What Lies Beneath

Healthy, radiant skin is a very important asset to the glamour/beauty model so, keeping it looking its best, regardless of age, should be of top priority. Underneath the heavy makeup and those hot, bright lights, your natural beauty is what shines through whether you are taking a glamorous headshot or a dramatic close-up.

Here are some tips for keeping your skin glowing and healthy (and a few others for masking those tiny imperfections).

Daily Care

Water, L’eau, Agua – no matter how you say it, H2O is a model’s MUST-HAVE. Drinking plenty of it (at least 8 glasses per day) keeps the skin hydrated and healthy. Bottled water is best because your liver isn’t working as hard to detoxify your body when you ingest the chemicals found in tap water. My faves: Ozarka or VOSS (Still or Sparkling)

Use Sunscreen – SPF 15 or higher – (I use SPF 45) No matter how much or how little you are in the sun, those harmful ultraviolet rays can penetrate the skins surface and cause immediate damage. So, protect yourself. If you have fair skin and/or burn easily, you should use a higher SPF – (30 or greater) even in Fall and Winter months. My faves: Anything…just get some! J

Rest – At least 7 hours a night or more, if needed

Add Some Color to Your Diet – The more colorful your food, the better! Besides lacking vibrancy and attractiveness, colorless foods also lack nutrients. Foods that are the brightest in color (naturally) are the ones that have the higher concentrations of vitamins, nutrients and essential minerals to keep a busy glam model healthy.

Exercise – Yeah, I know…you’d rather chew on nails or listen to backward masking of the Phantom of the Opera, but, seriously, a nice 20 to 30 minute workout will improve your circulation and increase your heart rate – thus giving your skin a radiant, natural glow. But don’t overdo it – and be sure to rehydrate by drinking plenty of water afterwards. My fave: Power-Walking (It’s easier on the knees than jogging, but you gotta walk fast to have any benefit from it)

Moisturize – There is nothing more beautiful than soft, moist, clear skin.

Exfoliation/Cleansing – Clears away dead skin/cells to reveal an underlying layer of new skin.

Primers: Lip/Face/Eyes – A Good Primer adds moisturize and prepares the area for foundation or color by creating a soft, even surface. It gives the skin a silky smooth texture, by helping retain moisture, thus allowing liquid and cream based products to glide easily over the skin.

Concealers: Concealers hide spots, dark circles, and provide blend-in camouflage and cover-up for skin flaws, dark circles, and more.

A Glam Modelz Must Have’s – On or off the set:

· Lip Gloss/Chapstick: No glamour model should be seen around town with dry, chapped lips!

• Product of the Month: Mentha Lip Tint (Pink Mint)- from C.O Bigelow – Lip Gloss that is mint-infused for fresh breath – It’s made with 100% natural mint flavor, is not animal tested AND a percentage of the proceeds go to help fight breast cancer! Found exclusively at Bath and Body Works as part of the Limited Edition Cancer Vixen line. Retail $7.50

· Mascara – Not only does it add length and definition to the lashes, but it also accentuates the eyes and brightens the face.

· Powder – A light application gives an overall, blended, complete look.

· Manicure/pedicure- Stay “shoot-ready” and be sure your nails are done, weekly.

· Mints/Fresh Breath/White Teeth – How often have you talked to someone who was very attractive until they began to speak? By having your teeth whitened and always having mints on hand will give you that extra edge over the competition and boost your confidence.

Next Issue: Professional Skin Care by Auburn Electrology and Skin Care