Monday, March 13, 2017

Model Crush Monday - Supermodel Joan Smalls

You can’t bring up the subject of diversity in modeling and not mention stunning Puerto Rican beauty Joan Smalls.  Born to a black and West Indian father and Latina mother, Joan is an incredible ethnic mix of both, and her entry into the world of fashion was well timed even if she didn’t intend it that way. When she first appeared on the modeling scene a decade ago the industry was beginning to be more receptive to exotic models and her career has set milestones for every ethnic model since.  Joan was the first Latin model to front campaigns for Estee Lauder, an achievement that resonates to this day. 


Entering and losing a modeling contest as a teen, followed by a meeting with a New York agent who told her to straighten her teeth, was not enough to deter Joan from following her dreams of a modeling career.  She spent a year and a half in braces while earning a degree in psychology, and promptly left for NYC where she became successful as a commercial model.  After an agency switch to IMG she realized that her ambitions went far beyond commercial work  and she reinvented herself as an editorial model, working for the biggest names in the industry and covering Vogue and many other magazines around the world.



Campaigns for Chanel, Burberry, Calvin Klein, Versace, Dior, David Yurman and more followed, along with a starring role for Victoria’s Secret for both their catalogues and runway shows, making her a household name and one of the most bankable models of the decade. 


At age 28, Joan is still going strong as she continues to consistently dominate the business.  It’s no small feat that she has flung wide open the doors for other ethnic beauties who have come after her, a fact of which she is well aware.  A model with a voice, an education, a unique look, a strong work ethic, and heart:  if that doesn’t define a supermodel, nothing does. 


                                                              XOXO  Shelley



#Model Crush Monday #Joan Smalls #Puerto Rican models #ethnic diversity in modeling #top-rated supermodels by Forbes #facethis/blogspot.com #Shelley Goodstein

Sunday, March 12, 2017

How to Do Spring's New Nude Lip

One of the beauty looks that transcend the seasons is the nude lip, having its extended moment in the spotlight, showing up on celebrities, runways, and in magazine editorials.  Not since the early nineties when Mac’s Spice Lip Liner and lipstick ruled across the board has the neutral lip been so ubiquitous.  Not to be confused with a bare lip, the nude lip actually has color and depth and leaves the lips looking done rather than ignored.  So, no, you can’t just whack on some lip balm and call it a day if you want to channel this flattering beauty look. 


The difference between spring’s nude lip is that it isn’t overly matte like previous seasons.  Look for formulas that are creamy for depth, or have a touch of shine, to avoid that nude-mauve cadaver lip that flatters on one, especially when it is combined with a very matte complexion, excessive contour, and obvious lip liner. Speaking of lip liner, choose a neutral shade that compliments a variety of skin tones and lip colors, or match your lipstick color.  Use a lip brush to blend, blend, blend.  Repeat after me: no visible lip liner. 


There are nude lip shades to match every complexion so do your research.  For a neutral makeup palette match it with a nude eye color, and pay attention to groomed brows and lashes, as these will stand out more without much variation in color, to complete the look.  A nude manicure finishes the look and doesn’t make the nails compete with the face. 


For a rosier neutral palette, try nudes with undertones of pink, which looks great on lighter skin tones and gives the complexion a fresh look. Copper and peach tones do the same for darker complexions.  Avoid nude colors with shades of mauve as this is not an undertone of skin, and the point of a nude makeup palette is to enhance and define your actual skin and features.


Whether you want to achieve a barely-there nude lip, or an overall neutral palette with depth, there are more shades and formulas than ever before and one size does not fit all. Try several different shades and textures for a variety of beauty looks, and you will be right on trend.  The new nude lip is here to stay – at least until the beauty pendulum swings sharply in the other direction.     

                                                             XOXO  Shelley



#nude lips #how to do nude lips #nude makeup palette #neutral makeup #beauty trends for spring #instagram beauty tips #facethis.blogspot.com #Shelley Goodstein

Monday, March 6, 2017

Model Crush Monday – Breakout Star Halima Aden

It happens once in a very blue moon: lightening strikes, the earth quakes, and a unicorn appears, throwing the fashion world into a frenzy.  The Fall 2017 Fashion week season has been tumultuous to say the least, with accusations of model abuse and lack of diversity, but just when you think there are no positive fashion-world headlines coming forth, a unicorn does indeed appear and this one has grabbed the attention of people around the world, not just in fashion circles.  Her name is Halima Aden, the first hijab-wearing model to be signed by IMG after groundbreaking turns on the runways of Yeezy, Max Mara, and Alberta Ferretti, hijab and all. 


Born into a refugee camp and immigrating to the US at age six, the 19 year old Somali-American has a personal mission to put forth positive role model images of Muslim women and dreams of a future helping women and children just as she was helped as a child.  Her first breakout moment was competing in the Miss Minnesota pageant wearing her hijab and a burkini for the swimsuit competition, after which she received accolades for her positive portrayal of a Muslim woman in a political atmosphere that doesn’t support such a mission. 

Halima is more than her hijab or a Muslim, and is, in fact, a stunning beauty being championed by Carine Roitfeld of CR Fashion Book, landing on the cover photographed by Mario Sorrenti.  Supermodels Gigi and Bella Hadid, and fellow Somali-born supermodel Iman are cheering her on, as are editors and designers.  




Diversity and inclusiveness in the fashion world are so rare that Halima is forcing the door wide open for models of other races not represented in the industry.  And she is doing it with heart, enthusiasm, a gorgeous braces-wearing smile, and most importantly, a voice.  Halima’s journey is important for many reasons. Teen Muslim girls will see there are new opportunities for them to shine and to see Muslim women presented in media in a positive way.  Hopefully, Halima and other beautiful exotic women of all races will begin to break down barriers in the fashion industry for a more accurate reflection of the world, making it the colorful and original industry it claims to be. 


                                                             XOXO Shelley


#Halima Aden #first hijab-wearing model signed to IMG #hijabs on the runway #Muslim fashion models #Fashion Week Fall 2017 breakout models #facethis.blogspot.com  #Shelley Goodstein