Get filing – Keep nails short and natural by using a good nail file and rounding off the ends giving a smooth finish.

Get buffing – A lot of nail files now come with a ‘buffer’ on one     end. This simply smoothes out and makes your nails nice and shiny before applying any polish.

Base coat – When applying nail polish it’s important to remember to apply a base coat first, as this will stop the polish from staining your nails and will give a smoother and neater coating.

Be colour smart – The colour is completely up to you. Match your outfit, eyes, hair colour or just be big and bold with a luminous pink!

Applying polish – First, wipe any excess polish from the brush onto the inner rim of the bottle. Now paint a stripe down the center of your nail, followed by one on either  side, and finish with a thin strip across the very tip.

Top coat – Applying a clear top coat to your nails will keep the polish on for longer, and give them a sleek shine.

What comes before part B? Part-A!!! You’re ready to hit the town Surfgirl style! Cheers! We’ll drink to that!

Check out this video for some more nail tips and tricks!

Hi Emilie, how cool does it feel being an up and coming photographer ?

Being able to do something you’ve wanted to do since you were little is the best feeling. I love how with photography there is no limitations or boundaries, I’m always learning new things and its great working with different clients  as it really makes you explore your own style and technique. Its great being to show people how I see the world through my camera.

Have you met some awesome people on your travels?

I’ve met so many awesome people, I’ve been lucky enough to shoot some pretty great rock bands and do UK tours with some of my favourite musicians from America, It was cool to work with bands I’d admired for such along time and then have them turn into friends, I also love doing fashion shoots as I use models from all over the UK, The girls I used for the surf girl editorial we’d all never met before the shoot and now we are all organising a camping/surfing weekend next month as we all got on so well.

The photos you take are really diverse in terms of the retro black and white shots of girls carrying longboards and bright colourful shots. What inspires you to take the photos?

I think I’m mainly inspired by fashion and my friends, I’ve always pushed myself as a stylist and its how all my work forms, I come up with a look and then base the whole shoot around it, and with my friends and people I love how each person has their own style and image and I love using it and creating my own view of  it in my work.

You were a finalist in the Professional Photographer of the Year awards 2010. How awesome was that?

It was awesome to see myself next to  professional/agency photographers when I was still at uni and learning, I was put it the best editorial category, I entered the work I shot for my first ever commissioned and published editorial  for a magazine in LA. so I was so proud to see it take me to a finalist in the competition from over 3,000 entries

What kind of surfboard do you ride?

I normally use my boyfriends Roger Coper Minimal.

What’s your fave place to surf?

I always go to Porthcawl, it’s my local break.

What sort of equipment do you use when doing your photography?

I shoot with a Canon 550D and normally stick with my 50mm 1..8 lens.

What would you say has been the best and funniest shoot so far and why?

I shot a lookbook for the clothing Brand Love at Topshop, I got to choose my own models and creative team and they gave us a cottage for the night for us all to stay in. We were all so excited  and rather than all staying in our separate bedrooms we all put the mattresses in one room and had a massive sleepover. The next day one of the designers from Love took us to a field they wanted us to shoot, we ended up getting chased out by a few angry, wild horses. It was a great day, shooting look books are always so much fun as the designers always have clear ideas of what they want so it great trying to turn there ideas into images

What is the most exciting place you’ve been to so far whilst doing your photography?

I’d have to say Antigua, I shot a series of images of my twin brother out there using 35mm black and white film and an old eos5 film camera. It’s some of my favourite work.

Last but not least. What advice would you give someone wanting to be in your position?

I think the best advice would be to just get yourself out there! I spend my time constantly emailing magazine’s, contacting designers, models etc you name it i’m emailing them. The internet is a great platform for photographers/creatives. It allows you to promote your work to an unlimited audience. Also by documenting everything you do is great as it give people a chance to learn from you and see how you work. It’s great to see how my youtube channel with videos from my shoots has over half a million hits and my fashion blog at 40,000 with a few thousand followers. I would also advise people to blog! It gives you  a chance to look back and see how far you’ve come and what you’ve learnt. I always get people emailing me asking if they can come help out on a shoot or saying how I’ve inspired them to want to be a photographer and its the best feeling in the world.

SurfGirl’s latest fashion shoot was shot by Emilie in Coney. Not Coney Island, N.Y but Coney Beach Theme Park, Porthcawl! We loved it, check it out in the latest issue.

One fashion savvy girl or guy can win a day of one-on-one fashion tips and personal styling with Alexis at London’s Oxford Circus. Meeting at Schuh’s Oxford Street Store the trend hungry winner will select the Converse Accessories of their choice before going for lunch and an afternoon’s styling and fashion advice, where Alexis will pass on her finest trade secrets and advice on how to wear your new accessories.

