Awww...You Made Me Smile!

Check out Tyra's tips on smiling...a lesson every model needs!

Great Tips For Top Models

It’s a common misconception that naturally beautiful models take naturally beautiful photographs. The truth is—without modeling poses and modeling tips, perfect photographs are harder than you think.

If you are a professional model, a photographer will most likely guide you through a variety of model poses throughout the photo shoot. But if you are an inspiring model and are still working your way up to the top—you may have to control your poses to ensure great headshots and sample modeling photographs.

Live show models, promo models, photographic models, and runway models all rely on professional model poses to succeed. Whether you aspire to appear in print magazines or fashion shows and Hollywood movies; if you want to be a model, pay special attention to this insider guide to modeling poses.

Breathe
Although sometimes concentration enhances a good photograph, obvious concentration can distract and often ruin a good photograph as well. Do not hold your breath for a modeling pose; always remember to breathe and appear at ease.

Posture
Bad posture is an unrecognized flaw in many people. However, for models, posture is a harmful flaw. Always remember to keep your back straight and your shoulders up. Slouching affects the mood of the photograph and enlarges the appearances of your stomach. In addition to your back and shoulders, always remember to flex your stomach muscles. Despite your weight or state of shape, your abdomen will appear more toned if you flex.

Limbs
Symmetry is officially out in the modeling world. When posing, make sure to differentiate your arms and legs with asymmetrical poses. If you have one arm long and straight by your side, make sure the other arm is bent. Whether a big or small angle, the bend will make the modeling pose look more real, less artificial. Continue the asymmetry to your legs. If one leg is locked straight, give the other leg a casual bend.

Camera
Although the camera is the ultimate focal point of a modeling photo shoot, great models do not look directly into the camera. To enhance the quality of your photo shoot, look away from the camera with a mix of head and eye poses. Looking off to the right or left side, or tiling your neck to either side can help you avoid direct eye contact with the camera. In many cases, your head and neck can remain stationary in your modeling pose—and your eyes can do all the work. Head and eye positions, coupled with personable facial expressions make for great model poses.

Sitting Poses
If you are sitting down during your photo shoot—don’t think it’s ok to slack off. In fact, sitting photo shoots require a lot of extra work. If you are sitting down or reclining, it’s important to put your eight on the back of one thigh, rather than distributing your weight equally on both thighs. If you roll one hip up from the ground or surface, shifting your weight will be simple. This pose results in a slimming effect that you don’t want to miss out on.

Cleavage
To make sure your best assets shine, there are a few basic guidelines to follow. Based on two distinct poses, a forward lean and a backward lean, any model with any breast size can maximize cleavage. When leaning forward, either bring your arms together at your waist, keep your arms straight at the elbows and clasp your hands together below your waist, or simply cross your arms. When leaning backward, raise your arms about your shoulders and head, keep your arms apart, and always slouch for the best cleavage results.

Smile
If you have a naturally beautiful smile—show your pearly whites with pride, just not every time. If you smile in each modeling pose, modeling agents will notice your lack of versatility, not your smile. To add variety to your modeling poses, try switching up your smile with a cute frown, a bratty bout, a friendly laugh, or even an edgy scowl. Your facial expressions can make or break your modeling poses. Let your smile show, but make sure to show what else you can do.

In addition to these personalized tips for modeling poses, every model should be aware of the basics of posing. There are 4 main types of model poses: lifestyle pose, movement pose, portrait pose, and body pose.

Lifestyle
The lifestyle pose evokes a sense of everyday living with common body movements and facial expressions. Throughout the day, moments of happiness, love, anger, and hope arise. To succeed at the lifestyle pose, each model must be able to recreate these everyday emotions.

Movement
The movement pose captures a specific action, such as running or jumping. Because this pose is most often used for a marketing photo shoot—the model is used to promote a product. Each model must be able to smile and laugh when using the products in the photo shoot.

Portrait
This modeling pose emphasizes the face of the model—and relies purely on facial features. The model will be in modest makeup and relaxed hair and should pose with a casual, genuine smile. Many portrait photographs are close up and emphasize details of the model’s face. If you are scheduled for a portrait photo shoot, make sure to pay extra attention to your skin and drink at least 8-12 glasses of water a day.

