I have been watching the VS Fashion Show since it first aired. in 2001.
I love it.
It’s like the Olympics of sexiness.
Do I think that everyone should go around looking like a Victoria’s Secret Model? No, that’s absurd.
I do think that everyone looks a WHOLE lot more like one than they realize, though…
and sometimes it feels nice to prove to yourself or anyone else that the gap between us and them..
isn’t quite as big as you might think.
Here are some of the “secrets” I’ve discovered through years of investigation that can make this
regular Joe Shmo…
…feel as sexy as ever.
{photo taken before & after the VS treatment!}
1. There’s nothing wrong with a little extra hair:
I love clip-ins! They give me tons of volume and if you want more length of course they are good for that too!
I prefer them because you can take them out as soon as you are tired of of having a bunch of hair (which you definitely will be) and they stay styled until you are ready for them next! PLUS they are a million times less expensive than the semi-permanent ones and much less damaging.
Clip in Real Human HairExtension
2. Foundation can migrate…
Have you guys tried this stuff? It’s amazing! It turns your legs into tan, smooth, shiny beams of light!
Sally Hansen Airbrush Leg in Light Glow
Beware: can be EASILY misused though so here’s what I do:
I spray about 12 inches from my skin in the area I want spiffy. Then I let it dry completely. Next I take body lotion and use it to smooth out the makeup and create a sheerer more natural looking finish. Then let it dry before you touch anything.
I ONLY do this for special occasions because it will rub onto your clothes…but oh wow, you never looked better nude than with a coat of this!
3. Heels.
This really isn’t a secret. I hardly ever wear them anymore but when I do, I feel instantly sexier.
4. A little well placed shimmer can work wonders
It REALLY brightens your eyes and looks awake and youthful
and totally plumps your pout!
I used 3 colors from my Lorac Pro Palette (my very favorite, I use it in almost all of my looks!)
Taupe(in the crease), Nude(to highlight) & Light bronze (over the whole lid)
5. Falsies!
Ardell Lashes, Demi Wispies Black
Here’s my vid on how to apply these…it’s good info but SOO old, I really need to do a new one!
6. Confidence and a smile!
Being happy and feeling comfortable in your own skin is BY FAR the sexiest thing.
When we are feeling insecure I think it’s so easy to grab a mirror and try to look for the fix in ways to change our appearance.
but that is a dead end.
I always say if you are feeling bad about yourself…get up and do something to feel good about!
Just doing something sweet for someone can make you feel so much better and worth while.
Or making a goal and reaching it.
Don’t get me wrong taking pride in your appearance, looking your best and experimenting with the fun of makeup does brighten your mood and feel good but tearing yourself down and striving to look “perfect” does not.
7. Spotlight your fab features!
Eye: I used a felt tip liquid liner and extend the corner of my liner towards the end of my brow.
{makes eyes look bigger and lashes too}
HAC: Broken record, I know. VS backstage practically taught me how to HAC so I had to mention it.
{learn how and why to HAC here}
Brows: I use a duo- one slightly lighter shade of brow powder on the edges to soften the look.
Anastasia Brow Powder Duo Ebony
Lips: I layer a lighter shade of pink gloss over Buxom Big & Healthy Lip Cream in Pink Lady
to create a luscious lip!
{the main color is also a plumper for added bonus!}
8. Fight gravity
Clip you hair while it’s still warm from the curl.
I clip the “bang” curl really low on my forehead which creates a:
I hope you guys find some of these ideas useful, let me know what you think.
Oh & Happy watching everyone!
You are beautiful!
WOW!! You look amazing! Great tips!
This blog post is fantastic! I looove the VS show and watch it every year too, but I live in England so its a bit more difficult! You look great!!x
I’ve been using Sally Hansen Airbrush Leg in Light Glow for a few years now (for special occasions or when it’s pencil skirt season in the office & my legs are scary white from winter) and love it. I apply it a little differently & find it does not rub off on my cloths as much. I moisturize my legs first and let it set for a few minutes, when I apply the airbrush legs I spray it in my hands and rub it into my legs, the moisturize helps spread it all around, avoiding harsh lines & making it more natural looking. When I shower I have to scrub my legs to get it to come off. I find that spraying it in my hands avoids back spray on other things (like my toilet, which my foot is propped & my bathroom floor), I just wash my hands with soap and there is no evidence left. Love the post today. Thanks.
oooh good info! thanks I am going to try this next time!
