Would you like to front a famous beauty brand like L’Oreal Paris or Maybelline New York?

Are you unsure what the cosmetic industry looks for in a beauty model?

Perhaps you’re unsure how to get into the industry?

It’s natural to have all these questions and concerns about a potential future in such a competitive industry. But don’t let your insecurities prevent you from trying; new talent is regularly sought after in this ever-evolving, glamorous industry.

Here are the 5 qualities beauty models should have in order to improve their chances of success.

Even Facial Features

Most cosmetic brands look for a symmetrical face with even features. Many beauty shots are extreme close-ups, so casting agents will be on the lookout for good lips, eyes, brows, cheekbones and jawlines.

Successful beauty models do not have to have all these qualities, but having at least one good stand-out feature will definitely help agents to notice a model.

The beauty industry tends to look for people who are naturally good-looking, unlike high fashion which tends to favour a unique look.

Ensure your brows are regularly groomed for a natural, appealing aesthetic; don’t over-pluck them, but similarly don’t leave them to look unfinished. Consider getting them tinted to help frame your face more. You want to create a natural, appealing base for any potential make-up clients.

Take care of your lashes by removing make-up carefully and using a lash serum to promote thickness and length.

Unless you are modelling for an alternative brand, do not get facial tattoos or piercings as this will narrow your potential work.

Flawless Skin

It is important for beauty models to pay special attention to their skin. Beauty models drink lots of water and eat a healthy diet to keep skin hydrated and clear.

It’s also important to spend time and money on skincare for a glowing, even complexion. Having acne will not stop you from getting jobs, but beauty brands in the skincare industry will prefer to hire a model who reflects the clear, radiant skin they believe their product promotes.

Clear skin is also easier for the on-shoot make-up artist to work with and will save the post-shoot photo editor time (and therefore money) as they will have less to edit.

Some models like to use special tools to help de-puff their undereye area and improve their circulation. ‘Gua sha’ is a special method of using a cool stone like rose quartz to gently pull the skin in outward motions. It is thought to help tighten skin as well as reduce puffiness.

You should also wear an SPF daily to protect skin from sunspots, wrinkles and damage.

Expressive

Facial expressions through the eyes and mouth are essential in the beauty industry. A good beauty model will understand the power of a smile or ‘smize’ (a term coined by Tyra Bank meaning to smile with your eyes).

It is essential that you are able to deliver emotions via facial expressions as the camera is focused solely on your face. It is a difficult skill to master, so beauty models need to practice controlling their facial muscles.

Try practising poses in a mirror. Find photos in magazines and attempt to replicate them. You should also take photos of yourself; unlike a mirror, you will be able to see yourself at different angles and figure out what you need to work on.

Luscious Locks

For beauty models who promote shampoo, conditioner or mousse, a head full of healthy, shiny hair is imperative. While extensions and hair dye may be used for adverts, it is still important to give agents a great base to work with.

Ensure that you look after your locks by getting regular cuts, using the correct products for your hair type, and eliminating the amount of heat you use.

Confidence

It is vital that you possess the confidence to succeed in any form of modelling, beauty modelling included. In beauty modelling, the focus is solely on you and a lot of the shots are a close up of your face. This means that the imperfections we all have (like blemishes and wrinkles) will be extremely noticeable.

Most beauty shots are highly edited before they go to print. Do not look at pre-edited beauty shots and judge them too harshly if you see the odd imperfection; no one is perfect. Remember that in reality, no one is looking that closely at your face. Photoshoots also use harsher lighting to pick up details, so keep this in mind too before you start to worry.

Some brands are starting to leave editing out to promote a more realistic beauty standard, so be sure you are comfortable with any “flaws” you have and ensure you would be happy to see them in print.

Do you have any top tips for beauty models? Share your experience and thoughts below…