Sophie: “The Kardashians inspired my new look”
As she unveils the results of her makeunder and noninvasive jaw lift, Sophie Kasaei says she’s giving up surgery
Ditching her usual hair extensions, fake tan and heavy make-up for a more understated look, Geordie Shore star Sophie Kasaei wowed at the VMAS last week.
And her makeunder and slimmer look were praised by fans – with one writing online: “You look the best you’ve ever looked” and another posting: “So classy and beautiful now Sophie.”
She even made an impression on DJ Calvin Harris, who reportedly flirted with her at the event. Obviously he wasn’t aware Sophie is in a six-year relationship with bodybuilder Joel Corry, 28.
WORKING HARD
Sophie, 27 – who’s 5ft 2 and is now 9st 8lbs and a size 10-12 - tells Closer how she spent the past few months working on her new look and hitting the gym.
“I put on weight while filming the last series of Geordie Shore - it's impossible not to,” she reveals. “But since coming out of the house, I’ve lost over a stone. It’s been hard, but I’ve been doing HIIT [high-intensity interval training] and weight training and cutting out alcohol and sugar.
“I was trying to get into shape for the VMAS because I knew I’d be standing next to the likes of Kylie Jenner, Kim Kardashian and the rest of the sisters. I’m just little Sophie from Newcastle – they prompted and inspired my makeover and new look.”
Last week, Sophie unveiled the results of her 15-minute non-invasive jaw lift carried out by Beverly Hills-based dermatologist Simon Ourian – who also works with the Kardashians. The procedure involves injecting long-lasting dermal fillers into the jaw line to tighten it up. It costs up to £4,560.
Sophie shared a video showing how it was carried out on her Instagram page (@sophiekasaei_), and wrote: “I have always wanted a more defined jawline, as when I watch myself on TV I hate how saggy my chin is! He was amazing and this was literally pain free!”
Rising to fame on Geordie Shore in 2011, Sophie was infamous for getting drunk and having sex on TV – and known for her “Geordie look” of fake tan, thick make-up and skimpy mini-dresses.
WAKE-UP CALL
But she says she had a wake-up call last month when she discovered she was suffering from traction alopecia – hair loss caused by overuse of hair extensions.
She says: “I’m photographed, I’m on TV and I want to feel beautiful on Instagram. But I don’t post half as much as I used to because I’ve ruined my hair. After years of wearing extensions and using hair dye, I’ve got traction alopecia. I’m giving that look a break. It’s nice to be natural.”
At the start of the summer ahead of her image overhaul, Sophie told Closer how vile comments from trolls about her weight when she was at her biggest at 10st 8lbs and a size 14-16 made her lose her self-esteem.
She said: “I’ve had messages from people telling me to kill myself because I’m so fat.
Some people have been absolutely vile and it’s made me lose so much confidence. At the moment I hate the way I look… In the past I’ve embraced my curves, but this has made me feel so low.”
But she adds that Joel is incredibly supportive, saying: “Joel will always love me the way I am, he thinks I’m beautiful. He’s seen me go up and down in size – he’s seen me at 8st and 10st. He tells me I look great.”
A BREAK FROM SURGERY
And Sophie – who’s had Botox and lip and cheek fillers and is currently wearing wigs and hair pieces designed by celeb hairdresser Carl Bembridge – admits that, despite being tempted, she’s turning her back on surgery. She says: “It’s no wonder reality stars turn to surgery, we get offered so much free stuff. If people are constantly commenting on your nose or weight, you start to believe there is something wrong with you. It makes you want to change. “People say we’re crazy for getting surgery, but we’re offered free treatments all the time. I may get a hair transplant later on but, right now, I’m giving my hair a break and I’m happy with how I am.”
‘I’ve been cutting out alcohol and sugar’