How to go from Geek to Goddess in a few minutes flat...

Christy Chilton
Aug 26, 2014
2 min read

As a web design /marketing nerd who often moonlights as a model, Once again I find myself preparing last minute for a photo shoot after countless hours in front of a computer screen working.

I have to be camera ready in less than 12 hours and to be quite honest, I feel nowhere near it.

This is definitely not the first time this has happened, so I'm pulling my quick at home pre-shoot pampering session.

While in preparation for tomorrows shoot, I thought I'd share some tricks I've learned over the years. All of the things listed ideally should be done on a regular basis, but if you're feeling run-down (as I am today), this is a bit of a kick start to rejuvenate you.

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate! You should be doing this daily, but when my skin feels a little dry or sallow, I drink about a gallon more than usual.
Exfoliate- legs, arms, chest, neck, face- including your Lips- I like to combine a bit of Vaseline with raw sugar and apply in circular motion with a toothbrush, This removes any flakiness or chapped lips and gets circulation going.
Wax/Shave (24 hours (if possible) prior to event/photo shoot and after exfoliating)
Dry brush skin in a circular motion, This also gets circulation going and helps to detoxify the skin.
Moisturize skin with a light body oil, I love sesame oil for this. It's important to do this after warm shower/bath while your pores are still open.
Get a Facial, if you don't have time for an appointment- You can do a mini-one at home. (I've listed an easy one below)
Double check manicure/pedicure- should be nude toned, well shaped & freshly painted
Tweeze any stray brows
Wash hair 24-48 hours prior to shoot (depending on your hair type)
Deep conditioning treatment (24-48 hours prior)
Before bed, I apply both sesame oil and a thick hand/foot lotion to both feet & hands, then wear gloves and socks to sleep
I personally prefer to get a light sunless tan so that my skin (that's been indoors in front of PC) glows and is more radiant.
Here's a quick at home facial (all natural)
Use a gentle cleanser, preferably with a facial brush
Exfoliate with gentle circular motions using slightly warm water
Set tea bags on the eyelids for 20-30 minutes (I blend camomile and black tea-in order to combine the soothing effects of camomile and the natural caffeine in black tea to wake the skin up)
Cold spoons over the eyes for 5-10 minutes (put them in freezer beforehand)
Use whole milk as a soothing toner
Raw Honey as a mask (20-30 minutes on) (honey is naturally antibacterial and contains powerful healing enzymes, it also definitely softens the skin & adds a nice glow)
Remove with slightly warm water,
Apply a serum to skin
Finish with a thick night cream