Models are travel show super stars, often jet setting and keeping long hours ... here are some of their tips to pack along for your next vacation.

July 4th is the time we really dig into Summer! BBQ's, beach trips and lots of travel. Whether you're driving to that family reunion or getting on board the plane, looking your best and traveling do not always go hand in hand. What to do when you are on the go:

1. Hydrate and Moisturize. The day before be sure to drink lots of water and put an extra dose of moisturizer on  the night before you fly to avert some of the dehydrating effects of the cabin pressure.

2. Skip the heavy makeup.  Instead, use a primer which is silicone based to put a layer of protection on your face and keep any makeup you do wear in place. Use a tinted moisturizer and add a little concealer on any uneven spots/redness instead of foundation. It is inevitable that you will snooze for awhile so to avoid mascara traveling down your cheek, go without, or use a waterproof formula. Creamy eye shadows also tend to become displaced.

3. Since you cannot travel with liquids be sure and pick up a travel size pack of baby wipes to use for any facial makeup mishaps and also to keep your hands clean. Try to not touch your face alot during your travel to avoid breakouts from bacteria you unknowingly pick up. Be sure and use your wipes before applying any makeup in transit to protect your skin from whatever is on your fingers.

4. Pass on the alcohol, because it will dehydrate your skin and make your face look puffy, but stow away a travel sized vodka if you're offered one and mix it with your shampoo for super shiny hair the next day on your trip.

5. Reading and watching back to back movies compounded with the dryness of the plane will leave your eyes stinging. Apply some ice under your eyes for a wake up call along with lubricating drops and Visine to bring back your twinkle.

6. To refresh your face, never put on more make up or powder, instead use a mist with glycerin (just water will evaporate and dry out your skin) and pack blotting or rice papers to soak up the shine without drying out your skin more.

7. Add some shimmer right before you arrive using a highlighter (creamy pen or powder) on your brow bone, top of your cheek bone, right above the cupid bow of your lip, and your collar bone to perk up your complexion. Finish with a nice glossy lip!

It is easy to spend lots of $$$ for great beauty products, but it's always fun to get a deal! There are some products that I think are definitely worth the splurge, like a concealer that blends perfectly to your skin tone and brand name eye shadows that are rich and adhere better, but sometimes just because it costs more and comes in fancy packaging does not mean it performs better. Here are some of my favorite steals available at your corner drugstore (and you'll still have change left over to buy some chocolate!)

Many great lipsticks have ingredients that allow them to really last and be long wearing, but lip glosses don't require so many to really SHINE! Try Sally Hansen Diamond 12 hour lip treatment for just $2.99, it's like a drugstore version of MAC's lipglass.

To liven up your hair color and to add shine John Frieda's Color Glaze at less than $10 is a real bargain considering you can use it more than once and is much less expensive than the $75 you'd pay at his NYC Salon for this glossing treatment.

Almost every makeup artist on every photo shoot I go to uses this mascara in the pink tube. For less than $5 it is a total WIN! There are few differences in high end brands since basically all mascara formulas are the same. What makes the biggest difference is the wand. Most all brands are switching from the nylon bristled wands to plastic or rubber ones so that any mascara you use will be clump free, but here's what you should know:

1. A curved brush gives you more lift.

2. A comb style brush will separate more.

3. A smaller brush will coat each lash.

4. Bigger brushes will put more color on your lashes but require a bigger tube that will dry out faster.

Be sure you are replacing your mascara every 3 months because of bacteria/ drying out, and clean off your wand to avoid clumping.

The pros know that great makeup brushes are the place to start for perfect makeup application! Sonia Kashuk, available at Target, is consistently known for her awesome, high quality brushes that are extremely soft and non-shedding. I love this flat blusher brush which is very dense and works great for powder. I would compare this to my favorite MAC brushes that go for over $50, but at $15 - this is definitely a MUST HAVE!




If you are looking to add a little drama to your eyes, individual lashes are your ticket! Ardell gets this done on the cheap with amazing individual lashes that lay flat and are virtually undetectable when used at the corner of your eyes.


Think you can't put them on yourself? Watch this short video by my friend Janine from Beauty Geeks to see just how easy it can be!

EYELASH DEMO CLICK HERE

Click HERE to watch!
Great interview this morning on the Morning Blend. I talk about Beauty Advice, taking that perfect photo and the RULES after 40!

Get your tan on ... the safe and sunless way! Click here to learn how.

If you want to look better naked, but haven't got the time to get toned before your next trip to the beach - fake it a little with a sunless tan. Did you know that up to 80% of the wrinkles on our faces are caused by the sun? 

A survey of over 7000 people, conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology, revealed that although a vast majority of people have concerns about skin cancer, 72% of these people admitted they think they look better with a tan. 

The sun's UV rays speed up aging on our skin and show up as wrinkling, freckling, brown spots and changes in skin texture as well as skin cancer. People that live in sun intense areas like Arizona and Florida can see signs of photoaging as early as their 20's. 

The good news is that you can prevent this risk by staying out of the sun and using sunscreen daily, and then go get your Tan ON the safe way   ~SUNLESS.

Need an excuse to sleep in? Beauty sleep is no myth! Research from a study published in the British Medical Journal showed that people are perceived as more attractive if they get a solid 8 hours of shut eye.

Sleep deprivation is also associated with obesity. A recent study showed that people who only slept 5 ½ hours at night ate 25 percent more calories after dinner than they did when getting a good 8 hours of sleep. When you are sleep deprived, cortisol levels rise. Cortisol often makes us feel hungry and can raise insulin levels, increasing fat deposition around the abdomen. People who are tired also crave more fattening foods and carbohydrates because a lack of sleep increases the release of ghrelin, a hunger hormone. And let’s face it you can’t be snacking if you’re sleeping. When you snooze - you lose, weight that is!

While you’re sleeping your brain and body are still active, deep sleep triggers a release of growth hormones that help build and repair cells and tissues including skin. Once you have lost sleep, it is lost. Not even make-up can hide the beauty depredations of poor sleep.

Rest is regenerative for your skin, your face, your body and your brain. Most of us have experienced a difference in how we feel after a good night’s sleep vs. a poor one. Many studies have shown that you are more alert after a good night’s sleep. Sleep can improve your memory, reduce stress and help reduce mood disorders. With enough sleep you’ll look refreshed, sharp …. AND more beautiful!

Practical would not be a word I would use to describe myself, but one thing a model must always be is prepared! 

1. Keep a pair of cheap knee high stockings around to get those white deodorant stains off your clothing after you pull it over your head. Start at the top of the spot and wipe in a downward motion. 

2. Double stick clothing tape is a must have for those unexpected wardrobe malfunctions. Plunging necklines, peed-a-boo straps, falling hems, and tube tops dresses can all be rescued with these tapes to keep you covered up and your clothing where it belongs. Try Hollywood Fashion tape strips, 36 for $7.50 or Braza's tape roll for less than $6.

3.  Nothing looks tackier when you cross your legs and reveal a price tag on the sole of your shoe.To remove easily, without ruining your nails, get out your blow dryer! Heat up the glue on the label and then it will easily peel off.  Rarely will there be any remaining residue but if there is use WD40 or Goo Gone to clean off completely.  (This tip also works great of stickers used on the glass in picture frames).