While we might be inundated with filtered and highly photoshopped images on a regular basis, it’s difficult to argue that top models aren’t naturally beautiful. They may work hard to maintain their shapes and keep premature ageing at bay, but their fundamental beauty comes from good genes – or does it?
What exactly do models do to look so good without filters and make-up?
Prevention, Not Intervention
Preventing early signs of ageing is the key to looking younger. That means taking care of your skin by wearing SPF every day, taking make-up off at night and knowing about effective skincare ingredients such as vitamin c and hyaluronic acid. The more you take care of your skin now, the better; while it is possible to undo skin damage, it’s far more difficult and ultimately expensive than just taking care of it early on.
Sunscreen is the most important product you can buy for your skin. The sun is the most damaging external factor our skin has to deal with – even on cloudy days. Wear one each day to minimise sun damage and signs of premature ageing such as sunspots and fine lines.
Smoking is also a no-go. It’s extremely damaging to the skin and often causes little lines around the mouth that are difficult to get rid of.
Heavy drinking is another well-known factor of ageing. While drinking in moderation should cause you no damage, excessive drinking can cause dehydration, which can make skin sallow and dry.
Skincare
As well as SPF, you should look into cleansers for your skin type. Cleansing is the best way to remove make-up, dirt and sweat from your skin. All these things can clog pores and cause blemishes, so it’s best to ensure they are properly removed before bedtime.
Moisturisers are also important; cleansing can remove some of the good oils from our skin that keep it plump and hydrated, so a good moisturiser will ensure those nourishing factors are replenished into the skin to prevent dryness and skin texture.
Serums are used after cleansing and underneath sunscreens to help fix a certain issue, like redness or acne. Choose a serum to cater to your specific skincare concern.
Exfoliating is also a good way to remove dead skin cells and reveal glowing, refreshed skin. Chemical exfoliants are best as granular physical exfoliants can cause damage.
Get a skincare routine sorted as early as possible to really make the most of the benefits. Many models like to go to a dermatologist to get personalised advice, though this can be a pricey option. It is always best to consult a dermatologist if you are suffering from an uncomfortable skincare issue such as acne, rosacea or psoriasis; your doctor should be able to refer you.
Other everyday products and techniques include lip balm, collagen supplements, face masks and facial massage to help boost circulation and increase lymphatic drainage.
No Make-Up Make-Up to Look Naturally Beautiful
Just because a model looks like they’re going bare-faced doesn’t mean they are! A popular make-up technique known as the ‘no makeup makeup look’ essentially uses make-up to define and perfect the features in a very subtle way. Think of TV shows like Bridgerton or the film Wonder Woman; filmed in the early 1800s and 1900s, they wouldn’t have worn the type of make-up we see commonly today, so the set make-up artist must ensure the actors look perfect without obvious enhancements. That’s what no make-up make-up is! It’s about looking great without looking like you’re wearing make-up.
Supermodels like Victoria’s Secret models Adriana Lima and Bella Hadid are typically huge fans of this style of make-up. Foundation, concealer, eyeliner, eyeshadow, lip balm, highlighter and mascara are all used sparingly to hide blemishes, even out the skintone, hide redness and bring the features to life. A clean mascara wand will be used to comb through the lashes and prevent obvious product clumping. Brow gel may be used to tame unruly brows, while cream blush is used to bring a natural, attractive flush to the cheeks. A dark creamy foundation or contour stick can be used to naturally contour the face and give a more streamlined appearance.
Make-up can be applied lightly to emphasise a model’s natural beauty without a visible thick layer of product. Models have to wear heavy amounts of make-up for work so many prefer a lighter approach when off-duty.
PhotoShopping
Even the most beautiful people in the world regularly rely on photo editing to perfect their images. It’s incredibly easy to do now certain apps have been created; you don’t need to be an expert in PhotoShop.
Post-photoshoot, an expert editor will make changes such as pore-blurring and waist-trimming. A good editor will make these changes completely unnoticeable to the untrained eye.
Nowadays, it can be extremely difficult to tell whether a photo has been edited. That’s why it’s important not to compare yourself to photos you see online; nearly all of them are tweaked.
Instagram Filters
Social media, in particular Instagram, has made photo editing commonplace. It takes a single click of a button to totally transform a photo; you no longer need editing skills. or a degree in PhotoShop. It’s incredibly common for celebrities and influencers to use filters to perfect their images; often, they don’t mention that their images are tweaked, which can be damaging to young people in particular who believe they genuinely look that perfect in real life. Fortunately, many are now starting to be more open about the filters and edits they use, as well as any cosmetic procedures they’ve had done.
Cosmetic Enhancements
It’s very common now to get cosmetic enhancements to the entire face. Fillers and Botox in particular have seen a huge rise in popularity in recent years, with many celebrities and influencers getting lip fillers and brow freezing. Some are able to change the shape of their entire face with fillers along the jawline and cheekbones. It can be done very sparingly for a natural look that may be imperceptible to the untrained eye.
As well as non-surgical procedures, some people in the public eye have had surgeries to look their best. This may include liposuction to remove stubborn pockets of fat as well as breast enlargements.
It’s vital that research is done if considering this sort of enhancement. Accidents happen regularly through a lack of knowledge and a rise in cons looking to take a customer’s money without providing the desired look. Never try to find cheaper alternatives when it comes to cosmetic changes; always go to a professional. They are not to be taken lightly.
Brows & Lashes
Eyebrow and eyelash tinting as well as brow lamination (straightening) and lash lifts (a perm to curl them) is very popular. While waxing has been popular for years, further trends have come into fashion to keep up with the trending looks. Bushy brows are currently very in and brow lamination is a way to achieve this look for several weeks. For a cheaper but shorter-term option, try brow gels to set the hairs in place.
Brow microdermabrasion is another way to achieve fuller brows; it is a bit like a tattoo but less permanent.
Lash tinting dyes the lashes a darker colour, allowing you to go several weeks without using mascara. A lash curl will also help to make the lashes appear longer.
Diet and Exercise
A model must eat well year-round not only to stay trim but because eating well and drinking lots of water helps you look good from the inside out. Getting the necessary nutrients and vitamins that the body requires helps skin to glow, hair to shine, nails to be strong and will help to improve your overall appearance as well as prevent early signs of ageing.
Eating lots of fruit and veg is a great way to ensure you are getting all the nutrients you need. Carbs, protein and healthy fats are also important to a well-rounded diet.
Models also avoid smoking and drinking excessive amounts of alcohol to look good makeup-free.