I know what you’re thinking: "Bonnie, celebrities are super fit and skinny—that’s why their legs look flawless!" And yes, while models and celebrities do take great care of themselves, let’s not forget—they’re human too. They can still have cellulite, bruises, and texture. Behind the scenes, we’ve got a few tricks up our sleeves to create a little magic in an imperfect world.
I’ve been working with beauty pageant contestants for years—Miss USA, Miss Venezuela, Miss Universe, Miss Earth, Mister Universe… you name it. Today, I’m spilling all the tea.
Toned Legs on the Runway
Miss Venezuela is renowned for its impressive number of crowns, and they have a clever secret to make their models' legs look more toned on the runway: hair spray.
It might sound a little crazy, so I brought in my dear friend Blanca Aljibes—who represented Estado Guárico in Miss Venezuela and went on to represent Venezuela at Miss International in Japan—to confirm it in her own words:
"Yes! We used hair spray to make our legs look more toned on the runway and to keep everything perfectly in place."
This technique creates a temporary tightening effect on the skin, helping to reduce the appearance of jiggle during runway walks. However, it’s not meant for a day at the beach—it’s strictly a swimsuit presentation kind of trick.
Keep in mind that hair spray can cause irritation or dryness. While I’ve never personally seen issues on set, it’s possible that someone out there could have sensitivities. To be safe, always do a patch test before applying any product to a larger area of your skin.
For a more versatile hack you can use anytime, anywhere, check out the next tip!
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Airbrushed, Even-Toned Legs
For flawless, airbrushed legs in photos, this is your go-to. Sally Hansen AIRBRUSH LEGS® gives your skin a natural-looking tan while evening out tones and concealing bruises or imperfections—it’s basically makeup for your legs.
This product is perfect for photos when you’re rocking shorts or skirts and works great at the beach too. The difference is big!
However, keep in mind that while it’s labeled as water-resistant, it’s not fully waterproof. This means it can handle light water exposure but might not hold up after swimming or prolonged contact with water.
So here’s the move: Apply it, let it fully dry before getting dressed, hit the beach, snap your photos, and then enjoy the rest of your day!
Out-of-This-World Perfection
When it comes to celebs like Sabrina Carpenter and Taylor Swift, sheer tights are their not-so-secret weapons. These hosiery heroes don’t just smooth out imperfections—they also add a subtle shine that photographs beautifully. It’s common to layer them too, like pairing classic shimmer tights with fishnet tights for added texture and style.
While they’re favorites among performers and red-carpet regulars, they’re versatile enough for any occasion. Whether you’re dressing up or just want a little extra protection from the chill while wearing a skirt, they’ve got you covered—literally!
Here are some great options:
I’m a big fan of the brand Wolford, which you can find here.
A more affordable option, popular with dancers (so you know they’re made for movement), is here.
The Amazon options I found seem a bit thinner, but I came across one with diamond accents that I thought would be absolutely adorable for a party. You can check it out here.
This Friday, I’ll be diving deeper into this topic—focusing on the photography side of things, especially when working with cellulite and texture. Once you understand the theory behind it, you’ll be able to adapt to any situation with confidence.
This special edition will be available exclusively to paid subscribers and drops on Friday. If you haven’t upgraded yet, now’s the time! It’s insanely affordable and packed with incredible value.
With love,
Bonnie