L'Oreal's Elnett Truck

You see a lot of very cool things during fashion week in New York and it's not always at the shows. Sometimes there are fun things the public can join in on like the L'Oreal Elnett truck that was making stops around town. Is this fun or what?

Farah Angsana Spring 2012

Farah Angsana's show came at a time of an embarassment of riches, I had an invite but also had 2 other events at the same time , one of which I was  already scheduled for. It's not easy to be everywhere during fashion week, but it's great to be asked always, and I would have gladly gotten to this if I could have.

The looks were luxe and red carpet ready and I particularly love these two gowns. Doesn't the pink one look like a modern version of  something Liz Taylor would have swanned around in , in the 60s?

Sebastian Hair Backstage at Alice & Olivia Video

Here's  a good look at what happens backstage at fashion week via Sebastian  and lead stylist Thomas Dunkin.  Stacey Bendet of Alice and Olivia talks and I spy Sarah Lucero of Stila doing the makeup.  Love the Grace Kelly updo reference photo they use.

Backstage Hair at Zero Maria Cornejo w/ Phyto

One of the neatest styles seen backstage I thought was this look cooked up by Phyto for Zero Maria Cornejo. It's origami looking , which I thought before reading the hairstylist say the same thing, and I wish I could recreate it on my own hair.

 If you want to give it shot , here are all the details ( naturally they make it seem all so simple ).

PS- Makeup is by Dick Page for Shiseido

Key Hairstylist: Martin Cullen for Phyto


Inspiration: Maria shares, “I love the feeling of an urban summer; fabrics that feel like the beach but toughened up somehow.” The hair reflects that feeling with a graphic, structural up-do with a twist.

Step by step:

1. Spray Phytovolume Actif throughout hair to give it texture.

2. Create a side part and make 2 small twists on the left side of the head, secure it with threaded elastic.

3. Spray twists with Phytolaque soie light hold hair spray.

4. Pull hair back and fold it flat against the head, almost origami like. Secure hair with bobby pins.

5. Finish with Phyto Professional Workable Holding Spray.

NARS New Gaiety Blush Previews at Thakoon Spring 2012

NARS is known for their blush as much as any makeup item they have. We've all heard of Orgasm right ? In fact most probably own it. Torrid is personally one of my favs.

During fashion week they debuted some new products and one is a new blush used here called Gaiety. It will be out in Spring. Also new is a tinted moisturizer.

Full makeup  look details:

DESIGNER INSPIRATION: “It's the ideal of the iconic American cowboy gone multi-cultural. The color story came from India, inspired by the spice market -- but with a cowboy flair," said designer Thakoon Panichgul.


LOOK: "Because the collection is so colorful, I wanted to focus on a classic, strong brow. I kept the face natural, with a little pink on the cheek for healthy color. On the eyes, I focused on contouring to show strength and attitude, a cowboy attitude that is," said makeup artist Diane Kendal for NARS Cosmetics.


FACE

· Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer - new for Spring 2012! For a similar affect try a light application of Sheer Glow Foundation
· Zen Blush
. Gaiety Blush – new for Spring 2012! For a similar affect try Desire Blush


EYES

· Bengali Eyeshadow
· Portobello Duo Eyeshadow
· Laguna Bronzer
· Bali Eyeshadow
· Blondie Eyeshadow
· Snow Loose Powder

LIPS

· Belle de Jour Velvet Matte Lip Pencil

NAIL

· Versailles Nail Polish

New MAC Lipstick and Blush debuts at The Blonds Spring 2012

The Blonds is a  show where the makeup artists can go as  over the top as they want . MAC created a fab face here and  and previewed a new lipstick- Flamingo( used with Stripdown lip pencil) and  a new blush shade called Immortal Flower. These will be out sometime in Spring / Summer.

Erin Fetherston Spring 2012 w/ MAC and Alterna, butterLONDON for Beauty.com

Erin Fetherston's backstage makeup was helmed by maestro James Kaliardos for MAC  . He  and Ms. Fetherston were inspired by  Mia Farrow at Truman Capote's Black and White Ball of the 60s.The look was  bold. A bold smoky eye and a bold pink lip and it looked fabulous.

The hair was done by Esther Langham for Alterna on Beauty.com   and the nails  Nonie Crème for butter LONDON on Beauty.com.  Ms. Langham created 4 hairstyles for the show  using all Alterna products from the Bamboo line and each style had volume and lift at the crown.  Nonie created a custom nail shade she called Patent Pink from two existing shades - Pink Ribbon and Tea With The Queen. Often these custom shades become  for sale ones later  so it may just turn up in Spring.

