It’s been a sizzling hot summer so far and there’s more to come!

Whether you are a model, would-be model or simply someone looking for top tips for keeping cool this summer, here are a few helpful suggestions from Models Direct:

*Think about your clothing

Try to dress as lightly as possible, while also ensuring you are protected against the sun. Wear natural, breathable fabrics, in light colours and try not to layer up. Keep your arms, legs and face covered when you are out in the sun. And remember to use SPF sun protection!

*Remember your head and feet

Keep your head and feet uncovered when you are in the shade, this will help you to keep your cool. If it is safe, bare feet or open-toed shoes can be helpful, but again, remember to cover your feet or use a sun protection product when out in direct sunlight.

*Drinking water

Freeze a few bottles of drinking water over night then pop one in a plastic bag to take out with you. As this melts, sipping it every now and again will help you to stay cool as well as hydrated.

*Cold water

*Dip a flannel into a chilled bowl of water every now and then to cool your face and the back of your neck with. Have a cold bath or shower, instead of hot one and sit with your feet in a bowl of cold water while you are working, watching TV or even on your phone! Another tip is to fill a hot water bottle with cold water, put it in the fridge for a while and put it behind you as a cushion. Fabulous!

*Windows, blinds and curtains

Keep your cool in really hot weather during the day by closing windows to keep the hot air out and the cool air in during the day. At night, when the air is cooler outside than in, open the windows to let the fresh air in. Similarly, keeping blinds and curtains closed can keep rooms cooler, especially on side of the room, house or apartment which receives direct sunlight.

*Fans

Sitting beside a fan can help you to keep cool but try not to simply circulate the hot air around the room. Sit the fan on the floor, as this is where the air is coolest. Positioning a bowl ice in front of the fan can also be a great tip. The cold vapour will then also be circulated as the ice melts. 

*Don’t cook as much

Try not to cook as this will simply heat your kitchen up. In really hot weather, tuck into salads, fruit and cold dishes as much as possible. Eating raw fruit and vegetables can be very hydrating and, of course, brings lots of health benefits too. If you do want to cook, then why not cook outside on the barbecue or even a camping stove!

At Models Direct we’ve had a look at what’s likely to be trendy for the warmer months and thought we’d offer youngsters some tip tips to help them on their way.

So, what looks set to be hot for teenagers in the coming months – and what’s not?

What’s hot…

Well it’s all about being sizzling hot this summer and going for big, bold colours.

Try carrying off t-shirts and hoodies in gorgeous greens, sky blues and even lovely lemons…

Go on! You can do it!

Most colourful prints are still in vogue and checks are also in there among this summer’s super styles for teens.

Long, loose t-shirts are bang on trend this summer season and long vests (or tank tops if it’s chilly) over t-shirts and shirts are also all the rage.

Cropped trousers and jeans remain in fashion – but with an erring towards loose fit looks rather than skinny.

But pretty much anything in denim goes this season, especially if lifted with an eye-catching top or accessory or two.

Team your jeans up with trainers – but keep these fairly thinned soled this summer.

And aviator sunglasses remain all the rage.

What’s not…

There’s not much these days that can’t be carried off by the teenager with a flair for style but models and would-be models might want to consider putting a few items to the backs of their wardrobes.

Leggings aren’t going to make massive appearances this summer, especially if they are patterned.

It’s probably time to ditch the ripped jeans too – and perhaps cut them down into shorts?

Fold away tight t-shirts in favour of almost anything that is looser – t-shirts, shirts, cardigans and summer jerseys.

This season, anything black or white really needs to be complemented by a colourful garment to carry it off.

When choosing your summer shades, big is still beautiful but it may well be time to move on from the mirror sunglasses…

And what else should teenagers definitely not be seen in? 

Well, sloppy joggers are not hot. 

Comfortable, cosy and familiar they may be, but they are not for wearing out and about this season.

Keep them at home for lazing about in and choose something altogether more stylish when you step out the front door.

Whether we are models, would-be models or simply those eager to look our best, it doesn’t take much to help it become healthier this season.

Here are the top 10 tips from Models Direct towards a gorgeous summer skin:

1. Remove your make-up properly

Make sure you remove your make-up well at the end of each day. Use a light product that is suitable for your skin type. In the summer you will sweat more, your skin is likely to be oilier and your pores could easily become clogged.

