April is days away, do you know what that means? It means holy crap, swimsuit season is suddenly right around the corner. How does it always manage to sneak up on us like this, even despite the longest winter in the history of humanity?
But while we should all probably start going to gym again or something, there's no reason to panic. As it turns out, even professional lingerie/swimsuit models sometimes find themselves not totally ready to bare it all. (Or so they claim.) Nikki got a couple of Victoria's Secret models to spill their personal pre-beach prep routines last week, and now I have some of their on-set beauty secrets to share, thanks to their makeup artist Carolina Gonzalez. Read them and you'll feel much more mentally prepared for season's first pair of short shorts.
Glamour: What are some tricks Victoria's Secret models use before the runway show or a photo shoot to make their body skin appear more flawless
Carolina: Bronze bronze bronze! Tan skin helps to cover flaws. The VS girls are naturally gorgeous, but to accentuate their beauty even more, I do a "combo platter" of bronzers. For example, I begin with VS Beach Sexy Instant Bronzing Tinted Shimmer Lotion. I layer it until I get the desired shade.Then, once dry, I spray over with VS Beach Sexy Instant Bronzing Tinted Body Spray. Lastly, lightly spray the VS Beach Sexy Instant Bronzing Shimmer Dry Oil, which adds the perfect amount of illumination.
Glamour: For body blemishes or birthmarks or veins or other more prominent flaws we want to hide, is there a concealer you swear by?
Carolina: A fabulous waterproof concealer for the body is Dermablend Leg and Body Cover with SPF 15. It lasts all day!
Glamour: How about playing down cellulite? Even the occasional VS model must have a tiny bit—right? Are there any creams or other potions that make a difference with this? Visual tricks we can play?
Carolina: I like Clarins Bodylift Cellulite Control. It visually corrects the appearance of cellulite, but over time. It is not instant. I think bronzing gives the illusion of being slimmer, but cellulite to me is cellulite and can be seen no matter what.
Glamour: How about removing body hair—got any inside scoop on ways the models stay stubble- and and bump-free when wearing so little?
Carolina: The VS girls really take impeccable care of themselves, and 99 percent are lasered. Laser is just amazing!
Glamour: What are some of your biggest Dos and Don'ts for self-tanner use? Are certain formulas more effective and/or natural-looking than others?
Carolina: Exfoliate! Salt, sugar, and diatomaceous-earth scrubs are an excellent way to exfoliate. Hydration of the skin is one of the key elements to make the color last. After you exfoliate, use a water-based moisturizer (not oil-based) to make sure that your skin is free to absorb all the tanner. Also, make sure you apply lightly on heels, knees, and elbows because they tend to grab a lot of product. I like products that already have moisture in them, like VS Beach Sexy Self-Tanning Tinted Lotion, which has avocado oil.
Glamour: Any other great insider, behind-the-scenes tips that would help us feel more ready for swimsuit season?
Carolina: You can use makeup to contour your waistline at the sides, or your thighs or arms along the sides, to make those areas appear slimmer. I like to use MAC Face and Body Foundation three shades darker than a model's natural tanned skin color.
Thanks for the tips, Carolina! I feel better already.
What are YOUR very favorite beauty tricks for looking great in a skin-baring outfit? Share below—we could all use the help right about now!