The prize includes a Converse Bags & Accessories shopping spree at Schuh’s flagship store on Oxford Street, lunch with Alexis and an afternoon of Styling tips with the T4 ‘Style the Nation’ Fashion Mentor, with spending money. Entry is free via Schuh’s Competitions page, here http://www.schuh.co.uk/competitions.aspx?CompID=127 and you can follow Alexis’s Styling adventures on Facebook http://www.Facebook.com/alexisknox/. Competition closes on 10th September.

About CONVERSE BAGS & ACCESSORIES:
This season, Converse take their illustrious heritage and iconic style that has seen their classic sneakers and Chuck Taylor All Star logo omnipresent since the 1900s, to create their first dedicated Bags & Accessories Collection.

The debut collection, which launches nationwide this month, reflects the simple and versatile styling synonymous with Converse and features a Heritage range of airline-style shoulder bags presented in bold primary colours, as well as a line of Chuck Taylor logoed athletic backpacks, duffel bags and messenger bags.  The range also includes a nod towards Williamsburg and Bowery (NYC) styling through their premium line of heavy cotton canvas backpacks, messenger bags and duffel bags emblazoned with the iconic Chuck Taylor All Star logo, steel eyelet details and contrast stitching, available in muted white, khaki and charcoal tones.

The new line is available from a range of UK stockists including Schuh, JD Sports and http://www.blackleaf.com.  Prices range from £19 – £54.95

I am two weeks into a month here in Hossegor and loving the fact that everyday bikini surfing is so amazing. A lot of French tourists have gone back to school so the sea is a little less busy . The waves have been really consistent 2/3 foot most days with some big days too. I have been surfing with Spain’s Lucia Martino and she is surfing excepionally well!

I’m with my family. My mum is enjoying the sun and the swimming pool and my dad and I have been doing lots of cycling from 30 miles to 60miles in between the surfing. I’m training quite hard at the moment so lots of dawn surfs to get as much training as possible and early nights!

My little brother is also having a brilliant time he is loving the fun waves on his new surfboard and he loves tearing around the campsite on his bike and skateboard. Arron is with us too loving all the French food and and loving the waves and weather. I have the best tan out of all of them even though they all hate to admit it.

I can’t say I’m missing the British summer! I have checked the surf cams a few time for Croyde and seen that there has been a few rainy days so I think I will be trying to persuade mum and dad to not take me home at the end of the month.

Finishing school couldn’t have come at a better time I have done all my GCSE’S which were not as stressful as I thought they were going to be. I have had a lot of support with my studies from my school they  have been really supportive through out my surfing and school life, what  with going on lots of trips, training and modeling shoots so a big thanks to them.

Having just left school I have decided to put college on hold in September  as I have just been signed by  Models1 -  Europe’s leading model agency, so I will be doing some modeling, surfing and  traveling quite  a bit. I have been planning the next stage of my new found freedom for a while, I have some very exciting things in the pipeline and a brand new website just about to be launched so watch this space….

Love Laura xx

Photo: courtesy Billabong. Words by Samantha Edward

Billabong’s Design a Bikini Contest is getting us giddy at SurfGirl HQ, as it’s your chance to become part of iconic swimsuit history. Two-piece swimsuits date as far back as 1600 B.C., but the more modern bikini celebrated its 65th birthday this year thanks to none other than a French car manufacturer, Louis Réard.

So it just goes to show anyone can create the next statement bikini. Why not take a look through our celebrity video hall of fame and unearth some inspiration if you’re thinking of designing your very own two-piece of history.

Raquel Welch in One Million Years B.C. (1966)

Despite whether we’ve seen the film or not, the promotional shot of this fur bikini has no doubt been imprinted in our minds. Even though she was giving the bikini a good name, we’re not so sure whether fur was a practical choice!

Princess Leia in Star Wars (1983)

Glowing in a gold-clad bikini, it just goes to show sci-fi geeks have got good taste. And how can we forget the moment Ross asked Rachel in Friends to wear this very outfit… brave move!

Halle Berry in Die Another Day  (2002)

With neons making a comeback this season, Halle rocked the Bond girl look in this bright orange halterneck, accessorising with a chunky white belt. Although we would highly recommend NOT using it as a weapon belt!

Myleene Klass in I’m A Celebrity… (2006)

Who could forget our very own British beauty, turning a simple white bikini into a sexy revival in the swimsuit world. The former Hear’Say star stepped got men drooling across the nation.

Don’t forget! The deadline for Billabong’s Design a Bikini Contest is Friday 15th July 2011!

No matter if it’s a sporty-style or sexy halter bikini, with modern or romantic flower prints : let your imagination run wild ! The most creative design will be turned into a limited edition bikini and be part of Billabong’s Summer 2012 collection!