2. Use the right face wash

In a similar vein, make sure you choose the right face wash for your skin and be particularly vigilant about using it when you wake up as well as last thing at night. After hot summer nights, you could wake up with a much sweatier, oilier face and you need to ensure it is clean before you apply your make-up.

3. Don’t overdo the make-up

Resist the temptation to use too much make-up during the warmer months as you don’t want to overload your skin for the reasons outlined above. Remember less is more and a light touch with make-up can really work well with floaty summer dresses, t-shirts, shorts and miniskirts.

4. Keep moisturising

It is essential to keep moisturising in the summer to ensure your skin stays well hydrated. Again, take advice on the right product for your skin type, gels can be lighter than creams and can work particularly well at this time of year.

5. Try to exfoliate

Exfoliating too much can damage your skin, but in the summer it can help keep it clearer if you do it carefully. Perhaps build in an extra exfoliation every few days during warmer weather.

6. Protect your skin

Always use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 during the summer. Some make-up products have an SPF in them, but these are rarely strong enough to offer a high enough level of protection from the sun’s rays. Remember too much exposure to the sun will damage your skin irrevocably. Wear a hat and try to stay in the shade as much as possible. Don’t forget to use a protective lip balm and to apply sunscreen liberally to other areas of your skin as well as your face that are exposed.

7. Act quickly if you burn

If you do experience sunburn, then act quickly. As soon as you realise you have been overexposed, get out of the sun and into the shade as fast as possible. Cool your skin down with cold water and dry it carefully. Apply and keep reapplying aftersun cream or spray. Keep out of the sun. Try not to scratch your skin and do not pull off any dead flakes when it starts to peel. If you feel very ill or your skin becomes swollen, then seek medical help.

8. Drink lots of water

Staying well hydrated is an essential step towards looking after your skin. Drink lots of water when it is warm, try to take small sips throughout the day. You could also try some hydrating skin products, such as masks.

9. Be wary of air-conditioning

We all love nothing more than stepping into a cool, air-conned space when it is sweltering outside, especially when we are on holiday! But just remember that air-conditioning can really dry out your skin. Try not to spend too much time in an air-conditioned space if there is an alternative; if you have to, then moisturise more frequently.

10.  Don’t soak in hot water

Too many hot showers and baths can dehydrate your skin. In the summer months this will only exacerbate any problems. Try to reduce the number of baths and showers you have and the amount of time you spend in hot water.

The winter is well and truly over, despite occasional blips in the British weather. Barbecue sales increase, demonstrating an optimism not seen for weeks. Holidays are booked. Sun cream is on our shop’s shelves! May is a wonderful time of the year, with everyone in a buoyant mood, the general cheerfulness sweeping across the country. Summer is just around the corner!

Oh, and it happens to be the perfect month for models! May should be the time when models update their looks and their portfolios. It’s good practice for models to regularly revise portfolios at any time, and to acquire new photos simply as back-up – but now more than ever models need to be looking at how they can best present themselves to potential clients.

Check out handy tips for sending us your updated snaps by clicking here!

Consider this time of the year as a spring-clean – literally. It’s a modelling revival – a rebirth where opportunities increase. It is, in fact, our busiest time of the year, and models should be ready! Seasonal fashions appear frequently throughout the year, but perhaps this season could be the most action-packed yet. On what do we base this prediction? Read on…

·       Lockdown (Ahh! That word again!) is slowly unwinding, with companies emerging from a commercial slumber dictated by the pandemic. Companies need growth, both in revenue and promotion. This is great news for models, and they all should be itching for worthwhile assignments up and down the country!

·       National optimism! Everyone’s moods have shifted in the right direction. A lot of people will be keen to start something new, and that’s why modelling is expected to be even more popular (if that’s possible!)

·       Summer is a particularly important season for models and clients. Whether the assignments are holiday promotions, beachwear or for the food / drink industry, there’s something about the summer that seems to bring out the extrovert in all of us. Maybe it’s the sunshine, increasing vitamin D levels; maybe it’s the longer days. Summer is a favourite season for many, and we’re expecting the 2021 summer to be the most hectic and fulfilling Models Direct have had.

Are you ready? Well, you should be. When you’re updating your portfolio, try not to exclude any information – even if you think it’s irrelevant.

Parents – photos of babies, toddlers and children should be updated more often than those of adults, simply because a youngster’s appearance and growth change far more quickly. The key word here is “accuracy”: clients need to see a truthful and correct image of child models.

