Models & Makeup - Bette Franke

Bette Franke
Makeup Inspiration

Possibly one of the best parts about being a model is having the opportunity to change your look at the blink of a smokey eye. Dutch beauty Bette Franke rates as one of my favourite runway models, for her captivating natural beauty, and her ability to wear any type of elaborate make up look with poise and femininity. The fact that she has the most striking blue eyes and glossy brown tresses is probably every hair and makeup artists' dream to work with. These are some of Bette's most recent and interesting runway makeup looks.

Flushing Pink

 Bette beautifully portrays a coy maiden with rosy flushed cheeks, a dewy complexion and subtle pink-tinged lips. This romantic type of mien requires a good skin-smoothing base or BB/CC cream, neutral eye-shadow, a multi-tonal pink blush, matte rose lipstick and a white highlighter applied on the bridge of the nose, forehead and the highest point of your cheeks.

Smouldering

 Bette is instantly transformed from a blushing belle to bombshell with just a flash of mascara, smudgy black kohl and bold eye-liner. Anna Sui presented an extended cat-eye, whilst at Emilio Pucci, Bette is pictured in a retro 60's doll-look. Both Lanvin and Versace accented the lower eye-lids with smokey charcoal. Anthony Vaccarello exaggerated the eye paint to below the brow bone and Gucci piled on fake separated lashes with layers of mascara.

Bronzed Beauty

All it takes to achieve that senational sun-kissed glow (without going on an island holiday) is a good bronzer or self-tanner. Brush a matte bronzing powder 2-3 shades lighter than your skin tone from your hairline (the point at the mid-section of your ear) downwards in an angle, to attain the illusion of more defined cheekbones. Don't forget to sweep some shimmering blush over your temples, chin and forehead as well. Keep the rest of your makeup palette - including eye shadow and lip stick - in warm brown to bronze tones for overall radiance.

Lip Sync

Bette is lucky enough to have those perfect pucker-me-up lips without the collagen. She wears bright high-gloss cherry red lipstick at Marc by Marc Jacobs and Barbara Bui, rich ruby at Dolce & Gabbana and unlined wine stained lips at Marni. At Oscar de la Renta, lips were berry-kissed with porcelain skin. Bette is pictured last in a hot pink opaque ombre look at Dior.

Fresh Faced

As stunning as she looks with defined eyes and bright lipstick, Bette's true beauty can be seen when she is styled with the least amount of makeup. Her luminous skin can be recreated with a tinted foundation and some concealer under the eyes. A nude eye-shadow, soft, peachy blush and clear lip balm is all is takes to create this engaging, fresh-faced look.

Eye of the Storm

Turning up the colour volume, Bette's stunningly blue eyes is highlighted by a blend of multi-hued pigments in exciting tones. A metallic theme at Ferré combined silver, pewter, black and gold for dramatic effect. Donna Karan went for a generous brush of magenta across the eyelids, whilst Jason Wu lined the models' eyes in an intense indigo. Green and blue glittery jewels decorated the eye-line at Christian Dior. I am currently obsessed with the gold dusted eye lashes at Dries van Noten, which would be easy to translate into real life. 

Which of these makeup looks best suit Bette Franke? 

Would you try any of them out?

Models & Makeup - Cara Delevingne

Makeup & Hair Inspiration
Cara Delevingne

It's always fascinating to see how models are transformed from one fashion show to the next with the help of makeup artists and hairstyle hotshots. Cara Delevingne is one such model, who can effortlessly go from a smokey eye to a fresh face without batting an eyelid (mind the pun) - looking stunning on each occasion. And she has the eye brows everyone adores. 
Here are some hair and makeup ideas from the world's most sought after supermodel.


Retro

Cara wears a 50's style head bow with orange shaded lids and a wide-swept fringe at Louis Vuitton. She is 70's chic at Pucci, with a shaggy hairdo and kohl rimmed eyes. Moschino brings out the best of the 60's with a voluminous coif, icy-white lined inner rims and bold, separated lashes, along with a popsicle red lipstick. At Marc Jacobs, the sixties theme is reignited, with a side-swept beehive, smudged eyes and nude lips, with an emphasis on her famous brows.