Plus, win a trip to meet the Billabong team of designers in Hossegor, France, receive a complete Billabong Summer wardrobe and get one free-surfing lesson!

Want to participate ? It’s easy!

Go to www.mybillabongbikini.com, download the bikini template, create and upload your personal design and then register for the competition.  A jury panel will review the top 5 selections as voted by the public via Billabong Girl’s European facebook page and choose the winning design. Further details on the contest such as official rules, entry instructions, jury members and prize descriptions will be available on www.mybillabongbikini.com.

About the Billabong and Xtra Life LYCRA fibre 2011 Swimwear Collection

Billabong has collaborated with INVISTA, owner of the Xtra Life LYCRA fibre, for a series of bikinis for the Summer 2011 swimwear range. This line includes 4 different tops and bottoms in 6 different colors that can be mixed and matched to find whatever suits and fits best.

The collaboration also includes a signature bikini designed for professional big wave team rider and 4-time Billabong XXL Big Wave Award winner, Maya Gabeira.

The Xtra Life LYCRA fibre is known to provide a long lasting fit and stands up to the harshest conditions at the beach and while surfing. It also provides an improved resistance to chlorine, sun lotions, and UV rays. More on: www.LYCRA.com.

LYCRA is a trademark of INVISTA

Take a look at what the waves Billabong girls scored on a recent trip to Teahupoo to test the new Surf Series range of surfwear – and test they did! Stay tuned for webisodes from the Billabong Girls Tahiti trip…

What you can Win

Major Prize Winner
The winner will see his original bikini design turned into a limited edition bikini part of the Billabong Second Summer 2012 range. The winner will also win a 2 days trip to Hossegor to meet the Billabong Girls team of designers and a Billabong wardrobe.

Finalists
The 4 finalists will receive a Billabong outfit.

Go here for all contest rules and conditions. Pick your bikini template and start designing! Entries close August 15th at 05:00 pm EST.

How the Winners are Chosen
5 finalists will be voted for by the public through this website until August 15th. People can vote once a day for their favourite bikini. The major prize winner will be selected by a judges panel from Billabong and associates. Meet the members of the jury here.

Athletes, tastemakers and celebrities that came out to support included Extreme Home Makover’s Ty Pennington, Holly’s World’s Holly Madison, Nikita’s Tiffany Hines, Sean Stewart, Three6Mafia, Men of a Certain Age’s Brittany Curran, Secret Life of the American Teenager’s Grant Ward, Billabong athletes Keala Kennedy, etc.

The runway fashion show lead by Billabong design director Mandy Robinson, paid homage to this year’s charity, the VH1 Save the Music Foundation, with looks inspired by some of Billabong’s favorite artists, Mick Jagger, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, and Hendrix as well as favorite foxy muses like Uschi Obermaier and Pamela Courson. The styling was reminiscent of this Rock & Roll era with itsy bitsy snake bikinis, crochet dresses, cropped snake skin jackets, exaggerated bell bottoms, fringed hi-waisted shorts, and floor length sheer maxi dresses. Billabong partnered with Invista, maker of Xtra Life LYCRA’ fiber by using their Xtra Life LYCRA’ fabric for the collection.

http://vimeo.com/25233947

The sold out fashion-music-art block party was a blow out with indie gods Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros playing an incredible set and announcing it as their last in the US for the rest of the year, and rising rock & roll star Hanni El Khatib with his sinewy guitar and wry, whiskey-glazed voice killed it on the financial district stage.

As always there was a huge art element to Design for Humanity. Morgan Maassen, who worked with Billabong to shoot their team riders all over the world, created a ‘Soundwaves’ photo exhibit with the photos and video playing on plasma screens from the various shoots. A massive pop-up gallery and art auction, curated by Daniel Chang and AR4T Gallery in Laguna, featured works by over 50 participating artists, including The Clayton Brothers, Jeff Soto, Dave Kinsey, and Tara McPherson. The remaining art will be available on charityfolks.com/designforhumanity for those unable to attend this year’s Design for Humanity to bid on.

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation created a one-of a kind guitar installation onsite, with signed instruments that went for auction. 4 Taylor guitars were donated with musicians; Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, Natasha Bedingfield, My Morning Jacket, and David Cook all signing them. Additionally, Death Cab for Cutie signed and donated a Yamaha drum head, the Foo Fighters signed and donated a Gibson guitar.

Billabong’s Brand Director Candy Harris said about DHF 2011, “It was an absolutely amazing night, from the runway to the bands and artists. It was a proud moment for Billabong and the Vh1 Save The Music Foundation to see such a huge turn out of support for the event and our effort to keep music education in public schools”.

The VH1 Save The Music Foundation is thrilled. “We are extremely grateful to Billabong for letting us be a part of this incredible event,” said Paul Cothran, Executive Director of the VH1 Save The Music Foundation. “With their help we are one step closer to achieving our goal of ensuring that no child be deprived of access to a complete education that includes music.”