Body
Full-length photographs require body poses. Models are encouraged to shift weight between hips and make arms and lengths into asymmetrical stances. Although many body poses do not require specific facial expressions, putting your entire body into character during full-length poses helps your body find a natural balance.

Keep these insider model posing tips in mind during your next professional model photo shoot to ensure you blow the photographer away. Whether you’re a trained expert or an ambitious beginner, all models have the ability to excel in photo shoots. Focus on your posture, attitude, and facial expressions to succeed beyond your wildest expectations.

EAT Your Way to Beautiful Skin

Strawberries, citrus fruits, red peppers, broccoli
Produce packed with vitamin C is crucial for the production and formation of collagen, skin's support structure. And it's that strong support layer that evens out the top layer and wards off wrinkles. Try to have two 1-cup servings of fruit (Not a fan of strawberries? Try oranges or grapefruit.) and 1 cup of red peppers and/or broccoli each day. Or try applying them directly with this at-home facial recipe.

Sunflower seed and almonds
Edible SPF? Practically. These seeds and nuts are loaded with vitamin E, an antioxidant that, with other antioxidants, works to protect skin from UV-related free radicals. Skin's top layers contain high levels of E that help guard cells' outer membrane, so cells stay healthy. Plus, strong membranes hold water in, keeping skin hydrated. Aim for 2 tablespoons of hulled seeds or 23 almonds daily. Find more healthy snack options from the No-Cook Diet.

Dark orange, leafy green and red vegetables
Squash, sweet potatoes and spinach are teeming with the antioxidant beta-carotene. Your body converts it to vitamin A, which regulates cell production and turnover so skin's surface is smooth. Carotenoids might also lower your skin's sensitivity to sun. Shoot for three 1-cup servings a day of these polishing picks. Try them in delicious, good-for-you recipes like Butternut Squash Pizza, Cheesy Sweet Potato Crisps, and Oatmeal Meatballs With Spinach.

Fortified cereal, lean meat, pork, poultry, oysters
These protein-rich foods are full of zinc and iron, minerals crucial to healthy skin function. Zinc supports cell production as well as natural cell sloughing, which keeps dullness at bay. Red blood cells need iron to carry oxygen to skin, helping give you a glow. Pile your plate with 1 serving of cereal (a cup), 1 palm-sized serving of meat or poultry or 3 oysters per day. Bored with chicken? You just need a new recipe.

Wild salmon, Atlantic mackerel, walnuts
These fish and nuts, plus fortified eggs, are chockablock with omega-3 fatty acids, which fight inflammation in the body caused by sun and stress. Inflammation produces free radicals, and free radicals contribute to aging by attacking collagen. Research still needs to provide solid proof that the anti-inflammatory abilities of omega-3s yield younger-looking skin, but one study found that older people who consumed more fish and veggies over their life had fewer wrinkles than those who ate more meat, the Journal of the American College of Nutrition reports. Aim for two 5-ounce servings of fish per week; on other days, 1 oz of walnuts or 2 omega-3-fortified eggs. Get creative with recipes like a Salmon BLT or a single-serving Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Frittata.

Whole wheat and grains
Clear up your skin with these complex carbs. Australian researchers found that a low-glycemic diet (more whole grains, protein and produce versus refined carbs such as white bread) may reduce acne. One reason why: Low-glycemic foods keep insulin steady, while refined carbs and sugar spike it. The surges may boost production of androgens, hormones that, when boosted, can cause zits. After 12 weeks of a low-glycemic diet, subjects' pimple counts dropped 20 percent, a study in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition notes. More research is needed to support the clear-skin connection, but no M.D. will talk you out of eating whole grains and veggies! Try to have three servings a day (one serving equals a slice of bread or 1/2 cup cooked grains). See how a beauty editor cleared up her acne problem.

Water
OK, so water isn’t a food, but you can sip your way to dewy skin! Skin cells contain mostly H20, and if you're dehydrated, skin looks and feel parched, too. But you needn't chug gallons each day: Research from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia found no studies to back up the recommendation of eight glasses a day. Prevent dehydration—and dryness—by drinking when you're thirsty. Aim for 6 cups a day.

