Beauty Secrets From Chicago’s Coolest Models

We've taken beauty advice from everyone; our mothers, our doctors, our friends...heck, even a bartender or two has indulged us. And all that sage advice got us thinking: Why not talk to the gals who actually make beauty their business? So, we took a moment with four of Chicago's coolest models— from leading local model source, Agency Galatea—to find out what little beauty gems they've got in their makeup bag. Beyond the awesome outfits and jet-setting jobs, these ladies really know a thing or two about getting pretty in a hurry, and lucky for us, they were willing to share! Read on for tips that run the beauty gamut, and find ways to work these tricks of the trade into your own routine. Since we love advice from our savvy readers, too, leave your own trusted beauty tips in the comments...because you know, we're always taking notes.

Katie Sniadach
We love Katie's super-short blonde 'do, and we were dying to find out how she keeps her hair and skin looking so healthy.

1. "Eye cream. I always had bags under my eyes, so I started using Advanced Night Repair Eye by Estée Lauder and it works wonders! I use it every night before bed."

2. "Sunscreen. I use Olay complete UV protection with an SPF 15 to keep my face moisturized and to keep it from getting too tan. I use this every morning before a little foundation."

3. "Be good to your hair. Because my hair is short it's easier to take care of, but all the coloring it can leave it damaged, especially because I straighten my hair every day. So I use Chi Silk Infusion drops to keep it feeling silky and healthy."

Clara Wong
Clara's rocking some seriously gorgeous skin, so we had to find out how she pulls it off. Don't you want to know?

1. "Take off your makeup nightly. You probably hear this all the time, but you absolutely need to do that in order for your skin to breathe at night. I use Ponds Cold Cream to take off my facial makeup. Just apply and then wipe it away with a cotton pad, then wash with a facial cleanser. I use Cetaphil for normal to oily skin. It was a recommendation from a co-worker, and I've found it really works for me. Find what works for you!"

2. "Moisturize. I wish someone told me when I was young that you can have different types of skin on your face, and therefore, you may need different types of moisturizers. So, I tailor my moisturizers to what my skin needs. Usually, it's an acne-fighting moisturizer for my T-zone, a normal moisturizer for my cheeks, and heavier cream for my neck. Don't forget an eye cream, too!"

3. "Use sunscreen! I am vigilant about sunscreen. I use one for my face and one for the rest of my body. Badger makes a really good one that's natural while being effective, but I also know that it can be a bit pricey. In doing some research, I found that Coppertone Water Babies is a pretty good sunscreen that you can find just about anywhere. Make it a part of your routine and don't forget areas like the tops of your feet and the back of your hands."

Eve Rydberg
Eve's look is natural and breathtaking, and we needed to know how she does it. We're also after her never-fails makeup advice.

1. "No makeup day one (or more) days a week. Because my job requires me to wear a lot of makeup I make it a point to give my face a break as often as possible. Most days I just wear moisturizer and a bit of lip balm. So many women today won't leave the house with out at least a little makeup, but if you give yourself a break at least once a week it allows you to find out what makes you beautiful without makeup and I think that's where true beauty lies."

2. "Henna hair dye. A few months back my agents at Galatea decided they wanted me to go more auburn with my hair. I was bummed because I had just gotten my hair back to its natural color for the first time in years and I didn't want to be put more chemicals in it. My agent, Marie, suggested I check out henna. So, I marched down to Whole Foods and picked up a box of "Light Mountain Natural Hair Color" in auburn. Aside from having a cheetah on the box (which is totally rad) it gives the most amazing color. It's a bit of a process to apply but it's such a beautiful reddish tone that looks totally natural. It's worth the effort. Oh and it's only $6.99 a box!"

3."Bright lipstick. This is a tip I took from my mom. The only makeup my mother ever wears is a bright red lip. So anytime I need to take a look from day to night I just throw on a bright lipstick. My favorites are and orange-red called "So Chaud" and "Full Fuschia", both are by M.A.C."

Saba Solomon
Saba makes beauty look effortless, but we know it's not (right?). We were totally grateful for her time-tested advice.

1. "Brush your lips. I usually do this once a week, lightly scrub in circular motions with a soft toothbrush. This leaves lips feeling soft and plump."

2. "My mom used to always put olive oil in her hair. Growing up I thought it was pretty gross but now I understand. Don't use too much oil, the importance is on applying it directly onto your scalp. Wrap your hair with a towel or put a bath cap on. Leave it in for a couple of hours, rinse, shampoo, and voila—your hair is soft, shiny, and easy to manage. This is a great remedy in the wintertime."

3."The most important secret—if you wear makeup everyday, make sure you always remove it at night. Never go to bed with makeup on. Just like you need a good night's rest, your skin does, too. Wash your face with warm water and use a mild face soap (Neutrogena products are my favorite). Apply a night cream and call it a day."