Model secrets

Dutch beauty and fashion model, Roos Van Montfort has kindly taken some time out to share her health and beauty secrets with Buff Beauty.

Now before we commence, I must note that we are not all born to be 5’10” with gracefully slender limbs and artfully chiselled cheekbones, yet we can probably still learn a little something from someone whose profession relies on maintaining a look of luminosity throughout a hectic schedule of early starts, long days and international travel.

The 22 year-old Roos arrived in London 2 ½ years ago when she commenced her modelling career with the highly esteemed Models 1. Already interested in healthy living, she has not struggled to adapt to the needs of a demanding lifestyle and is thankful to have had an extra drive to adhere to her good habits…

With travelling, castings, shoots & shows you must be constantly on the go – what do you eat to maintain your energy?

It’s important for your body to have some sort of regime, so I always try to maintain my routine. If I know I’ve got a busy day ahead, I make sure to eat an extra slice of spelt bread in the morning. I also always take a little snack with me, something containing carbs. Sometimes I have to stand for so long that I start feeling a bit faint, so then I can have my emergency snack. Rather than reaching for sugar, I make sure it’s something ‘healthy,’ like a Nakd bar, 9Bar or a banana. I also always carry a bottle of water with me.

Are you a keen cook? And, if so, what’s your winning dish?

I like preparing salads and easy things, but don’t tend to spend a lot of time in the kitchen preparing meals as I’m only cooking for myself and my boyfriend. Though I do love spending more time in the kitchen for baking!

What’s your favourite meal?

I love fish, salads and sushi. I don’t have one particular favourite dish, but do have some favourite ingredients including melons, durian fruit, aubergine and seabass. Fortunately I love my fruits and veggies! I also enjoy Italian, Japanese and Mexican foods. When I want to treat myself to a nice lunch or dinner, I go to Whole Foods Market. They do the best sushi!

How do you keep fit?

At the moment I’m training with Bodyism, I’ve already learned so much. As long as you put good food in your body, and live an active life, you don’t have to do anything crazy or super strict.

Every few months, when I’ve been busy with work and travels, I do a little detox. I love Purifyne – their service is amazing!

Do you believe in supplements and, if so, what do you take?

Yes I do, sometimes you need something extra, which of course varies depending on the season and your diet and lifestyle. I take omega 3-6-9, vitamin C, niacin, probiotics and fibre supplements.

Every morning, before breakfast I have some noni juice and a shot of supergreens. I also drink chlorofyll water, which is super good for your blood cells and detoxification.

Who is your beauty icon and why?

I don’t really have a beauty icon. I like natural beauty and think that you’re at your most beautiful when you live a healthy lifestyle. Good food, lots of sleep and exercise will make you glow.

Do you indulge in spa treatments? If so, any faves?

Yes, I do! I have my own little pamper evenings and use a facial steamer and take a bath. But I also love treating myself with a massage, microdermabrasion facial or detox wrap!

Any favourite natural beauty brands or products?

Dr Organic – especially their honey range! I also recently discovered the new Pukka skincare line and really love their products. I use Essence of Eden’s raw organic coconut oil for almost everything; I eat it and use it on my lips, hair and skin.

Meridian’s pumpkin seed butter is also great for the skin, I put it on a slice of spelt bread with a bit of avocado. It’s delicious and looks after your skin from the inside out!

How do you look your best on an ‘off day’? (If you ever have them!)

I try to look natural – covering things up with make-up tends to look worse than blemishes. I count on a good blow dry and a little extra eye-liner. For puffy eyes, I cool them with ice wrapped in a cloth. A little blusher can also give the cheeks a healthier look.

What’s the best beauty secret you’ve learned from your modelling?

To get enough sleep. It’s important for everything; glowing skin, energy levels, shiny hair. Also water is of course so important.

After a day under make-up and bright lights I always pamper myself, giving my skin extra attention. I’ll have a bath, apply a mask, and exfoliate.

On your days off are you bare faced or ultra glam?

Bare faced, as long as I’m strict with my healthy habits my skin will glow. And when I’ve tried to copy a make-up artist’s tricks, I seem to mess up!

On nights out I’ll wear some extra eye-liner, but on the whole I favour an edgy or classic look for myself, rather than overdone.

Have you noticed a big difference between the health and beauty habits of Dutch and English women?

Yes, certain trends seem to reach Holland a little later. Also, English women appear to spend more on their looks. Most Dutch ladies only have treatments for special occasions, instead of as part of their normal regime. Women here also seem to spend more money on clothes.

There aren’t as many organic shops in Holland, but the quality of supermarket food is generally better there.

roos’ little tips: Gently brush your lips with a toothbrush for softness. Steam your face a few times a week to make skin glow. Try Noni juice in the mornings. Drink herbal teas as remedies – Yogi and Pukka are both great ranges.

Sending a huge thank you to the gorgeous Roos for all the insights! Hoping you will all be inspired to try something new for a boost of well-being.

To admire Roos’ model portfolio or for bookings, visit: www.models1.co.uk

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