Hairburst Review

Every woman has different problems with their hair. Some struggle with split ends, others have trouble with thinning hair, the majority of us can’t obtain the shine, length or volume they desire.

I fit firmly in the middle camp, I’ve got thinning hair and I’ve been struggling with hair loss due to the copious amounts of medication that I have taken for years, that combined with normal styling with straighteners/curlers and during my 3 years at uni my hair went through a variety of colours.

I strive for longer, thicker, fuller hair. I’ve been tempted to get hair extensions for years but was put off by the cost and maintenance of them. So I decided to look at shampoos and tablets. This time I brought Hairburst capsules, one of the most raved about hair vitamins on the internet, my Instagram feed is filled with ‘Before and After’ pictures. Now I’ll admit I was pretty skeptic, I mean we all know how those pictures can be faked with either hair extensions, photoshop or just clever hairstyling so I was pretty anxious to get started and see if anything would occur.

After 2 weeks, I was considering giving up. I didn’t notice a thing, but I figured I had nothing to lose by continuing the regimen. I already had the product, and I brought the 3 month pack with 3 bottles containing 60 capsules (it’s cheaper that way). Perhaps I was being too impatient.

After a month, I realized I was being too impatient. I noticed some small signs that my hair was improving: less hair was coming out in the shower, my hair was strangely thicker and felt stronger.

These weren’t massive improvements but now I have finished the 3 month pack. I’ve noticed some serious improvements in my hair. It’s thicker, stronger, and more brilliant than before and my hair seemed more lustrous. It’s much, much stronger than a three months ago and it doesn’t crack when I’m straightening it or curling it like it used to. It’s less brittle and actually feels soft and plush when I run my hands through it, it looks longer to the naked eye. I’m not sure if you can see much difference in my before and after pictures (which you can view on my Instagram) but I can notice it myself.

The only problems I have with the product is that it’s kinda expensive, and it takes much longer than sprays or shampoos to be effective. But I think it will remain consistent as opposed to wearing off like with a spray when the moment you stop using it stops working.

All in all, it’s a good product. My hair became thicker, longer, stronger and altogether healthier, not longer as promised. On the downside, it takes a while to work. It’s also a bit pricey (£60 for the 3 month supply from Holland and Barratt)..but I think I’m gunna give it another go. I may not have mermaid locks yet but maybe one day my hair will be strong enough to use like Sindel from Mortal Kombat (I’m wondering how many of you will get that reference)

Remember everyone’s hair is different. If you want your hair to improve in any way give it a go, if you do give it time and let me know how it goes xxx

Criticizing a model? Think twice...

Every time I’m on set I’m told I’m the talent and I’m beautiful. Models aren’t supposed to feel ugly, but have you ever thought about how ridiculous that request is? I mean, who goes around feeling invincible… in terms of their feelings, at least. For every 10 compliments I receive, it only takes 1 criticism to have me spending hours in front of the mirror, naked, trying to figure out if it’s true or not.

I remember one day a random girl at a casting said I had a large forehead. Her comment was one of 40 I received that day, but it stood out.

Four hours later, after I had thoroughly stared at all of my tear sheets, and spent 1 hour rearranging my hair, I was on the phone with colleagues of mine.

What one photographer said my look was ‘unique’. For me, that only validated my fear. I did have a large forehead. After crying, I pulled myself together and called my hairdresser. He reworked my hair to better frame my face.

Sure, all of this might have been a bit unnecessary – nobody I spoke to suggested I change my look- but after that one comment I couldn’t bear looking at myself in the mirror anymore. It hurt too much, and I could just see it in my head some bitchy girls talking about. It didn’t matter if there were 30 people surrounding me, worshipping every other part of my body… it was that one girl, and her judgmental, hateful comment that did the trick. Not only did it hurt at that one moment, it hurt the entire day.

So the next time you think about publically criticizing a model’s looks, think about how that might feel if it was you. Imagine how it feels to have the one thing you are known and loved for rudely criticized. I can tell you, it hurts. Yes, we receive praise, but we’re still human xxx

Which is More Permanent: Tattoos or Dreams?

