Rebecca Taylor’s F/W 2012 collection was made for that cool and mysterious girl walking the streets of Paris. It seems like celeb attendee and it girl Zoe Kravitz, who happens to embody effortless chic, was the exact girl the designer had in mind.
Dai Michishica for Cutler Redken Salon was the lead on hair, and he wanted to achieve a punk and edgy look that still appeared natural. He started off with a cornrow behind the ear to secure the hair. Then he added a side fringe covering the right eye, which gave the look a razored effect. He put all the hair behind the shoulders in a raw twist so hair would have a little bounce on the runway. Absolutely no products were used with the exception of Redken #12 Fashion Work hairspray. While this look might be more advanced for some of us, the biggest lesson I took from it (and the hair seen at Kate Spade) is that clip in fringes are an easy way to get anyone out of a hair rut!
Sil Bruinsma for MAC led the makeup team, and he wanted an understated face to complement the tough, downtown style of the collection. The defining feature was the heavier, PJ Harvey inspired eyebrow—or for some of the models, no brows (theirs were bleached)! To highlight each girls’ individuality, stylist Kate Sebbah had each girl wear a unique multiple earring piece. How much do you want to grab one of these pieces for yourself and rock this look now?!
The hair and makeup for the Elie Tahari fall 2011 show was soft and innocent, and I couldn’t help but want to emulate it myself! 
Quartz Metallic Eye Shadow). She made a cupid’s bow by taking the burnt red color “Slopes” and pressing it in the center of the lip to give a doll-like effect. A very sheer blush “Pale Pink” was put on cheeks for a matte finish—and this shade works great on all skin tones. She wanted that “no brows” look as well.
Deborah Lippmann provided the nails, and the color that all the models sported was a deep green shade called “billionaire.” Since the hair and makeup was so glam, this very wearable and earthy color was a nice contrast.
The Toni Francesc fall 2011 collection was inspired by the GARUDÀ bird-- a mystic creature that plummets to its death in fire and then comes back to life after 500 years, bringing back with it all this energy and color. All of the clothes from the collection had such vibrant color, mostly rich shades of red, orange, and gold, so the makeup concentrated on perfecting the skin.
Mehron Celebre Foundation, which has a lot of moisture in it, was used. Jackie Mgido from Mehron was the lead on makeup, and she told me that the models’ eyes were supposed to mimic the bird. She darkened the eyes and put on amazing lashes to create a wing-like effect. A rich red shade from Mehron was also applied on the lips, and nothing was used for the eyebrows or cheeks.
The Fall 2011 Elise Overland collection was presented on an ice rink at the Standard Hotel. To create this Icelandic “winter playground,” the models had an ethereal look. David Cruz for Tresemmé was the lead on hair, and he pulled all the models’ hair back into a ponytail from the roots, then made a fishtail braid and used the braid to form a kind of deconstructed bun. Since the designer’s collection was pretty big on texture, he didn’t want the models to look like animals and give them a lot of hair! The fishtail braid bun is simple and tightly frames the face, but still adds that extra pizzazz for the runway.
Napoleon Perdis did the makeup, and the look was all about luminous skin. He avoided using creams and gels, and used minimal foundation so that more light would reflect off the models. To prep the skin, he applied Napoleon Complex Skin Renewal Serum and Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer.
The Venexiana fall 2011 show was bold and dramatic featuring clothes that ran the gamut from edgy, short leather dresses to cascading sequin evening gowns that I can only imagine being worn on the red carpet!
Philip Pelusi from Tela Design Studio chose to do a “Venetian top knot” – the perfect medium between a classic French twist and a traditional top knot. This elegant hairstyle perfectly complimented the collection because it’s not too overpowering, yet not too simple either. Pelusi used his own Tela Beauty Organics line of products on the models’ hair. He used Dry Shampoo to instantly clean and rejuvenate the hair. After spritzing on hair, he applied a little bit of Composer, a damage and split end repair solution. It initially feels sticky but once you run it through the hair it gives more control, making the hair easy to twist into an updo.
Napoleon Perdis was the lead on makeup, and he told me that the look was influenced by Venexiana designer Kati Stern who is “Northern European, expensive and luxurious.”
