Author Archives: Sharon Snowden-Hake

Steppin’ Out in Shades of Spring!


ColorBeauty Editor:
Sharon Snowden-Hake

It’s that time of year to let your tootsies out! If you’re like me, I don’t pay much attention to my feet during the winter months unless it’s a requirement for a modeling job. A pedicure is a must for Spring. I like to have a professional pedi to get me started and then I can maintain with my pedi egg, great moisturizer and metallic polish. This Spring the pendulum has swung in the opposite direction from an excess of neon, shocking color to the opposite spectrum. The emphasis at least for fingernails is on pretty, wearable colors with nude leading the pack and shades of cream, beige, pale pink and a few metallic accents in the running. This bodes well for me as I must always wear nude or a French manicure for modeling jobs. For toes you can still make a bright statement, but you may want to stick with classic reds, chic corals or muted yellows. On my toes, I like to mix in a little metallic with a hint of gold, bronze or silver. I find it to be flattering and still a contrast with this season’s bright printed clothing and accessories.

Now let’s move on to a rebirth of color for your makeup. I’ve noticed that eye color is emerging toward a gray/blue shade for any occasion, and by adding a shimmery version you can dress it up. Pastel eye color from the 1980s is making a comeback showing up in the way of blending blue, purple, and a hint of teal. The freshest looks are double edged, because the bold colors and strong dramatic eye shadow and liner are popular. However, at the other end of the spectrum we see more of a nude look with less liner and a choice of gold or bronze eye shadow and an overall glowing Midas touch including bronzers for radiant skin.

On a recent photo shoot, I learned that the trend for eyes and lips is to play off one another. For instance, if you have a brighter eye then you should wear a nude lip. With an earthy eye you could wear a classic red or vibrant lip. I don’t always follow the “rules” of the season, because a lot of it depends on your skin color, hair color and what looks best on you! It is fun to try the new trends, and then adjust to the fad to make it your own.

Don’t forget about your other body parts that are being exposed in the warmer months. Let’s get prepared for sleeveless tops, dresses, and shorter skirts. Now is the time to start a new workout regimen, especially if you have let it go during the winter months. You’ll not only look better, but more importantly you’ll feel better and more refreshed for Spring!

For more modeling and beauty tips go to n2modeling.com.

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Bring Back The Sun


Make-up or bronzer won’t go on well without good skin care and especially moisturizer. You want to create a beautiful canvas in which to add make-up.

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During the winter months, I start to look pale and my skin feels very dry from the elements. I was on a modeling shoot the other day and the makeup artist, Lisa, used bronzer on my face to give me some color. It was just enough to give me a healthy glow. I have used bronzer in the past, but wasn’t quite sure how to apply it. I always seemed to look a little muddy or blotchy. Lisa suggested that I make a 3 on both sides of my face. She started at my temple, came down under my blush and then finished on my jaw line. This added some contour and warmth to my makeup. It is amazing how a little bit of color can make you feel healthier. Nars has a fabulous bronzer in two different shades.

Since I like outdoor activities, I have a problem with dry skin. The winter months can be brutal. It’s hard to keep skin hydrated. Make-up or bronzer won’t go on well without good skin care and especially moisturizer. You want to create a beautiful canvas in which to add makeup. I start off by cleansing my skin. Next I apply a good toner, serum, and moisturizer. I use a lighter facial cream during the day and heavier at night. Lately, I’ve been trying Flawless perfection as my night cream by Laura Mercier. There are a lot of good skin care lines out on the market. It’s important to choose a line and stick with a routine. It’s easy to try various products, but the hard part is keeping up your skin regiment twice a day.

It’s not just my face that is dry, but also my entire body. I like to use a very natural body lotion with a light scent of grapefruit or vanilla. I can always tell a good moisturizer by the way it absorbs into my skin. After applying a light base of lotion, I add color to my skin by applying Loreal’s Sublime Glow, a moisturizer and skin tone enhancer. I find that if I add body lotion first, it goes on more evenly.

As a model, I will show up for a speaking or a spokesperson job and I will be required to bring my own clothes. I’m responsible for clean skin and a stylist will apply my make-up. However, on a photo shoot or a fashion show, I’m not sure what I will be wearing. I want to be sure my skin looks and feels healthy from head to toe.

For more modeling and acting tips go to n2modeling.com.

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Exotic Beauty: Bring that vacation feeling home


RelaxMake a reservation at a unique place you’ve never tried before and pretend you’re on vacation.

At this time of the year it’s easy to fantasize about getting away on an exotic vacation. However, even if you can’t get away, you can look and feel exotic while pampering yourself at the same time.

