, which is often an issue with models.  Being in the moment can be a really good thing.  Ohmmmmm…….

#yogaforamodelbody #yoga #tonedbody #bikiniready #jeansandatea

Sara Sampaio - Model Crush Monday!

You know that face – and that body – Portuguese supermodel Sara Sampaio is everywhere – and we can’t stop looking!  

She was voted Rookie of the Year in 2014 for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, has been crowned a Victoria’s  Secret Angel, and appeared on a very successful cover of Maxim Magazine. Not to mention her campaigns for Calzedonia, and her runway work for Fall/Winter 2016 where she walked for Tommy Hilfiger, Balmain, Miu Miu, and opened for Elie Saab.  

Sara appears on many international magazine covers and shoots fashion editorials with the biggest names in the industry, but we suspect she is most at home on a beach in a bikini, mesmerizing everyone with her green eyes and dark hair.  And we love her for it!  

Sara Sampaio on Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/sarasampaio/

#sarasampaio  #supermodels  #victoriassecretangels  #maximmagazine  #editorialmodels  #swimsuitmodels  #runwaymodels  #sportsillustratedmodels