Tattoos are not new. One must remember also that they aren’t famous now, they are trendy now. They should be a simple form of self-expression and yet, they are also a danger to aspiring models everywhere. A man or woman may not land a job because he or she has tattoos and other times, he or she won’t get a job without them. Just depends on the work. As a result of a lot of old world foundations and institutions still present in the modelling world, becoming a fashion model may require one to adhere to some unwritten rules about tattoos.

Those with a large number of tattoos or large sized tattoos will find less paying work as models. Clients simply don’t want models to compete with their products. A model is a prop; the product is the star of the shoot. Picture a model with a full side dragon tattoo posing in Victoria Secret underwear. What is the focus? Not the lingerie, most likely. Consumers are the same way. People who love tattoos will be mesmerised by the tattoo, while those opposed will be looking judge. No one is paying any attention to Victoria’s Secret’s new cute bra and French knickers. The winner in this situation is not the company that paid for the production crew, model, and advertisement. This begs the question: what do mainstream companies get out of tatted models?

A model with lots of tattoos should just aim for tattooed modelling jobs. Having large amounts of ink simply means it’s necessary to pitch to a different market. Work can be found from places such as tattoo magazines and alternative websites.

A discreet little tattoo on easily hidden parts of the body will not be noticeable. With miniature tattoos, modelling work can still be found in fashion and commercial work, since these can be easily covered. For example I have three tattoo’s, the top of my neck, my left side on my ribs and my right ankle, all which are quite small and are hidden during standard fashion photo shoots. When it comes to shoots that require less clothing, I can use makeup to cover up if required or angle my body so no-one is any the wiser.

Two to three tattoos that are bigger than the size of a fist, but do not cover the entirety of a section of the body put an aspiring model in a predicament. With these sorts of tattoos, a model’s career can either go down the road of alternative modelling or intermittent mainstream work geared away from the tatted section of the body. It really depends on the type of work being sought and willing clients.

Having tattoos doesn’t necessarily mean no career in modelling. Assuming a potential model fits all the typical requirements of height, age, and others, heavy tattooing may ruin his or her chances. Which is more important: modelling or a tattoo? It is pertinent to bear in mind that the modelling world is primarily for the young and, chances are, by the age of 29, one’s career may well be over. This leaves plenty of time to get tattooed then xxx

Racism Walks The Runway

I have mentioned about the lack of diversity in modelling and how changing this will do wonders from a modelling perspective. In recent years there has been a positive change in the modelling industry, you are now seeing more plus sized women in magazines, France have even banned models that are under the healthy BMI to put a stop to the unrealistic and unhealthy representation of women. This are appealing more to the average women, which is amazing.

There has also been an increase in disabled models being featured in major designers ad campaigns, even ‘celebrities’ I use this term loosely, such as Kylie Jenner was featured in a photoshoot….in a wheelchair, although this caused a lot of controversy. It definitely made a lot of people take notice and speak out about this issue.

So why is there is still a huge lack of diversity amongst models of a different race?

Whitewashed runways, campaigns and magazine editorials have been a lasting reality in the world of fashion. There’s no denying that a racism problem exists. This problem is not confined to the runways. Paris Vogue Editor in Chief, Emmanuelle Alt, has not used an African or Asian model on the cover of her magazine in over two years. She’s been in charge of 24 issues, which have included four covers of Kate Moss and one of Gisele Bundchen’s bum. Lord forbid she inject a bit of diversity!

French Numero is also a culprit, publishing a very questionable editorial, showing white American model Ondria Hardin, with darkened skin. The spread was given the title ‘African Queen’. Although the magazine apologised for any offence caused – stating they have “regularly demonstrated… deep attachment to different skin-coloured models’”- of the last 141 covers, only three models that were featured, were not white.

Hong Kong, Singapore and Tokyo are all ranked within the top 20 international markets for fashion. Designers and brands like Philip Lim, Alexander Wang and Comme Des Garcons have been paving the way in western market for the influx of luxury brands that are gushing to Asian shores. Yet how many designers have Asian models in their shows? The stats are as follows; During the New York Fashion Week, Fall 2013 fashion shows. 151 New York designers showcased at fashion week, providing 4479 ‘looks’. White models wore 82.7% of these looks. Only 9.1% of looks were shown on Asian models, and Black models were employed for just 6% of looks. Non-white Latin models presented 2% of the looks and models with races not defined by these categories were given 0.2%. Many designers – including big names like Calvin Klein and Juicy Couture – employed no models of colour at all. These statistics are shameful.

