The fashion industry is a young persons world. Therefore, it is almost guaranteed that teens and those in their early twenties will have spots or severe acne. However, the modelling world is not open to showcasing the common skin condition that millions suffer with daily causing low self esteem. Covered with make-up or digitally removed, spots are no where in sight creating an unrealistic illusion.

Kadeeja Khan’s Story

Recently, 21 year old beauty blogger, Kadeeja Khan was cut from a L’Oreal shoot due to her acne. The global cosmetic brand approached Kadeeja to ask her if she would like to visit Paris for their launch of their new vegan hair dye. However, they soon retracted their invitation via email stating that they can’t be involved with people with skin issues. Appalled, hurt and humiliated by their unkind remarks, Kadeeja shared their opinion with her 129,000 followers.

She states: “To think we’re supposed to live in an advanced society that not only ACCEPTS of ALL walks of live but actually embraces people of all backgrounds, religions, ethnicities and disabilities. Shame on you L’Oreal.”

L’Oreal did issue an apology stating that they do in fact work with both women and men with all skin types and celebrate beauty in all its diversity. However, we are curious to know if they did or will ever employ models that have acne. With the fashion industry becoming much more diverse it would be inspiring for beauty brands to tackle issues that a lot of people suffer with. Spots being one of them. So many are self conscious, embarrassed and upset with their not so flawless skin. Beauty brands therefore have a responsibility to show that it is a common problem that can be helped with the right products. Also, if different skin types are represented by cosmetic labels their confidence will soar.

Looking After Your Skin

Whilst some things can’t be helped, it’s important to note that looking after your skin is one of the most important things you can do when you’re a person who will be appearing in the public eye and doing the exact kind of work that modelling requires. For example, you must drink lots of water. Ensure that you’re getting in two litres or more every single day.

Diet

The things you eat can really help as well. If you eat a diet rich in grease, this is much more likely to make you break out. Fresh fruit and vegetables are fantastic for keeping your skin in the best possible shape. What you directly put into your body effects your skin, wellbeing and personality. It is so closely linked that models should consider their diet carefully without becoming obsessed. Choose an apple over a chocolate bar the majority of the time.

Skincare Regime

You can also keep up a great skincare routine! It’s important to remove make-up after you wear it, particularly the heavy stuff that you might wear for modelling jobs. Then you should use a moisturiser to keep it as hydrated and smooth as possible. Now and again it might be worthwhile trying a face mask too. Obviously, you need to make sure that you’re not using products that will further irritate the skin – unperfumed products are great, as they’re a lot less harsh. Simple things like regularly washing your hair (but not enough to dry out the skin) can really help – greasy fringes, for example, can cause spots.

Unfortunately, you may never have clear skin with adult acne being a real problem for some people however, a regime that works for you will help. On days where you have no modelling jobs allow for your skin to breathe by going makeup-free.

Stress

Stress is another cause of outbreaks. The more stressed you are, the more spots will appear. This is due to how stress causes your body to make hormones like cortisol, which tells the glands in your skin to make more oil. As we all know oily skin causes spots and ‘bad skin’. If you feel that you are feeling burnt out and stressed, make sure that you rest and find a way to feel calm. Your skin will respond.

Travel

The fashion industry works on a global scale, which involves a lot of travel. You may be working in Los Angeles, California or an Australian city or both in the space of a couple of weeks. Feeling tired and run down from all the travelling may result in a spotty complexion. Therefore, make sure you keep up with the your beauty regime, drink plenty of water and sleep as much as you can.

Models with Severe Cases

Models with acne have often tried everything they can in order to improve the condition of their skin. Sometimes it can be extremely difficult and the challenge is frustrating to say the least. However, with the help of a doctor and specially medicated products, there is hope out there.

Acne treatments will really help clear your skin, which in turn will improve your mental health. Many with severe cases can feel very negatively about themselves. Therefore, it is worthwhile speaking to a professional. Cystic acne can leave models with scars. This may be another factor that causes insecurity however, do remember that small acne scars make you who you are. Every detail of your face is unique and beautiful.

Is Social Media to Blame?

With filters and apps so easily available, social media posts rarely show flaws. The likes of Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner look flawless in every way, only showing an edited version of themselves. Posing on the red carpet or working at New York or London Fashion Week there’s hardly a spot in sight. This provides an unrealistic version for young people to see on a daily basis, which causes low self esteem if their complexion doesn’t match insta-models. Try not to compare yourself to a highly edited image.

