The winter is harsh on our skins and it’s really important to take care of it. The biting cold weather and dry air can really quench its thirst and wreak havoc with the condition of our skin.
Here are some tips to help you combat the icy conditions so your skin can come out of winter looking its best.

Gently cleanse, tone and moisturise

Your skin needs a regime even during the winter period but it needs switching up a bit. How? Be even more gentle with it, please. When cleansing and toning, use gentle, natural ingredients.

Layer your skin with a thicker moisturiser so that it can stay softened throughout the cold hours of the day and night. Choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type – normal, dry, sensitive, oily or combination which are the five common types of skin. Use a gentle lip scrub and lip balm too to protect your lips!

Don’t forget to apply sunscreen

The sun never stops shining unless it’s night but whenever it pops up, use a high SPF factor sunscreen to block those UV rays. We might think that the winter sun is less harsh than the summer’s but it’s still the same source of light omitting good and not-so-good rays. Please use SPF all year round to shield your skin.

Drink plenty of water and stay healthy

Keeping hydrated is paramount no matter how old you are and what season you’re passing through. Keeping yourself watered from the inside will help you stay hydrated on the outside. Skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis can be triggered and flare up in the winter weather so drinking water can help.
Keep in check that you’re eating healthy too. When the winter comes, we know how tempting it’s to indulge in lots of hot beverages and treats, it’s comfort eating at its very best. Keep your diet balanced and remember it’s okay to enjoy some delish food and drinks from time to time but eating healthy is a health goal.

Avoid bathing with hot water

As tempting as it can be to plunge into a hot bath (hopefully not with a splash, we don’t have a slipping hazard on our hands!) or walk into a lovely warm shower, both can strip your body’s natural oils so stick to lukewarm water instead. This will hopefully keep your own skin’s moisture locked in without irritating it and making it feel sad.

Layer up with protective accessories

With the winter weather comes winter accessories such as gloves, scarves and hats to safeguard your skin from the cold. Whenever you head out into subzero weather, be sure to layer up and add those must-have protective accessories.

Have a humidifier? Use it!

With the central heating on most of the day and night, it can seriously dry out your indoor air. To bring it back to life and add that much-needed moisture that your skin needs at this time, use an energy-efficient humidifier.

And that’s it for this blog. There’s more of where this has come from so go ahead and dive into our library full of blogs that cover so many areas of the modelling world and what are agency is involved in!

Dryness is a common complaint
So, why does it happen? No matter where you’re seated on a plane, you’ll face the lower humidity levels that cabins typically experience every time rather than when you’re feet are on the ground. That skin-tight feeling begins once the moisture is drawn out and leaves you high and dry.

Breakouts? Why, oh why?
When you think that having parched skin is the only skin problem you’ll face thousands of feet up in the sky, we’re sorry, models, but it isn’t! Your skin can go into overdrive, much the opposite of it being dehydrated, where your oil glands (yes, oil!) can overproduce sebum to try and counteract the moisture-quenching action of the flight but do something quite different. The extra sebum can clog pores and encourage breakouts which is the last thing you want stepping off a plane. Germs fest is present in the air onboard which can mean more risk of blemishes leaving your skin feeling unhappy.

Flying high with SPF
The higher you go, the more UVA rays increase and unfortunately an aeroplane glass doesn’t shield us from it. In fact, studies have shown that they double up when you’re in the sky so an SPF is an absolute must! Once every 2 hours will be perfect for perfect modelling and all-around skin.

Hydrate, and keep on hydrating
This one never gets left out – it deserves the top spot! Everyone knows how important it is to drink, plain, neat water. Whether you’re a model on the go trying to get to an assignment, on a set under the hot lights or on a long-haul flight, water is your hydration hero. Drink plenty to help your skin, clear your mind and keep you feeling fresh inside and out.

Travel sizes minis
Grab yourself your fav minis but don’t be tempted to transfer what you already have into another teeny container. You’ll be exposing your product to bacteria which will then go onto your face which is a big no-no. Compact products are perfect, they don’t cost very much either and do the job just as well as a standard-size product.

