Happy 31st birthday, Karolina Kurkova! Since landing her first runway show at age 15, the Czech supermodel and former Victoria's Secret Angel has graced the covers of coveted fashion magazines around the world. The Hollywood "Walk of Fame" recipient has been recognized as one People's 100 most beautiful people in the world, while still landing campaigns for Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Yves Saint Laurent. In honor of Karolina Kurkova's birthday, take in these 10 tips on how to live like a supermodel!
Don't Be Impulsive With Your Hair
Power Walk in Stilettos
Here's a secret I learned early in my career: Tensing the muscles in your calves provides more balance so you can walk, not wobble, in even the most towering heels. For me, Pilates is the best exercise regimen to strengthen legs without making them big.
Skip Makeup-But Not Sunglasses
Instead of trying to do my makeup first thing in the morning before I leave the house (nearly impossible when you have two kids), I just slip on a big pair of shades. They hide tired eyes and allow me to get ready in a more peaceful environment, be it the office or at a photo shoot.
DampG sunglasses, $159; sunglasshut.com.
Drink Your Way to Good Skin
There are lots of creams that will make your skin look and feel nice. But I still believe that drinking at least a liter of water and several cups of peppermint tea a day is the easiest way to make your skin glow.
Be Your Own Seamstress
Switch Your Scent Midday
My recent work modeling for DampG has taught me about having a fragrance wardrobe. Now after I shower in the morning, I apply L'Impamp#233;ratrice, which is very fresh and green and makes me feel like I've really woken up. In the afternoon, I switch to La Lune, a sophisticated floral.
DampG No. 18 La Lune and No. 3 L'Impamp#233;ratrice eau de toilette, $65 each/3.3 oz.; at Nordstrom.com.
Leave Your Hair Slightly Damp
A stylist on a photo shoot once told me that to enhance hair's natural texture and to make a blow-dry more interesting, you should never dry it 100 percent. I use Kérastase Creme to keep my ends from frizzing. It also helps prevent split ends, which I tend to get because my hair is dry.
Kérastase Creme UV Defense Active hair cream, $34; kerastase.com.
Pose For Pictures Like a Pro
2. Turn on an angle. Whether you are standing or sitting, never have your knees directly facing the camera.
3. Choose your smile. I've used thousands of different smiles over my career, but two classics every woman should know are Marilyn Monroe's big laugh (left) and Anita Ekberg's subtle grin (right).
3 Concealers Instead of Foundation
When I started modeling at 17, makeup artists were always using too much foundation. I learned you get a more natural finish by skipping foundation and applying concealer only where needed. I buy three shades and use the darkest on my cheeks and forehead, and the lightest under my eyes.
L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail concealer in fair/light, light and light/medium, $10 each; at CVS.