The clothes were simply pretty with a  modern but 60s vibe.  Everyone was taken with the orange georgette sequin striped  dress especially. It is  summer personified.  All the fabrics here were ethereal and floaty and  they made the models look a  bit angelic.

All photos: The Beauty Alchemist , except butterLONDON nails - by Charu Suri

Dick Page for Shiseido & Aveda at Band of Outsiders

The amazing Dick Page is one of my makeup gods ( yes I went fangirl when meeting him,  finally, after  not making his shows for several seasons. He was extremely gracious) . As creative director for Shiseido he keyed the makeup for several shows  . I  hit up the backstage for Band of Outsiders.

 Each season they do a boy-girl, and a girl-girl look. He explained the looks aren't that different but the boy-girl has less makeup. The overall effect was to be fresh and sunny with flushed cheeks and swipe of color down the bridge of the nose along with a sweet lip in a new shade coming this spring ( really good new lipsticks alert).  Many of the products used will be new for Spring including the cheek color which is a cream stick and that lipstick for the "girl girl" look . That's one that  I definitely want come Spring.

Aveda did the hair  in messy  updos and  tousled waves which complemented the sunny , carefree look perfectly.  Didier Malige created two looks: whirled waves for girl -girl and a textured, tousled chignon for girl- boy, using Aveda Brilliant Retexturizing Gel, Aveda Air Control Hair Spray, and Aveda Pure Abundance Hair Potion .

The makeup Mr. Page used :

Boy-Girl Look

FACE
Dick prepped each model’s skin by applying Shiseido The Skincare Multi-Energizing Cream.

After moisturizing, Dick applied a wash of foundation to conceal any blemishes or redness.

For cheeks, Dick blended a combination of the Shiseido Makeup Accentuating Color Stick in Rouge Flush (S4) and Glistening Flush (S3) together on the inside of his forearm. Using a wedge sponge, he applied the cream blush mixture directly on the cheeks. Taking a blush brush, Dick blended the blush on the skin, focusing on the cheeks and bridge of the nose to create a “slightly sunburned” effect.

No powder or concealer were used on the face.

EYES

Dick applied the Shiseido Makeup Accentuating Cream Eye Liner in Black (#1) to the top lash line and in the lower water line of the inner eye.

After the eyeliner application, Dick brushed the Shiseido Makeup Perfect Mascara Full Definition to the top lashes only.

Dick created a custom brow for each model by mixing together the Shiseido Makeup Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Sable (BR709), Patina (GR707) and Leather (BR306) and applying the combination to a clean mascara comb to finish the look.

LIPS

Dick applied the Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment to hydrate and condition the lip area.

A wash of foundation was added to the lips and blotted with a damp base sponge to remove any natural color.

Girl- Girl Look :

FACE

Same as above


EYES

There was no makeup application on the eyes. However, Dick did comb out each model’s lashes with a mascara comb.

Dick created a custom brow for each model by mixing Shiseido Makeup Shimmering Cream Eye Color in Sable (BR709), Patina (GR707) and Leather (BR306) together and applying the combination to a clean mascara comb to finish the look.

LIPS
Dick applied the Shiseido Benefiance Full Correction Lip Treatment to hydrate and condition the lip area.

He blotted the Shiseido Shimmering Rouge Lipstick in Temptress (RD320) on the lips, using his fingertips to diffuse the color.

First 2 photos/video- The Beauty Alchemist
Photos: Vogue.com

Carmen Marc Valvo Spring 2012 w/ MAC & Ted Gibson

I always look forward to Carmen Marc Valvo. Not just the show but the backstage. I know the clothes will be  beautiful and elegant and I get a chance to see them close up where you can really appreciate the detail . Then there is the adorable and fun team of Romero Jennings for MAC doing makeup and Ted Gibson doing the hair on behalf of Beauty.com.

This season's show makeup look is fresh and All American  with a bold lip and a lightly made up face. As Romero says in the video it's what many women do everyday. Foundation , mascara and a bold lip.  He debuted a new red lipstick from MAC coming in Spring , which is a red/coral hybrid called Scarlet Ibis.  He used Cherry lip pencil and Basic Red pigment over the lips. Skin has the new Matchmaster foundation , Taupe Sculpt powder  on cheeks for contour and Pearl CCB on top of cheekbones. The eyes have Coffee eye pencil , Omega eye shadow and Zoom Lash.