Cleanse away debris
With all the germs that have landed on your skin, it’s only right to get to your apartment and get cleansing. Twice. Just to be double sure that you’re skin is free of all the debris that it could potentially be home to. Cleanse, pat dry gently and apply that SPF again.

If you’re on a short or long flight, we hope that these four simple tips will help your skin feel fresh and look in top form so that if you’re booked to be snapped or filmed shortly after landing, your skin will glow and smile.

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.

We’re all unique and one-of-kind; we deserve to cheer ourselves on because nothing should shatter self-belief.

We thought we’d dive right in now and ask our readers:

When was the last time you felt confident within yourself?

What thoughts do you have towards your body?

Do you use any techniques to empower you to be better?

Whether you’re a model, prospective model or looking to sign someone else up as a model, this blog is a must-read to help kick-start a new year with positive feelings towards yourself first and foremost. 

Reaching your dreams with self-love and body positivity

Models Direct strongly believe that self-love gives you the power and strength to reach for your dreams. Feeling positive with your body is part and parcel of self-love. Loving yourself isn’t being vain and self-obsessed, on the contrary, it’s about taking care of yourself, recognising your worth and prioritising your needs to be the best version of you…and when you look in the mirror, you love seeing you!

Whether you’re an existing model, prospective one, carry on reading – it will help remind you that you’re worth it 

What does self-love mean to you?

Self-love may or may not mean very much to you however understanding our value in this world and just how important our existence is, is the start of the beautiful and peaceful journey of inner peace. We can then influence all parts of our lives, and the lives of others in a positive way. It’s the foundation of everything positive. 

Who should practice self-love and body positivity?

Good question! Well, everyone! There isn’t anyone out there that shouldn’t implement these practices into their lives. 

There is lots of information out there about how best to practice these beautiful and enriching personal skills. There’s no right or wrong way, but Models Direct have a few tried and tested suggestions up our sleeve!

How we can implement self-love and body positivity

Positive self-talk

Why not tell yourself feel-good stuff you want to hear in the mirror? Positive affirmations such as, “I have value” or “I can do whatever I put my mind to,” can really help change your belief systems and outlook.

Journaling

It’s great to quickly jot down how you currently feel, what your future self would be feeling and welcoming all parts of you, expressing your emotions and gaining self-awareness. Journaling is great to reflect on and see where you were a week ago or even a month ago. 

Self-care

To love yourself, you need to splash in good amounts of self-care into your day without fail. It isn’t just about having a long, hot bath, using a face mask or having a massage. Rather, if you take care of your feelings, thoughts, opinions and ideas, you can learn to love you and your body better… 

Do something for you, every day!

Yup, it’s as simple as that. Dedicate something for yourself every day. Some downtime, some me-time, no matter how small it might seem, all add up in the end. When you touch base with your inner self and spend time on working towards something positive for you only, it will help you understand you, make yourself feel more valued and open your world to new skills that you might’ve thought you couldn’t do…(like modelling poses!)

So, if you are ready for the year and want to incorporate more self-love and body positivity then give our tips a go. We’d love to hear your feedback about our blog so give us a shout on our social media pages. 

We’ve been sieving through the latest on-trend fashion statements and beauty heroes and where better to look than through SS21 Fashion Weeks to forecast statement pieces and gain some inspiration from leading brands like Anna Sui, Carolina Herrera, and Christian Siriano. No more troubleshooting for this year’s fashion and beauty hot picks! If you’re new to the scene or already know the modelling world, Models Direct will walk you through the popular trends. 

Iconic Face Masks 

2020 marked the year of the most popular item to have – the face mask. The worldwide decision to make it compulsory in certain settings meant that we’d be wearing face masks a lot. And then stepped in our fashion gurus to help them not only keep us and others safe but also make us look exceptionally stylish. With all the colours and designs floating about, we’re spoilt for choice. The classic colour black has stepped in to help as it can team up with practically everything.

Accessorise with Head Scarfs

Bringing back the Audrey Hepburn days with the classic 50s scarf is just what this year’s collection includes. Not only does it protect your hair but helps to keep it looking sleek and tamed in the most oh-so-fashionable way. And even though it is classed as a headscarf, it’s a versatile statement piece which can be worn in different ways depending on what your style is – over your head, around the back of your head, your neck, your wrist or even weaved through your belt or bag. 