Also emerging as a big-tier consumer, is the city of Dubai, with several fashion houses such as Chloe, and Elie Saab setting up flagship stores there. Now, if the people of these cities are some of the biggest consumers of your brand, why wouldn’t you use your promotion strategies to appeal to them? If people don’t see themselves wearing or using products, they are far less likely to buy them. Brands take note: visibly seeing your race(s) represented makes the path to purchase easier.

More influential people in fashion need to stop playing the blame game – agents blaming designers for not hiring a diverse mix of models, designers blaming agents for not providing non-white models – and work together for some real change.

Fortunately, there are many people speaking out about this issue. Supermodels Iman, Naomi Campbell and Bethann Hardison established the Diversity Coalition, writing to the fashion councils of New York, London, Milan and Paris, to demand change.

A good model is a good model, and they should be able to adopt any character, regardless of their skin colour xxx

To All The Tall Girls

Dear Tall Girls,

I use the word “girls” very loosely because, truth be told, the majority of young ladies I work with are just 18, although this post can certainly apply to women of all ages.

You can’t be in the modelling industry and expect to not have some things from the work world spill over into daily life. I playfully think of myself as an unofficial model scout. When I’m out and about, I can’t help but look at men and women and notice bone structure, height, size, smile and all the other things that tend to fall under the “model-ish” category.

I usually keep these observations to myself but one thing that stood out to me recently is the amount of tall girls hunched over with bad posture. The sight of this type of body language motivated me to write this letter in the hopes that it will positively impact the ladies I am concerned about, whether you want to be a model or not.

When I see a beautiful young girl, who also happens to be tall, stooped over, it tugs at my heartstrings because of what this action/behaviour represents. It’s hard to deny that 9 times out of 10, they’re hunched over to try and conceal their true height—so they won’t tower over their peers in such an obvious way. This behaviour is so natural to many of these girls that they probably don’t realize they’re doing it. Or how bad it actually looks.

Maintaining healthy self-esteem is always hard, especially in your teens and whether a tall girl has aspirations to get into modelling or not, it seems the hunchback behaviour is something that comes with the territory of being tall. But it doesn’t (and shouldn’t) be this way.

When your mom nags you about standing up straight, she’s not just saying it for fun. Body language speaks volumes in its own way about who you are as a person. Each time you step out in public, the way you carry yourself is more telling than you realise. And it’s not about caring what other people think—on the contrary, it’s more about what you think about yourself and what you project.

Just because you’re tall, doesn’t mean you have to be a model. Just like tall guys don’t automatically have to be basketball players. The point I’m trying to make is that for myself as a working, semi-professional, short model in the industry, I’ve seen the good and bad of those who strive to make it in this business. I see a lot aspiring newbies who can’t help but feel the odds are stacked against them. From insecurity to doubts about whether or not they would be a good fit for modelling, I’ve heard it all.

Having true self-confidence won’t just take you far in the modelling industry, it will take you far in life. So don’t short change yourself (no pun intended). Practice good posture, hold your head up high and realize that being tall has its own advantages. We all want to change things about ourselves that other people would kill to have.

Girls with straight hair want voluminous, curly hair, while curly haired gals do everything in their power to achieve slick-straight hair. People with freckles would give anything to mask or disguise them, while those without praise how they look. Tall girls hunch over to try and appear shorter, while shorter girls go to the extremes to beat Mother Nature and genetics to gain just a half inch more.

People are always dying to have what they aren’t naturally born with. Realise your good fortune and whether modelling is in your cards or not, standing up tall and proud will always help you, start off on a good foot by standing tall and loving every inch you were given.