When Moto Guo Sent Models with Spots down the Runway

Back in 2016, Malaysian designer, Moto Guo made a statement at Milan Men’s Fashion Week. His choice to not use traditional makeup artist techniques by covering the models face in foundation caused a stir. Yes, the models graced the runway with their natural blemishes for everyone to see. Only MAC mahogany lip liner and MAC coffee eye pencil were the only two products used for the fashion show. His bold move was to showcase a skin condition that millions of people struggle with and certainly relate to. It is certainly nothing to be ashamed of. However, it doesn’t seem like the idea has caught on.

Do you suffer from spots? Would you be shocked to see models with acne? Let us know.

The post Models with Acne appeared first on UK Models.

Bikini Fashion Models

Swimwear brands and designers require models to pose in a bikini to promote their latest designs. Depending on the niche, fashion models could be gracing magazine covers of Vogue, walking the runway of Victoria’s Secret (the ultimate dream) or shooting for a brands campaign wearing a bikini top and briefs.

The likes of American models, Gigi Hadid, Sommer Ray, Ashley Graham and Emily Ratajkowski have modelled in a bikini numerous times during their career for commercial purposes. Many post images of themselves wearing a bikini to their social media accounts especially Sommer Ray. These ladies are not afraid to expose some flesh! Being a successful bikini model could take you around the world visiting the likes of Australia, New York or Portugal as location shoots need an exotic backdrop to seduce the customer.

Love the Skin You’re in

A model needs to be comfortable in their skin to reveal their physique on a global scale. Make-up will be applied in intimate areas and the room will be crowded with people. Self consciousness is not welcomed when shooting bikini models pictures or on the Victoria’s Secret models runway. Every year the Victoria’s Secret models are announced with top names hoping they’ve landed a spot on the catwalk. Gigi Hadid has been a regular on the runway yet castings are held to mix it up every year.

Typically, the Victoria’s Secret line up features one body type, slim and slender. Many activists campaign to witness a range of body types in the industry. Ashley Graham works hard to showcase diversity and has a very successful modelling career, which regularly includes wearing a bikini top, bathing suit or lingerie. It is clear to see that the fashion world has started to listen yet there’s a long way to go.

Bikini Fitness Models

Bikini models: the term simply does not do them any justice. As they’re more commonly known in the industry, bikini fitness models are women who go through extreme lifestyle changes to get to where they are. They’re more akin to bodybuilders than glamour models, and so there’s a whole host of dedication that needs to go in, across a range of areas.

Models work as hard as they do in order to compete for titles, which differs from other types of modelling in some respects. It is almost more like pageantry, although they often model for fitness and healthy living brands as well.

If you want to become one of the top bikini models, you must be strict with yourself in a range of areas:

Build a Toned Physique

The overall physique and muscle definition is the most important aspect. In order to attain the ultimate figure for this type of modelling, a lot of dedication and sacrifice is needed. Unlike many kinds of modelling where a model must look after their body, this is on an entirely different level; one where it’s a lifestyle in itself. A strict regime that involves the correct exercises to build a bikini body must be implanted into your daily routine.

A bikini model is less bulky than the image people typically think of when they think of ‘bodybuilders’. They’re athletic looking and toned, and have less muscle bulk than bodybuilders, but you can still see noticeable definition and muscle mass. These models are slightly more petite and traditionally ‘feminine’; figure models have slightly wider shoulders. Make no mistake: both sets of women are incredibly strong.

UK Fitness Model, Charlotte Pickstock

As an example, Charlotte Pickstock is a UK fitness model; which is synonymous with bikini modelling in that she competes to show off her gains on stage in a bikini. However, the physical sporting aspect is the most important part of her, and she spends hours upon hours in the gym.

Starting off as a dancer, Charlotte always enjoyed fitness and of course, dancing is a way to achieve this whilst also being visually appealing. She became more interested in the aesthetics in her mid-teens, as well as her health, and started working out in the gym. The weight training led to visual evidence of her hard work, and from there she turned to competing.

Training at Body Tech Wirral has become as an integral part of her daily routine as she strives to attain her goals, which she’ll push herself further on every time.

Maintain a Strict Diet

There are no two ways about it; you will have to make a lot of sacrifices in order to be one of the best. Anything else simply isn’t going to cut it.

Charlotte’s diet is one of tailored nutrition, and may not work for everyone. She responds to high fat and low carb, and must eat clean with rarely any ‘cheat’ days. Proteins are really key.

Alcohol should be consumed in moderation (if ever), and hydration is super important.

Sadly, food may often seem a little plain, but to be on track, it must be part of a strict regimen – you can learn to get creative though!

The aim is to get as low body fat as possible, which means even in the ‘off-season’ where you’re not competing, you should still be training and maintaining the lifestyle. It’s a commitment, not a quick fix.