Eye Candy

Brightly shaded lids are all the rage, as seen on the SS13 runways. The styling at Jeremy Scott was punk rock with green painted lids and an unruly dark cropped hairdo. At Fendi, yellow and blue collide in a tribal themed eye. The makeup artists at Topshop, Just Cavalli & Chanel Resort 2014 were inspired by blue eye shadow, making it a profound feature. Opulent gold leaf lined the inner rims of Cara's eyes at Marchesa. She showed off metallic silver lids at Chanel Spring 2013, and purple smoked eyes at Jason Wu. A nude lip makes this trend pop.

Au Naturel 

Barely there makeup displays the youthful side to Cara's beauty. To recreate her flawless, fresh faced look, first start with a makeup primer. Then lightly mix a few drops of your moisturizer with your liquid foundation to create a more natural and less cakey finish. Use a concealer to hide any imperfections. Dust with translucent powder to set your base. Try a beige eye shadow on your lids and if you like using a liner, try brown instead. Circle an illuminator or bronzer onto the apples of your cheeks and gloss with a clear lip glass. Voila!

Lip Service

Bright, bold and bubblelicious lip shades are an instant makeup pick-me-up. At Diane von Furstenburg, Cara wears a deep fuchsia matt lipstick, with blown out locks. A striking shade of cherry red is seen at Jason Wu SS13. Cara is volumized with a curly coif at Marc by Marc Jacobs, in a rich red lip and little other makeup. Fendi goes dark punk for FW13 with a violet toned lip colour. Cara is pretty in a cerise pink glossy pout at Issa, with a lovely floral decked high twisted bun. Neons are not for everyone, but this hot pink hue at Giles is radiant on Cara.

Dark Optics

Coal-black dusky lids beautifully highlight Cara's blue eyes. The ideal version of a 'smokey eye' is perfectly portrayed at DSquared and Michael Kors, while Lanvin takes it one step further. Cara wears an extreme smeared and smokey look at Chanel Couture, which is only okay if you're on the runway. Do not try this at home folks, unless you're in a goth band. What you can try, is the glamourous cat-eye as seen at Anna Sui and Dolce & Gabbana. If you have an unsteady hand, just line your upper and lower rims with a black pencil, or in the case of Rag & Bone, you can completely miss the mark and draw outside the lines. Not really.

With the wave of a makeup brush, Cara Delevingne impressively conveys any type of look, from an after-dark party princess, a classic beauty, retro chick and modern colour maiden.

Which of Cara's beauty looks is your favourite? Would you try it out?

*Images via glamour.com, style.com and Tumblr.

Heidi Klum Vs Versace - A Supermodel Showdown

If you watched the 'MTV European Music Awards' over the weekend, you would have noticed the hostess with the mostess, Heidi Klum's 8 amazing wardrobe changes during the show; plus another for the after party. Unlike other presenters, Heidi's entire showtime closet comprised of specially handpicked dresses by Versace. The German supermodel has left little to the rest of Versace's celebrity fans to choose from for future events. 

Here's a look at Heidi's 9 outfits right off the Versace runway, and from one supermodel to the next, does Heidi outshine the runway girls?

Look 1: Heidi kicked off her EMA night in a gold studded denim blue one-shouldered gown with daring criss-cross lace-up detail on the bodice & thigh high split. Heidi kept the look as on the runway, opting for the same strappy boots. At Versace's SS13 show, Estonian model Katlin Aas wore the dress. Heidi's look is a bit too va va voom for me, I pick Katlin.

Look 2: Walking the red carpet, Heidi picked a sleek little black dress with metallic-stitiched mesh detail, from Versace's Fall 2012 collection. Silver grey platforms complete her look. Jasmine Tookes wore this dress on the catwalk. I think here Heidi wears it better.

