Backstage Beauty: NYFW S/S 2013 Favorites

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KAREN WALKER: Inspiration – Space-age optimism of the 1950s

Makeup: Jenna Menard for Clinique Backstage Secret: New for Spring 2013, Clinique Chubby Sticks Intense Shades – (launching in February). Color used is a special edition shade for Spring. No name yet, but in the works!

Hair: Laurent Phillippon for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were glued on and a heavy fringe was cut according to each girl. To add texture Bumble & Bumble Hair Powder and Bumble & Bumble Surf Spray were used.

BADGLEY MISCHKA: Inspiration – “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: Pecheux stressed the importance of prepping the skin when achieving this natural apperance. Using moisturizer, MAC’s Complete Comfort Cream and Studio Sculpt Foundation, he made the complexion appear flawless.

Hair: Peter Gray for Moroccanoil Backstage Secret: To add body to the hair, Moroccanoil’s new Oil Volumizing Mousse (out in October) was used on damp hair. Moroccanoil Treatment was then applied for shine.

EDUN: Inspiration – “A clean youthful, rock ‘n’ roll type girl”

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: To showcase cheekbones, MAC’s Sculpt and Shape Powder in Bone Beige (limited edition) was used. For some attitude – ‘Feline’ Kohl Powder Pencil was applied to the outer corner of the eye in a “v” shape to connect the top and bottom lashes.

Hair: James Pecis for Bumble & Bumble Backstage Secret: Extensions were added to the model’s hair and Bumble & Bumble’s Thickening Spray was used to create a consistent texture.

DEREK LAM: Inspiration – Romantic “aqua 3-D” look

Makeup: Tom Pecheux for Estee Lauder Backstage Secret: The eyes were the focus in this look. Pecheux first applied Advanced Night Repair Eye Serum Infusion from lash line to brow. He then applied Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Extreme Emerald with a light hand from. Next, he layered Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paint in Cosmic, a glimmery silver, on top of that for a pale, silvered-aqua look. (Pure Color Stay-on Shadow Paints launching January 2013).

Hair: Orlando Pita Backstage Secret: After doing a deep side part, Pita applied Phyto hair products — different for each girl, depending on her hair texture. He used a T3 Featherweight Dryer and a T3 Straightening Iron, then tucked hair behind the ears.

TORY BURCH: Inspiration – Prairie Girl

Makeup: Diane Kendal for MAC Cosmetics Backstage Secret: MAC’s Face and Body Foundation, as well as Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder, were used as needed to perfect the complexion.

Hair: Eugene Souleiman for Wella Backstage Secret: An excess of extensions were used to create the fullness and length of these wheat-like fishtail braids. Hair was set using only Wella Professionals Stay Essential Finishing Spray.

HELMUT LANG: Inspiration – Downtown Surf

Makeup: Hannah Murray for NARS Backstage Secret: NARS Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++ was used on the models skin for a flawless effect, as well as these products (New for Sprint 2013) NARS Radiant Creamy Concealer and NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder. A lip pencil was used on the cheeks for a beautiful wash of color – Satin Lip Pencil in Hyde Park (New for Spring 2013). For a similar effect, try Maldives The Multiple.

Hair: Paul Hanlon for Fekkai Backstage Secret: The effortless hair embraced the individual look of each model, with kinks and bends made with a styling wand. To give the look a rock-‘n’-roll edge, the front section was swept to the side and hung in front of the face. Hanlon touched up strands with Silky Straight Ironless Smooth Finish Serum, a frizz-fighting serum.

Plump It Up!: Rodial Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel

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Dubbed as the “Liquid Facelift”, Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel by Rodial promises to plump, sculpt and lift the complexion as it sags and wrinkles with age.

Created to be the natural replacement for Restylane injections, Dragon’s Blood Sculpting Gel plumps facial hollows and ‘orbital troughs’ under and around the eyes, as well as for cheek volume and contouring of the chin, forehead and nose.