"Alex B-isms"

On a shoot with other kids...

"You're four years old!?!! I thought you were four years new!"

Fuschia Fury!!!

This Wednesday and Thursday only get 50% OFF on Antoinette Lee Designs as well as Carla Mancini and Possé New York designer handbags.

More than just chic and luxurious, they are also unbelievably versatile and functional. I do love the Dolce and the versatile Stella, but this time I’ve gone for the edgy Mia in Pearl Fuchsia.

The Antoinette Lee Designs Mia features curved panels, accompanied by a combination chain and leather strap so that this cutest bag can be worn messenger across your chest or shoulder style. Made from 100% premium Italian leather, this bag measures 7-1/2w x 8h. Yes it’s small but hey, don’t worry about space as you can easily fit the necessary credit card, makeup, blackberry, small wallet and even a camera inside! The petite style of this designer handbag is just the right size for all your necessities for a night on the town!

Versatile and trendy, Antoinette Lee’s Mia is available in pearl pink, pearl fuchsia (shown above), gold and navy shimmer. Originally retailing at $285.00, with the 50% sale discount, Mia is yours for just $143.00!!

Carla Mancini Chic Designer Handbags

My next pick from the range of designer handbags on sale is the Carla Mancini, Spring Postman Clutch in Fuchsia Patent. It’s another perfect bag for a night out on the town. In fact, the Postman Clutch was designed with this specifically in mind. It was designed to fit everything you need into one decent sized clutch.

This moderately square shaped designer handbag has a large triangle fold over piece that secures with a twist toggle. For easy access to lip gloss and your cell phone, an additional zipper pocket was added to the outside for convenience. There is absolutely no way you will be able to resist this hot clutch. It measures 14”x 3”x 9” and again it’s super chic and looks stunning.

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Like all other Carla Mancini handbags, the Foldover Bag with Rivets is made of the finest Italian leather. Like the others, it’s super chic and certainly makes a bold statement in either Lime or Fuchsia.

The over sized fold has a double strung of multi-colored metallic rivets which also adorn the adjustable leather strap. There is also a chain strap which is longer than the leather strap for a different fit. Inside, the bag is fully lined and features a double apron pocket on one side and a zipper pocket on the other. This Carla Mancini designer handbag measures 13” l x 4.5” w x 12” h and has been discounted down to $251.00 from its original retail price of $502.00!!!

10 Ways To Get Clear Skin NATURALLY!

1. Eat more fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds.

You can easily create juices and smoothies using ripe fruit or consume one salad daily, even as just a side dish. You can also pop in nuts and dried fruits in between meals. Brazil nuts have selenium while pumpkin seeds contain zinc – both these minerals are lacking in people with acne. So take in lots of these two.

2. Try to drink at least two liters of still mineral water daily.

When the skin is dehydrated, dead skin cells remain on the skin which may block pores and promote acne.

3. Use a quality pro-biotic.

If you have been prescribed antibiotics to control your acne, remember that antibiotics destroy all kinds of bacteria in your digestive tract – even good bacteria. Without good bacteria,
you will have poor digestion, constipation, and be less able to absorb essential vitamins, minerals and nutrients.

This, in turn, may lead to increased acne production since your body cannot expel waste effectively. Toxins pass through your skin instead. To prevent this from occurring, replace the good bacteria in your digestive tract with a good quality pro-biotic.

4. You may try consuming some supplements since your diet may not incorporate.

Some supplements are really helpful to people with acne, such as:

• Maca – This is a powdered root vegetable from Peru that balances and stabilizes the systems of your body while normalizing hormones. Maca also has a lot of essential amino acids,
phytochemicals, fatty acids, and minerals such as iodine, silica, potassium, iron, magnesium and calcium.

• Manuka honey – This one possesses strong antibiotic, antiviral and antiseptic elements. It is great for the skin, as well as for digestive disorders.