Look 3: My absolute favourite dress of the night, a serene white woven bodice with voluminous chiffon layered skirt. Heidi stuck to the circus theme of the show, adding a black top hat and fingerless gloves. Polish beauty Kasia Struss wears the gown on the Atelier Versace Fall 2012 runway. Its a tie, they both look sensational.

Look 4: Heidi rings up the evening in a saffron orange crushed silk dress with black lace accents and knee-high gladiator heels. On the Versace Spring 2013 runway, the dress is worn by Danish model Nadja Bender. Another tie, they both look fetching.

Look 5: Heidi is elevated in a slinky black bohemian dress with beige lace trims and nude gladiator sandals. On the catwalk is Russian dame Anna Selezneva in the same dress. I'm giving this round to Heidi, I prefer her colour of heel.

Look 6: Heidi dons a sky blue tie-dye gown with cut-out bodice, gold waistband and super high slit. Anna Selezneva wears it on the catwalk. Again, I think both supermodels do great justice to this look.

Look 7: Heidi changed up into something more 'comfortable' for the after party, choosing a lavender blue mini dress with embellished skirt from Atelier Versace Fall 2012. I am going with Aymeline Valade from the runway on this occasion.

Look 8: Heidi wears another Versace SS13 outfit - a black leather coat with a beige lace and leather insert skirt. Dutch model Bette Frank wears it on the runway. I am not a fan of either. 

Look 9: And finally, Heidi showed off her best assets in a sunset canyon shaded tie-dye gown with risqué low cut-out neckline, leather studded belt and ultra high bordering-on-illicit slit. I much prefer Kel Markey wearing it on the runway.

Which of Heidi's Versace looks is your favourite or least favourite...and do you think she wears it better than Donatella's Glam Squad?


*Images via mtv.com and style.com

Sports Style Inspiration With Miranda Kerr

Miranda Kerr gets into great shape in the August 2012 edition of Harper's Bazaar Australia. In this Olympic inspired editorial, the stunning Aussie model stretches her limbs in the hottest sports ensembles. I loved seeing how stylist Vanessa Coyle took essentially non-sporty looks from the Fall 2012 runways and turned them into something sleekly athletic.

Miranda sets the acrobatic scene in a colour block and patchwork striped leather top with rounded shoulders by Céline. A pair of white Wolford briefs, Giorgio Armani gloves and pointy silhouette Céline pumps perfect this sports luxe look.

Miranda's toned physique is displayed in a long-sleeved black knit Ralph Lauren top with silver embellished neckline, and a pair of basic black Wolford bikini briefs. Her gymtastic look is accessorized with a blue chain Versace leather logoed belt & a pink Stella McCartney pouch. 

Bringing high end designer wear to the high rope, Miranda sports an eye-catching tangerine silk-crepe stretch dress by Versace, with the label's logo imprinted upon it. A blue Versace leather logoed belt and a black Adidas by Stella McCartney tee complete her outfit.

Miranda shows off her lithe figure and agility in a royal blue Lanvin sleeveless sheath dress and netted one-shoulded top. She carries all her necessities in a glossy silver Adidas by Stella McCartney moon bag and miniature media pouch. A Yves Saint Laurent leather belt accents her slim waist. Only a supermodel would need a diamond Cartier bracelet to work out.

Miranda raises the bar in a vintage floral print wool knit bodysuit by Dolce & Gabbana, clinched in by a wide silver leather Jimmy Choo belt. Her white pointy silhouette pumps are by Céline. Could you imagine any Olympic gymnast in this look? We would be paying more attention to the outfit than the floor skills.

Miranda balances out the sporting theme in a deluxe look by Lanvin. Her scarlet red neoprene dress is fitted with a ruffled collar and nipped in by a black Diane von Furstenberg belt.

Interestingly enough, Miranda Kerr was also featured in the exact same Lanvin dress in the August 2012 issue of Vogue Turkey. I much prefer the styling in the previous picture.

I've never been one for the urbane sportswear trend, but after seeing how it has been interpreted through this editorial, I have changed my mind. Is this a trend you're in favour of?