On the subject of accuracy, summer photos are a great opportunity to represent yourself in the best possible light (well, you wouldn’t take a photo in the dark, right?). Make sure the sun is behind and to one side of the photographer, and avoid wearing a lot of make-up. Be confident!

Photoshop? No thanks! We require two realistic photos  – and there’s no need to use a professional photographer. Phew! A digital camera or Smartphone are perfectly suitable. There are some great tips in the links below:

Embrace the summer, and think of it as a launch pad for your modelling career. Equally, for experienced models, use summer as the season to gain more work and to add to your modelling CV. Optimism is in the air – and modelling work goes hand-in-hand with summer!

No, we’re not talking about meeting people outside for the first time in months instead of logging onto Zoom and pretending to listen to what is being said (come on, you’ve drifted off into Zoom dreamland at least once, right?). No, the change is that – at last – the mornings are becoming brighter earlier and the evenings lighter for longer. This means one thing – spring is here, with summer just around the corner!

This time of the year is perfect for dusting off your camera, ready to snap away at your heart’s content. Alternatively, asking a friend to assume the photographer’s role is just as ideal. Either way, April and its subsequent months usually provide just the right conditions to capture glorious, high-definition images. But can you utilise the improved weather in your quest to achieve brilliant snapshots?

Follow Models Direct’s quick guide and you could soon be on the right path to having the finest portfolios for all your modelling pictures.

1. What time is it? Choose the time of day wisely. Avoid taking photos under the midday sun – the sun is often too strong and the subjects tend to squint. Instead, opt for late afternoon or early evening or, even better, the last hour before sunset.  

2. Choose a short telephoto lens (one that is a minimum of 60mm) – and this doesn’t have to be a zoom lens!

3. Use a tripod to steady both your camera and concentration.

4. Using a reflector helps light reflect back into your subject’s face – the most important part of the photo (unless you’re not taking a portrait, of course…)

5. Select a focal point and stick to it!

6. Use shade to your advantage. Trees, buildings, roofs and even clouds can work wonders to eliminate silhouettes – including the dreaded “shadow under the chin” episode!

7. Experiment with flashes. They are not limited to indoor use, and are often overlooked in the great outdoors.

8. If available, take photos in RAW file – a digital negative that is taken directly from your camera’s sensor.

9. Pay particular attention to your eyes, and check which backgrounds suit your facial and body profiles. 

It’s sensible to ask some basic questions at your local camera outlet, and to experiment. Taking photographs should be fun, and outdoor photography is one of life’s pleasures!

It’s always a challenge for models to keep their photographic updates in pristine order. We appreciate that everyone doesn’t have a digital camera, so we by all means accept headshots using smartphones.

A quick checklist is:

• Avoid lots of make-up – you don’t need it, and it won’t show a true representation of your (undoubtedly beautiful) face.
• The perfect height-width ratio is 5:4.
• Don’t use Photoshop!
• Keep it simple, please.
• Got tattoos, scars, or piercings? Fab – show them all!

It’s a fair question. Spring is many people’s favourite season, but is sometimes overlooked by Summer as the weather tends to be better and summer holidays are booked to celebrate the end of winter. Moreover, why does BST start in Spring? According to the Met Office, this year’s Astronomical Spring runs from 20th March – 21st June, and the “meteorological” season of Spring are the months of March, April and May. So, by both definitions, BST does start in Spring. Confused? You should be.

What you shouldn’t be puzzled by is what men should wear this Spring (which, we’ve established, overlaps with BST…)

We can answer this in one short sentence: wear what you want (up to a point). Individualism doesn’t go out of fashion, and wearing what you feel like is a sign of confidence (just think back to Timmy Mallet in the 1980s – how confident was he? Mad, yes, but not shy). Plus, with a slice of luck, we’ll all emerge from the national lockdown like an over-hibernated Grizzly, eager to display our new clobber to friends we haven’t seen in months. No more lounging around the house sporting week-old stubble, wearing your favourite socks which have avoided the washing machine for days, and boxer shorts that have…OK, let’s not go there.

Spring 2021 should equal a national celebration, and there’s no reason why the ladies shouldn’t have the majority share of the fashion stakes. Coming out of lockdown means socialising again (even if it’s just with a permitted select few friends), so it’s the ideal time for men to shine. Spring is definitely not the time to wear scruffy tracksuits or moth-eaten jumpers. Be yourself, gents, but look smart!

