Mirror, mirror on the wall, how do they manage to look so fresh, slim and tall?

Unfortunately, not all of us have been blessed with special beauty genes. But here’s a secret for you – neither have models. Looking stunning comes at a price, the currency of which is determination, working out and watching closely what you eat.

Models Jessica Henry, Madeleine Baldacchino and Nikki Zarb Cousin are beautiful and talented and have featured in various magazines, adverts and catwalks. Here they tell us what it takes to look good.

Jessica Henry

Age: 25
Occupation: Mother

Why do you model?

Modelling is an interesting experience. I get to meet a lot of colourful people and it’s also a great confidence boost.

What is it like to model in Malta?

For one thing you don’t have to worry about lack of sunshine if you’re doing an outdoor shoot. I’ve never modelled anywhere else so I don’t have other countries to compare with. That said, the people I’ve met here – models, photographers, make-up artists, hair stylists, stylists, and other people working in the fashion industry – have all been extremely friendly and welcoming. This makes modelling in Malta a very pleasant experience.

What does your daily beauty regime involve?

My regime has always been quite simple. I don’t use a lot of products as my skin is quite sensitive. In the morning, I just wash my face with cleansing soap and use rose water as a toner. If my skin is feeling dry, I apply some moisturiser – I don’t use moisturiser every day as I find it too heavy on my skin.

I don’t wear any make-up unless I’m going out – in that case I’ll just apply some concealer, a bit of powder for shine, mascara and maybe some eye shadow. In summer, I also wear sunscreen with a high sun protection factor.

Before I go to bed at night, I remove my make-up and wash my face with warm water, followed by a splash of cold water. Then I apply nighttime under-eye moisturiser – being a mother of two often results in bags under my eyes. In winter, I also moisturise my hands as they tend to get dry with the cold.

How do you prepare yourself for a photoshoot or a catwalk?

I put extra effort into my beauty regime before a shoot or a show. Since I would be wearing very heavy make-up, I treat myself to a mask and moisturise my face. After the photoshoot or show, I remove my make-up and take great care to cleanse my skin by exfoliating or using steam to open my pores.

Do you follow a specific diet?

I used to be vegetarian before I was pregnant with my second child – then I went back to eating meat and fish to keep my protein levels up. I fully intend to return to a vegetarian diet once I’ve finished breastfeeding my baby. In general, I’ve always just been careful to eat sensibly and I try very hard not to eat too much chocolate.

Do you exercise?

I walk a lot and in summer I try to go swimming as often as I can. I’m also lucky enough to have a high metabolic rate and I don’t overeat.

Since having my second baby, I’ve been trying to be more active. Breastfeeding also helps take off excess weight.

How do you juggle your family life with modelling?

I find time to model when I can, which is when I’m able to find a babysitter to look after my children. Although I’m a full-time housewife, I don’t mind leaving the housework in order to model.

Any other challenges you face?

Having recently moved to Gozo, it has been a challenge to go down to Malta for shows and shoots – but that will get much easier as my baby gets older and less dependent on me. Moreover, my fiancé, family and friends support me a lot. Apart from that, I really enjoy modelling and intend to continue for as long as I can.

Madeleine Baldacchino

Age: 18
Occupation: Student

Why do you model?

I never really wanted to model but an opportunity presented itself and I took it.

What is it like to be a Maltese model?

Since in Malta a lot of people know each other, modelling gives me the opportunity to meet interesting new people.

What does your daily beauty regime involve?

In the morning, I usually just cleanse my face with rose water and apply moisturiser to help my dry skin. At night, before I go to sleep I cleanse my face to remove my make-up. I use cotton balls because they’re not harsh on my skin.

Then I cleanse my face with an oil-free face wash and finally moisturise again so I wake up with soft skin.

How do you prepare yourself for a photoshoot or a catwalk?

Having very transparent and pale skin, I prefer to wax my body hair rather than shave. I also research the theme of the particular shoot or show so that I’m prepared both physically and mentally.

Do you follow a specific diet?

Not really.

Do you exercise?

I like cycling, but otherwise I just burn the calories by dancing the night away.

How do you juggle studies and commitments with modelling?

Everything has to be given its due importance. I give my studies a higher priority over modelling as it’s very difficult to turn modelling into a full-time career.

Any other challenges you face?

Sometimes it’s difficult to convince the people around me that I’m just like any other normal person.

After all, modelling doesn’t make me special.

Nikki Zarb Cousin

Age: 17
Occupation: Waitress

Why do you model?

I enjoy it and it’s something I feel comfortable doing.

What is it like to be a Maltese model?

Being a model requires a lot of discipline in how you take care of your body. You also need a strong character and attitude to help you deal with rejection. Artistic skills will also help you make it in the industry.

What does your daily beauty regime involve?

In the morning, I wash my face with a basic cleanser to freshen up and keep my skin smooth and clean. Before I go to sleep at night I cleanse my face with a scrub to remove any dirt and apply moisturiser.

How do you prepare yourself for a photoshoot or a catwalk?

I just take a deep breath and be myself.

Do you follow a specific diet?

I don’t follow any particular diet. I just eat in moderation.

Do you exercise?

I’ve been dancing for 15 years now and I also work out at the gym three times a week.

How do you juggle your work commitments with modelling?

I try to strike a balance between the two. If I have an important event, I make sure I book vacation leavein advance.

Any challenges you face?

There are times when, during a shoot, you’re required to do particular expressions and poses which you might not be comfortable with. This can be quite a challenge. But other than that, I just enjoy it.