*Images via harpersbazaar.com.au

Gisele Colours The Pages Of Vogue

Spreading the holiday cheer and sprinkling some colourful confetti over the land of Vogue is the world's number one supermodel, Gisele Bundchen. The 31 year old Brazilian beauty stars in a kaleidoscopic fashion editorial for the December issue of British Vogue. 

Gisele is styled in a colourful array of outfits and wears an extensive mix of designers for the shoot, which is photographed by Mario Testino. Leather and lycra team up for the sporty, street savvy theme. Her look is all about fearlessly combining brights with bold accessories. Is this the start of a 'carrying-around-two-cluches-at-a-time' trend?  

Left: On the cover, Gisele wears a satin georgette Gucci blouse with psychedelic metallic lycra leather leggings by Pam Hoggs. Her disco diva look is complete with a Diane von Furstenberg belt and gorgeous gold cap-toed pumps by Christian Louboutin. Gold cuffs by Stella McCartney and Louis Vuitton.

Right: Tennis goes glam in a shiny gold dress by Stella McCartney for Adidas, with black leggings by Hervé Leger for Max Azria. A silk wool Marni jacket tones the look down. She carries a chain-strapped leather bag by Prada and smaller studded purse by McQ. Cuffs by Vionnet (gold), Alex Bittar (red) and Hermés (orange). 

Left: A stylish and sporty Gisele wears a turf green Mugler sweater, pink Diane von Furstenberg mini and black and white McQ leggings. The white leather pocket belt is by Michael Kors. Scarlet clutch and yellow pumps both by Jimmy Choo. On her arms, a yellow Hermés cuff and wooden lacquered Jimmy Choo bangles.

Right: Hot in pink, Gisele wears a scuba-inspired neoprene zip-up top by Michael Kors, a bright blue Jimmy Choo clutch bag and perspex bangles by Celine, Vionnet & Cornelia Webb.

Left: Athletic wear a la mode. Gisele is florescent in a mandarin orange Nike top with a green and blue Jonathan Saunders/Escada Sport skirt. The neon yellow leggings are by Cyberdog. Her look is accessorized by a black Hugo buckle belt and clutch bags by McQ and Michael Kors. Yellow cuffs by Hermés & Alex Bittar, gold studded bangle by Tom Binns.

Right: Gisele dons a navy blue skater girl dress by McQ, paired with crimson cycling shorts by Diane von Furstenburg. Her white belt is also by DVF, the black belt by Sonia Rykiel. She carries two clutches - a lime leather one by Michael Kors, red clutch by Jimmy Choo. Bangles by Hermés (yellow), Alex Bittar (pink) and Stella McCartney (gold).

Left: Gisele tries on a motorcycling cheerleader look in a fitted dark blue Zara top and silk-crépe pleated Gucci skirt. Cotton and leather patch leggings by Ground Zero. Belt and white studded purse by McQ. Mustard clutch bag by Burberry, with shoes by Christian Louboutin.

Middle: White cropped cotton jacket by Mugler, worn over a navy zip-up swimsuit. Sunny yellow DVF mini worn over Hervé Léger/Max Azria tights. Lime green leather bag by Emilio Pucci and pink purse by McQ.

Right: Baseball just got stylish with a black & orange raffia top by Roksanda Illincic. Canary yellow silk-crepe dress with pleated skirt by Gucci. She holds a bugglegum pink purse by McQ and black Michael Kors clutch. Her red hot heels are by Jimmy Choo.

Amidst the icy cold winter weather, a copy of this color-blocked concoction is bound to brighten things up. Do you think these vivid outfits would translate well in reality, and most importantly, would you wear any of them? 

How To Be A Victoria's Secret Angel

Victoria's Secret
Fashion Show 2011

The annual Victoria's Secret soirée took place in New York earlier this week, where a huge fuss was made over a little lingerie in an extravagant $12 million parade. While viewing the glamorous fashion show, I observed that there is a certain criteria to be met in order to be a 'Victoria's Secret Angel'. I've compiled a list for anyone interested in landing one of world's most sought after modeling jobs. 