How to Get ‘the Look’

Despite the most important part of being a bikini fitness model is the bodybuilding, it is still akin to bikini modelling at the end of the day. This means that there is a certain aesthetic that must be adhered to at all times when showcasing your efforts.

For example, a tan MUST be obtained before they compete. It is not only to look healthy, it’s just proven that a tan highlights the contours better and so muscle growth is much more evident.

You should also observe pristine conditions when it comes to grooming. For example, hair should be shiny and preferably long – extensions can be used if needed, providing that they blend well. A hairdresser can help with the application. It’s best to also have a trim and ensure that hair colour is fresh and no roots are visible.

Finally, make up must be glamorous and visible from the stage at all times. You’re parading among other girls, so you have to match with a typical aesthetic. Of course, swimsuits also come into play showing the carefully sculpted physique to its best. When choosing a models bikini a lot of thought goes into the decision considering the colour and style. String, thong or micro bikini’s are very popular amongst the candidates.

Charlotte has had the chance to compete for titles both nationally and internationally, and she has had to learn to ‘pose’ on stage, which is part of the criteria for showing off all her hard work.

Once you make a name for yourself, you’ll win titles like Charlotte, and even get sponsorships and more.

Do You Have Stage Presence?

To compliment your sculpted physique, models on stage require a great personality and showmanship. It is essential to step out onto the platform and deliver with confidence for the duration of the competition. It feels so rewarding in that moment that all your hard work, dedication and commitment has paid off. Shy, retiring types will not be well suited to the arena as the niche demands self assured models who ooze confidence.

Posing in a string bikini to create a hot, sexy image is vital to win the competition. A high self-esteem is very much a part of building this perception and stage presence. Some opt for a thong bikini to showcase their physique as much as possible.

Competitions can be tiring and even tedious, but you’ll need to keep up energy all day, and have a big smile on your face! Remember pictures and videos will be taken so it is vital to look your best at all times.

How to Become a Bikini Model

• Create a toned, athletic physique through exercise. 
• Eat a balanced, nutritious diet.
• Be confident exposing your figure in front of an audience.
• Gain a great understanding of body awareness.
• Possess a personality that truly shines on stage and throughout the competition.

Do you think you have what it takes to be among top bikini models?

The post Bikini Models: Do You Have What It Takes? appeared first on UK Models.

Curvaceous, fuller figures have never been considered for such a role until now. Nike’s latest campaign takes a new direction remaining true to their motto ‘if you have a body, you are an athlete.’ A slogan that has kind of been ignored by the sportswear label until now!

A New Direction

Nike have realised that their swoosh adorned attire should be accessible to a wider audience than just the professional athletes. Of course, individuals who take part in sporting activities to a high level require the correct gear to train and perform yet the inclusion of different body types is a must; an encouragement for a diverse nation to exercise wearing supportive attire. Nike have produced a campaign to guide women to wear the correct sports bra. Rather than hiring a model with an A cup chest (which has already been covered a thousand times), the inspirational brand featured Paloma Elsesser. Wearing a white sports bra with a fine black trim, Paloma is fully supported and ready to work out.

Reaching out to a new market without publicly stating their intention, Nike have hit a niche in the market – sporting brands who cater for society outside of the athlete arena. Women will be able to relate and understand that Nike do in fact cater for their size. It is a refreshing change that did not come with a ‘look at us we have hired a plus size model’ label yet introduced the ad with sports bra advice. Nike offer a solution to issues with ill-fitting sports bras with their technical advanced designs.

Is There Hope for the Future?

Will sportswear modelling jobs become more open to a diverse shape as a result of Nike’s campaign?

Is this a fickle, one time offering or will more brands such as Adidas or Fila follow in their footsteps?

Only time will tell if the fitness modelling niche will open up to different physiques. A niche which for so long has remained specifically for the muscular figures. Nike has also featured yoga instructor Claire Fountain in the sports bra series; an inclusion that demonstrates how women are fit, love to work out and boast a fuller figure. Such a powerful message that should be welcomed by rivals.

It is about time that sportswear modelling jobs are open to a different type of woman. Those who exercise, are healthy and are not a professional athlete to the standard of Serena Williams. It is an unattainable goal that society can cannot keep up with. An international tennis star will of course, possess a toned, muscular body type due to her job requirements. A great inspiration to admire yet should not be the only physique promoted by sportswear brands. It is time for other athletic labels to acknowledge their responsibility and showcase a diverse range of women.

Do you think fitness modelling is ready for a change? 

The post Sportswear Modelling Jobs Are Changing appeared first on UK Models.

How Do Models Always Look Good?

