Time to EXFOLIATE your frozen skin!

Why?  Because it's actually starting to feel like Spring.  It's a time of change and renewal.  Flowers are blooming, the sun is shining, and we're all coming out of some kind of hibernation.  And like a caterpillar becoming a butterfly, the skin on your face is screaming to emerge as well.  BUT the old skin has got to go!

Did you know fresh, young, happy skin is just below the surface of your face???

Recently, quite a few actors have asked me what to do about the dry, flaky skin that is practically begging to be removed on their faces...

There is a solution!  It's called EXFOLIATION.

When you exfoliate your skin, you are GENTLY scrubbing the layers of dead skin off the surface of your face allowing new skin to shine through.  Our bodies are constantly renewing tissue, just as our nails and hair keep growing.  You trim your hair and nails because it's waaay obvious when you don't, but with skin, you may not notice it building up.  Well, it is.  And in some cases, it is obvious.  Let this not apply to you...

You should be exfoliating twice a week.

Here is a list of exfoliators:

A very popular product is St. Ives Apricot Scrub




A lot of people swear by this product.  Some use it everyday.  I would not recommend doing that.  Too harsh.  It is also available in a sensitive skin form.

The product I swear by is Methode Physioderme's Bio-Gommage.  SUPER fancy sounding right??  It's from Switzerland and it's FABULOUS.



After I wash my face and pat dry, I smooth this stuff on while my skin is still damp.  I let it chill there for about a minute to create a mask.  Then with my fingers in an "away from the face" motion, I gently rub it off.  What that means is, I put my fingers on the sides of my nose and move them towards my temples.  For my forehead, I start at my eyebrows and move up towards my hair line.  When most of the product has been rubbed away, along with the dead skin, I rinse with warm water.  Then my face feels like a baby's.  I'm not kidding.  I do this process twice a week and I love it!

The mother of all exfoliators is the Clarisonic Sonic Skin Cleansing System... Pictured is the very popular Mia model:



This lady is not playing around.  This electronic method employs a scrubbing pad which gently and effectively removes dead skin and massages your face which loosens up anything a simple face wash could have missed.  It's so gentle; you can use it everyday.

So check these out!  One of them will be right for you.  Dry skin is not a good look.  And on camera, you definitely want to look your best.

BREAK A LEG!

A New Year! A New You? HEADSHOTS

So with all those actor resolutions out there such as "I will get an agent!" "I will book a pilot!" "I will update my website!", it's probs time to actually do those things.  You aren't getting any younger!  And the world desperately needs to experience your talent!  So when you walk into that room for your interview/audition, make sure of one thing other than that you wore clothing that day...

THAT YOU LOOK LIKE YOUR HEADSHOT.

The ones on your website, your 8x10, and the one you/agent/manager emailed.

Have less hair?  Get a new picture.
Rocking facial hair that you love?  Update that shot.
Went with that pixie cut?  Make an appointment with a photographer. (Doesn't Anne Hathaway look stunning??? omg)

And it's important to have a few pictures that look like you.  I love actor websites that have the "Gallery" heading.  There's about 5-7 pictures of them in different locations or styles.  So if the facial hair thing applies to you, keep a few pictures, but DEF add some updated ones.

I know a lot of actors who hate their headshot or just strongly dislike.  And they're totally vocal about it.  The makeup artist gave them a look they didn't like or it's waaaaay too photoshopped.  Well, it's a new year, get new ones.  NOW.

I've worked with some kick ass PHOTOGRAPHERS who do great headshot work.

Jessica Leigh: www.jessicaleighphotos.com

Ismael Cruz-Cordova: www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.930195239129.2619183.839869&type=3

Jon Mayor: www.jonmayor.com

Alexis J. Vail: www.alexisjvail.com

Ashly Covington: www.aphotogroove.com

I strongly recommend these artists.

BREAK A LEG!

PROP Talk!

I'm talking props today!  The use of these objects can totally add to your audition...

What is a prop?

It's a little extra item that's not necessarily attached to your body like wardrobe.  It gives you business to do during your audition.

Do you need a prop?

Go through your sides.  If you see a physical item that pops out at you that you could really use to enhance the audition, bring it and use it.  WITH INTENTION.

Let's say you refer to your extravagant necklace during the scene... Wear a necklace that is more than a chain.  If it's a comedy, wear a costume jewelry piece.  But don't wear one that may stab you in the eye... It's going to distract from your audition.

Let's say the script calls for your policeman character to show your badge.  How memorable would you be if you quickly flashed a prop badge.  Very.

Let's say you are playing an elderly character.  You could werk the BEEP out that audition if you bring a cane and use it to convey the emotion or feeling or comedy or whatever of that character.

Maybe you don't need a prop...

If during your prep, it feels awkward to hold the prop, scratch it.

NEVER BRING A PROP GUN TO AN AUDITION.  EVER.

Anyway, here are some stores to check out:

Reminiscence on 23rd between 5th and 6th aves
Abracadabra on 21st between 5th and 6th aves
Halloween Adventure on 4th ave between 12th and 13th st
Party City on 14th st between 5th and 6th aves


BREAK A LEG!!