Monday, May 15, 2017

Modeling 101: Arrive "Beauty-Ready"

It may go without saying but personal hygiene is ALWAYS a big deal where modeling is concerned, after all you are hired to represent a brand or publication and no matter what your level of success you have been selected and are being paid to represent at the highest level.  How you arrive on set or backstage counts, and it doesn’t go unnoticed if your personal care beforehand is a little haphazard.  Finding yourself nearly naked and without hair and makeup is laying it all out there for the makeup artist, hair stylist and wardrobe stylist to see, and yes they notice that less than discreet tattoo, the nasty hair extensions, unwashed hair, body-piercings, unshaven legs, nicks, bruises, bad hair-dye job, un-manicured fingernails and toes, zits, and tan lines – ALL OF IT! And it matters!  If you care so little about your own personal image how can you expect a client to think you care about their brand image?


It’s not enough to expect the hair and makeup people to cover all these nasty problems, or to “fix” your hair issues, give you a mani-pedi, or simply expect that the photographer’s retoucher is going to just quickly fix these issues in post-production.  One of the quickest ways to get off on a bad footing on a job is give these problems over to the team as if it were their problem.  It’s not their responsibility, but yours.  And they will hesitate to book you again, or possibly report this to your agency. More than anything it is disrespectful to the team and the client and reflects badly on you. 

I have spoken to photographers and makeup artists about these issues and if a model arrives with any of these problems without the agency or model warning ahead of time that “’so-and-so model fell down the stairs and has bruises on her shins”, or “so-and-so model has had a breakout on her face from frequent traveling this past week”, then it’s not acceptable, and most likely a call will be made to the booker.  Makeup artists are completely grossed out by dirty hair, badly done hair extensions that haven’t been removed and washed in weeks and create bumps around the head, chewed off nails, and bad body shaving. 

You are hired to arrive as a blank canvas, ready to be made up into the representation of the brand. It is your brand collaborating with theirs and the responsibility for a great outcome is as much your responsibility as theirs. 

A profession model knows to:

Hair:  arrive with clean hair, properly cut, and with hair extensions removed and cleaned.

Face: fuzz-free, eyebrows tidy, clean face, and facial skin maintained so as to be free of pimples and redness – avoid any dermatological treatments within a few days of a booking in case there is a reaction.

Body:  remove all piercings, wax, or use your chosen hair-removal method; wear sunscreen on exposed skin daily to avoid any tan lines and discoloration, arms and décolletage included.  If you have bruises, apply arnica regularly to expedite the healing process, and use over-the-counter creams and gels on cuts and scars to heal and reduce their appearance.

Nails:  either learn how to give yourself a clean, simple, clear-colored manicure and pedicure, or book an appointment.  Long or fake nails are out.  Clear or nude shades are best since the makeup artist might need to use a particular color for the project. 

Tattoos:  lots of models have them and most of them know that a tattoo needs to be small and discreetly situated.  Have your own tattoo-covering body makeup in a color that matches your skin tone ready, but don't apply it beforehand as it might come off on the clothes you have to wear for the photos or the show.  Offer it to the makeup artist so they can cover your tattoo in a way it won't soil the styling.

We are all human, models included, and our skin does break out, we get bruises, and we sometimes have forgotten to wear sunscreen, but if you keep yourself generally photo-ready and maintain your hair, nails and complexion, then when something does go awry, an honest comment to the agency to give a potential client a heads-up before a booking can go a long way and shows you are committed to the job and professional.  

Remember it is your job to arrive ready to go and it is not just your personal beauty day to have a free mani-pedi, or free hair trim, or free facial.  More than anything it is just a matter of personal hygiene that is maintained.  It is never okay to expect that any of these issues will be fixed by the beauty team or by the retoucher.  It is not their job.  It’s yours. 

                                                             XOXO  Shelley


#modeling 101 #how to be a professional model #modeling tips #getting into modeling #beauty tips for modeling #modeling: what not to do #professional model beauty tips #facethis.blogspot.com  #Shelley Goodstein





Friday, May 12, 2017

Sunscreen Simplified: No Excuses!

One of the most important skincare products you can use is sunscreen, to prevent skin cancer, fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and crepe-like lizard-lady skin.  Yes you, no matter your skin color, over-sensitive or problem skin, or your amount of sun exposure.  There are formulations for every concern, and we have narrowed down three that all contain naturally derived ingredients, have hydrating properties, and none of which contain sulfates, parabens, or pthalates. 


This lightweight fluid sunscreen is formulated with raspberry, honey, and rose extracts, and has a faint scent of lemons. It is perfect for wearing under makeup as it absorbs quickly, and leaves no chalky film behind.  This Korean wonder is at the top of our beauty shopping list.



This mineral sunscreen is formulated and extensively tested by dermatologists to ensure it will not clog pores, or exacerbate skin conditions like rosacea or eczema.  It is rich in antioxidant vitamin C, and contains pomegranate and cranberry extracts, and green tea, boosting its anti-aging and hydrating properties. This gentle but powerful lotion is water resistant up to 80 minutes. Don’t forget to reapply if swimming.



This broad-spectrum spray lightly scented with coconut delivers a hydrating mist containing over 70% certified organic ingredients including strawberry, cucumber and algae extracts, and red raspberry seed oil.  It goes on clear and is easy to apply to hard to reach spots up and down your back and legs.


No grease slicks, no chalky white cast, no disrupting makeup application, no aggravation of skin problems = no excuses.  Your future self will thank you.

Find these sunscreens at Sephora.com by clicking the links. 

                                                             XOXO  Shelley



#top sunscreens #sulfate-free sunscreen #paraben-free sunscreen #pthalate-free sunscreen #hydrating sunscreen #sunscreen for sensitive skin #Sephora #facethis.blogspot.com #Shelley Goodstein

Sunday, May 7, 2017

How to Get the Hottest Summer Beauty Looks of Selena Gomez and Jessica Alba


This year’s most stunning summer makeup looks are mucho caliente, and Jessica Alba and Selena Gomez are experts at rocking steamy beauty looks that turn the heat all the way up.

For Selena’s vintage bombshell glamour think contour, feline winged eyeliner, strong brows and glistening nude shades.  Slick your hair back with an argan oil or hair serum hair product combed through for an almost wet look to bring all the attention to your dramatic eyes.  


Try these new products from Pretty Vulgar available at Sephora.com to get Selena’s look:


(click on the photos for a closer look)

Jessica Alba’s look is all about contouring, strong brows, and warm metallic shades on the eyes.  A dark, rich lip is the opposite of the traditional pale summer nude and amps up the glamour factor times ten. A sleek ponytail keeps the focus on your face and makes for easy, humidity-safe hair. Try hair products especially formulated with shea butter after washing your hair and seal with an anti-frizz product if your natural hair is wavy or curly.  


Try these cult classics by Kat Von D available at sephora.com to get Jessica’s look:

(click on the photos for a closer look)



                                                               XOXO Shelley

#Selena Gomez  #Jessica Alba  #top summer beauty #top summer makeup #celebrity beauty #hot summer looks #facethis.blogspot.com  #Shelley Goodstein