NYFW Trend Spotting: MAC's Texturized Eye Liner

Eye makeup can go one of two ways when it comes to the NYFW runways:  Natural and light ala Derek Lam SS2015, or at the opposite end of the spectrum – the eccentric and bold, such as Yadim’s neon eyeliner from Peter Som last season.  And while we love the natural beauty trend, bold makeup is just way more fun.  So what bold eye makeup trend have we spotted this season? Thanks to MAC, texturized eye liner.

Caviar Beads at Ohne Titel

Remember that caviar nail trend a few years ago? This technique was reincarnated by Kabuki for the Ohne Titel show on the models eyes. He mixed MAC’s pro Black Black and Pure White Chromacakes to create a custom grey color which he applied through the lower line of the eyebrow. Then, as an lower lid liner, he applied Pro Longwear Paint Pot in Quite Natural. Now, for the fun part. He glued on the caviar beads using none other than watered-down Elmer's glue due to it's easy removal.

Glitter at Tadashi Shoji

Another textured eyeliner look we saw was created by Pep Gay at Tadashi Shoji. He placed bright gold glitter along the top lash line using MAC Pro Gold Glitter, which he adhered using Duo Adhesive, which allowed him to repeat to gently build intensity.

Metallic at Zac Posen

Zac Posen's metallic eye was another intricate Kabuki creation. Beginning with a base, Bamboom Paint was applied all over the lid and crease. Then, each of the following were mixed with Prep + Prime Fix; MAC Pigments in either Copper Sparkle, Blue Brown, MAC Pro Silver, MAC Pro Gold and MAY Pro Heritage. This is what created the metallic cream that was applied all over the lid up to the crease.  To highlight, Copperplate eye shadow was blended through the outer corner of the eye. Finally, to define, Photogravure Technakohl liner was add to the lash line.

Backstage Beauty Report: Zac Posen

Throughout my 14 seasons of reporting, I've never missed a chance to cover backstage Zac Posen.  The gowns are so beautiful it hurts.  This time, I followed Zac around backstage and watched as he inspected some of them one last time before they made their runway debut.  Special.  The look immediately reminded me of a modern day Marie Antoinette, delicate floral appliques placed into texturized updos and a soft ballerina inspired makeup.

Even though the look is very romantic, Kerastase's Odile Gilbert described it as, "f*ed up hair," explaining that no two updos were alike.  After loosely curling the model's strands, she used K Powder Bluff Texturizing Dry Shampoo to give it the texture it needed to artisticly pin it up with no rhyme or reason.  Finishing by pinning in the florals.

After seeing the clothing, Kabuki, MAC's lead makeup artist, knew the look was going to be romantic, but wanted to have one element of contrast, but have the feel of a ballet - a graphic element to the eye.  Using MAC's #43 lashes and Haute & Naughty Too Black Lash Mascara, his goal was to give the top lashes volume, but not length to add dimension to the eye.  "There's something very feminine about the movement of the eye," he explained. "It's simple, but holds up with proportions of the clothes."  An elegant, but precise line was also drawn on top and black pencil was smudged underneath to complete the eye look.  The face was kept nude and lip color was enhanced.

Two colors were used to create a faded nail look.  Morgan Taylor's Coming Up Roses and Polished Up. First Coming Up Roses was applied and then Polished Up was sponged on by rocking it back and forth to create the faded effect, lead manicurist, Gina Edwards explained.

The backstage scene is always my favorite.  Of course, I love covering backstage beauty, but there's something about Zac Posen that makes me want to stay. Here are some more pics I just had to share with you!

The Facial Zac Posen Swears By & Why It Works

Zac Posen, Michelle Williams, Julianne Moore and Ashley Greene all turned to Celebrity Facialist, Joanna Vargas just days before the Met Gala to whip their skin into shape.  She's Hollywood's constant go-to and you bet your butt I'll be visiting her the day before my wedding.  I had the pleasure of chatting with Joanna again about what thehype of her facials is all about.

Your Triple Crown Facial seems to be popular amongst your celebrity clientele. Why is this the facial to receive before a big event? 

My Triple Crown Facial is an awesome treatment to get before an event and is favored by my celebrity clients before a shoot or the red carpet. I use a mild electric current to drain puffiness, tone muscle and tighten skin. There is no downtime, people love the instant effect and long term, the effects are cumulative. I usually recommend this facial once a month. For someone in their twenties, a facial once a month is always recommended, but this facial is a great treatment once a month for thirty and up. Since I designed this treatment myself, it is only available in my salon.