Rockin’ the Oversized Boyfriend Jackets

Move on over boyfriend jeans, it’s time for the oversized boyfriend jacket to be the star of the show. The 80s inspired blazer is making a comeback and paired up with the perfect apparel – straight-leg trousers, leather shorts or skirt, you’re onto a winner. 

Trending Sorbet Pastel Hues

The pastel theme is running through this year’s collection but warming up for the summer with sorbet hues. Perfect for a wide variety of skin tones, sorbet pastel is a jazzy, fun and soft way of getting summer-ready and teaming up with another tone will be the icing on the cake! 

Beauty lovers, listen up!

Mermaid Waves

We went all DIY with our hair and beauty during the pandemic. Hairdressers and beauty salons were shut (which felt like forever) so we took the bull by the horns and did it ourselves – home dyes, haircuts, the works. This year couldn’t be a better year to keep dying those locks and with the ocean theme running, amethyst and pearl are the new trends to be making a hit with the hair waves.

Nature in beauty

We’re going back to basics and so is the makeup for 2021. Greens, sage and neutral colours are all helping the new year trend naturally. Green smokey eyes, light foundation and a bold lip are brightening up our rainy and cold days making way for the sunshine ahead.

The Style Round-up 

Keep your style game pumping with these statement pieces. Whether you’re on the lookout for something bold, colourful, printed or plain, it seems like there’s something for everyone with this year’s new fashion looks. 

As a modelling agency, we know it’s great to be on-trend sporting what the season has invested in especially when you’re being called in for an assignment. Clients will take note of how you’re presented so first impressions always count when you walk through the doors for your bookings. 

The colours, prints, motifs and designs are out in full force bursting with fashionable fun and elements of what is real in our world today. Feel inspired and follow some of the trends to keep up with what’s happening. If you’d like any advice on becoming a model, feel free to contact our team for advice. 

From appearing in advertising campaigns and on product packaging to taking part in magazine shoots, modelling agencies such as Models Direct have clients with all sorts of exciting requirements.

Long or short – black, blonde or auburn – hairstyles of almost any kind can be high demand, just as female models and male models with different skin tones and eye colour can also be required for make-up and other advertising.

In addition to following the trends, anyone keen to become a hair or beauty model needs to do their best to look after their own luscious locks and prevent their skin from becoming too dry and flaky.

And at this time of year, this can require a little more help than usual!

Colder weather, harsher winds and constant central heating can all take their toll, so why not follow these three simple winter tips along with our other modelling advice?

After all, as Christmas approaches and we come to the end of such a difficult year, who doesn’t feel in need of a little extra pampering….

1. Moisturise

It goes without saying that we should all moisturise daily to protect our skin, but this should be done far more rigorously in the colder months. Don’t be tempted to give up your SPF product, just because there is less sunshine – harmful rays can still cause skin damage. Remember to moisturise your hands too: with all this constant hand washing we are all doing, our skin is being stripped of essential oils. Wearing gloves and using gentle soap can help but still try to moisturise several times a day. Lips also need special moisturising treatment at this time of year, so invest in a heavy duty balm. And don’t forget to moisturise your hair too. In addition to conditioning it regularly, try a moisturising hair mask once in a while. In fact, why not jot that down on your Christmas list? It will be easy enough for Santa to pop a hair and a face mask into your stocking to keep you looking your best into the new year.

2. Oil

To complement any moisturising you are doing, it can be helpful to oil as well. This will not only help to lock in the moisture but can also keep your skin soft and supple. Add oil to your bath to help soften your hands and feet. Invest in hair oils and serums to keep your locks looking sleek during

the colder weather. Try not to strip natural oils from your hair by putting your hairdryer and straighteners down this season. Most of us won’t be partying as much as usual this Christmas, so why not make the most of a bad situation by giving your hair a break from intense levels of heat and lots of styling products?