Assuming the men among you want a few pointers on this Spring’s male trends, Models Direct has scanned several fashion outlets (both on online and print) to bring you some Spring fashion options. We’ve taken them from the latest promos and pop-ups, together with talking to a few “men about town” (granted, few and far between in the lockdown!)

• Bermuda shorts – Usually a perennial favourite, these jolly-coloured beauties had dropped off the fashion radar, but will make a triumphant comeback this Spring. 

• Hawaiian shirts – Two-tone colours are the way forward for 2021, with floral designs sure to be a hit.
• Cricket tops – To get you geared up for the summer, cricket jumpers will keep chaps up-to-date, even if rain does stop play.
• Maroon trousers – Word on the street is that maroon is the colour to be seen in from the waist down.
• Vertical stripes – These are not only ultra-stylish, they also encourage a slimmer physique, both in the upper body and in the leg department. Win-win!
• Conceal bare ankles – Keep your manly ankles hidden (they are soooo 2019 anyway), and instead flaunt tasteful socks.
• Sandals a “no-go” – They’re also a “no-no”. Ditch open-toed footwear and instead plump for old-school tennis-style pumps or low-cut trainers.
• Cotton jackets – Lightweight for heavyweight fashionistas, cotton jackets are a sensible choice due to their longevity.
• Plain denim shirts – Simply designed yet chic, you won’t go wrong strutting about in one of these shirts.

All this trendy man talk has reminded us that 2021 could be the year you take a first step in the modelling world. You’ll need to be confident and engaging, but no experience is necessary. If you fancy being a male model with us and helping our illustrious clients in their advertising needs, please get in touch. Male modelling is exciting and enjoyable, and campaigns you’ll star in are varied. 

Male models are always needed. Just leave your sandals at home – for this year, at least.  

Whether you are in the modelling business or another profession, making sure you have a good break from work and a genuine opportunity for relaxation is essential for our health, according to recent research.

A study by Syracuse University, in New York, USA, has revealed that having a holiday can be especially good for the heart, explains Bryce Hruska, an assistant professor of public health at the establishment’s College of Sport and Human Dynamics.

“What we found is that people who vacationed more frequently in the past 12 months have a lowered risk for metabolic syndrome and metabolic symptoms. Metabolic syndrome is a collection of risk factors for cardiovascular disease. If you have more of them, you are at higher risk of cardiovascular disease.  This is important because we are actually seeing a reduction in the risk for cardiovascular disease the more vacationing a person does.”

But how do you ensure you really do have a holiday, and the chance to relax and refocus if you are unable to reach the white sands and clear waters of your favourite holiday destinations?

Models Direct’s top tips to holidaying at home…

• Make sure you really do absolutely no work at all during your time off – don’t be tempted to check your emails or to respond to voicemails. Tell your boss and your colleagues that you are going to do this. Just because you are at home does not been you should be available.
• If you can plan a few days out during your time off then do. If not, then try to arrange some shorter excursions, walks or cycle rides to places you have never been before and take a picnic or a few treats with you.
• If you live with friends or family members then take turns at doing the cooking to ensure everyone has some time off. Try to think up fun and exciting menus that you have never tried before, dishes from around the world perhaps…
• Treat yourself to some new garden equipment, such as a hammock, recliner or bean bag. If you have children, investing in a paddling pool, water slide or other play items will also help them to feel as if they are on holiday.
• Organise cinema nights, where everyone sits down to watch the same film together and perhaps you treat yourselves to popcorn or other tasty snacks you might not normally indulge in.
• Adults might also like to treat themselves to cocktails they have not made before or have enjoyed away on holiday and to sit in the garden or by an open window on warm evenings.
• Splash out on a couple of new holiday reads and make sure you find time to slip off for a quiet hour or two with them on your own.
• Sleep in, stay up late – your time is your own so you should enjoy not having to set the alarm clock or being bound by a routine.

Summer is a super busy time for photo-shoots and filming work too, it’s the perfect chance for outdoor shoots and the Models Direct team can’t wait to to hear from you!

Models Direct has been established for 30 years, so we have had plenty of time to understand modelling industry trends, we also work very closely with all our clients around the world so they keep us in the loop to when they will be sourcing new talent. Sure…., the current situation has put some shoots on hold for the time being, but this will simply mean once this passes there will be a huge demand for models to fulfill the backlog of assignments that have built up and we want to hear from you!