Katie, I do the same thing only I use latex gloves. No mess in the sink just throw away the gloves. I also use a couple drops of lotion or baby oil gel and mix it with the leg makeup before putting it on. It goes on easier and gives your legs a beautiful sheen!
I use gloves too! I moisturize first then spray directly onto my legs and use the gloves to rub it in. Then I don’t have streaks and I get a nice even glow. I do lay a towel down to catch the extra spray and I make sure my legs are completely dry before getting dressed. I never have color rub off and I have to scrub my legs clean in the shower. Works great and I love how it makes my legs look!
You are soo beautiful! With and without VSecrets
That leg airbrush thingy looks great on you. Unfortunately we cannot get it here in Germany. Have to look for an alternative..
Thank you
xoxo
Hey there fellow German,
try using dm’s Balea self-tanning gel (if you are not opposed to self-tanners that is), it gives instant color and it has shimmer particles, I use it twice a week and I look like I just stepped off a beach for 2 – 3 days.
It’s also only about 3euros or something, so even if it doesn’t do the trick for you, it’s no big loss.
take care
Lisa
hello, im in Germany too & was wondering where you get that self tanner?
hey lizzy,
you can get it on amazon.
i’ve seen it there.
greetings from cologne…
If you or your husband are military I know you can get it on base! If not, Kaufland has some during the summer time as does Globus. Hope this helps!
Kaitlin
Hi from Kusel!
I am going to bet on this post being your biggest hit to date!
Pure amazing-ness!
You know what I dislike? Knees. I think they’re ugly, but you have some of the nicest knees I’ve seen. 8O)
I agree!!!!
Love this post! I’ve been watching the show since 2005, and love seeing what amazing outfits they come up with. A tip I can add is to watch your posture! I personally have terrible posture, and there is a huge difference in how a woman looks when she stands up correctly.
Great post! I would love to see a post about how you put in the extensions and then styled them!
Good idea! I will do a post!
yes! I was going to ask if you style them with your regular hair…would love a post on that!
Love this Cara, you are such a gorgeous girl! Any suggestions on where we can find the extensions elsewhere? Amazon is sold out
Thank you so much! I just updated the link to one that has them in stock but you can also get them at Sally beauty, the only problem is the ones there don’t come with clips so you have to sew them on…I need to do a tut!
I got extensions at Sally Beauty that already had the clips in them and I like them. Even better is that my friend who is a hair stylist dyed them to match my hair exactly (strawberry blonde–an often difficult shade to match). Something to consider for those who think they would wear them often. And a tutorial on how to clip them in would be awesome. After all this time I feel like I still don’t do it right! Thanks for the awesome post!!
You are right on! I always tell people to take their hair to their stylist and get it matched! Such a great idea thank you!
It’s crazy, all the tricks that are used to make these women look so gorge!! It’s kind of nice to know that most (if not all) models have fake hair, fake lashes, fake tan, fake bone structure (HAC), etc. to get the “perfect” final result. Now I don’t feel so bad being an all-natural kind of gal. That is just way too much for me
P.S. You look soo beautiful in the before AND after!!! <3
Thank you Julie! and yes, much too much work for me 90% of the time too!
I’ve been wondering about the Airbrush legs! YES! I need that! Facing facts, I need one for the whole body….I’m practically see-through I’m so pale.
I love this post! Will you tell us more info on the clip in hair extensions ? I have always wanted to try theese but I have been to intimidated to try them out! Thanks for keeping us all looking beautiful Cara!
Yes~ it’s my next tutorial! Promise:)
Love you! Love the simple makeup. And love that you put on a silky pink robe! Too cute!
