How to Be a Model in Your Mid Twenties

Last Updated: October 23, 2019 References

Anyone can be a model, no matter how old they are! If you're interested in being a model but worried about getting a gig because of your age - don't worry! Look into the type of modeling you want to do, and work on catering to that style!

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Look the part

1
Dress simply. A pair of jeans, a sexy t-shirt, and a sexy pair of heels will do. The point is not to let your wardrobe take attention away from your beautiful face or body. You don't want to look overdone. Heels, as opposed to flats, will not only enhance your height, but they will improve your walk and add style to your simple wardrobe.
2
Wear very little make-up. Try to avoid wearing foundation at all, if possible. This will keep your skin clean and healthy. If you have acne, see a dermatologist right away. Realistically, acne may take months or even years to clear up, and at this age, you have very little time to waste on experimenting blindly with products.^{[1]
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Research source} Also, consider switching to mineral make-up. It is much lighter than heavy foundations, it does not clog pores, and can help oily complexions. Avoid drugstore brands, unless that is financially your only option.^{[2]
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3
Do not hide or distort your features with heavy eye make-up or blush. If you do not know how to do the natural look, see a professional make-up artist and ask for a natural look. If you feel you need heavy eye make-up, you may not be cut out for modeling, or you may lack the confidence needed to succeed in the field. If this is you, try going cold turkey by slapping on some mascara, some light concealer only where it's absolutely necessary, and some lip gloss with a natural tint. You WILL get used to it, and you will probably get compliments from your friends and family, which can only help. Chances are they've been hoping you'd chill with the heavy make-up. Also, make sure to stick to the daytime and nighttime make-up rule.
4
Watch your posture and walk at all times.^{[3]
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Trustworthy Source
Cleveland Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} Keep your shoulders back, and your head up, regardless of how odd this feels. Keep one foot in front of the other as you walk. Your feet should follow one another in a straight line.
5
Exercise. Be sure to keep your weight down, but be careful to stay healthy.^{[4]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source} See a nutritionist and discuss your goals with him/her. Lets face it- as a professional, you should take advantage of all of the sources available to assist you. Think of it as tuition, and as an investment in your future success as a model.
6
Drink 8 glasses of water daily. Substitute soda and juice for water if this is difficult for you. You'll avoid sugar, and keep your body hydrated and your skin aglow.^{[5]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
7
Keep your hair healthy. Avoid hot irons, blow-dryers, and curling irons whenever you can. Try working with the natural texture of your hair, whether you like it or not. Invest in a high-end salon and ask your stylist to create a style that would work with the natural texture of your hair. Straightening iron addicts- put those straighteners down! These tools should be reserved for special occasions ONLY! As a model, you will be exposed to these frequently anyway, so it would help to allow your hair to rest whenever you can. Also, try finding styling products that can achieve the look you're going for. ALWAYS use heat protection sprays and the appropriate products for your hair type. DO NOT wash your hair daily.^{[6]
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Research source} Try using dry shampoo instead.^{[7]
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8
Don't neglect your nails. Keep them relatively short (no hooker/acrylic nails, ladies!) and polished with a clear polish or a natural toned polish.^{[8]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Decide on the Type of Modeling

1
If you're 25, there are agencies who will still consider you for high-fashion depending on how well you've aged, so make sure to take excellent care of your skin, invest in a good eye cream and moisturizer, and stay out of the sun! That means, no tanning! EVER. Unless of course it's sunless, in which case, don't overdo it, and don't look orange. Ask a family member or friend who you think would be bold enough to tell you if you look orange or not. If you do, tone it down or avoid it all together. Photographers will apply bronzer to your skin if they think it's too pale.^{[9]
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Trustworthy Source
Mayo Clinic
Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals
Go to source}
2
If you're over 25 and believe you still look young enough to try it, submit your photos to reputable agencies through their websites or snail-mail. Agencies usually cut off open calls to models over the age of 25. Take 4 photos of yourself. The first should be a photo of the front of your face with NO MAKEUP on. (if you insist on wearing it, however, make sure you keep it down to mascara and concealer that matches your skin tone perfectly). Second, a photo of your profile. Third, a full body shot of you in a bikini (NEVER send nude photos. They are UNACCEPTABLE). And finally, a full body shot of you in a bikini from the side.
3
Be honest with yourself. Are you a size 4, 6, or 8? Are you over 5'9"? If not, you should probably go with commercial/print/plus-size modeling. Seek out agencies with these divisions.
4
If you're over 25 and have ruled out a career in high fashion, or an agent advised you to go commercial, by all means, listen to him/her and GO COMMERCIAL! You can have tremendous success as a commercial/print model, and best of all, unlike those of us in high fashion, you never expire. You can model until you die. Plus, it's still super glam, super fun, and you have the opportunity to make lots of money.^{[10]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Don't Give up

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Keep up the fight. The modeling biz can be one of the most discouraging businesses to ever try to break into. There will be lots of rejection and people who will think you're too old for their agency.^{[11]
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2
Know that just because you aren't good for one assignment, doesn't mean you aren't good for another. This does NOT mean you aren't beautiful or perfect for another agency. You are only too old if you think you're too old. That is a self-defeating and self-fulfilling prophecy.
3
Keep that head up, those shoulders back, and that walk fierce.^{[12]
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Community Q&A

Question

How do I prioritize work, school, and family/friends?

Community Answer

Family and friends should be a top priority. None of your relationships should change unless the people are unsupportive of you or your dream. School should also be high priority, because an education is crucial no matter what you plan to do in the future. You can take online classes if necessary. While modeling is your dream, and that's very important, do not sacrifice your close relationships or your schooling in order to work.