On every modelling job, there is an entire team of people working away behind the scenes to ensure that a model looks his or her best. There will be the people who initially chose the model for the job – as there will have been a set ‘look’ in mind. There will be hair stylists and makeup artists, too, to ensure the creative vision is fulfilled. In many ways, it’s an art form.

The photographer will also be skilled at portraying people to look a certain way. Then you have the fact that lighting will be taken into account as well, and there may even be extra help such as a wind machine. Finally, photos will be edited to achieve a look of perfection.

Is It Important That Models Always Look Good?

On a shoot or a catwalk, a model is paid for one thing, and that is to look his or her best. If she or he did not look the part, it would entirely defeat the object. That’s why there’s such a focus on aesthetics, because at the end of the day they’ve been hired to accentuate the worth of clothing or a brand. The idea is that they look unattainable, or at the very least, desirable.

If you’re hoping to pursue a career in modelling, it’s important that you look presentable. Aside from the ‘look’ that an agency might be looking for, it’s important to go onto the job as ready as possible. That means being neat and tidy, and clean. Anything else is usually up to the people at the shoot; whilst they might tell you to come wearing some base make up, typically everything

Models always look good when you can see them in the public eye, but often, outside of a shoot they may look like everyone else. Obviously, there are natural beauties in the modelling world – but what’s important is to realize that a lot of what we see is just the model playing a role.

Everyone has worth, no matter what they look like.

Do you think models always look good? Do you think it matters that what you see on camera isn’t always the truth?

The post Why Do Models Always Look Good? appeared first on UK Models.

What Is Combination Skin?

Combination skin varies from person to person, but typically it means that some areas of your skin are normal, some are dry, and/or some parts are oily. Some people have a combination of all three types over their face, or perhaps just two. Commonly, the centre of people’s faces (the T Zone) tends to be oily, whilst other areas may be dry. Sometimes people have spots, acne or flaking skin.

What Is The Best Moisturiser For Combination Skin?

First of all, the best moisturiser for combination skin may actually be prescribed, depending on the severity of the issue.

However, there are plenty of different options available on the high street to keep skin looking fresh and supple! This article on the best moisturiser for combination skin by The Independent is fantastic for showing you different options across different budgets. We recommend Simple products (available at Boots) because they’re effective, free from nasty chemicals, and crucially, they’re affordable whilst you’re still in school or uni!

Why Is It Not JUST About The Best Moisturiser For Combination Skin?

Moisturiser can only help you to go so far. In fact, products are not always the key to great skin. Possibly the most important part of keeping your skin looking and feeling great is hydration. Drinking plenty of water will do wonders for your health in general, and your skin will start to reap the benefits (as will your hair, nails and general physique). Eight glasses per day is the recommended minimum!

You should also be making sure to get a balanced diet. The wrong foods will make your skin break out in spots, or generally appear dry. If you’re taking modelling seriously, you should also be making sure to get plenty of sleep, and you should also make sure your make up is properly removed every night before applying your moisturiser. Finally, sun damage is serious business. Whilst a tan might make you look slim and healthy, too much exposure is really bad for your complexion. Make sure you’re wearing a high factor SPF suncream to protect against those UV rays.

What do you find to be the best moisturiser for combination skin? Leave us your recommendations in the comments below!

The post The Best Moisturiser For Combination Skin appeared first on UK Models.

Why Do People Need To See Models Without Makeup?

There are a few really logical reasons why an agency or potential campaign might want to see your face au naturale. Here are some of them:

• They need to be able to see how good your skin is. Is it hydrated, and free from spots? If not, can they work with it? Don’t worry, the answer is often ‘yes’. They just need a realistic picture before they begin.

• Makeup can hide your natural bone structure. Often, in the modelling industry, they’re looking with people with interesting facial definition; for example a strong jaw or high cheekbones. These types of faces typically look more photogenic on camera.

• Natural skin tone is much more obvious without make up. This could be important when matching up multiple models in a campaign, or choosing which items of clothing you’d be suited to. They need to know this detail for things like casting suitability.

• Makeup can distract from what’s underneath. When choosing a model, it’s likely they have ideas about how their MUA is going to do your makeup anyway! They need to see that you have the right base that they’re looking for to be manipulated into their overall creative concept!

• Makeup could actually hinder your chances. Not everyone is a natural born MUA. Although there’s a rise in beauty savvy young women (and even young men), that doesn’t mean everyone’s got all the tricks down. Badly done makeup could cost you, big time!

• Models without makeup show their true age. They say with youth comes beauty, but that’s not always true. Just as school age models shouldn’t hide their true age with makeup, older models shouldn’t try to look younger. If they’re looking for mature models, you might be doing yourself a disservice!