How To Become A Victoria's Secret Angel

* You will need to be at least 1.78m or 5f 10in tall
* Have a 34-24-34 frame, which is the equivalent to a size zero
* Be ridiculously gorgeous. If you're an 'exotic beauty', that will put you up the list.
* Have amazing legs that go on forever
* Naturally glossy long locks and porcelain skin is a must-have
* Have an electrifying smile with enough wattage to light up Times Square.
* You should probably give up carbs and chocolate...and food in general.
* Spend at least 4 hours a day in the gym doing some form of trendy toning exercises. 
* Dating an equally good-looking and world famous rock star will amp up your appeal.
* And most importantly, you will have to wear itsy lingerie, walk in sky-high stilettos, carry a colossal pair of wings on your shoulders (that weighs 3 times your body weight) and look incredibly graceful while doing it.

If you fit all these requirements, Congratulations! You are on your way to becoming the Next Victoria's Secret Supermodel. As for the rest of us, we can just admire the exquisite creations that were shown at this years' Victoria's Secret runway show. P.S. Click on the image to see a larger version.


Aquatic Angels

The surreal mermaid theme is brought to life by bevy of international beauties including Russia's (and Adam Levine's) Anne Vylitsyna, top Polish model Anja Rubik, China's stunning Sui He, pretty Swedish blonde Caroline Winberg and Maryna Linchuk from Belarus. 

Super Angels

Step aside Batman/Spiderman/Superman, there is a new superhero in town and she is armed with a valiant cartoon coloured costume, daring thigh-high boots, a killer smile and a whole lot of sex appeal - which is often mistaken for a super power.

Be My Valentine

Wrapped in shades of Valentine, ribbon, feathers and tulle are Australian supermodel Miranda Kerr, Brazilian beauty Lais Ribeiro and New Zealand newcomer, Jessica Clark.

Supermodels of Swan Lake

 A ballet-inspired theme in a sugary blend of sweet pink, lemon and dreamy blue hues. Chanel Iman makes leg warmers look sexy, Alessandra Ambrosio does her best impression of Black Swan, German model Toni Garrn flaps her butterfly wings and Dutch dame Doutzen Kroes strikes a dramatic pose in her blue and white tutu.

 A Black and White Affair

These are my favourite costumes from the collection. Lily Donaldson's black and white ensemble with the vintage lace wings. Brazil's Flavia de Oliveira looks ravishing in all black. I love the striped and layered tulle skirt worn by Estonian model Karmen Pedaru. The umbrella adds a vintage touch to her alluring Edwardian outfit. Cameron Russell wears a coquettish number with a high-collared corset, suspended feathers and black lace gloves.

Show Stoppers

 Brazilian supermodel and Victoria's Secret veteran Alessandra Ambrosio balances the elaborately beaded Passion Play wings, which weighs around 30lb/13kg. It's rumored to have taken seven years to make! South Africa's own dreamgirl Candice Swanepoel looks like a Grecian goddess with her gilded wings. Miranda Kerr brought the sensational show to a close, wearing a $2.5 million Fantasy Treasure brassiere, encrusted with 3400 precious stones. I'm guessing it comes with it's own safe and bodyguard.

So there you have it, another bout of the supermodel syndrome at the Victoria's Secret 2011 fashion show. I wonder if they get to keep the wings?

Supermodels & the Little White Dress

Who better to carry off the Little White Dress trend than the supermodel. Victoria Secrets' Rose Huntington-Whitely and Brazilian bombshell Gisele Bundchen wore their LWD's at two separate events this week.

Rose is a classic beauty in a fitted long-sleeved cut-out dress by MaxMara. She paired it with a leopard print clutch and nude Sergio Rossi heels. Gisele is white hot in a Victoria Beckham sheath dress. She broke it up with a black skinny belt and peep-toes by Christian Louboutin.