Sincerely,

A Short Model

xxx

The Difference Between Catwalk and Fashion Models

Fashion models and catwalk models are often interchangeable, as fashion models will sometimes strut their stuff on the runway and catwalk models will sometimes pose for glamorous fashion shoots. Despite their similarities, there are some key differences between the two. Are you a fashion model or a catwalk model, or are you both? Well, sit tight, beautiful people — you’re about to find out.

Fashion Models

Fashion models are models who work closely with photographers and designers, most likely in a studio or on location. It’s like a Hollywood set-up: a director, a producer, a photographer (or videographer or both), a set and of course, the glam squad (aka the stylists and MUA’s). Being photogenic in this case is probably the most important thing. Posing, knowing your good angles and how to position yourself in a way that’s flattering for your body, for the angle of the camera, and for the angle of the light are all strengths of fashion models.

Fashion models, like catwalk models, are there to highlight a designer’s work; they’re there to demonstrate how the clothes or accessories look on a human figure. Together, they become a work of art — fashion meets beauty. The photographer’s job is to capture the perfect moment of that union, and to send it to magazines, catalogues or other publications so they can show fashion-conscious people the latest styles.

Catwalk Models

Catwalk modelling, also called runway modelling, requires the ability to showcase a designer’s work while walking down a long platform, often in front of a pretty extensive audience. If you can walk backwards, spin, and impress a large group of industry people, all while wearing a gorgeous piece of clothing and ridiculously high heels, you’re probably a catwalk model.

Fashion designers will usually have a show twice a year to showcase their new collections to a group of buyers. These people are often the crux of the fashion industry, and though it doesn’t reach as many people as editorials do, you’re often in the presence of some very important figures.

Many catwalk models have some form of background in dance; they are extremely graceful and can flaunt couture while simultaneously striding down a platform. Catwalk models also must be photogenic, but the most important quality a catwalk model must embody is, well, their body. They have to combine fashion and movement. A living, moving image of the designer’s desired look.

So… Which One Are You?

Many models, especially supermodels, are experienced catwalk strutters and fashion photography visions. Whether you’re graceful and fierce on the catwalk or serene and photogenic, you have probably experienced a little of both elements of the fashion industry. And if you know your strengths and are radiating confidence as only a fashion or a catwalk model can than I admire you. Please continue your amazing work and inspire people like me to want to do the same xxx

Modelling Scams

Unfortunately there is a whole industry that has been developed to take advantage of those who would like to become models. They are far removed from the world of actual professional modelling. This modelling scam and rip-off industry makes its money by alluding to or promising great careers in modelling, but first you have to pay them up front. It is alarming how many models are still forking out hundreds and thousands of pounds to scam modelling agencies for shots that won't get them anywhere. It can happen to anyone, it has happened to me.

I had no idea where to start in the modelling industry. A so-called agency, with very gorgeous offices, had took me in and told me I had a great look, but my images were not good enough. They recommended I take a portfolio package with one of their photographers. The images, they said, would guarantee jobs. To be sure, I went to a few more agents - who said the same thing. OK, I thought, I'll fork out the few hundred pounds for the shots.

Putting my trust in their hands, I paid my small fortune and had the shots done. They were useless. The agency was a scam that never gave me any jobs and the shots did not get me any work at all with other agents.

Warning signs:

Warning signs of a scam, or a less than legitimate, or a poorly run agency. If you find any of these warning signs, it does not necessarily mean the business is a scam operation but be sure to ask a lot of questions, and be sure the business gives good answers. Always check references!

1. Advertising for models wanted

Scam agents are getting more and more cunning every year. If they have an ad on Gumtree, or in the Newspaper saying something like 'earn up to £1000 a day' - ignore it. Reputable modelling agents have their books brimming with girls, they won't be advertising for models. In actual fact, they scout for girls if that was the case, it is a very long process before you do get signed - competition is high.

2. Making you take photos with 'their' photographer

‘We are interested in you but you need to test shoot with our photographer…and it's going to cost you.’ Legitimate agencies will recommend photographers that you may go to on your own. You should be free to go to any photographer you choose. If the agency tells you that you must use their photographer, watch out. A twist on this theme is when the agency provides the photo session at no charge, then charges you a fee for a ‘professional’ makeup artist or for the ownership of the photos. You will need photos at some point but you should be free to shop around.