For the hair Ted was inspired by Peggy Lipton and her always perfect sleek hair .  He sleeked it back at the top to tuck behind the ears, leaving the back straight and shiny. He sprayed his own brand hairspray into his palm and lightly ran it down the hair for hold.

The clothes were as lovely as expected  and  there were more casually elegant looks like silk shorts and palazzo pants. The white/silver beaded tank dress was  a favorite  and it was  nice to see the models sporting flats and not teetering heels. That is All American. A pretty dress, flowing hair and  a sharp sandal.

Maybelline Baby Lips Repairing Lip Balm

Maybelline has a fun and super inexpensive lip balm coming this October. Called Baby Lips Repairing Lip Balm, it  debuted on the runway and  was used backstage at BCBG in Quenched , shown here, as well as letting some of us get a sneak peek.  

There are clear and tinted  and the tints have good color. Plus they are SPF 20 and very moisturizing.  ( All other makeup on model Maybelline  Fit Me  done by Charlotte Willer ).

Baby Lips will sell for $ 3.99

Photos: Maybelline Tumblr , Maybelline at  Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week             

                                   

Maybelline's Fashion Week Live Runway Shows

Maybelline is the makeup sponsor of Mercedes Benz Fahion Week at Lincoln Center once again this year.   In a  nice move they are making it easy for everyone to see some of the shows on their channel - http://www.youtube.com/liverunway . You can watch, tweet along ( I'll be when I can)  and see behind the scenes info. 

The list of shows that will be livestreaming is :

Thursday, September 8th
10:00 AM
BCBGMAXAZRIA


Saturday, September 10th
3:00 PM
VIVIENNE TAM


Sunday, February 11th
7:00 PM
CUSTO BARCELONA


Monday, September 12th
11:00 AM
CARLOS MIELE

American Express and Fashion Week

American Express is doing their fashion week packages this year and while the week officially starts tomorrow there is still time to take advantage of them.

First off is the DKNY show with special finale runway performance by singer/songwriter Lykke Li as part of this season’s Cardmember-Only Show featuring the debut of the DKNY 2012 Resort Collection. The show will take place September 15 at 7:30 p.m. during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week at Lincoln Center. 

Cardholders can also go downtown this year to MADE formerly MAC & Milk. You can   to purchase exclusive packages to preview select Spring/Summer 2012 collections showing downtown with MADE. Available packages feature a variety of fashion experiences such as VIP seating for runway shows including Billy Reid, SUNO, Sophie Theallet and more, exclusive access to designer presentations, backstage designer meet & greets, styling sessions and more.

Lastly is one you can do right from home with the Skybox report. The American Express Skybox Report . The American Express Skybox Report will offer   a closer look into this season’s Cardmember moments via  content  from a select group of the industry’s high-profile and emerging fashion bloggers. Style lovers everywhere can visit http://www.amexskyboxreport.com/  leading up to and throughout this season’s shows and events, and also join the conversation by following @americanexpress on Twitter and using hashtag #amexfashion.

 View and purchase  at  www.americanexpress.com/entertainment

Pamella Roland Fall 2011

I look forward to the Pamella Roland show each season.  I know I'm in for procession of  beautiful dresses and gowns  and am never let down.  Her designs  aree simply made for Red Carpet wearing and this long sleeved kimono gown is one I would love to see someone rock come this Sunday's Oscars.  There are trousers underneath, which I am not into, but otherwise this is so gorgeous  and on most stars the long sleeves would be unexpected. However, with the cold temps in LA , some celebs might be thinking long sleeves are the way to go.

Another favorite of the show was this short cocktail LBD.  It may be a Little Black Dress but it's far from boring. This is Oscar After Party ( or any party)wear.

Hourglass Aura Lip Stain & Cheek Stain

At  long last I have found a lip stain I love and will use. The new Aura lipstain from Hourglass.   Aura is the name of two new products from Hourglass- Cheek Stain and Lip Stain .

What makes Aura Lip Stain so great ? First, has a lot of pigment . It's not sheer,( despite shades being described as such) but has at least what I would call medium coverage. It looks more like an actual lipstick on. Next, it's not as drying as those I've tried before. Yes it's still dry, but not drying. I do end up prefering to apply some balm over it  but it looks great on it's own. Third, it's not matte . It has a little pearlescence to it. Lastly it's blendable.

It lasts quite long, I went about 3 hours with no fade at all and then had dinner ,after which there was still the tiniest bit of color there.

The shade shown in both  lip and cheek colors is Petal. 