I love ur blog all the time but this is my FAV post so far!! Thank U!
i love this!! i love your confidence, but your complete lack of arrogance. you make girls feel wonderful and give them the tools to look like they feel. thank you for just being HELPFUL instead of promoting yourself with a God complex like so many others tend to do!! xoxoxo<3
Hannah! haha this comment totally made my day:) You are awesome.
Totally obsessed with your blog:) love love all the tips and tricks! Was wondering what you used on your eyes as far as eyeshadow goes for this look?? So pretty!! Thanks!
THank you! I have a link above, but I used Anastasia Brow Duo in Ebony. I love her products! It’s a little pricey but LAST FOREVER!
Im so dumb! you said eyeshadow!! so sorry! I also added a link above but I used the Lorac Pro Palette, I use it in almost every look! It is AMAZING and SO versatile.
Taupe(in the crease), Nude(to highlight) & Light bronze (over the whole lid)
Oops, no I’m a dumby:) haha totally missed that link!! Thanks for pointing out for me:)
I came across your blog, and it is really amazing! So grateful you are sharing your knowledge of little things like this that can make a difference in your confidence in your own skin, in how you feel and look. Thank you!
Cara!!
This is one of my favorite posts that you have done- AHHHH-mazinnnggg!!! Not only do you look great, but sharing these lovely secrets is spreading great-looking vibes to all us readers
Love the tips!!! I have my bf’s holiday Xmas party this weekend, where I will be trying out this new leg makeup, as long as after one or two cocktails, I remember to shower it off before I sleep. 
Adore your blog!
XO Jenna
Demureindiamonds.blogspot.com
Which eyeshadow brand/color are you wearing in the “after” pic? Love it!
I have the link up there as well but it is the Anastasia Ebony Duo, such a perfect brow line!
Thanks Cara! Is that the eyeshadow though? I see the link for the brows, but not one for which eyeshadow you used. It’s a really pretty flattering color!
haha wow talk about reading that wrong! so sorry! I also added a link above but I used the Lorac Pro Palette, I use it in almost every look! It is AMAZING and SO versatile.
Taupe(in the crease), Nude(to highlight) & Light bronze (over the whole lid)
Love this post cara!! you’re amazing!
I know you used the Anastasia brow duo for your eye brows but what eye shadow did you use? Was UT from the lorac pro pallet?
Great info! Just wondering what color Buxom lip gloss you used? And when you layer the two glosses, do you put the lighter one all over your lips, or more towards the middle? Thanks!
Hi Talia! I used Pink Lady and with the lighter one I did mostly just the middle and on top near the bow of my lips:)
Hi you look really gorgeous with that make up and your hair looks awesome. I have a question that has nothing to do with the look, what program do you use to add text and arrows to photos, I would greatly appreciate you to tell me
Thank you!! I used Photoshop and a brush for arrows I got free from deviantart.com (can’t remember what it is called) but if you go to the website and search arrow brushes you’ll get tons of options, the font is Jenna Sue ( I think from myfonts.com)
I’ve been reading your blog for about a year now and this is the first time I’ve decided to comment. Just wanted to say: I LOVE YOU FOR THIS POST. This is exactly what I’ve been saying lately: we’re all Victoria’s Secret Models! You’ve just proved it. Thank you and stay amazing
Katie Marie, That’s EXACTLY how I apply the leg stuff too! Never rubs off on clothes and if you didn’t scrub it off with a washcloth it would last for days!! Easier even than self tanners!
Wow!
Who would have thought?
Did you use the lip plumper in the shade titled “Dolly”? That is what the link is taking me to and I just wanted to make sure that it was the right one because it looks a little dark online. Thanks! Ps. I would love to see a tutorial as to how to style/use the clip in extensions! They’ve always intimidated me!
YOu got it girl! The color is Pink Lady, sometimes when it gets sold out it switches the color on me so I will get a new link!
Love this! It’s amazing the difference a little self tanner can make
Have you done a tutorial or Q&A on hair extensions? After years of long hair, I recently cut it to be collar-bone length and love it. However, despite by best teasing, sometimes I think I need a little more volume for a night out on the town. Would short, volume-inducing extensions work well for this?