3. A long line of 'people new to London' in their offices

If you see a lot of foreign models, students new to the UK (especially in London) and other youngsters misfortunate enough to have been enticed by clever advertising. A reputable agent, will only see a limited few people a day, their foyer won't be brimming with girls and boys.

4. ‘We guarantee you work.’

 Modelling agencies are not employers. They represent you and try to get work for you. Most of the time they don't know for sure what type of job will come in or what 'look' may be needed, thus there is no way a legitimate agency can guarantee you work. The best they can do is to give you an idea of their track record on placements. But remember that past performance is no guarantee of future performance.

5. Don't pay any fees to modelling agencies!

Any request for an upfront fee, even as little as £25 is a scam. These could be signing fees, advertising fees etc. If an agency has to charge money at the front end it means that there is not enough money at the back end. It also means that the agency probably does not have enough modelling work to be able to survive on commissions, and therefore, not enough work for a model to survive on either. Avoid it!

It is unfortunate that these scam agencies exist and unfortunately it is a thriving industry, I hope these few warning signs are helpful they may seem obvious and you may think ‘I’ll never fall for something like that’ but when your there in an agent’s office overwhelmed by pressure? Or excited of the possibilities thinking ‘maybe it will be different for me’, please go home, do your research and think just that little bit harder xxx

Keepng Your Hair Healthy This Winter

In previous blogs I have spoken about eating right and some tips on looking after your skin. Now let’s talk hair, we know that the cold of winter can cause dry skin, but hair is just as prone to damage from the winter weather. During the summer months, you may make sure to moisturize your hair to minimize the damage from the heat and sun; but during the winter months, your hair needs special care too. Cold winds, indoor heating, static electricity all can cause your hair to by dry and brittle.

So here are a few tips on how to keep your hair healthy this winter.

One very simple tip is to wear a hat when your out as it keeps your hair covered from the wind, rain and snow. It’s that simple.

A great idea is to treat your hair once a week to a deep conditioning treatment. This will help to replenish the moisture, which tends to get depleted from things such as the dry heat in your house and the cold winter air.

I also find if you can keep washing your hair to a minimum, say two to three times a week, this will prevent your hair from drying out too much. Shampoo washes away dirt but it also washes away natural oil and moisturizers on your scalp. And always make sure you dry your hair before leaving the house. Not only because you will get a cold, but the moisture in your hair combined with the cold air, will add further damage to your hair by making it more brittle and dry. On days you don’t wash your hair, rinse it with cold or warm water or use a dry shampoo to absorb some of the oils.

Use warm oil to moisturize your scalp and hair. There are hot-oil products on the market but you can also use olive oil. Warm it slightly and massage into your scalp and hair. Leave it on your hair for one to two hours and then shampoo out. Don’t worry if you don’t get every bit of the oil out of your scalp; it will continue to moisturize and condition your hair and scalp.

Use conditioner after you wash your hair. Conditioners should be applied to the ends of your hair, not rubbed into your scalp. Conditioners help moisturize your hair, keeps it looking shiny and helps prevent breakage.

Allow your hair to air dry. Air drying your hair is the healthiest way to dry your hair. Hair dryers, straighteners and curlers dry out your hair but going outside with wet hair in the winter can cause it to freeze and break. If you don’t have time for your hair to dry naturally before going out to work, use a leave-in conditioner and heat protectant before you using a blow dryer, straightener or curling iron.

And finally keep your haircut simple and maintenance free. The less you fuss over your hair, even running your fingers through your hair or combing it throughout the day, the more it can break or develop split ends. Style your hair so that once you are done, you don’t need to do anything else with it throughout the day.

I’m not expecting these few tips to change your life drastically or for them to work instantly but give it time and they may just make your hair that little bit healthier and a little bit more manageable during the next few months xxx

Modelling Castings

Ever been in a room with 50 other girls who look like you? I have. It’s a bit of a mind fuck (I tried to think of another way to describe it, but I’m not that literate).  

I’m not here to give you tips on how to succeed in a modelling casting because to be honest I don’t have that much experience in them, I have attended my fair share of castings but I have mostly gotten my jobs through photographers seeing my portfolio or recommendations.

