Candice Swanepoel on Preparing for the 2014 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show 2013

With Thanksgiving, the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show and the holiday season all lying just around the corner, anticipation is running high around the Modelinia office and we’re not alone in our excitement. On Tuesday morning, Victoria’s Secret Angel Candice Swanepoel descended upon the retailer’s Herald Square store in New York City where she had the honor of unveiling this year’s multi-million dollar Dream Angels Fantasy Bras along with its latest holiday designer collection. Surrounded by a plethora of sparkly, lacy, frilly bras and panties in hues of red, lavender and black, Candice, looking very sexy and chic in a high-slit asymmetrical skirt and black turtleneck, shared her gift picks of the season while chatting with us about the upcoming Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Get the scoop on how the South African stunner is gearing up for this year’s runway including her pre-show workout routine, must-have London travel essentials and more!

1. There are a lot of great gift picks here today. What do you have on your wish list this year?
I love the new Scandalous collection. The campaign is very dark and moody and of corse, very sexy. The push-up bra is one of my favorite pieces in the collection. I also always recommend perfume as a great gift for a loved one— you can’t go wrong. This year, there’s the new Heavenly fragrance which comes with limited-edition Swarovski crystal wings, making it an extra-special gift for the holiday season.

2. With just a few weeks left until the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, what are you doing right now to get your body ready for the runway?
As a model, I have to stay ready all year round, but about four weeks before the show is when I really start to push myself. I try to focus on my butt and legs a lot more using different strength training exercises and I also box. Justin [Gelband] and I really haven’t changed much of my workout over the years (Ed. note: clearly, it’s working for her). We still tend to do a lot of leg lifts, a lot of exercises using the ball, and a lot of things that I can do lying down when I’m traveling and in the hotel.

3. Any favorite London hotspots?
Usually when I’m in London for work, I’m unfortunately flying in and out and not staying very long. But I do have some favorite areas that I like to stay in, like Soho. That’s kind of like where everything happens and there’s also a lot of really great restaurants. I also love to visit the different gardens— they take very good care of them over there.

4. What must-have beauty products will you be bringing with you to London?
My beauty bag is really always packed— it’s a simple routine: cleanse, tone (rose water spray), moisturize and then add an eye cream at night. Of course, Victoria’s Secret takes care of us at the show, so I don’t have to worry about bringing a lot with me. It is important though that my skin is nice and tan for the show so I make sure to bring self-tanning cream with me. I really like the one from Lorac and then Victoria’s Secret has a great lotion that also adds a little shimmer to the skin. And then I always make sure to pack my favorite hair products. Our hair is worked on all the time, so it’s important that I use a really good, nourishing shampoo and conditioner like the ones from Kerastase.

5. Finally, we know you’re a fan of healthy smoothies. What are some of your favorite things that you like to throw in the blender in the morning to help keep you at your best?
I love smoothies! At home I like to make a blueberry, banana, protein shake. I like to add little potions to it, like collagen powder, fish oil, almond butter, honey— healthy things like that. I also always do a protein shake after I finish working out to help support muscle growth to replenish my body.

source: Laura@bz via modelinia.com