There are no shortcuts for looking fabulous, not even for models! Read on as I ask the country’s most beautiful faces (and bodies) to let us in on their trade secrets.

Born with fine features, long limbs and a proportioned body, models, we can only assume, don’t need to work hard to keep their skin blemish-free and bodies lean and tone.

But as we are about to find out, most models do make that extra effort to stay healthy, by exercising and practicing restraint with what they eat.

But the biggest beauty secrets shouldn’t come as a surprise at all: keeping a positive disposition and just being happy.

At least, that’s what top models Ria Bolivar, Ornusa Cadness, Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez and Valerie de los Santos told us, as they let us in on their skin-care secrets, rules for staying fit and effective (and healthy) eating habits.

Ria Bolivar

“Physically, to stay beautiful, I eat the right amount of food. My profession requires me to maintain my weight and exercise to keep my figure toned. I stay beautiful by keeping a good relationship with family and the people I work with. I believe a positive outlook in life manifests in our physical beauty, that and avoiding bad habits like smoking, drinking too much, and late nights.

“I follow a beauty routine. I start by cleansing my face, applying an SPF moisturizer after. I do this every day before I sleep and when I wake up. But the most important part for me is to have good sleep and to have lots of water.

“To stay fit, I like to go for walks and do yoga, biking and swimming. I also like to do my own house work.

“My beauty philosophy is staying clean on the inside and out. To keep myself physically clean, I give importance to my health and stay clean on the inside by maintaining a positive outlook in life.

“My favorite beauty products are: (1) Carmex lip balm, to keep my lips looking smooth and feeling fresh; (2) Shu Uemura skin purifier, because it’s the best way to remove my makeup; (3) Aveeno lotion, to keep my skin feeling healthy and shiny; and (4) Wet Wipes aloe vera, to stay hygienic everywhere I go.

“I don’t believe in diets but I do believe in eating right—I love vegetables and I love fruits even more. They contain the right vitamins and minerals for me to stay fit.”

Ornusa Cadness, Ria Bolivar

“Simple things like daily showers and slapping on a good facial moisturizer is enough to make me feel beautiful. Also, eating good and healthy food, getting Brazilian waxes and regular manicures and pedicures definitely help, too.

“A good nonsoap facial cleanser works well for me—stuff like Clearasil, for nonmakeup days, and Shu Uemura cleansing oil for days when I wear makeup. Facial masks are also great once or twice a week.

“I keep fit mostly through my diet. I avoid soda at whatever cost and always drink lots of water. I stay away from fried or fast food, but I will have a cheat day once a week for everything “evil.” Also, I never skip breakfast. For me, breakfast is the most vital meal of the day and skipping it messes up with my metabolism.

“My beauty philosophy is simple: sleep well, eat healthy, laugh and be happy.

“Beauty products I cannot live without are: 1) Carmex lip balm, because I love the smell and how long-lasting it is; 2) Shu Uemura cleansing oil, to remove absolutely all traces of makeup, especially hard-to-remove mascara; 3) Kiehl’s amino acid shampoo and conditioner, for its all-natural formula and beachy coconut smell that feels so light compared to other harsh, heavily perfumed hair products; 4) The Balm’s Bahama Mamma bronzing powder, the perfect, nonshimmery bronzing powder for me, which is perfect for contouring.”

Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Ornusa Cadness, Ria Bolivar

“To feel beautiful, I play my favorite music, dress up and wear heels. These little things really make me feel good.

“I never sleep without removing my makeup, then I cleanse and moisturize. That’s really all there is to my beauty regimen.

“I go to the gym and attend various classes like Plana Forma and Plyometrics. But I don’t necessarily follow any diet. I guess I am just conscious about what I eat. I’ve always believed that we shouldn’t deprive ourselves of food. I eat whenever I’m hungry, even if it means eating in between meals. But it’s always in moderation.

“I believe that beauty is seen most in imperfection.

“The beauty products I love are: 1) concealer, which is the one makeup I cannot leave the house without; 2) lotion, because I can never dress up without it; 3) cleansing oil and foam, which work as my makeup remover and facial wash before going to bed; and 4) moisturizer, which is a must before going to bed and after a shower.”

Valerie de los Santos, Mikaela Lagdameo-Martinez, Ornusa Cadness, Ria Bolivar

“I feel beautiful whenever I pamper myself—this usually means getting a massage, a foot spa, a mani-pedi or a hair treatment.

“My facial regimen is just the typical cleanse, tone and moisturize. But I always make sure to take out all traces of makeup first. My favorite makeup remover is Shu Uemura cleansing oil. It really takes off all makeup, even waterproof mascara, and it lasts me a long time.

“To keep fit, I work out and attend yoga classes two to three times a week. But I prefer to workout at home because I don’t have the patience to go to the gym. I don’t eat beef and pork and I don’t drink soda. I also drink a lot of water, especially when I wake up and before I sleep. I eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, too, which I think is a must.

“To stay beautiful, sleep well, eat well and be happy (no stress)!

“My top favorite products are: 1) Shu Uemura cleansing oil, because it removes all traces of makeup so easily; 2) Carmex lip balm, which I never go to sleep without putting it on; 3) CO Bigelow Mentha Lip Tint from Bath & Body Works, a gloss and lip balm I use everyday because I love its smell and taste; 4) Pond’s Age Miracle eye cream and moisturizer, which I’ve been using since it was introduced by my friend.

“When it comes to eating, I believe the trick is to have everything in moderation. It’s okay to eat something sweet or fried as long as you don’t have it too much. You shouldn’t deprive or starve yourself, because if you do, the tendency is to eat more on your next meal. I’ve found that it’s better to have six small meals throughout the day than just one big meal.”

Got a beauty question? E-mail [email protected].