Thanks,
xx
YES! Definitely! I didn’t use it to add length at all just volume! and the shorter ones are cheaper too!
aaaalsoooooo… this is unrelated to the post (which i loved) but what program do you use to put your arrows and words on your pictures? it just completes your pictures. i love it!
Cara,
I happened across your blog one day by a happy accident. I never regularly read blogs; however, I read yours religiously! I adore it! You are absolutely amazing, & gorgeous to boot. You make everything so easy & the confidence that you promote & Im sure instill in others because of your amazing posts is truly awesome! Thanks for being you!
Have an amazing day, & keep on keeping people’s lives hppy!
Always,
Kristy
Thank you SO much Kristy, thanks for making MY day!
I can’t tell you enough how much this comment means to me.
Love,
cara
I found this on Pinterest and LOVE your tips! You make me feel like I’m just as gorgeous as a VS model. I have a question though… Can you PLEASE do a more detailed tutorial on how to curl and clip? I tried to search your blog and found great hair tips but still unsure of the curl & clip method.
Thanks for all your beauty tips!!!
haha YES! Seems to be a popular request so I am all about it! It’s the next tutorial in the oven PROMISE!
Awesomeeee! I do all of this already just need to buy my VS robe!
Okay- found you on Pinterest. First of all, you are GORGEOUS. Second, I LOVE these tips! I am so using these…and that is really uncommon for me because usually I do the minimum makeup and wear mom clothes! hahaha. Love your blog.
What shade of Buxom do you use here?
Pink Lady, sorry the link got sold out and went funky!
Hi Cara!
Wondering which curl technique you used for this look? Another fantastic post from you. I have the VS show on my DVR and always wonder how they look so “done but not over-done” with makeup and hair. You showed us all the secrets! Thanks as always for all your wonderful tips and tricks.
Girl love your tips and you on a side note you are absolutely stunning! Have a blessed day! xo
Love this so much! I am soooo not good at doing my own makeup so when I came across this tutorial I thought, “ya, she is a professional so of course it looks AMAZING”. Then, I tried it. WOW! I just want to say thank you for taking your time to teach me how to apply makeup with a stunning result
I just had a baby a few months ago, and really felt sexy (that’s right SEXY!) for the first time in a while. My husband was even like, “whoa”! So, thank you so much for all of your great tutorials, they are lovely. And the way you explain things is so easy to understand and actually works, unlike a lot of tutorials I have tried to do myself.
Danielle! That makes me sooo happy! I bet you look fantastic either way but I am so glad you felt SEXY! Every woman needs to feel that way!
Thanks for taking the time to comment, I really appreciate it!
I have always wondered if the airbrush legs work. I will have to try it now, your legs look amazing.
I love, love, LOVE your blog! I use extensions on the regular and was paying twice as much (if not more) for the same pair at Sally’s! I didn’t know you could get them through Amazon! Thanks for the post! Also, did you curl your hair with the extensions in, or did you curl them separate and clip them in later?
Thanks,
Thank you! I curl them separate and throw them in at the end, but I will be doing a tutorial to show it clearer as well:)
Dang! I’m a little peeved I JUST found your blog! Yesterday was the last day of my theatre make up class and I coulda used some of your pointers!!!
Nicole
nenemonster.blogspot.com
Here I was thinking I knew almost everything one needs to know about makeup short of being a MUA, then you blew my mind. Awesome. Thanks!
Hey Cara!! Thanks so much for taking the time to make the step-by-step HAC video!! I went out got most of the products and brushes that you recomended. I did it (probably not as well as you would have) but I sure received a lot of compliments on my make-up last night. My daughters loved the falsies and so did I! Thank you so much!
Thanks so much for including links to the products!! Great post
OMG great tips! You look beautiful <3 the look.
Do you rim your eyes in liner? Do you ever use a white liner instead? By the way you looks fabulous and these are such wonderful tips
very nice blog,will try. found this on interest
ment pinterest
Awesome ideas, and I loved that you weren’t all fake about it:) Just really good tips and especially emphasizing self confidence! Great article, thank you!!! P.S. I’m so excited to try that airbrush on my legs!!