Rebecca Minkoff’s Fall 2011 collection has an urban gypsy theme – a mix between sexy bohemian and classic.
Ouidad herself was the lead on hair, said that she wanted to bring curls back to the runway. The soft yet textured look she created was a refreshing change from the silky straight tresses that have been so popular at past shows. The “morning after” hair was achieved by using Ouidad’s line of light and water-soluble products. The PlayCurl line was used to create more movement and volumize the models’ naturally straight hair. The hair was rolled with a 1" curling iron to get curls, but not that ultra curly look. Right before the models went on the runway, their hair was tousled up to create that messy bed head look.
Sarah Lucero was the lead makeup artist for Stila and went for a complete vintage look – a worn in feel with a modern and glossy finish. She applied a sheer colored tinted everyday moisturizer to the face, a peachy cream blush in Convertible Color Gerbera, and an apricot lip glaze. The eyes were the focal point to the look. She applied Chinois and Espresso Eye Shadows and she used Smudge Stick Waterproof Eye Liner in Stingray (an intense black shade) to achieve a tight, smoked out line versus the typical smoky eye. Lots of fluttery lashes were created with Glamoureyes Mascara, and as a finishing touch took Kajal Eye Liner in Topaz and swiped it right inside the eyes.
There’s nothing in the world that compares to a Betsey Johnson show. It is a true spectacle, and I was lucky to have the chance to attend her latest runway presentation. The vivacious designer always goes over the top, and her Spring/Summer 2011 collection consisted of her signature crazy neons and clashing patterns.
The inspiration behind the collection was simply taking a bike ride through New York City. Sarah Lucero, the lead makeup artist for Stila said, “The look is optimistic, happy, and colorful.” Lucero wanted a “bright, bold green eye” and accomplished it by wetting Fiji Palette no. 5 eyeshadow and painting it on like a thick paint splotch. To complete the face she used a hot pink hue on the cheek and Caprice Long Wear Liquid Lip Color (another bold pink) on the pout.
Nonie Creme, the Founder and Creative Director for Butter London of 
Known for his contemporary clothes that easily transition from day to night, Walter Baker is certainly a force in the fashion industry. The models sported a surprisingly laid back and unfussy look.
Lead Sebastian stylist, Janine Jarman, opted for a very clean and healthy look. All of the girls wore their hair down, with a simple, middle part tucked behind their ears. (She gently put one mini bobby pin right by the ears to make sure that the hair remained in place). “It’s a juxtaposition with the collection, which is a bit more fun and undone, and a mix of fabrics, textures, and colors,” Jarman said of the look. Prior to blow drying, she sprayed Volupt, a new Sebastian volumizer from the roots to ends. The goal was to get maximum volume, but still have it be touchable, so it didn’t appear that there was anything holding up the hair. “It’s funny, some of the easier looks take a bit more work so that they can look effortless,” Jarman remarked.
Peredis used products from his own collection including Auto Pilot Pre-Foundation Primer, Boudior Mist Spray Foundation, Barely Blushing- Barely Rouge lip finish, and Mesmer-Eyes Mascara.
I was actually giddy to attend the spring 2011 presentation of the real designer behind Eleanor Waldorf’s creations on Gossip Girl. Since the start of the hit CW show, Abigail Lorick has successfully carved a name for herself in the fashion industry, being widely recognized for her girly garments that have very clean and tailored silhouettes. I was really excited to see what this former model envisioned for her own models to look like wearing her latest Lorick collection.
I first went backstage at the intimate Tela Tea Room studio to talk to the show’s lead on hair, Jeffrey Rice of Philip Pelusi Salons, who was busy perfecting a low, messy bun on one of the models. The look is “very soft, easy, and breezy…almost like the models did it themselves – casual, yet put together.”
The key to the makeup was highlighting the skin and lead makeup artist, Deanna Melluso of Temptu, kept it minimal enhancing the models natural features. A light dewy mouth and a generous amount of Temptu's Peony blush on the apples of the cheeks (but not clownish at all) was all that was needed. A
Ever one to make a bold fashion statement, Kim Kardashian has been spotted recently sporting bangs. I’m amazed by how drastic Kim is willing to go looks-wise- like last year, when she went from her trademark long dark locks to blonde. And to me at least, bangs are just as much of a serious commitment as a new hair color, since they completely transform one’s look and require different types of styling.