And honestly I hate castings.

I find them daunting. Who wouldn’t? You’re in an extremely vulnerable position, someone is solely basing you on your looks, you are being judged and it’s hard not to take it personally. However attending a casting can obviously be very beneficial to you, it is your opportunity for the employer to meet you as you are. The purpose is for them to get to know you briefly and evaluate your potential.

Castings can vary greatly. I just want to explain the basics of what can happen at these castings.

First of all a lot of waiting, you may have been given a specific time of 10am but so may 20 others. Some castings also hold the call backs the same day so make sure you remain available the entire day.

Your picture will be taken regardless, you’d be surprised how many girls aren’t expecting this….you are at a modelling casting, this shouldn’t be a surprise that someone wants to take your picture. Your picture will always be taken so the employer can remind themselves of who you are when discussing if your who they want.

It’s the same if your there for a runaway casting they will always ask to see you walk, pose, turn and walk back. Notice I said pose not pout, I just wanted to clarify that, there are a lot of ‘models’ that think this is the same thing….it is not.

If this casting is for a job to model something e.g lingerie, shoes, accessories, they may give you something similar to see if you fit the clothes and the criteria, don’t take this lightly, if they ask this they are seriously considering you so treat this as the actual job rather than the casting, prove your worth.

They will ask questions, it’s like an informal interview. Don’t be afraid to talk and when I say talk I don’t mean they want to know your life story, how many followers you have on Instagram or about your dog. I mean talk about something relevant to your work, to this job or agency in particular e.g latest photo shoot, your next project, what your future goals are (the realistic ones).

The reality is castings are daunting, but feel confident in your own abilities, if you did read this blog expecting some tips I’m sorry to disappoint, there is only one piece of advice I can give you at the moment, show your personality and let your inner beauty shine xxx

Tips from MUA's

Over the past couple of years my interest in beauty has grown, it helps when you have professionals styling you and making you look glamorous. I find make up a lot more exciting than I did a few years ago. The fact you can use make up to just cover a blemish or go bold and daring to make a statement. So every time I have the pleasure of working with an MUA (Makeup artist) I always ask questions either about the make-up they are using or how they achieve certain looks, is it because of blending, contouring etc.

So here are a few tips that MUA’s have told me. I have been given a lot of advice about make up some may not be right but here are the few I choose to follow.

Let’s start with the basics I may have mentioned before about having a clean slate to work on, hence why I cleanse, tone and moisturise daily. Usually in the mornings so I look refreshed for work as I don’t tend to wear make up on a daily basis, so I can at least say my face is clean and rejuvenated ready for the day ahead. I try to do the same before going to bed but sometimes I’m just too tired, I at least make sure I remove any make-up before going to bed because the minerals from the make-up seep into your pores clog them up and cause breakouts, so that really is worth it?

I’ll continue on the note of looking after your skin a couple of other things I try to do once a week is a face mask and exfoliate. With exfoliating it’s just a way of cleaning your face a lot more thoroughly and removing the dead skin cells, so it’s definitely worth doing. A favourite of mine is St.Ives, it’s the only one that actually feels like it’s doing something. With face masks you can get all kinds to suit your needs, ones that are for sensitive skin, oily skin, moisturising masks or hydrating ones, get whichever one suits you.

Now onto the make-up, a tip about base, don’t forget the neck because they won’t. I’m pretty sure this was a quote from Will & Grace when Karen is giving make up tips to drag queens about covering up their Adam’s apples….but it she has a point. How many of you have seen pictures of girls on Facebook or Instagram where the girls have the foundation line at the jawline, I know I have too many times. And it’s an easy fix, just apply your foundation and powder onto your neck as well and make sure to blend so everything looks natural.

On my first photoshoot I ever did (this is going back to when I was about 10) this was the first time I ever had my makeup done professionally and I remember the MUA being in her early 20’s and she looked so glamorous. I must have been extremely annoying because I remember asking a lot of questions but this was only because I was so fascinated with what she was doing, I distinctly remember her doing my eye makeup first, and to this day no other MUA has done this, I asked her why she was starting with my eyes. The answer was so simple, it was because of the fallout from the eyeshadow when that was going onto my face she could remove that easily without ruining any foundation because there was none there. I don’t know anybody that does this but to me it makes perfect sense so I always do eyes first.

