STAR STYLE

Cosmo's 8 Sexiest 2011: Bea Soriano On Embracing Her Flaws And Debunking Model Myths

"I was teased so much about it, but when I entered modeling, they loved it," she says of her biggest insecurity. Get to know her in this interview and see outtakes from her fashion shoot.
Posted on November 25, 2011 12:00 pm by CJ de los Santos, Cosmo.ph Staff Writer
Photo: Mark Nicdao (main and gallery); Jico Joson (gallery)

Bea Soriano Reviving the "Cosmo's 8 Sexiest" feature in our November 2011 issue allowed us to get new insight on the world of modeling. So far, this year's crop of top models taught us that sexiness is really all about attitude and revealed that yes, models do eat, so you really shouldn't starve yourself in the effort to look like one! Now, PMAP model Bea Soriano shares with us how the one physical flaw the grew up being teased for and insecure about is now one of the defining model qualities the industry loves about her. This now makes you think twice about resenting a certain physical trait, huh?

Bea first came to our attention when she was featured in Penshoppe billboards years back. Today, she is a popular choice for runway shows and magazine shoots, thanks to her keen sense of style, piercing gaze, and effortless grace.

She tells us that embracing your flaws can actually make you look and feel all the more beautiful, when we got to chat with her after her shoot at Summit Studio for the "Cosmo's 8 Sexiest" fashion editorial. She also shared with us her own beauty routine and fashion must-haves. Read excerpts from our interview with her below, and launch the gallery to view behind-the-scenes photos from her shoot. (Watch the video here!)

How did you get into modeling?

I was 18 and my family friend was setting up an agency, so he asked me to join. From then on, I got gigs and I started modeling.

What inspired you to become a model?

I think just the fashion industry [in general]. [It's] so interesting to me and I wanted to be a part of it. It's very dynamic, it's ever-changing. I wanted to be in the know of what's happening.

What do you think makes you stand out from other models?

That's quite hard...I guess I can't really say what quality. But then, I think for me it's very important that a model develops holistically. She has to balance beauty and brains at the same time.

What is the biggest misconception about models?

That we don't know anything, that we are not knowledgeable on things.

What was your biggest insecurity and how did you overcome it?

When I was young, I was teased [about] my lips. I don't know why, [but] I was teased so much at home and at school, so growing up, it was my insecurity. But then suddenly, when I entered modeling, they loved it! Then I was like, "Okay, it's not so bad, after all." After that, I embraced it and it's a part of me now.

What's your best modeling experience so far?

I think when I got the job from Penshoppe--that's still my favorite experience. It's such an honor.

What's been your most challenging modeling experience?

The most challenging one was when I had to portray a man. We had a shoot and I had to be one of the guys from Brokeback Mountain [for Velvet's "Tribute To The Oscars" exhibit in 2010]. I had a moustache on. It's kind of hard to portray a man and to be less womanly.

Which type of modeling do you prefer--ramp or print?

I think I like print more just because I can see it even after the work is done.

How do you take care of your skin?

I make sure I put eye cream day and night, and I wash my face religiously after every shoot.

Name three beauty products every model should own.

Lip balm with SPF 15, eye cream, and moisturizer. Oh, and sunblock also!

Describe your personal style.

Since I'm a working model, I like outfits that can [transition] from day to night. I like functional clothes.

Who are your fashion icons?

I like the Olsen twins 'cause they're very brave and they're not scared to experiment with fashion. They just have fun with it. They don't let the clothes wear them; they wear the clothes.

What's your favorite trend right now?

Jumpsuits, 'cause it's so easy to dress them up. You can just put a little bit of accessories and it can be [appropriate] for night already.

Name five things every woman should have in her closet.

A little black dress, a nice cardigan, a good-fitting pair of jeans, a structured blazer, and a nice top.

Where do you shop?

The internet. I really shop online [because] there are so many flash sales and you [can] get a lot of good designer stuff for a cheap price.

What advice can you share with girls who want to pursue modeling?

Just go for it. Just have the courage and the strength. Then, you'll be able to succeed.

Launch the gallery to see Bea's outtakes from the "Cosmo's 8 Sexiest" shoot! Watch her behind-the-scenes video and interview here. Don't forget to grab a copy of Cosmopolitan Philippines' November 2011 issue with Carla Abellana on the cover to see the entire fashion editorial!