If you are looking for an alternative income and have always fancied the idea of modelling then consider speaking with one of our team today. They will talk you through the application process and discuss how Models Direct works as an agency, it may not be how you think! The Models Direct head office is a team of real people, all with a huge amount of experience in the industry, we only have the best, some of our agents have been with us from the beginning!

The Models Direct team spend time getting to know all new models, this personal service is paramount to us and we believe is why we are still successfully helping big name brands find the perfect model/s for their latest campaigns.

You might like to have a look at our client list to see the types of brands we work with, some of the names you will recognise, others may be smaller local companies in different parts of the UK – click here to view the Models Direct client list.

You can also check out what our models say about their experiences of being on assignment, it’s a great way to get an insight into life as a working models and the type of model fees you can expect, ranging from £150 per day to thousands of pounds…click here for model reviews and cheque pics.

With this busy period on the horizon NOW is a perfect time to launch your modelling career and get your ePortfolio set up and running so it’s ready for the bookings team to include in searches for our clients to view over the next few weeks. Production companies and casting agents will be having online meetings to discuss and plan their next advertising campaigns, once things go back to normal, they will be looking to make a big impression….are you or your family just what they are looking for??

The Models Direct team definitely are! The winter in the UK can seem endless, with numerous cold, grey days our bodies are crying out for some sunshine, warmth and that much needed boost of vitamin D.

Possibly you have been lucky enough to jet off somewhere exotic for some winter sun, but if like many of us you have been in the UK throughout winter, you may have noticed symptoms of your body not getting enough vitamin D which is incredibly important to keep our bones, teeth and muscles healthy.

Some symptons you are not getting enough vitamin D are:

• Bone & muscle pain
• Back pain
• Hair Loss
• Fatigue

The above symptoms can also be related to many other health conditions, but may also be a sign of a vitamin D deficiency.

Our bodies create vitamin D from direct sunlight on the skin when we are outdoors, however in the winter months we are not able to get enough vitamin D due to the lack of sunlight, there are alternative ways to help increase the amount of vitamin D your body produces.

Vitamin D can be found in a small number of foods:

• oily fish – such as salmon, sardines, herring and mackerel
• red meat
• liver
• egg yolks
• fortified foods – such as most fat spreads and some breakfast cereals

Diet is such an important factor in the way we look and feel, what we choose to eat and drink makes a huge difference to the health and the condition of our skin, teeth, nails, hair etc. At Models Direct we try and give our models as much advice as possible to help them be at their best, you never know when that next big assignment is going to come your way!

Spring is just around the corner and there are brighter days coming, so ideally try and grab a few spare minutes in the day where you can be in the sunshine, not only will it boost your mood to move and be outdoors, but your skin will also be soaking up those all important rays which will increase your vitamin D levels!

Always remember to protect your skin if you are outdoors in the sunshine for long periods of time.

For more hints and tips on looking after yourself and modelling advice click here.

The Summer months  are busy,  full of social events, this can take it’s toll on our skin. Lack of sleep, dehydration and sun burn are all factors which  can have a harmful effect on our appearance,  so the Models Direct beauty team have put together their firm favourites to help keep your hair and skin in tip top condition.

Hair

Ultrasun  Daily UV Hair Protector:

When sitting or standing in the sun for long periods of time it is important to protect our hair from the sun’s harmful rays. This protector spray from Ultrasun  protects your hair from the harmful UV rays and can be applied to wet or dry hair to keep it feel shiny and hydrated.

Lips

Dry lips is not a good look and they can become quite sore, especially if they get sunburnt, so protect them with Kiehls Lip Balm.  This is a really hydrating product, highly absorbent and is soothing on your lips.

Face

To keep your skin protected when exposed to the sun for long periods of time it’s essential to wear a high factor sunscreen under any make up. The Models Direct beauty team love this one from Mimitika, the  packaging is very pretty, but with an SPF 50 in it and  it’s lightweight formula it’s a firm favourite of ours.

Primer

Primers are a great way to  help tired skin, so if social events have taken their toll and you need to boost your natural radiance then this is a great product. It has a lightweight formula that when applied leaves a thin layer across your skin to help fill in any lines or uneven  areas so your foundation sits well and is long lasting for a flawless finish – it’s a must have in the Models Direct office!

All images are from Space NK