The new cheek stain was among the products used  by Hourglass Beauty Director Michael Pierce  on some legendary models like Carol Alt and Niki Taylor  at the recent Adrienne Vittadini show  during New York fashion week.  

Aura Lip Stain and Cheek Stain are available now at Sephora , Barneys and http://www.hourglasscometics.com/
 Both are water based, have vitamin E and are  free of  parabens, phthalates, fragrance and sulfates 

Cheek shades  are : Rouge (sheer rose); Flush (sheer red); Petal (sheer pink/coral shimmer) $ 45.00

Lips shades are : Scarlet( sheer plum) ;Flush( sheer red)  and Petal( sheer pink/coral) $ 26.00

Fall 2011 NYFW Mini Trend- The Tuxedo Look

In watching many of the shows this just passed  New York fashion week for Fall , I noticed a trend sneaking out. The tuxedo. Not all the looks are traditional tux but all seem to have ties , jackets and often a nod to the 70s or 80s.

My favorite here is by Jason Wu,  his show might have been the best of the week.

I think this can look spectacular on the right person but you need to be able to really work it. Would you wear the Tux look ? Did you in the past? I seem to vaguely recall a tux like  blouse I had  in the 80s as a youngster. But really, I'm not sure.

MAC Glamgloss- Summer Preview at Fashion Week Fall 2011

Summer looks  to bring a new MAC lipgloss called Glamgloss. It was used yesterday in the Behnaz Sarafpour show.   MAC says it will be released in Summer 2011. No more details but you can get a bit of a peek in the images.

The  Glamgloss shade is  What Comes Naturally along  with Tanarama lipstick over lips.

Images: NYmag

Revlon & Gucci Westman for Rag and Bone Fall 2011

 

Gucci Westman  not only Revlon's global artistic director,  but also wife of Rag and Bone's David Neville, as usual did the makeup for their  recent show.  The look was called " Urban Eskimo" and featured ruddy cheeks and skin that looked a little sun or wind burnt.

All products used were by Revlon.

Cheeks were done with Cream Blush in Berry Flirtations.  The inner rim of eyes had Revlon's Luxurious Color Eyeliner in Black Velvet, blended with Illuminance Cream Shadow in Wild Orchid  along with  Matte Eyeshadow in Rich Sable  across lids and underneath the lower lash line.

 Lips were barely there with just a bit of color from a  multi -use palette called Bordeaux in the Snow ,that was pressed into models' mouths

Nails were a steel colored grey called appropriately Steel Her Heart and done by Jin Soon Choi.

Full Product List :

LIPS:

Gucci Westman for Revlon Lip Palette in Bordeaux In the Snow

EYE:

-Revlon Illuminance Creme Shadow in Wild Orchids

-Revlon Matte Eyeshadow in Rich Sable

-Revlon Luxurious Color Eyeliner in Black Velvet
-Revlon ColorStay Liquid Liner in Blackest Black
-Revlon Smoky Crayon in Black Smoke

FACE:

Revlon Cream Blush in Berry Flirtatious

NAILS: Jin Soon Choi for Revlon
Revlon Top Speed Nail Enamel in Hazy
Revlon Nail Enamel in Steel-Her Heart


Images: revlon and style.com

Sebastian Backstage at Pamela Love for NYFW

Sebastian provided hair for the Pamela Love show during NYFW last month. No secret how much I adore their products and lead stylist Thomas Dunkin even mentions one of my favorites- Gel Forte.

I am totally jonesing for some of that jewerly. Well almost all of that jewelry.

The whole video gives a great behind the scenes look at exactly how it is backstage. It's a fun place to be and watching this is making me long to be back there ( minus the very bad flu that mostly kept me away).The venue was Milk Studios with MAC providing makeup.

Malan Breton Spring 2011

Malan Breton always does a nice , theatrical show and this season he had not only the Chelsea symphony playing accompaniment but also dancers from the NY Ballet  on the runway dancing to Gershwin. I was looking forward to seeing it in person and  was sorry I had to miss it. I can still, however, show some of the looks .

The Gershwin was appropriate as many of the looks had a nod to the 20s/30s. Flowing,close to the body silks and lots of color. The long bright blue ( Malan's Breton Blue and a shade after my own heart) beaded skirt is a keeper as is the shiny black trench. A piece you can never go wrong with.

It was  all very elegant , tailored and red carpet ready. More celebs need to grab this line for their appearances. 

Real Housewife Alex McCord closed the show in another uptown pretty blue number.