Dry Brushing for Gorgeous Skin

Looking fabulous without breaking the bank is one of my many talents. I believed for a long time that you had to spend a fortune to look your best. If you take a trip in your kitchen, one would be surprised of what inexpensive beauty products they already have right underneath their nose.

What is Dry Brushing?
Dry brushing is a technique that has been around for centuries and originated in Japan and Greece. It involves a dry brush, your skin, and your favorite oil. My oil of choice is sweet almond oil because it is rich in Vitamins A, D, and E which softens and soothes the skin. It is non-greasy and easily absorbs into the skin. Because the oil has emollient qualities, it is perfect in helping smooth and reduce scar tissue associated with the after effects of acne, stretch marks and dark spots on your skin. Again, any oil can be used, it is your choice.

How do you do this?
This should be done on dry skin prior to showering or bathing. Beginning with your legs and working upwards towards your arms, brush your skin vigorously in upward motions spending about three minutes on each leg. Apply pressure to your body based on your tolerance level. A new brush will be stiff, but will loosen over time. Don’t add anything to your dry, clean brush.

What are the Benefits?
The brisk action gets the blood circulating and it exfoliates the skin shedding those dead skin cells. It also removes toxins from the body. Experts say that it helps to eliminate the appearance of cellulite. Models dry brush all the time because they have to look their best at all times. Dry brushing is a popular service at many spas and it is quite expensive. Results vary for everyone and it takes some time so don’t expect miracles overnight.

Save yourself some money and give it a try! Have you ever dry brushed before? Share your experience.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

HOLLYWOOD IS BRAINWASHING MODELS

Hello World

 

Tocarra, Jennifer Hudson, Draya Michele, Monique, Star Jones and many others have gone from meat on their bones to Hollywood skinny. All of these women look better with a little weight on them.

If Hollywood is going to do this to me, then I’m staying in the Mid-West. I get it! I’ve visited LA many times and I tell you walking around you can’t help but notice all the beautiful flawless women. I immediately stood out because I am not a size 2 and will never be, nor do I even desire to.

Actresses and models have a lot of competition especially in LA cause younger women are popping up overnight all day every day. No wonder eating disorders are common because of all the pressure to be perfect. Your image is important, but so is being healthy. It’s so sad to see women melt right in front of your face.

Draya Michele from Basket Ball Wives is the latest woman to fall under the spell. I hope she is ok because she doesn’t look healthy at all and you can see the weight lost in her face. Clink here, http://cdn.mediatakeout.com/55827/oh-my-gawwwwd-remember-draya-from-the-show-basketball-wives-well-she-lost-a-gang-of-weight-and-now-she-s-crackhead-skinny-pics.html

Take it from Oprah. When she lost all of that weight she wasn’t happy because that is not the size she was supposed to be. Starving yourself is not cute because in the long run you will end up doing more harm than good to yourself.

As it relates to modeling, please be careful. You may be told you are too thick, fat, or you need to lose some weight. Be smart about it. The average size of a woman in the US is a size 12 so don’t force your body to be something it isn’t. Drink lots of water, exercise, and get your beauty rest. Try a colonic or juicing it does wonders. 

As always, if you have any questions, let me know.

MODEL-MAGIC

WARDROBE ESSENTIALS FOR MODELS

Hello World

Part of being a model is looking like one and being ready at any given moment.

Typically your agent will give you a character description of the role the client would like you to interview for. As the model, it is your job to go in looking the part.  If it is a doctor or nurse you are playing, you should have a lab coat or scrubs readily available.

The 8 basic wardrobe necessities are as follows:

1. Black Pants — these go with everything.
2. Trench Coat — these are in style and not just for rainy days.
3. Blazer — simple piece to mix and match with your black pants or jeans.
4. Cocktail dress — make it black so it will mix with other pieces easily or stand alone.
5. Cashmere sweater — goes easily with your black pants.
6. White Button down shirt — goes with your black pants/jeans and/or trench coat or blazer.
7. Jeans — stick to the darker demin as it is more dressy looking than the light.
8. Black Pump — Keep it nice and simple. Pair with your jeans and white button down.

