I was so fortunate to be able to work with Ismini Papa at the Ralph Rucci show at New York Fashion Week in September. She is gorgeous and such a chameleon. She looks different in every photo and every outfit, the sign of a great model.

Ismini was born and raised in Athens, Greece and started modeling eight years ago while going to school. She has modeled internationally for over five years and has lived in London, Milan and now lives in NYC. One of her favorite places to go is Sydney, Australia (mine too!). Ismini likes doing photo shoots and runway shows as well.

Here are Ismini’s tips for getting and staying gorgeous.

Rule number one for healthy skin is a good make up remover and moisturizer that work for your skin. I always use Bioderma make up remover and the light moisturizer (water based) by Avene.

Bioderma Make up Remover. I can vouch for this product too. I have very sensitive eyes, and this is the only product I’ve found that doesn’t sting. Free shipping. $35

Avene Light Hydrating Cream. Free shipping. $38 for 1.35 oz.

Once a week I try to do a little body polish when I take a shower, so the skin can be healthy and fresh! Last year, on one of my trips to Australia, I found this organic brand called Ikou and since then I’ve become a huge fan! I like the body polish for body, hands and feet with organic jasmine, hibiscus and coconut. It’s not harsh considering other polishes and it leaves the skin with good moisture and coconut scent!

 Ikou Body Polish. Approx. $57 including shipping

If you are looking for a less expensive body polish, you can try this one, although it’s not organic and doesn’t contain as many natural ingredients.

Apotheke Coconut Jasmine Body Polish. $8.99 for 6 oz.

Another brand that I like to use and it’s not costly is Burt’s Bees. I am using the body lotion with milk and honey and the lip balm with honey as well. Coming from Greece, I grew up eating honey almost every day and I just love the scent of it.

Burt’s Bees Body Lotion. $9.99 for 12 oz.

Burt’s Bees Honey Lip Balm. $2.99

Almond oil is one thing I started to use recently. I put a little drop under the eyes and it helps a lot if you are starting to form dark circles.

Aura Cacia Almond Oil. It’s also great to soften any rough spots you have on your face, elbows or knees. $5.99 for 4 oz.

 

I don’t usually do much with my hair, since I have it done a lot with work, so on my free time I try to keep it fresh and natural. A simple way to give a bit of texture to the hair without much effort is a salt spray. I currently use the ”hair.resort.spray” by Kevin Murphy.

 Kevin Murphy Hair.Resort.Spray. $2.92 for 4.1 oz.

Last, in terms of make up, I try to keep it as simple as possible. Not a huge make up fan for my everyday life. On a special night out though I love using the matte lipstick ”Ruby Woo” by Mac and a nice shimmer on the cheekbones and nose. My all time favorite is  ”High Beam” by Benefit.

MAC Ruby Woo Lipstick. Free shipping and free returns. $15

Benefit High Beam. $26

Hope you enjoyed getting beauty tips from a fashion model. Thanks to Ismini for taking time out of her busy schedule to give us her tips! I can’t wait to try them!

xoxo

Illysia