Dragon’s Blood is formulated with red sap of the sangre de drago tree that has been used for centuries by ancient cultures for dye, incense, wound-healing/first aid and antioxidant properties. The product news release states, “It works to form a second skin-like protective film on the skin. Protects against environmental damage and contains anti-inflammatory properties.”

Morning and night after cleansing, smooth on a thin layer of gel, then add your regular moisturizer on top with SPF for daytime, of course. The gel absorbs quickly into the skin and has a soft scent of florals and pink bubblegum. Within minutes, you can feel a tightening sensation on your skin. Not the tightening one might feel with very dry, parched skin, but a “sucked-in” taught feeling. I most certainly noticed a more sculpted and voluminous difference, however, more mature skin would reap the benefits of Dragon’s Blood much, much more.

Sun-Kissed Favorites: Bronzing Powders

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Bronzing Powders. The most purchased item in my collection. Used to create the illusion of sun-kissed skin without lying in the sun. Not only are they easy to apply, but they conceal, even-out skintone and create a more toned/sculpted appearance.

Bronzing powders should be placed strategically on the areas that would be naturally “kissed” by the sun: the forehead, bridge of nose, tops of cheeks, and chin. Take what’s left on the brush and blend onto the neck and décolleté so there is no line of demarcation. Bronzer should be transluscent. The brush that you use will make a big difference in your application: denser, shorter hairs will pick up more pigment than looser, longer hairs. (Favorite: Bobby Brown Bronzer Brush).

Over-applying or picking the wrong shade will result in looking like Snookie. Everyone can wear bronzer, fair or dark skin, it’s just about knowing which shade works best for you. When picking out a bronzer, go about two shades deeper than your natural coloring, or choose a shade that is close to the color your skin naturally turns in the sun. Stay away from products that are frosted or have orange undertones, they will look artificial.

Matte and semi-matte bronzers ONLY! Matte bronzers look more natural than glitter or frosted products. Especially for contouring purposes, matte products are a must. (How-To Contour: Here) A small about of sheen/glow is okay, however, apply with a light hand. If you want the shimmer or highlight, add separately with a highlighting product.

FAVORITES:

Disclosure: I am constantly changing bronzers, daily. I have yet to find the “holy grail”, but will continue to search high and low. The favorites I have chosen are the products I reach for the most and believe to be universally flattering.

Laura Geller Bronze-n-Brighten: This is a great product for correction purposes. The multi-colored, baked layers provide redness relief and an even skintone. The “bronzing” layers add a lasting glow to the skin.

Bobby Brown Bronzing Powder: The universal bronzer. Available in seven shades for a wide range of complexions, this bronzer will suit anyone. The long-lasting formula is extremely smooth and silky and applies seamlessly.

Guerlain ‘Terracotta-Four Seasons’ Bronzer: Guerlain is considered to be the “ultimate bronzing authority”. With many great products to choose from, the Terracotta-Four Seasons can be used all year long. The idea is to blend the four colors together in different variations to reach your desired color for every season.

Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Faux Tan & Warmth All-Over Face Color: Both of these powders are my most reached for bronzers. Quick and easy, these bronzing powders bring “life” to the skin. Use separately to create healthy-looking skin in seconds. Mix them together for a radiant “sun-goddess” look.

Chanel Soleil Tan De Chanel Moisturizing Bronzing Powder: When my skin is looking a bit dull or flat, this is the bronzer I use. It produces a nice glow on the skin and the color is very subtle. This is the most natural looking bronzing powder I have used.

Honorable Mentions:

NARS Laguna: I have a love/hate relationship with this bronzer. Sometimes it looks amazing and other times it just looks dirty.

Too Faced Caribbean in a Compact in Sun Bunny: Great color, too much shimmer. This is a great product to use on chest/legs and décolleté.

QUESTION?

What are your favorite bronzing powders?