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LAILA GILLIES
WINNER OF DISILGOLD TOP MODEL SEARCH CONTEST OF THE YEAR!
Magazine Spotlight Award Recipient 2005
DISILGOLD: What are the most important qualities that one should posses to make it in this Industry?
LAILA: First Confidence. That is what is going to make or break you. There is nothing more attractive than a woman that is sure of herself. Individuality is important too. Agents are use to seeing hundreds of Models a day, you have to give them something to remember you by.
DISILGOLD: When did you decide you wanted to be a Model?
LAILA: I’ve wanted to be a model for as long as I could remember. I use to lock myself in my room when I was 11 years old, turn up the radio and practice my catwalk. I was the only 6th grader that wore blue eye shadow to school and knew Cindy Crawford’’s life story.
DISILGOLD: What inspires you to Model?
LAILA: My real inspiration comes from my 3 year old son Free-J. I want to teach him to go after his dreams, the same way I went after mine. Although life doesn’t always end up the way we want it to, living a life of regrets is worse. Free-J and my husband Jeff inspire me to live my life to the fullest, and I love them for that.
DISILGOLD: Who are your role models in the Industry?
LAILA: Without a doubt –– Ms. Tyra Banks. I’ve looked up to her for as long as I can remember. She’s a Supermodel, Producer, Actress, and still remains to be down to earth and humble. I guess that says it all.
DISILGOLD: What is always in your make-up bag?
LAILA: Lancôme pressed powder, Mac lip-gloss, Borghese Mascara, and strawberry- guava body spray. The essentials.
DISILGOLD: What make-up product can’t you live without.
LAILA: My Mascara. Even if I am in a rush, I seldom leave the house without a few quick coats of Mascara. Not only does it add color, but it calls attention to your eyes by making your lashes appear thinker and longer. I even sport falsies from to time to time just for special occasions.
DISILGOLD: What is your daily make-up/skin care routine?
LAILA: First thing in the morning I wash my face with Purpose Daily Cleanser by Johnson & Johnson. It’s very gentle and works up a great lather. It also leaves my skin feeling extra clean. I gently dab my face with a washcloth until it’’s fully dry and moisturize. I use Oil of Olay Complete Moisturizer because I find that it’s very light and contains Vitamin E, which is great for your skin. When I’’m putting on a full face of make-up, I start with foundation. I use it all over my face, ears and extend it down past my jaw line so it doesn’t look like a mask. They key is to blend. Then I use concealer only in the deep depression under my eyes (unless I’m trying to cover up a pimple) and blend it into the foundation to avoid streaks. When that’s done I’m on to powder and blush. I use the powder all over my face. This is important for keeping your make-up in place. I apply using a powder puff and dust away access powder with a large powder brush. I use the blush on the apples of my cheeks. The best way to find that area is to go ahead and smile in the mirror. They will pop out immediately. Be careful though not to apply too much, keep it natural. Make-up should be used to accentuate the beauty that is already there. Eye shadow is next and is applied in three steps. I use 3 shades. The lightest shade, which is usually a neutral color is swept all over my eyelid up to my brow bone. Then I use the darkest color out of the three (depending on what color I am using) and apply it in the outside corner of my eye and along the crease of my eyelid. This adds texture. Lastly I apply the medium tone on my eyelid only from the crease down to my lashes. This will help lighten that darker shade that was just applied. If I want to be extra dramatic I use matching eyeliner on my upper eyelid and to be even more intense inside my eye as well. But this usually calls for an occasion or a night out with my hubby. I finish off with two coats of mascara, and some nude lip-gloss. I usually apply intense eyes with nude lips or the other way around.
DISILGOLD: Coming from a strict Arabic family, how did your parents react when you decided to pursue modeling?
LAILA: My Parents were worried about me at first. They are pretty protective and thought the Modeling world was full of drugs and sex. Wrong! Times have changed and Modeling is a business like any other. Success comes with hard work and determination. Once they saw that they had nothing to worry about they were fully supportive. My brothers and sisters and my biggest fans and my best friends.
DISILGOLD: What is it that you enjoy about modeling so much?
LAILA: The feeling I get when I step on the runway. It’s like something just comes over me and I turn into someone else. I forget about insecurities, and the drama of everyday life and become Laila the Model, untouchable. That is until I step off the runway.
DISILGOLD:What is your favorite Designer?
LAILA: Garavani Valentino. Everything he designs is beautiful, elegant and sexy. I feel like I can do no wrong in a Valentino dress. It’s a safe choice and by far my favorite designer.
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