Can you describe the three steps and their benefits?

Step one, the diamond peel, really removes surface dirt and dead cells. I believe a great exfoliation is awesome and can transform the skin. It allows or all the products to penetrate better.

The microcurrent drains puffiness, tightens muscle and builds collagen. It's like going to the gym for your face .

Oxygen is soothing, healing and collagen building all on its own. It gives anyone an instant glow and gives the skin a much needed boost.

How did you come up with combining the elements of the facial?

I always try to combine the best technologies for my clients so they always see a difference in their skin at the end. 

Since most of the results are temporary, how long do they last and how far in advance should someone get one before a big event?

The day of is ideal. If not, then the night before is what I recommend.

Do you do anything differently durning the facial when treating mens skin like Zac Posen than treating womens like Michelle Williams?

Well, we all tend have the same concerns: clear skin, small pores, and everyone wants to look well rested and fresh even when they’re working night and day!

Zac Posen Backstage Beauty Report: Deconstructed Chignons with Aubergine Lips & Tips

There's nothing classier and more New York than attending a Zac Posen fashion show.  It was the first show I've ever attended in my six plus year career in beauty and the one show I'll never miss covering backstage beauty.  This season, the show was held at the Palace Hotel's Terrace Room.  Picture crystal chandeliers lining the runway, intricate paintings on the backstage ceiling, mirrors lining the walls and famous models like Crystal Renn.  Artists from John Frieda, MAC and Essie created a look that a complete contradiction from last year. "There's a lot of construction in the clothes so we wanted to make sure the hair was relaxed," explained Luigi Murenu, John Frieda's Global Creative Consultant. "We wanted to create an art deco, 2013 chignon with volume and personality."

Before drying or in some cases, on dry hair he combed John Frieda Luxurious Volume, Volume Building Mousse through the hair to build up the hairs texture and bring it to life.  Once dry, the team began crimping the top of the hair in a "clap, clap, clap" way so the iron didn't leave an imprint on the hair, but just made it look "as if they had more hair."  Keeping volume on the top, he flattened out and tightened the sides, sealing them with a serum, and secured a ponytail at the nape of the neck.  Separating the pony into two sections, he twisted them around each other and pinned it up into a deconstructed chignon.  The key pieces were two side fly aways that were purposely pulled out and crimped to give the look a sense of lightness.

Kabuki, the lead makeup artist for MAC Cosmetics, was inspired by the snow falling outside during the makeup trial and explained how the makeup was "minimal and snowy in the eye, but brought back into the jewel colors of the collection by doing a rich, burgundy stained lip."

The skin was highlighted and eyes were soft, but the lip was special.  "The look needed a moment of a strong moment, which brings out the dellicatecy of the eye," Kabuki stated.  To create the lip look, he first used Vino Lip Liner to define the outer shape and applied lip balm only to the center of the lips.  This prevents the color from spreading.  Then, taking a single tissue, he touched it to the lip and put loose powder through it to set the pencil without changing the color.  Finally, he applied Lip Mix in Burgundy to the center of the lip and thinned it out as it got closer to the outer corner.  "This way, you don't have to worry about color bleeding or running, but you still have the dense coverage in the middle," he concluded.

"When you put a dark lip with a dark nail it keeps it really dramatic and gives it a bit of an edge," comments an Essie manicurist.  The shade used was Carri On, which is their darkest aubergine.

Top Models, Rich Girl Hair and Mega Lashes Backstage at Zac Posen

This season I'm only covering a few shows, my favorites.  Being my favorite designer, I jumped at the opporunity to go backstage to Zac Posen again this year as some of my career highlights have been with him including my first fashion show and a private meet and greet with the designer himself at his show room (see post).  Unbelievable.  And I'll tell you, no one knows 'rich girl hair' like him.  Here's my experience this year, through photos.

Some of the models hair was colored prior to the show with John Frieda's Precision Foam Hair Color to pump up or down their color for added shine.  "Rich girl hair is all about texture, solid color shine," remarked Harry Josh, John Frieda colorist.  "It creates an expensive look."

Inspired by lounge singer, Lena Horne, the look represented a strong, yet delicate socialite.