Keep these items close by and I guarantee you will always be ready for your audition. Remember less is always best, but stick to the character that the client wants to see on the audition.

Good Luck and as always, I hope this helps.

MODEL-MAGIC

Does 'Thin' Mean 'Healthy'?

Hello World!

America is so focused on looks that young girls everywhere are starving themselves to become model thin. Turn on the television, pick up a magazine, or surf the Internet and you’ll be engulfed with images of skinny woman.

As it relates to modeling, you don’t have to be super skinny to model. Yes perhaps to become a Supermodel but not a “working model”.

Shouts out to plus size model Crystal Reen who represented the full figured women in the world in this video.

Do you think being thin means you are healthy?

MODEL-MAGIC

SUMMER SKIN REHAB — BEAUTY TIPS

Hello World!

Depending on where you live in the world, Labor Day traditionally marks the end of the summer. The sun has a tendacy to wreck havoc on your skin if you don’t protect it.

My own personal regime is pretty simple. Here are some products that I absolutely swear by and would be lost without. These products keep me model ready for my next audition.

Olay Regenerist Microdermabrasion — I use this at least twice a week and every time I receive compliments on my skin. This stuff works like magic and gives you an instant glow. It also helps your makeup set better. This system is cheaper and better than going to a professional. Follow the easy steps and follow it with the recommended Daily Regenerating Serum.

Aloe Vera Moisturizing Creme — In the morning and evening I wet my face with a damp cloth and apply this creme. I don’t use any kind of soap on my face. I’ve been using this stuff now for about 3 years and I’m hooked. I stock up on it a couple times a year when its on sale. You can purchase it at http://www.puritan.com/aloe-vera-017/80-percent-aloe-vera-moisturizing-cream-003650?searchterm=aloe%20vera%20cream&rdcnt=1 The sale is going on right now thru September 19th where it is buy 1 product and get 2 free. The more you purchase, the more you get free.

African Black Soap — I bought some from a street vendor at a festival and my boyfriend absolutely loves it. It has cleared up his face and he won’t use any other kind of soap but this. It is important that you get the kind that comes in a clear tub and is in pieces. That is the authentic stuff, not the bar soap that you can find in your local drugstore. All you need is a small piece of it because it lathers up well when you wet it.

African Shea Butter — This is the other product I am raving about. This too was purchased from a street vendor at a festival. It comes in a clear tub and is yellow. It is a little greasy but it leaves your body moisturized the entire day. No need to re-apply lotion. I put it on in the evening after my shower so in the AM I am fresh and ready to go. Be careful not to put your clothes on right away after you apply it or it will get on them. I had what looked like a stretch mark on my leg from working out and this stuff has made it go away. The African Shea Butter is also good for dry skin, eczema, skin discolorations, and blemishes. It also makes a nice massage oil if warmed slightly in the microwave.

Be sure you check out my other posting titled “Model Look — Secrets of the Supermodels and How They Maintain It!” for more beauty tips.

I hope this helps. Please share some of your beauty tips with me.

MODEL-MAGIC

Tips to Retouching Your Photos!!!

Hello World!

You just finished taking your head shots and now it is time for them to be touched up with Photoshop. When choosing a retoucher make sure of the following:

1. They have experience retouching photos.
2. Ask to see their portfolio of before and after photographs.
3. They are familiar with the industry and know what casting directors look for.
4. Your photographs look like you.
5. They should remove flaws or blemishes but not make you look like Barbie.
6. Choose someone you can work in collaboration with.

The emphasis is now on a natural aesthetic, which is why actors should look for retouchers who take pride in retaining the actor’s natural appearance during retouching.

A good general rule: Don’t remove something, like a scar, that cannot be completely concealed by makeup. And consider the type of acting you’re pursuing. For example, in film, blemishes are very obvious, but they might be impossible to see on stage given the distance between the audience and the actor.