3. Eat and drink well

You are what you eat – and what you drink too! It is very easy to become dehydrated in the autumn and winter when body temperatures shoot up and down unnaturally as we come in and out from the cold. Becoming dehydrated can have a negative effect on your hair and skin. Drink lots of water, keep an eye on your alcohol levels and try not to have too many cups of coffee, however tempting they may be when it’s cold! Eating a balanced diet, with lots of fresh fruit and vegetables, will also help you to maintain your natural glow. We all deserve a few treats over Christmas but try to keep these to just two or three days. Once the festive season is over, put the chocolate and crisps away, dig out the smoothie maker and try to get back to maintaining a healthy lifestyle as quickly as you can.

As an aspiring teen model it’s important to gain as much experience in the industry as possible and this doesn’t necessarily mean being infront of the camera…

There are lots of activities you can get involved with to gain essential experience to help boost your confidence and modelling potential. Agents will be keen to hear what interests you have, any other talents and of course confidence is key in this industry!

If you are confident, take pride in your appearance and are aged 13 to 17 years old then teen modelling could certainly be a great way to earn some extra money while you are not at school or college.

Many of those considering putting themselves forward or who have already taken on assignments through an agency might also be interested in other pastimes that could enhance their chances of success in the business.

So which activities might be ideal for a teen model to take part in?

Singing, dancing and dramatic skills

There is no doubt at all that immersing yourself in singing, dancing and acting pastimes can enhance your modelling skills. Not only will these activities help you to develop as an individual and broaden your interests, but they will bring you an abundance of confidence to help you feel self-assured in front of the camera. Furthermore, many of the moves and techniques you learn will make your modelling poses seem far more comfortable and natural.

Sports and exercise

We all know how important keeping fit is when it comes to our overall wellbeing, but it can also be a great asset to a modelling career too. Doing regular exercise will help you to stay healthy and will give the stamina you need to take on assignments. It will help your hair and skin to stay fresh and vibrant and is a great way of relieving stress and simply enjoying yourself.

Following fashion trends

Keeping abreast of what is going on in the world of clothing fashion, makeup and hair can only be a good thing for a teen model. An avid interest is certainly not essential but reading magazines and blogs and following trends on social media will give you a deeper understanding of the industry, especially if it is somewhere you see yourself eventually carving out a career in.

Photography and film

Most of us take lots of snaps on our phones but reading up on the subject or even taking a course or class at school or college can be very enlightening for a teen model. Getting behind a proper camera yourself will help you to learn what works and what doesn’t work for the person shooting the images or film – and will enable you to pick up lots of useful tips.

To hear how some of our teen models have found their modelling experiences with Models Direct click here

Dry ends, frizz, faded colour – we’re all suffering and have taken to look for magical hair conditioners available on the market to try save our luscious locks. Most brands available to us are effective to maintain healthy, glossy hair, but have you ever wondered about the science behind the product?

In this blog, Models Direct takes a brief look at the ingredients that make your hair really stand out.

With numerous brands out there, the ingredients will vary, although the basic science behind the magic of conditioners is the same. About 90% of most – if not all – conditioners is water (“Aqua”) and this applies to shampoos. Below are some of the five most common ingredients found in hair conditioners:

1. Emollients (fatty, moisturising alcohols). These really come into play to soften hair and keep it “bouncy”. A good example of an emollient is cetearyl alcohol, which acts a waxy water barrier. It’s therefore great to prevent hair from getting tangled.  

2. Quaternary ammoniums cations (“quats”). These compounds have a positive charge and bind to negatively-charged hair, reducing static. Sounds simple enough, although judging by Einstein’s trademark hair, he probably didn’t use conditioners!

3. Preservatives. There are loads of compounds and chemicals that are in this class, and their function is that of protection against microorganisms. 

4. Hydrolysed proteins. These generate a film to increase moisturisation, and thus are great for dry hair. Some examples are soy,  

5. Humectants. These are substances described as “hygroscopic” – meaning they absorb moisture. So, humectants like olive oil, Panthenol* (a variety of vitamin B5) and glycerol preserve hair moisture and can attract moisture to hair – hence they are beneficial for more making hair more pliable and, ultimately, more manageable.