Top models walked in the show including Coco Rocha, Naomi Campbell and Karolina Kurkova.

Essie used shades ranging in depth to match all of the models skin tones to elongate the hands. Shades used: Glamour Purse, Brooch the Subject, A Crewed Interest and Not Just A Pretty Face.

"Because we're working with various skintones, we wanted to do something equally flattering to everyone, so we went with a strong lash look by using two pairs of lashes intergrated on each girl," commented Kabuki, the lead makeup artist from MAC cosmetics."

Bloggers Share the Craziest Things That Happened During NY Fashion Week

It's the first day of NYFW and I've been covering backstage since the spring of 2006, which makes this my 13th season attending.  Woah!  That's crazy!  Besides doing our jobs to bring you the news from backstage and front row, my friends and I have experienced some pretty crazy things through out the years.  Here are our top "OMG" moments: I'll kick it off with a story from when I worked at Cosmopolitan magazine.  I was attending the Zac Posen show for the first time.  Zac Posen, my favorite designer.  Being that he's an investor in the line, Diddy (yes, as in Sean Combs) was sitting in the front row.  I couldn't believe that 1. I was at a Zac Posen fashion show at 22 years old and 2. I was there with Diddy. I was obsessed with him.  So what did I do?  I obviously let my 22-year-old self get the best of me and followed Diddy backstage after the show.  I did not belong there!  Zac and friends were popping champagne so I decided to act like I belonged and joined in!  OMG.  I got a pic with my main man, Diddy, who at the time was there with Kim Porter (and preggers w his twins).  Post show I watched him get into his Rolls Royce and allow Kim walk in the rain pregnant to hail a cab.  I lost all respect!

The craziest thing I ever experienced during NYFW would definitely be when I saw L.A.M.B - and it was Gwen Stefani's very first show.  I've been obsessed with all things Gwen since I was 12 years old and getting to see her debut collection at Bryant Park AND having a reserved seat (with my name and all! LOL) was a top 20 highlight of my life. - Jamie Stone, QueenoftheQuaterLifeCrisis.com

The craziest thing I've experienced was the party to celebrate Kim Kardashian's spot as beauty editor at OK magazine (it was a short-lived gig). It was a major affair with a ton of beauty execs, editors and bloggers and totally over-the-top, Kim-style. Unfortunately it was at that event that we learned Patrick Swayze passed away, losing his years-long battle with cancer. But the DJ played an amazing line-up of tribute songs to the fallen star including Time Of My Life and everyone celebrated a little Johnny Castle moment in his honor. And no one was in a corner, obviously. - Amber Katz, BeautyBloggingJunkie.com

I had a pretty typical jam-packed day of 5 shows, an event and somehow decided to post an exclusive editorial during all of this as well, which meant that I had to schedule a phone interview in the midst of the chaos. So, my event obviously ran an hour late and I had missed the phone interview call. I went running down the street to hail a cab (with a coffee in one hand, mind you) jump in and interview a very well-known makeup artist with a cup of coffee between my legs during the most nauseating cab ride I've ever been in while scribbling notes on the back of press sheets from shows and partially on my bare legs. In that moment I realized that fashion week had won. - Rachel Adler, BeautyHigh.com

Even though it was only the first week of my senior year at Barnard, since I was Fashion Assistant at FHM, I somehow managed to score a 2nd row invite to my very first show: Betsey Johnson. As you can imagine, little 21-year-old me was nearly passing out from excitement. (It was one of my first celebrity sightings, too: Kimora Lee Simmons, in all her giantess glory! Seriously, in heels, she's like 7 feet tall.) The dresses were candy-colored tutu confections and the champagne was especially delicious since I'd just turned legal. The memory is bittersweet, however, because for me that show represents a New York City that no longer exists. The location? Tavern on the Green. The date? September 10, 2001. - Nadine Jolie, NadineJolie.com

I've always been a huge fan of Herve Leger. The bandage style sucks you in and creates curves you never even knew you had! So, I was beyond thrilled when I had the chance to borrow an outfit to wear to Herve Leger's Fall 2012 show. I chose a black and blue dress with neon green piping. When I walked into Lincoln Center I felt a little self-conscious. As much as I adored the dress it was certainly a statement for a daytime show. But backstage I ran into designer Max Azria. He commented on how he loved the color and gave me a kiss on the cheek. It was a major OMG moment. I took my seat smiling from ear to ear. - Sydne Summer, SydneStyle.com

