Living Like a Victoria’s Secret Model for a Week: Behind the Glamour
A beauty editor immerses herself in the world of Victoria's Secret Angels, embracing their routines, workouts, diet, and dedication to uncover what it really takes to look runway-ready.
Living Like a Victoria’s Secret Model for a Week: The Unfiltered Reality
Every year, millions tune into the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, marveling at the luminous Angels strutting with confidence, flawless hair, and glowing skin. Have you ever wondered what it takes to look and feel that way? To answer this, a beauty editor decided to step into the heels of an Angel, embracing the full regimen: from fitness and nutrition to beauty routines and skin prep. Here’s an inside look at one transformative week.
The Experiment: Why Embark on the Angel Regimen?
After years of covering the spectacle backstage, the author realized her reality starkly contrasted with the glamorous, disciplined lives of models like Lily Aldridge. Instead of the gym, it was an office chair; rather than green juices, it was quick snack runs. Curious about the true demands behind the glitz, she chose to model her habits after Lily Aldridge, adopting her workouts, meals, beauty treatments, and even the iconic hair and makeup looks for a week.
The Victoria’s Secret Lifestyle: Core Pillars
- Intense Physical Training: Two daily workout sessions tailored for muscle definition, fat burning, and core strength.
- Clean, Intentional Nutrition: Plant-heavy, lean-protein-packed meals with no processed foods or alcohol.
- Meticulous Skincare: Pre-show facials and radiant skin rituals to achieve a signature Angel glow.
- Professional Beauty Prep: Hair, tanning, and makeup appointments by celebrity experts with a focus on creating volume, natural radiance, and defined features.
From Desk to Dumbbells: Stepping Up the Angel Workout
Inspired by Lily Aldridge’s training philosophy, the author embraced a week of two-a-day exercise sessions. Mornings started with Pilates or strength training to sculpt muscle, while late afternoons brought boxing, cardio, or another session of toning-focused training. Each class was guided by expert trainers, including those who prepare Victoria’s Secret models for the runway.
- Pilates: Emphasized core engagement, flexibility, and lengthening the muscles for that model-esque posture.
- Boxing: Boosted stamina, coordination, and burned calories rapidly, mirroring the real VS pre-show grind.
- Strength Workouts: Utilized kettle bells, resistance bands, and bodyweight circuits tailored to build definition without bulk.
- Cardio Bursts: Included fast-paced intervals, jump rope, and treadmill sprints for fat loss and overall conditioning.
Results were almost instantaneous. Muscles felt tighter, posture improved, and a newfound appreciation for Angel-level discipline emerged. While exhaustion was real, the physical and mental lift was undeniable.
Eating Like an Angel: Inside the VS Model Diet
The next shift was in the kitchen. The Angel-approved approach meant only wholesome, nutrient-dense foods:
- Breakfast: Protein-packed shakes with almond butter and bananas or eggs with spinach and avocado.
- Lunch: Colorful salads loaded with lean chicken, nuts, and a rainbow of vegetables, dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Dinner: Grilled salmon or chicken with sautéed greens and quinoa or sweet potatoes.
- Snacks: Green juices, vegetable crudités, and berries replaced the usual processed or sugary treats.
- Drinks: Hydration came from water and herbal teas—alcohol and soda were strictly off the menu.
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This dietary reset led to significant changes: clear energy, consistently radiant skin, and a noticeable reduction in bloating. Though the cravings for comfort foods lingered, the impact on mood and physical wellbeing was clear after just a few days.
Behind the Glow: The Angel Skincare and Body Prep Routine
Great runway skin isn’t accidental—it’s built on routine, professional treatments, and plenty of TLC:
- Signature Facial: A visit to an expert aesthetician for cleansing, microdermabrasion, and hydrating masks left skin plump and luminous, just like Angels prepping for show day.
- Spray Tan: Applied by the same artist who bronzes the VS runway stars, the tan created a sun-kissed uniformity, camouflaging imperfections and enhancing muscle tone.
- Home Self-care: Daily dry brushing, nourishing body oils, and sheet masks became nightly rituals, driving home the point that skin is as much part of the model uniform as the lingerie itself.
Inside the Angel Beauty Transformation: Hair & Makeup Artistry
The ultimate test was recreating the Victoria’s Secret hair and makeup look—the runway-ready bombshell vibe. Here’s what it took:
- Hair: Celebrity hairstylist Sarah Potempa worked her magic, attaching 20-inch platinum blonde extensions and using the Beachwaver for loose, effortless waves. Hollywood-level volume came from fullness-focused wefts, not just length.