5. Rely only on natural skin-care products.

Many skin-care products on supermarket shelves have chemicals which can worsen your acne. Too many chemicals can strip your skin of its natural oils, meaning the skin will overproduce oil to compensate – thus blocking your pores and causing more acne to show up.

Use only products with natural ingredients or try to use fewer products to allow your skin to naturally heal. Should you wear makeup, use formulas that are listed as non-acnegenic or non-comedogenic.

Some products you can use are:

• Tea tree oil body wash – This product can be used for the entire body, including the face.

• Tea tree oil – This product has antiseptic, antiviral and antibacterial functions. It is remarkable for use by acne sufferers. Use a cotton bud to apply this product to the acne blemishes.

• Neem soap – This product is very good for acne victims due to its anti parasitic, anti-inflammatory, anti-fungal, anti-viral and antibacterial properties. It also calms and soothes irritated skin.

• Olive or Coconut Oil – Use at night while your face is flushed to moisturize and eliminate eczema.

6. Cut down on stress as this acts as one of the strongest precursors of acne, especially after puberty.

There are different ways you can reduce stress and aim for relaxation:

• Exercise – Moderate exercise such as Yoga and Tai Chi improve skin blood flow and support the healing process. It also boosts the condition of your internal organs which allows them to
eliminate waste more effectively.

• Try relaxation techniques including meditation and breathing exercises.

7. Cut down on your consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates.

Recent research has shown that eating these foods triggers a process which leads to a production of too many male hormones. In turn, the skin is moved to excrete huge amounts of sebum which fosters the increase in skin bacteria - that triggers acne.

8. Lessen your consumption of caffeine.

It hikes the level of stress hormones in the body, thus making acne worse.

9. Cut down on dairy and red meat products.

They are difficult to digest and raise acid levels in the body. As you try to digest huge amounts of animal protein in your internal organs, your body cannot eliminate waste products well and these will be released through the skin – causing acne.

In addition, dairy and red meat have huge amounts of hormones. These raise the hormone levels in the body and trigger even more acne. Furthermore, symptoms of intolerance to dairy products can crop up as acne.

10. Get plenty of sunshine and fresh air.

Sunshine triggers the production of Vitamin D which is essential to having healthy skin.
Fresh air and sunshine will cut down on your stress levels and course oxygen through the skin. Learn to tell the amount of sunshine you need every day though, it does not help to get burnt
in the sun.

Free Estee Lauder and Lancome Cosmetic Gifts!

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Warm, Cool, & Perfected

Makeup artists deserve the title “artist” because they play with colors to enhance and highlight your natural beauty. Most people aren’t blessed to have a makeup artist who is willing, cheap, and available to follow you around all day touching up the masterpiece they applied to your face earlier. With that said, it is important to know what colors are best for you. If you do not pick the right colors for your complexion, they may actually do more harm than good and you could end up looking more like a circus attraction instead of the vampy sex kitten you tried to be! If you have any doubts, it may be best to consult a makeup artist but, until then, here are a few tips to tide you over.

A good idea would be to select a celebrity who has similar skin tone, hair, and eye color. Pay attention to the colors that she wears and then play around with them on your own face. If you decide to tan, this will change the color pallet that is right for your face so be sure to keep this in mind.

Most women fall into either the cool (fair toned) or warm (darker toned) categories. Once you identify if you are cool or warm, you can pick colors according to the codes of the cosmetic lines. They have tones for both cools and warms in almost all colors. If you follow this code, you most likely, will enhance your beauty.

Cool Colors

· Skin Tone: Olive, Rosy Brown, Medium Fair Rosy

· Hair Color: Dark, Black, Blonde, Brunette (with the exception of Golden Brunettes)

· Eyes: Blue, Green, Hazel

Warm Colors

· Skin Tone: Golden (in any tone), Medium Fair

· Hair Color: Golden Brunette, Red, Strawberry Blonde

· Eyes: Hazel, Dark Brown, Medium Brown

Some people have a bit of yellow undertones in their skin putting them in the cool category. Some people have a bit of warm and cool tones (which is rare). For example, if your skin and eyes are cool but your hair is warm, you will use a mix of colors: warm in the warm features and cool in the cool features.