Great tips! You look a bit like Whitney Cummings in some pictures too!
Wow, I’ve always been afraid to use the self-tanner, but that looks amazing!! I’m thinking of doing this for my bachelorette party, but the next night I’m getting married and I’m wearing a short dress (it’s Vegas, lol)… if I do it the night before for the bachelorette party, will it make my legs look horrible and streaky the next day for the wedding? Or can I do it two nights in a row?
Thanks! Love your tips Cara! You look beautiful!
Tomas self tanner. Sallys beauty supply. Is all i have to say. You will go from casper white to adriana lima brazlian tan in 10 mins. I couldnt live without this tanner…doesnt even comee closeeee to that airbrush leg stuff.
I’ve always been homely and kind of tom boyish, and I’m on a mission to look more like a girl
. The tips you have provided are the most helpful tips I have found. Thanks!
Beautiful! What is the name of the blush that you used with this look?
Thanks!
Did you contour your nose?
Very Good article! i love the looks and the tips!
Just ordered those extensions…. excited!!!! Thanks for the recommendation!
~LC
FitFashLife.blogspot.com
Wow this is such a great post! What size extensions did you get? The link you posted leads to 18″ extensions, but they seem a little longer in the picture.
“The Olympics of Sexiness”. Love that.
Great tips and probably the best blog post I’ve read recently. Well written and am impressed on you touching on self confidence and inner beauty.
Honestly, I think you look way more beautiful without all that makeup caked on, but the tips are great! Thanks!
Hi Cara!
I just came upon your site via Pintrest. Oh. my. gosh. I love your blog! I’m never buying a cosmo, glamour, etc magazine again. I’m coming straight to your blog for any/all beauty tips! Thank you for posting all the awesome content; I can’t wait to start HAC-ing
Holy cannoli, you look amazing. Great tips!
Wow that Sally Hansen leg tanner looks amazing! If only they would make
One that does not rub off, looking forward to m
I meant, looking forward to more tutorials
Hi Cara,
I was wondering if you can give suggestions for the VS look for girls with naturally curly hair like http://pinterest.com/pin/112308584429617644/ http://www.fashion-mags.com/p/img.html?img=http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_4XAtd43GeYw/THrX3woDlXI/AAAAAAAACHk/APB90teKlD0/s1600/09723_ELLE_12-2006_832_123_942lo.jpg . Thx.
I just found your blog through Pinterest and I love it. (This is saying a lot since I usually don’t follow beauty/fashion blogs.) I love the way you explain the techniques.
AMAZING!! I turned 40 this year and have been it! Tried these tips and looked and felt DIVA for the firstbtime in a long time! I love the beautiful message you promote! You are BEAUTIFUL inside and iut!
Loved your video..Great tips..Thank You
Plus,u are really beautiful+so down to earth!..Do you have any tips for covering scars..I had a cyst removed by a plastic surgeon on my face near my cheek..so self conscious..any tips would be greatly appreciated..it’s sort of a thin line..Yuk!Merry Xmas
Loved your tips..you rock+your beasutiful+down to earth!
..Do you have you any tips to cover a scar..I had a cyst removed by a plastic surgeon,this year+was left with a thin red 1 1/2 inch scar near my cheek…very aware of it..Yuk!..any tips would be appreciated!..thanks
Thanks Cara! Just did a combination of Victoria Secret hair and the basic smokey eye from a different post for Christmas Eve party tonight. Of course since I am a mother of two I had to get ready during nap time so lets hope it lasts… or lets hope I have a quick minute to touch up before every one gets here. Either way.. thanks for posting.
Merry Christmas!
Love your blog!! How do you do the cat eye thing with eyeliner? Been trying it for years a s it never turns out right. Wondering if all eye shapes can do it?? Thanks!!
Hi! Are those extensions the actual ones you have? I want to order some but am nervous about not being able to see them in real life. Thank you- this post was inspiring
Awesome! Now How did my husband know about these clips and not me?!?!? lol this is awesome!