It’s been rumored that a new trend for many top celebrities is going back to the past and following ancient beauty secrets from Cleopatra, Queen of the Nile, and the beautiful ancient Egyptians. Of course, the stars are spending thousands on milk baths and Dead Sea salt scrubs, but you can replicate these therapeutic spa treatments in your own home.
You might start with a simple milk bath using whole milk or milk powder and adding some honey. Goat’s milk is also a good choice as it contains a capric and caprylic triglyceride which helps to moisturize. This is very beneficial because your skin can be so dry during the winter months.

Sea salts, especially from the Dead Sea, were prized. A great body scrub includes one part honey, one part natron (baking soda in today’s jargon), and one part Lower Egyptian salt (bath salts or sea salts). You should grind to a paste. For a beautiful scent, try a drop of frankincense and myrrh. Frankincense is a key ingredient in various anti-wrinkle solutions. Rub the paste onto your body, sit for a few minutes, and relax or meditate, then rinse.

As far as looking sexy and exotic, bold eyeliner is back! Again we reference Cleopatra and her almond-shaped black kohl-lined eyes, a trademark that transcends many eras. The trend is very popular today and can be achieved by simply using a black kohl eyeliner pencil. If you add some smoky eye shadow, you have a hot look for any evening soiree. You can even try green eye shadow. Green malachite was popular for eyelids in Cleopatra’s time. We see a resurgence of green eye shadow. It is featured on the popular show Pan Am which is a reflection of pop culture from the 1960s. Although the application is lighter, the green eye shadow is also popular today.

After a day of beauty and pampering yourself, you will feel refreshed and have a beautiful canvas in which to add make up and final touches. Make a reservation at a unique place you’ve never tried before and pretend you’re on vacation.

For more modeling and beauty tips go to n2modeling.com and see professionals in action.

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High Gloss Glamour


The Right Dress For The Right Occasions
Style & Beauty Editor: Sharon Snowden-Hake

A new wave has been ushered in for cocktail dresses. This season’s shiny, lustrous, and flirty party dresses provide a feeling of excitement and bubbly exuberance. High gloss glamour is apparent with flashy palettes, glitter and sequins. Jewel tone or gemstone colors like ruby, jade, amethyst and emerald were key in major designer runway shows. There was a traditional elegance that was far from innocent. Tough is back with lace, feathers, fringing and innovative cuts.

On the next few pages we are featuring dresses, gowns, and separates for women and girls of all ages. Whether you are attending a holiday party, the Harvest Ball, office party or special event, we have chosen a variety of options for each occasion.

Flashy styles this season include one shoulder, strapless and trapeze dresses featuring rosettes, sequin mesh, and lace overlays and insets leading the trend. Hem lengths are all over the board from very short mini dresses for the younger set to full-length gowns. Glamorous gowns are timeless and can be worn by all ages.

Dresses aren’t the only options for special occasions. A beautiful silk or chiffon blouse paired with a knee length skirt or slacks can be perfect for today’s working woman on the go. Simply changing into a mini or maxi skirt can make an easy transition from day to evening. Adding sparkly accessories can change an understated day look into a sexy and elegant ensemble for evening.

This season “bling” is back. Accessories like shiny oversized cocktail rings, gemstone encrusted bracelets, and metallic earrings can add the right finishing touch, and bring your look to the next level. Fabrics are shiny, sparkly, metallic and iridescent which embellish the mood for a festive holiday season.

“Lavish” yourself, find the perfect party dress, and shine into the moment!

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Light Up The Room


Style & Beauty Editor: Sharon Snowden-Hake

After searching for that fabulous dress or suit for a special occasion or festive party, it’s time to bring your look together. Accessories like jewelry and a clutch are nice touches.

The next thought might be, “What should I do with my hair?” Trends this season are showing waves and volume. Updos will never go out of style from year to year, and will certainly be in style this season.

Next it’s on to your makeup. I like to focus on lashes, because they accentuate your eyes. It’s been said that eyes are the windows to your soul. Beautiful lashes can make you feel and look glamorous. There are many ways to achieve long lashes. You might try using an eyelash curler and lengthening mascara. If you are going the inexpensive route, I prefer Great Lash by Maybelline. If you spend a little more, I like Peter Thomas Roth because it has a unique brush that separates your lashes.
False eyelashes are another way to go. You can try a full lash on a band or single lashes. I purchase lashes that look the most natural. I enjoy having long lashes, but I don’t want it to seem contrived. It’s like anything else, less is more.

Lately, I’ve been hearing about lash extensions. I’ve seen a few people with them and they look wonderful. Lash extensions need to be retouched every 2-4 weeks.

There are also many products on the market to grow your lashes longer and thicker. Latisse can be purchased through your doctor. Other products like Lash Relonge’ and StimulashFusion can be bought online. On all of these eye products and extensions, it’s important to do your homework to make sure they are safe for you.

Once your look is complete, it’s time to forget about your appearance. Step away from the mirror. Enjoy your evening, and let your personality shine!

For more modeling and fashion tips go to n2modeling.com.

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