100% of this year’s ticket sales and proceeds from art show and product collaboration auction sales will be donated to The VH1 Save the Music Foundation (http://www.vh1savethemusic.com/), a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring instrumental music education in America’s public schools, and raising awareness about the importance of music as part of each child’s complete education. To date, the Foundation has provided more than $47 million in new musical instruments to 1,750 public schools in more than 100 cities around the country, impacting the lives of over 1.6 million children.

This year’s event is sponsored by Verizon Wireless, Skullcandy, Chipotle, Vitamin Water and The VH1 Save The Music Foundation.

“I can’t believe this whole experience,” said Tajiana. “At the moment it doesn’t feel real. I think when I go back to Holland and take a breath I will realise how amazing these few days have been,” she said. “I just can’t believe I won!!!”

Tatjana will star in the Spring Summer 12 campaign for O’Neill and has also won a modeling contract with Next Model Management.

All 12 girls from around the world – chosen from the thousands who joined the competition on www.facebook.com/oneillgirls, put on a spectacular show in front of the hundreds gathered around the cliff for the event.

However, despite all the confidence and smiles on the Runway, there were a few nerves and fears amongst the girls.

I didn’t tell anyone before, but I am actually scared of heights,” said Tatjana. “However the one good thing was I knew that the O’Neill Superkini was going to stick to me, which was quite a good thing considering there were cameramen under the water!”

Given the enthusiasm and excitement from all the girls, it was a tough decision for the panel of judges who were sitting watching the catwalk and cliff jump. Choosing the winner were supermodel, Elyse Taylor, O’Neill professional surfer, Raine Jackson, O’Neill Female Brand Manager, Carla Eikenaar, Next Model Management Women’s Booker, Grace Puc, and Company Magazine editor Victoria White.

“All the girls were amazing up there today,” said Elyse Taylor. “They looked great, had so much energy and so many laughs, and they had guts to jump off that runway.”

“Tatjana is the perfect O’Neill girl,” said O’Neill Female Brand Manager, Carla Eikenaar. “She is the kind of girl who will have fun no matter what she is doing, and she looked amazing up there on the One Way Runway.”

Although it was a competition – which started back in March on www.facebook.com/oneillgirls  – the past three days has been focused on having fun.

“Of course we have all come here and want to win,” said German contestant Sophie Ferch. “But actually it has been so much fun and I have had the best time hanging out with all of the girls, it has become more about the whole experience. It’s been amazing.”

The finalists on the One Way Runway were (in alphabetical order):

ALICE IVAN (USA)
AURORE MORISSE (BE)
JENNIFER VAN DER TOORN (NL)
KARYCIA IGLESIAS (ES)
NATASHA FOOTMAN (GB)
SARAH EBSTEIN (FR)
SOPHIE FERCH (DE)
SOPHIE JASPERS (BE)
STEVIE BREEZE (AU)
TATJANA MAUL (NL)
TEREZKA PROUZOVA (CZ)
VALENTINA VALENTE (PT)

Here’s another one;

Above video tutorial and photo courtesy supernaturalbotanicals.com

“I can’t believe we are finally here,” said Elyse Taylor. “It’s been such an exciting build up to get to this moment it’s so great to now see it all about to happen. The girls are all brilliant – they all seem to have a real fun O’Neill spirit and I think everyone is now just counting down until tomorrow evening for the catwalk.”

Tomorrow at 6pm local time, the girls will be wearing the new O’Neill Superkini – the only bikini that will stick with you no matter what the water throws your way – as they jump the few meters off the cliff at the end of the catwalk and into the sea.

Underwater cameramen and photographers will be capturing all the action as it is broadcast live on a big screen for the hundreds that are geared up to line the beach in the bay of Cala Bassa.

Each girl will have one chance to walk along the cliff top, and jump into the water to show that she is a model with a difference. The prize is to star in the O’Neill 2012 campaign as well as win a modelling contract with Next Model Management.

The 12 girls will be judged by supermodel, Elyse Taylor, O’Neill professional surfer, Raine Jackson, O’Neill Female Brand Manager, Carla Eikenaar, Next Model Management Women’s Booker, Grace Puc and Company Magazine editor Victoria White.

“We are looking for girls who not only look good on the runway, but also have that O’Neill spirit,” said Carla Eikenaar about choosing the winner. “It’s about getting up there, jumping into the water and having a lot of fun.”

The catwalk will take place at 6pm local time on the stunning beach of Cala Bassa where the 12 girls will walk the runway built into the cliff and jump off the end into the crystal clear waters of the Mediterranean wearing the O’Neill Superkini – the bikini that, thankfully, sticks to you.

http://www.facebook.com/oneillgirls