Are All Models Without Makeup Naturally Stunning?

Of course not! However, many models will have been through such stringent processes of selection, and so you’d expect that they’d look pretty good.

However, makeup is an art, and you need to remember that models are often subjected to HOURS upon hours of beauty routines, and then there are several regimens that go before this. That’s not to mention all of the Photoshop afterwards.

The whole ‘I woke up like this’ thing is rarely true, even though everyone can be naturally beautiful in their own right. You might think your freckles, scars or other things are flaws, to other people, they might be the thing that set you apart. You’d be surprised.

Basically, models without makeup look great because they feel confident enough to bare all.

Why not start practising at home? Would you go makeup free?

The post Models Without Makeup: Why Is This Important? appeared first on UK Models.

The majority of fitness poses expected from models is to be active and athletic to showcase the qualities and benefits of the products. Brands desire to demonstrate how their clothing offers support, flexibility, movement and breathability, which demands for a model to run, jump or squat to demonstrate how comfortable their designs are. These actions need to be confident and fierce to be viewed as realistic and therefore, individuals who accept the role need to be able to move and had experience in exercise previously. Falling over during a high kick could be humorous the first time yet repeatedly will become annoying.

Other popular activities include lifting weights, running on the treadmill or punching a boxing bag. Again, the movement needs to be smooth and realistic rather than clumsy and awkward. A gym or athletic brand are keen to promote their products and services via a still campaign image or TV commercial and therefore, the action needs to be executed perfectly. The flex of the muscle or confident punch needs to be dramatic yet believable. Therefore, a fitness model who is confident in their ability will perform well. Take time to practice how each action looks as it does take some skill to consistently deliver. You make be expected to repeat the action numerous times until the winning shot is captured, which demands patience, enthusiasm and attention. Especially when holding a plank position or press up as it can be become straining on your body. Companies will hire models who regular attend the gym and are qualified to handle pressured shots.

Fitness modelling jobs are no easy task and demand dedication from the candidates who wish to pursue roles in the sporting industry. It is highly important to build and maintain a strong, muscular physique to fit the requirements of many agencies who specialise in the sector. Maintain a sensible workout regime and nutritious diet that compliment each other. Once signed to an agency you will have a chance to attend more castings as the establishment will use their connections to locate roles suited to your physique. The more castings you attend the more chance you will have to fulfil your dream of becoming a fitness model. Be patient, dedicated and always make a good impression to improve your chance of becoming hired again for more roles with the client.

The post The Demands of Fitness Modelling Jobs appeared first on UK Models.

We’ve come up with 5 top tips to help you perfect your poses.

1. A trick of the light. Studio lighting will affect your poses and can be the difference between a great shot and a complete fail. A poorly placed arm or hand could cast shadows across your face or body. Once a photographer has set the light meter you will need to do your best to stay still so as not to disrupt the settings.

2. Use your limbs. When it comes to creating a slender silhouette it is important to understand how to use your arms to your advantage. Creating space between your arms and your body will help slim the appearance of your arms and upper body. Similarly, look at your legs. Crossing one knee in front of the other slightly will create a flattering curve. Avoid standing with your legs too straight or clamped together if you are wearing trousers.

3. A helping hand. Avoid posing with flat hands as they will look broad and bulky. A small twist to show your hands side on is all it takes to enhance the final image. Spread your fingers a little and set them at an angle.

4. Heads up. Make the most of your head and shoulders when posing. Roll your shoulders back to elongate your neck, and then tilt your jaw slightly towards the camera for a strong line. Finally, remember your eyes. Don’t glare or squint and try to maintain a central eye line.

5. Mirror, mirror on the wall. Now you have mastered the basics, the best thing you can do is practice, practice and practice some more, and that is where your mirror comes in handy! Try to remember that what you see in the mirror is what a photographer or audience will see when they look at you.

As a model, your job is to showcase a client’s products or services so keep the outfit, accessory or specific product at the heart of everything you do. In addition to learning the best techniques remember that the clothes you are wearing will make a big difference to the shapes you make with your body so practice in a variety of outfits. Whether you are there to show off handbags, shoes, make up or jewellery, always ensure that the product is fully visible and is the hero of the shot or catwalk.

UK Models can advise you on how to pose in photographic sessions but to summarise, the key points to remember are:

• Show off the outfit or product.
• Maintain a natural eye line, don’t glare or over rotate your eyes.
• Think about your posture.
• Create asymmetrical lines with your limbs.
• Keep moving.

The post Model Posing Tips For Beginners appeared first on UK Models.