Image is everything but remember casting directors and agents all know each other. You don’t want the reputation of being known as the model who doesn’t look like their photographs. Your pictures shouldn’t look picture perfect.

Don’t go overboard with the retouching. Remember, less is best.

Here is an example of too much retouching. This is typically what is done to the celebrities we see in the fashion magazines.

I hope this helps.

To view more on this story click here http://www.backstage.com/bso/advice-ask-a-professional/what-should-an-actor-look-for-in-a-headshot-1003990829.story

If you have any questions or comments please let me know.

MODEL-MAGIC

CAN AMBER ROSE MODEL?

Hello World!

AMBER ROSE is everywhere! She’s the topic of conversation amongst many Americans.

Almost a month ago it was reported that Amber Rose had signed with Ford Models. A couple of days ago it was reported that she may be pregnant by her boyfriend Kanye West. Who know’s?

The truth of the matter is that she is becoming a household name and inquiring minds want to know all about her. She is burning up the Internet searches as people want to know who she is and where she came from. Amber has the “IT FACTOR” as Supermodel Janice Dickinson likes to identify up and coming models with.

Check her out in her latest shoot for Complex Magazine at http://concreteloop.com/2009/08/photoshoot-amber-rose-in-complex-mag and you be the judge. Does she have what it takes?

To view a sneak peek of the video taken from the shoot click below.

http://www.complex.com/GIRLS/Videos/Amber-Rose

I personally think she has a nice look and not too many women can rock a “bald head”

What do you think?

MODEL-MAGIC

PLASTIC SURGERY & MODELS

Where are all the natural beauties?

These days it seems like everyone including men are getting plastic surgery. Americans are feeling the pressure and are being forced to go under the knife to compete with the women who appear on the magazines we see on the newstand while standing in line at the grocery store. These images have been photo shopped. You want proof. Check out Kim Kardashian here at http://www.buzzfeed.com/elmarburchia/kim-kardashian-before-and-after-the-animation-7ve

When I think of the word “Plastic Surgery” Joan Rivers, and her daughter Melissa Rivers come to mind. These are two examples of plastic surgery gone wrong! The United States spent $10.3 billion dollars on plastic surgery last year. To view a detailed report on what types of surgeries are popular by men and women and more information visit http://www.plasticsurgery.org/Media/stats/2008-US-cosmetic-reconstructive-plastic-surgery-minimally-invasive-statistics.pdf

As it relates to modeling, I think of the self-proclaimed “First Supermodel” Janice Dickinson. This 53 year old former model owns The Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency and is quoted as saying, “Believe me, I’m a 900-year-old dinosaur and without 14 inches of make-up and 32 pounds of fake weave I wouldn’t look the way I do. I want to be the best-looking corpse there is.” She also says she has spent well over $100,000 to maintain her youthful appearance. This is what she looks like these days.

These days, the popular surgeries are breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, butt augmentation, and collagen lip injections. These costly procedures can quickly take the average women and transform them into a Supermodel or Video Vixen.

Many Supermodels and celebrities are rumored to have had some form of plastic surgery. While some of them admit it, others deny it. An easy way to determine if they have is to take a look at some of their earlier photographs. Check out Hollywood’s Top Ten Plastic Surgery list http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://cm1.theinsider.com/media/0/134/47/halle_berry_plastic_surgery.0.0.0×0.325×445.jpeg&imgrefurl=http://www.theinsider.com/photos/1363140_Hollywood_Top_10_Plastic_Surgery&usg=__OjaQdi_-u9xrEEpskrw_8yxIHTE=&h=445&w=325&sz=24&hl=en&start=1&um=1&tbnid=UHjVS66PE7w5AM:&tbnh=127&tbnw=93&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dhalle%2Bberry%2Bplastic%2Bsurgery%26ndsp%3D20%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26sa%3DN%26um%3D1 and be your own judge.