* The super-brand Pantene derived its name from this ingredient. 

In simple terms, conditioners offer a repair job – think of them as your very own MOT for your hair. A lot of the laws of chemistry and physics are based on “opposites attract”. This is true of hair conditioners. Flakes of hair overlap to form a cuticle layer that protects the inner strands of hair. When light reflects off the cuticle layer, it produces your hair’s natural shine  – and when hair is frizzy, it basically means that the cuticle layer is being eroded, a bit like frayed rope. In slightly more detail, the cationic charge (always a positive charge) binds with the negative charge on the hair strand. This bind – or attraction – is strong enough to envelop the strand, in effect enclosing the strand in a protective case. Cuticle flakes are then packed tightly together, thus resulting in smoother hair. The emollients will help your hair feel soft even after a rinse. 

Products that combine shampoo and conditioner are standard nowadays, as they are more convenient than two separate products (and are cheaper). However, using a separate conditioner is more effective for glorious hair free from tangles. 

So the next time you have a shower, think about the basic chemistry rule of “opposites attract.” It’ll hopefully hold you in good stead before your next modelling shoot – and when someone pays you a compliment, you can educate them on the science behind your bouncy locks! 

In this blog Models Direct suggest some ways you can add structure to your days, find relaxation, calm anxieties, be as productive as possible and ensure you’re getting the self -care time we all need right now…

Check your morning routine

As tempting as lounging around in your pyjamas all day might sound, sticking to a day as close to your usual outside routine may be a helpful start. Begin your day with getting ready and dressed in your casual wear. Sounds simple but it’s really effective. Your attire will help you to stick to a day and night routine. Here are a few more ways to invite a nice little morning routine into your life to drive away any anxious feelings. 

1. The power of a shower

 A great way to kick-start your day (as it would be to unwind too) is to a have wake-me-up shower that will help you feel refreshed and ready for the day. Models who have fast-paced lifestyles will know the importance of starting their day in this way. 

2. Keep a journal 

Take a journey of journaling by jotting down how you feel each day. Also, logging your daily activities and setting goals for each day is a great way of tracking how you are spending time. Going back to basics and using a book dedicated to this is worthwhile. There are plenty of apps too which can be downloaded for free if you don’t have a spare book handy. 

3. Listen to relaxing music 

Sitting back and soaking in some gentle and relaxing music when you get the chance is another great way to say goodbye to any nervous thoughts. Put on your favourite unwind music and let the anxiety float away. 

Now onto your evening routine 

Most of us will either be working from home now; parents of child models will be home educating their little ones or others will be fixing their homes up now that there’s plenty of time to catch up on all those odd jobs. It could be that you’re juggling all three things and more so what better way to end your day by dedicating some well-deserved downtime. Here are some of our suggestions:

1. The warmth of water 

Ending your day off with a bath (or shower) could be a perfect way of distressing and boosting your well-being during the unpredictable time we are living. You can opt for bath or shower oils which contain essential oils such as lavender, rosemary or ginger. They can help wash away any muscle tension and smooth out stress so that you are ready for a good night’s sleep. 

2. Set your little sanctuary up

Make your sleeping quarters an inviting space to be so that you’re able to drop off to sleep speedily. Switch your linen regularly so that the smell of freshness lingers into your dreams. Plumped cushions and pillows, cosy soft blankets and spraying the room with mist, candles scents and fragrances before settling in can help bring about calmness for a sense of well-being. 

3. Soak your feet 

Give your feet a nice soak in lukewarm water. Adding in extra accessories isn’t necessary, you can keep it simple with a few drops of oil (coconut, olive or almond which tend to be existing kitchen oils). Foot models will know how having a soak benefits the skin whilst being a great relaxation technique. 

If you’re thinking about becoming a model, say no more!

Join our modelling agency, Models Direct, to break into the modelling world. What’s great about our agency is, we don’t want a specific look. We call for all types of looks so you needn’t worry if you feel like you don’t fit the (typical supermodel) bill. We love diversity, be it age diversity, size diversity or gender diversity.

Apply online today, send us some snaps and we’ll take it from there – click to apply!

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.