All kinds of craziness has happened over the years, but the top memorable was the time I covered my first season as a beauty intern at Women's Wear Daily. I was super green around the ears and was told to do backstage beauty interviews. So exciting! I interviewed this one amazing makeup artist who have me all kinds of great quotes and tips. Unsure of her name, I asked her to spell it for verification purposes. She stopped what she was doing, asked me if I was serious, and then grabbed my notebook. In big huge letters she wrote "PAT MCGRATH." I died. Luckily she laughed it off and told me that I had a lot more learning to do if I was going to make it in the industry. Boy was she right! (And yes I still have that piece of paper w/her name on it lol.) - Andrea Arterbery, GlamazonsBlog.com

Years ago, the very first season I did *anything* remotely fashion week, during the week I went to Robert Verdi's lounge - at a time in history I didn't even know who he was! One of the brands that was sponsoring it that season had done a stupid early  breakfast (and we know how well I handle schlepping from Brooklyn for early AM things) - and I was pre-coffee and somewhat drowsy as I dazedly walked out of the elevator, saw some people I knew on the inside and started to excitedly wave - and then walked FACE FIRST into his glass doors (not realizing there were doors there at all!) - Patrick and Ashley (who at that time I didnt' even know) saw, and had looks of abstract horror on their face as their rushed to open the door (which, was after all, A DOOR0, and let me in, and I had the most unattractive bloody nose EVER - right in the middle of the lounge's kitchen area. Sexy. They were all SUPER nice about it (though I was a complete asshole). - Aly Walansky, ALittleAlyTude.com

J. Crew Continues to Thrive as A New Addition to NYFW

For the first time, J. Crew will be debuting their Spring/Summer 2012 collection during New York Fashion week at Lincoln Center this September.  While this news may come as a surprise to some, for those who have been paying attention to the direction of the brand, it's expected. I know when I get the J. Crew catalogue I flip through to check out the models first, then the clothes.  Top models, Crystal Renn (one of Zac Posen's favorites) and Arizona Muse have appeared in recent catalogues and next season, Liu Wen and Jacquelyn Jablonski are taking the spotlight.

Because of the new-ish direction, cosmetic companies are now partnering with J. Crew creating beauty loot so you can mimic the looks of the models in the catalogues.  Poppy King, the Lipstick Queen, created a reddish-coral lipstick called Poppy King for J. Crew Lipstick and there's Face Stockholm for J. Crew Nail Polish collection too.

My Date with Zac Posen

This morning I had breakfast with Zac Posen in his NYC showroom.  No, really – I did.  My favorite designer of all time.  I've been to two of his shows in the past, but never in his showroom – laughing with him, asking him questions and really getting to see the true passion behind his work.

Last season he launched his Z Spoke line during New York Fashion Week, but this season the talented American designer taking both of his collections to Paris so I am honored to have seen the collection before it showed on the runway.

Check out the video of the complete walk through!

Of course we talked beauty!  This was the first runway show Mr. Posen's ever done where the models let their hair down.  "It made the clothing very approachable and readable and was one of the easiest stylistic changes I could make with the collection," commented Posen.

With some of the most sought after models in the world in the look book like Coco Rocha and Crystal Ren, the hair was effortless and rock and roll inspired – or as Zac likes to call it, "rich girl hair."

Celebrity Stylist, Larry Sims, of got2b created the look for today's private presentation with the brand's new collection called Rockin' It.  His go-to product?   Got2b Rockin' It Dry Shampoo.

Visit my Facebook page to check out the album from the preview.

You'll die over this video of Zac Posen describing "rich girl" hair.

Zac Posen Throws Shopping Party in NYC

One of my favorite designers of all time, Zac Posen, held a 24-hour shopping party at his pop-up shop for his Zac Posen for Target clothing line on the corner of 34th St. and 8th Ave. last Thursday. A-listers such as Maggie Gyllenhaal, Selma Blair, Claire Danes and Mena Suvari all joined Posen to celebrate the launch.  Shoppers lined up down the street to get into the event hours before it began.  I didn't tough the crowd for this one, but I've been to many of his fashion shows and even partied with Mr. Posen himself after one.

Now that he's launching this new line for target, I can actually afford to wear something he designed.  You can check out his line on Target.com, but not until April 25th.

Face off Fridays