Cosmetic surgery seeks to improve the patient’s features on a purely aesthetic level, in the absence of any actual deformity or trauma. On the other hand, the purpose of reconstructive surgery is to correct any physical feature which is grossly deformed or abnormal by accepted standards—either as the result of a birth defect, congenital disorder, illness, or trauma.

I got Invisalign which is the modern day clear braces which is kind of like plastic surgery. My orthodontist took several pictures of my mouth from different angles and told me that he had to make sure that my new and improved teeth fit in my mouth properly. Besides this I haven’t had any other procedures.

I am all for women maintaining their looks as they age gracefully but you have to be careful and not go overboard. Plastic surgery should enhance your features and it shouldn’t be obvious or over exaggerated.

While plastic surgery can help improve your self esteem, it can also be deadly. Make sure you do a lot of research on the doctor if you are considering a procedure.

Rest in peace to Donda West, Kanye West’s mom who died from complications, Adrienne Lois Brown, wife of “Godfather of Soul” James Brown who also died after complications and the list goes on and on.

I can’t forget “Cougar” Tameka Foster-Raymond who is the estranged wife of Usher who had liposuction on her stomach two months after giving birth to their son in Brazil. She suffered cardiac arrest and had to be put into a induced comma. Lucky for her she survived.

What are your thoughts on plastic surgery? Are you considering a cosmetic procedure?

MODEL-MAGIC

SUPERMODEL NAOMI SIMS DEAD AT 61

Before Naomi Campbell, there was Naomi Sims!

One of the world’s first Black supermodels, Mississippi-born beauty Naomi Sims, passed away August 3, 2009, after a bout with cancer. She was 61. Sims personified the term “Black is beautiful,” while breaking racial barriers both on the runway and as businesswoman.

Before Sims, no dark-skinned model had ever received so much exposure, praise, and professional prestige. Check out Sims as she graces the August 1973 cover of Cosmopolitan magazine.

“When she put on a garment, something just marvelous happened,” said fashion designer Halston, one of the first major fashion houses to hire Sims.

“Black wasn’t beautiful then,” said Sims in an interview with Black Enterprise magazine. “The darker your skin, the less good-looking you were considered; and I was too tall, and too skinny.”

n 1986, Naomi Sims Beauty Products was established and featured cosmetics for Black women. Sims’s also manufactured and sold wigs—her line became a competitor amongst top industry brands.

Sims made the switch from model to mogul with ease. The Naomi Sims Beauty brand was grossing $5 million by 1989. “One of the things people notice about me is the quality of my skin,” Sims told Anne-Marie Shiro of the New York Times. “We decided I was the best person to advertise my products.”

Add author to Sims’s many groundbreaking titles. In 1976, her first book, “All About Health and Beauty for the Black Woman,” was published with three more books to follow, including “How to Be a Top Model,” “All About Hair Care for the Black Woman,” and “All About Success for the Black Woman.”

Rest in Peace and thank you for opening the doors for women of color today.

Take a peek at this Tribute to Ms. Sims and other pioneers.

MODEL-MAGIC

CAN CIARA MODEL?

Hello World!

Ever sense Ciara chopped off her locks/took off her circle weave she has been all over the media. There is gossip surrounding her hair  and that her new style is a wig.

I must admit I wasn’t too sure about her new look but it is growing on me.

Two qualities that agencies look for in a model are how they photograph, and their height.

This shorter cut really emphasizes Ciara’s cheek bones. She actually is starting to look more like a model these days. She has the height and look of a model. I wouldn’t be surprised if she pursued a career in modeling. If Amber Rose can do it, so can Ciara!

Her singing has always been just ok to me. Ciara is however a very good dancer.

Watch out Rihanna cause Ciara is stepping up her game.

For more images of Ciara rocking her new do click here http://concreteloop.com/2009/07/random-pics-ciara-hosts-express-jeans-event-j-walking-in-los-angeles

Do you think Ciara has the potential to model?

MODEL-MAGIC