Smashbox co-founder and celebrity photographer Davis Factor made a special appearance at Nordstrom’s in Santa Monica for Fashions Night Out—guests were offered a personal photo shoot from Davis. Obviously we all know that Davis is the king of taking amazing pictures. I had the pleasure of getting his top tips on how to look beautiful, amazing and glamorous when getting your picture taken.

How to Look Thin in Photos:

·         Everyone wants to look their thinnest in photos and a great tip to ensure you do is to stand slightly turned to the side. If your shoulders are perpendicular to the camera, you will look broader. Instead, try turning a bit. Once you’ve hit this position, turn your body slightly and look toward the camera tilting your head down bringing your chin toward your neck.

·         Also, posture is extremely important, if you stand up straight with your shoulders back, you will eliminate the possibility of having any unnecessary bulges that can make you look heavier in photos.

The Perfect Smile:

·         Many people are a little nervous about smiling. They don't think their smile looks good, but the perfect smile is something that often needs a little practice. I tell my clients to practice a smile in the mirror until you get one that you are comfortable and confident with.

·         My favorite is a soft, light smile. This is a smile that doesn't show as much teeth as you would when you are laughing.  It will never appear overdone or fake and will eliminate too much gum or teeth from showing.

A Few Beauty Essentials:

Before the camera flashes, take a quick second to be sure your makeup looks as good as it did when you got to the event or party. Most of the time it won’t and there are a few key products that if you use to touch up before photos are taken will make all the difference.

·         You want to make sure you are not shiny, so a great mattifying product such as a powder or gel will quickly eliminate a shiny face.

·         I tell my clients to always have gloss with them, a sheer colored gloss or lipstick will really accent a beautiful smile.

·         Reapplying a coat of mascara before photos begin will bring attention to your eyes and create a flirty look.

Most Importantly, Relax:

I was super psyched when I was asked to attend the Spring Shoes store opening in Manhattan Mall. A sister store to Aldo, it was definitely one of my most anticipated events of the summer. I mean, affordable shoes? How could I not be excited. C’mon.

$69.99

The city’s biggest fashionistas and bloggers were jam-packed into the space to check out the Fall’s hottest trends in shoes, boots, handbags, and accessories for the fall season. The event was hosted by Shine Media. Music was provided by DJ Reach, and delightful hors d’oeuvres and drinks were ushered around the crowded space. (Merci beacoup for the food, Indianna Catered Food)

$49.99

For me one of the best parts of the event was that each attendee was given a $150 gift card. Umm, free shoes for a bunch of press people? You can only imagine the chaos that ensued.

Spring Shoes offers similar styles to their big sis, Aldo Shoes and their prices were definitely right on! Shoes ranged from about $20-$120. Plus, they had all the newest trends like oxfords and booties that perhaps you won’t want to break the bank on (I never splurge on pieces I know I’ll only wear one season). There were bags too, some of them were definitely cute and a decent alternative to leather.

My purchase: $49.99. Obsessed.

Check out their website or Facebook page for more info!

Who's been keeping me company in my shower lately? My BFF Burt. My latest shower obsession is Burt's Bee's Cranberry & Pomegranate Sugar Scrub. It's 100% natural and it exfoliates my skin with its natural sugar crystals.  There are also cranberry seeds and pomegranate seed oils, which are packed with beneficial antioxidants. 

The smell is intoxicating. Yummmmmmm. Plus, I know that all Burt's products are always free of petrochemicals and synthetic ingredients like Phthalates, Parabens and Sodium Lauryl Sulfate.

Pick up yourself a tub of this delightful scrub at your local drug, grocery store or at Burt's Bees online.