- Makeup: Beauty was kept fresh and natural, channeling Dick Page’s backstage techniques—dewy foundation, lightly smoked eye, fuller lashes, and a nude lip. The only “pop” was a splash of bold red blush for runway effect.
However, glamour had a price: transformation required three hours in the makeup chair. The ‘effortless’ look, it turned out, was anything but. Extensions, meticulous contour, custom lash applications, and multiple touch-ups: looking like an Angel is a full-time job.
The Angel Mindset: Lessons in Consistency and Self-Care
Living like a Victoria’s Secret model surfaced several pivotal realizations:
- Discipline Is Key: The biggest hurdle wasn’t physical, but mental. Consistent motivation and forward planning were critical to fitting in multiple sweat sessions and home-cooked meals, even with a full workday.
- Excuses vs Reality: What began as “I don’t have time” quickly faded as the author prioritized health. The perceived cost—time, effort—was outweighed by improved fitness, confidence, and mood.
- Beauty’s Depth: The process wasn’t about surface-level prettiness, but honoring the body with intentional movement, rest, and nourishment. Aesthetics became the byproduct of holistic care.
The Day of the Victoria’s Secret “Shoot”
The experience culminated with a personal photoshoot—Angel style. Hair extensions clipped in, skin glowing, the kind of confidence that comes from a week of self-investment, and a deep appreciation for the backstage artistry that makes runway magic.
- Transformation Is Real: Even after just seven days, there were visible results: stronger arms and legs, a firmer core, and a changed relationship with food and beauty.
- Glamour Takes Work: The time and dedication required easily rival the commitment of professional athletes.
- Healthy Feels Good: More important than the external transformation was the internal shift—feeling energized, mentally sharper, and genuinely proud of sticking to something so challenging.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long do Victoria’s Secret models prep for the show?
A: Typically, Angels start ramping up workouts, nutrition, and skin prep 4–6 weeks prior to the show, with intensity peaking in the final 10–14 days.
Q: What kind of workouts do Victoria’s Secret models do?
A: Favorite routines include Pilates, boxing, strength training, yoga, and HIIT—focusing on lean muscle building and fat burning, not bulk.
Q: Are there any diet restrictions?
A: Yes, most Angels eliminate processed foods, refined sugar, and alcohol, eating mostly whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables.
Q: Do Angels really wear hair extensions?
A: Absolutely. Extensions—even for models with long hair—are used to amplify volume and create runway impact.
Q: Is the Angel transformation sustainable long-term?
A: While the discipline and healthy eating can be adapted for daily life, the show-level workout and beauty regimens are intensive, often reserved for pre-show prep.
Angel Routine at a Glance: A Daily Schedule
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:30 AM | Wake-up, lemon water, morning meditation |
| 7:00 AM | Pilates or strength training session |
| 8:15 AM | Protein-rich breakfast |
| 12:30 PM | Lunch: salad or lean protein bowl |
| 4:00 PM | Cardio or boxing session |
| 6:00 PM | Healthy dinner |
| 8:00 PM | Skin routine: facial, dry brush, body oil |
| 9:30 PM | Lights out for restorative sleep |
Key Takeaways from a Week as an Angel
- Transformation requires intention: Dedication to movement, eating, and self-care has visible and lasting benefits.
- There’s no “easy” in effortless beauty: Three hours in the makeup chair, advanced fitness routines, and strict diets are non-negotiable for the runway.
- Self-investment is the truest luxury: Ultimately, the biggest gain was the confidence, energy, and mental clarity that followed the regimen.
Living like a Victoria’s Secret model for a week isn’t about chasing the runway fantasy. It’s about realizing how much devotion goes into every sparkling moment on the catwalk—and how prioritizing health can spark genuine change in how we look and feel, long after the show lights dim.
References
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/style-beauty/beauty/news/a50277/i-lived-like-a-victorias-secret-model-for-a-week/
- https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/celebs/a62612959/alex-consani-2024-victorias-secret-fashion-show/
- https://www.mic.com/articles/161172/cosmopolitan-accuses-victoria-s-secret-of-racist-lingerie-then-deletes-the-article
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2GXg-6uIWQ
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rbM92qf5uQo
- https://www.marketingdive.com/ex/mobilemarketer/cms/news/advertising/19660.html
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