Great post, I will have to try out Sally Hansen Airbrush Leg. Your before and after leg pictures have me sold!
I love the tip for the leg make up – you said it could be easily misused. Have you every had the leg makeup run on you – like if you get too hot?
Are the extensions on the link you provided the ones you have?
Does the leg make up cover up scars? I have allergic reactions and they leave scars on my legs and I can’t stand it, or is it just to make you look tanner?? Thanks in advance.
Oh, and you are gorgeous in all the pictures!
you look beautiful natural, wowwowow i hope you realize that
i wish i could wear falsies but im allergic to the glue and what every they put on it to make it sticky
but get advice thanks!!
I love your blog!
P.S- Can we trade legs? Mine come with free cottage cheese!:)
Hi Cara, I am stunned at the pic of your legs – !!!
The color looks so different! Fabulous
I’m definitely going to try this product from SH. My legs are always so..fair? Pale? No, they’re simply white :-/
For readers from Europe: the spray can be purchased on amazon.co.uk, a few selected sellers offer EU-wide shipment (Clockwork pharmacy, Sparkle&Shine and others.. I haven’t bought yet, tho)
I have a really pale complexion that I’d rather keep, but I love the shimmer of the airbrush legs! Can I use that stuff without giving myself a tan?
I step in the shower before spraying self tanner (with water off of course) ,that way it doesn’t get all over my bathroom.
I think you could tell me to use mustard on my face and I would believe you, and then run straight for the fridge. I absolutely love your blog, and I am going to purchase that airbrush leg stuff asap. Thanks girl!
Amazing!
what size of Curlers do you use?
Thankyou for such an awesome post Cara. Thoroughly enjoyed it all
Cara- do you usually put on your falsies before or after applying eyeliner and eyeshadow? I have been finding contradicting info online. I have been doing it before any other eye makeup, but I want to get your thoughts on it. Also, when applying falsies to someone else, what is the best technique? Its hard enough getting them close enough on myself, but on someone else I’ve hard a hard time getting the lashes close enough to their lashline. Thanks!!! You are truly awesome!!
This is pretty insightful! I always just assume they are naturally all that gorgeous…which they are, but I never really think about what goes into achieving “the look”. Great tips! I have never even heard of the leg spray, definitely going to have to try that out, wow!
So fun! Love it. Thanks for sharing!
Hi Cara…LOVE your blog. I started HACing after spending about two hours on your site one day and I am amazed. Quick question, because I love the extension idea. I followed your link to Amazon and found ones that actually ‘tape” in. Do you have any experience with these?
I like your “before” picture the most somehow. You’re naturally very pretty, and your face looks very youthful and fresh there.
Excellent tutorial.
Not that you look bad with makeup.
Such a great blog!!
Amazing! Thanks for sharing!
GREAT post, Cara! Could you do a tutorial on this makeup look? The eyes are absolutely incredible!
Your legs look great but please next time you could nail polish your nails or just remove the old one on your feet
I love your comment about how women look a whole lot more like a VS model than they think. I agree. People get so caught up in weight and face shape, but the truth is if we all had the same bone structure and body shape it would be so boring! I appreciate you whole heartedly HAC-ing changed my life and you’re to thank for that!
This is simply fantastic, Cara. I was brought here because of Pintrest. Your tips are so magnificent and I particularly appreciate the emphasis on smiling and being happy (It is my no.1 beauty secret) I love reading your posts because they are both informative and extremely entertaining and funny. Keep up the excellent work.
Is it possible to use the Sally Hansen tanning spray all over? Not just the legs?
Thank you! Your blog is amazing!
I love you! You are down-to-earth and beautiful in the best way….both inside and out. I enjoy your blog so much and love that you use products that everyday people with budgets can afford. Keep up the great work.
Just wondering, why would you scrub off the tanning spray? Why not leave it on? It works great b.t.w. Also do you have any tips on keeping your hair full after dancing? It’s seems that when I dance a lot and sweat my hair goes completely flat.