Well, Kim’s new bangs almost had me fooled….until I found out they weren’t actually real! Kim has been wearing clip-in bangs, Hollywood’s latest hair fad that has also been seen on the likes of Lea Michele and Jessica Simpson. If you’ve always wondered how you would look with bangs but aren’t ready to hit the scissors just yet, these bangs are the perfect solution.
Double duty beauty products are all the rage these days – and celebs are using just about anything that cuts their time in half and has added skincare benefits. Last month, Reese Witherspoon confessed that she takes an oral supplement, Life Extension's Enhanced Fernblock with Sendara, (in addition to applying sunscreen) to increase sun protection and keep her skin looking fresh.
While Reese’s routine might seem harmless, there’s one caveat: even though it contains the protective ingredient polypodium leucotomos extract, the ashwagandha contained in her supplement hinders it. According to dermatologist and founder of 
Recently, I met with Jeannine’s beloved hair stylist, Naomi, from 
Within the blink of an eye, Taylor Momsen has become the it girl of the moment. She practically graces every tabloid and even appears to be outshining her Gossip Girl costars- not an easy feat indeed.
So why is Little J the object of the public’s fascination? Well, the actress knows how to juggle many different projects, as the lead singer for her rock band Pretty Reckless, and as the face of Madonna’s new fashion line “Material Girl” and John Galliano’s perfume debuting this fall. Taylor has also had a remarkable style evolution, from her ingénue days of playing it safe to her current dramatic look of platinum blonde hair extensions and raccoon eyes (and can’t forget that Joan Jett inspired do’ somewhere in between).
When I met with Angelo David Salon’s Artistic Director, Meaghan Frayne, I vented to her about the giant toll that this summer’s heat wave took on my thick, frizz-prone hair. (It doesn’t quite measure up to Snooki’s pouf, but still…). She suggested a hydration treatment to repair my dry and damaged locks-- and from there, I let this hair guru lead the way.
After using a slew of Pureology's hydrating shampoos and conditioner's Meghan dusted my ends (not as extreme as getting a trim, for all of you haircut phobes), then the fun began. I wanted to try a different kind of blowout, so Meaghan gave me a modified version of pin curls that is perfect for smoothing frizz and maintaining body. She divided my hair into four sections in the front and back, and in a downward motion applied Redken’s Velvet Gelatine, which gives hair a fabric-like texture. For added moisture, she applied Redken’s Sheer Straight cream. For each section of hair, she blow-dried it straight and... smooth and then clipped it into a pin curl (by simply rolling the section of hair around itself with fingers and securing the end with a clip).
With her chiseled features and striking beauty, Naomi Watts can do no wrong in the hair department. I'm in awe of her fearlessness in experimenting! At the recent premiere of Salt, she once again failed to disappoint – showing off a flattering collarbone length bob with side-swept bangs.
While not all of us are blessed with Naomi’s chameleon-like abilities on the red carpet, anyone can achieve this modern look with the right styling tips and products. Stylist Robert Vetica made the length “a bit longer in front and slightly higher in back,” and first cut the bangs “long and blunt, then razored and texturized to about the bridge of the nose” to create a fresh and healthy appearance.
Makeup Forever, the official make up sponsor of this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami, is finally letting the public in on an insider secret.
To keep their sun-kissed glows looking flawless, the models in this year’s runway shows are sporting the line's the new 
What if there was a lip gloss that had the strong pigment of a lipstick, and the smooth application and luster of a gloss? Estee Lauder’s new Pure Color Gloss has just that. I've always been a fan of Pure Gloss, which provides long-lasting color and hydration (minus the stickiness)!
The new collection has a spectrum of 34 hues in shine, shimmer, or sparkle finishes so you can choose your desired look for any occasion. It also features six colors created by Tom Pecheux, Estee Lauder’s Creative Makeup Director and beauty guru to the fashion world. As someone who has worked with countless celebrities, Pecheux’s custom colors are stylish and playful—and still classy reflecting the brand etiquette of Estee Lauder..
