Editor's Letter

This month’s issue includes a number of stories that focus, in one way or another, on courage, identity and self-image. How we regard ourselves, how we feel about who we are, is reflective of many factors and facets of our individual lives. The talent featured within our pages, all have exemplified the courage to break barriers, to open oneself to vulnerability and discovery and to express their creativity and unique gifts wholeheartedly.

Courage is an essential element to opening new paths, new experiences. It takes courage to question, to break with predefined destinies and concepts. Courage to dare, even when no one else believes or understands. Courage to dream and to shape what is dreamed. Whether it comes to you while deep in meditation, driving in your car, during a walk or sound asleep, our dreams can take many forms and inspire us in so many ways. So keep dreaming because when we dream, there are no filters or limits to creativity.

Amy

Amy McCabe Editor-in-Chief

M O D E L D I A R I E S

KARAdel TORO

Photographed by FRANCE & JESSE

MODEL DIARIES

KARA DEL TORO

Where are you from?

I’m from a small town near Houston, Texas. I grew up playing a lot outdoors in nature with a house full of animals.

How would you define your career in three words?

Creative, dynamic, fast-paced

You have developed a social media following of over 3 million people, worldwide. Can you take us a little behind the scenes of the process of developing the platform you have established today?

I started in the modeling industry before social media like Instagram was so prevalent, it was so different back then. Then I slowly started realizing the importance of having your own platform, you can use social media to really have a voice and post what matters to you. It’s such an incredible thing because I started using my instagram as my portfolio and loved having creative control like I had never had before. Now content creation is a full time job for me. I’m obsessed with Tiktok. I started posting on Tiktok during the pandemic when we were all on lockdown. I was posting different content then on my IG. Things like makeup tutorials, telling my modeling story and even silly videos like “ selfie hacks” I gained more than a million followers in a few months. I love the creative freedom that I have through social media.

What's a goal you hope to accomplish?

I’m hoping to launch my own brand within the year!

What's a highlight in your career?

I’ve had many highlights and achievements I’m proud of, but a few recently were my covers with Harper's Bazaar and Maxim.

What can people expect to see from you in the remainder of 2021?

There are a lot of exciting things in the works that I can’t share with you just yet!

What's something people would be surprised to know about you?

I’ve been in a steady relationship for 14 years.

What's something in your closet you couldn't live without?

I’m obsessed with this Skims body suit. I ordered it in every color, it’s so flattering and looks good with anything.

A fashion trend you're loving right now?

I’m loving the funky nail trends. As a model I wasn't allowed to do anything fun with my nails for years, so I’m really into nail art at the moment.

A fashion trend you're loving right now?

I’m loving the funky nail trends. As a model I wasn't allowed to do anything fun with my nails for years, so I’m really into nail art at the moment.

You only have three items in your makeup bag you can choose to use forever - what do you choose?

Lip liner, Bronzer, brow gel.

An essential item in your skincare routine?

A good face oil

A beauty tip you would recommend?

A faux tan.

What's your dessert of choice?

Anything chocolate, homemade chocolate chip cookies are always a win.

How do you prep your skin for a photoshoot?

I like to use a sheet mask and then do a little facial massage with some face oil to boost circulation and help with puffiness. If I have time, microcurrent is amazing as well for a little lift.

What're you looking forward to most this summer?

I’m going to Costa Rica in a few weeks. I’ve never been so I’m really looking forward to exploring and spending some time in nature.

Something you were surprised to learn recently?

After 2020 nothing surprises me any more haha!

Top 3 things on your bucket list.

Starting my own company, traveling the world, starting a family (not for a little while though haha!)

What would you like to say to your fans?

I wouldn't be where I am today without my online friends and community. I wouldn't even be having this conversation. I’m BEYOND grateful for every single one of you!

MODELISTE BEAUTY BOX