Tips From The Pro: Unleash Your Inner Model

You Don't Have To Be The Professional Model To Make The Effort To Look Your Best

From casting calls to photo shoots, fashion show rehearsals to fittings, models lead very busy, pressure-driven lives. They're paid to look their best and to sell what they're sitting in, standing on, wearing, or holding. All eyes are on them, so the pressure to look good drives them to take extra care of themselves. Sure, we may not have the cheekbones, perfect skin, or endless legs, but we can still unleash our inner model with these tried and tested tips from the pros.

Practice the 3-step skincare religiously. Supermodel, supermom, and super businesswoman Tweetie de Leon Gonzalez says to cleanse, moisturize, and protect your skin without fail. "Wash away impurities from your skin with the appropriate facial cleanser—avoid bath soaps because they're too harsh for the face and can cause irritation and dryness."

The longtime model also stresses the importance of using a moisturizer "to keep your skin supple, fresh and youthful." She also applies sunblock to protect skin from the harmful UVA/UVB rays, which are primary culprits of premature aging. "Make it a habit to use it every day, even when just office bound. Quick trips to the car and daily exposure to indoor lighting are just as much a danger as staying out in the sun," says de Leon-Gonzalez.

Update your makeup look. Just because you have a regular 9 to 5 job doesn't mean you can't experiment with the latest beauty trends, says professional ramp and commercial model Isabel Roces. "A popular trend now is 'soft gothic' make up. You can incorporate this in your make up by using a lighter color palette for your smokey eye. Don't use black or dark browns, instead use colors with bronze hues," recommends Roces, who is also a beauty columnist and TV show host.

Know your hair products. When model and TV host Karen Pamintuan has a big shoot coming up, she washes her hair the day before or skips using conditioner so that the hair stylist can better manipulate her locks. Too much of the stuff makes your hair limp, lifeless, or too slippery so there's not much you can do with it. You can't even do that perfect flick if you have flat, limp hair.
On the other side of the coin, ultra dry locks need moisture too. "Moisturizing treatments like hair masks are great. To prevent your hair from drying out, avoid too much blow drying or straightening," the Listed host recommends.

Cover up. Professional makeup artist and beauty guru Bobbi Brown says that concealer is a woman's best friend. Coupled with a good night's sleep, Gonzalez says a little concealer can make a world of difference. Most problem spots that need covering are the under eyes, as well as the inner and outer corners of your eyes.

Invest in red lipstick. "Red lips have always been a staple in fashion; they're not just a passing trend," says Roces. To wear this color, she suggests keeping the rest of your face neutral (your eyes or cheeks shouldn't compete with the loudness of your lip shade).
"Top shades of the season are tomato red and orange red. Stay away from the berry reds and Hollywood reds as they are no longer trendy," says Roces.

Be good, look good. American super model Carolyn Murphy lives by her grandmother's best beauty advice: "Beauty is as beauty does… I really think being a good person and remaining kind and good to yourself is key," says Murphy. That and lots of water and face cream, which moisturize you inside and out.

Give your skin a breather. All models believe your should never sleep with your makeup on—no matter how tired you are. "Clean your face completely using the proper makeup remover, then wash your face," recommends Pamintuan.
Let your face breathe if you're just going to the mall or running simple errands. If you must wear makeup, just put on some concealer, fix your brows and put on some mascara and bronzer, she says.

 

 

Photo courtesy of CaratComms.