This leads me perfectly onto the last tip I have and by far the best make up tip ever! It’s all to do with eyeliner, so many girls (including myself) struggle with eyeliner and I’ve tried everything to get my eyeliner even, using scotch tape (which just hurts), approaching my eyeliner from different angels, e.g looking down into a mirror, pulling the skin taut (I end up just stabbing myself in the eye multiple times and crying black) and trying different types of eyeliner: pencil, liquid, gel but no matter how many YouTube videos I watch I still don’t know what to do with what. So here is the tip with eyeliner that will save you countless hours of standing in front of the mirror staring at your eyeliner and cursing yourself for not getting the wings even, just remember this one simple line..…there not twins there sisters! Think about it your eyes aren’t exactly the same shape neither are your eyebrows that frame them so it’s pretty impossible to get your eyeliner exactly the same! This has been a revelation to me personally, I don’t want to get frustrated by makeup I want to have fun with it. I think that’s the most important thing is to have fun and experiment, try different looks and colours and if it doesn’t suit you wipe it off and start again. That’s the beauty with makeup you can always start over xxx

Preparing for a Photo Shoot

As I have a photoshoot tomorrow I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to post about this topic. I can imagine a lot of people looking at the title of this blog and thinking ‘What do you mean you just turn up don’t you?’ That is far from the truth, from a models perspective there is a lot more work that goes into ‘just turning up’. I feel like part of your job as a model is to do as much as possible to help out the photographer and MUA (Make up artist), because they have enough to set up and prepare so you should contribute as much as possible. It’s all about team work after all.

For instance to help the make-up artist, you should have clean, clear and smooth skin. This will make the MUA’s job a lot easier if they have a smooth surface to work on. In order to do this I always exfoliate, cleanse, tone and moisturise the morning of the photo shoot, like I said it just helps the MUA too start off with a smooth surface, I like to think of it as the MUA is a painter and you are the blank canvas awaiting the paint.

I’ll stick to the topic of helping the MUA out, because it all runs along the same lines, I mentioned smooth skin earlier you also want to make sure your hair is good condition, don’t style your hair or have any products in your hair (unless requested). Same principle as the skin it’s having a good base too work off, but be careful of having your hair too soft as your hair may not be able to hold certain styles, if you love your conditioner or hair masks (I am slightly obsessed) then try to ease off them a few days before having soft hair actually makes it harder to style and requires more products to make the hair stay in place.

This next tip helps out the MUA and photographer and it’s something that tends to go the back of your mind when organise yourself and that is your nails, especially your fingernails, think about it if your using your hands to frame your face and your nails have chipped nail varnish on, it’s going to look tacky, the least you can do is make your nails look clean and presentable (only paint them if you have spoken to the MUA and photographer first to ensure which colours to use or to just add a clear coat for some shine)

Something I like to do when I’m doing a lingerie shoot or showing more skin then usual is to shave, exfoliate and tan (talk to the MUA and photographer about tanning first, it may not be the look there going for) by doing this it just helps me feel more comfortable when I have to do sultry poses, the last thing you want is for the photographer to tell you to stand in a certain position or expose abit of skin and you don’t want to because you haven’t shaved or your skin feels bumpy, it makes you look like your just being hard work if you say no because of that.

The last one and probably the most important is to make sure you get a full 8 hours sleep! If you are doing modelling on the side because you have a full time job chances are your shoots will full on the weekend and you want to go out the night before or just down to the pub for a couple, just don’t risk it. Even if you can manage on little sleep and your one of those freaks who doesn’t get bags under their eyes it’s still easy to tell if you’re tired and it shows on the camera. It shows in your eyes and even in your complexation. What I tend to do is the night before a shoot I use as an excuse for a pamper night, relax, get a couple of the girls round if you like to ensure that you look as naturally beautiful as possible, now that won’t be too hard now will it? xxx