Spring Break Beauty Essentials for Girls Who Like to Party... with Class

Spring Break is officially here and if you’re anything like me or my friends, you’ll be flying south to soak up some sun.  Although I didn’t go away this year (I know – so lame!), I asked some of my friends what they put in their beauty survival kits as they packed their bikinis and sunglasses for the warmer weather. Here are my top five fave beauty essentials that won’t break the bank: 1. Nail Polish

I usually bring Essie’s ‘Fiji’ with me wherever I go, but this year I’m up for a little change. The Essie Spring 2013 Collection is packed with fun colors and I’m dying to try ‘Go Ginza.' It’s a great bright neutral and the cherry blossom pink color will really bring out the tan in your hands. Be sure to pack it away in your suitcase so you can fix any chips and touch up your nails as needed.

2. Waterproof Mascara

While some of us might be totally against wearing complete face makeup to the beach or pool (leave it at home), there’s no reason our eyelashes can’t look fierce!  L’Oreal’s Telescopic Shocking Extensions Waterproof Mascara in Blackest Black is liquid extension gold in a bottle! Since I also wear contacts, I’m very cautious of flaky mascara so this is a must-buy for my sensitive eyes. The plastic, ‘lash hugging’ brush separates and extends each individual lash from root to tip for added length and volume.

3. SPF

Sometimes lugging around a big bottle of SPF is tedious and I know I’m always nervous about the cap busting open and dealing with an oily mess in m bag (yikes!). I suggest using Powerful Sun Protection Daily Sunscreen Towelettes SPF 30 by Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare. These towelette packets are perfect and easy to just throw in your beach bag. They’re 100% mess-free and oil-free so they won’t clog your pores. They block UVA and UVB rays along with other environmental pollutants. Plus, they're loaded with antioxidants, green tea, and vitamins A, C, and E. so you can use these little gems on both your face and body.

4. Lip Balm

I’m a firm believer in lips always, always needing protection. Neutrogena Revitalizing Lip Balm SPF 20 is a sheer tinted lip balm that instantly moisturizes and leaves your lips looking fuller. Sometimes regular chapstick can be boring, but this comes in 6 different shades for every skin tone to give your lips a little something extra. Protection plus fun colors – what more could a gal ask for?

5. UV Defense for Hair

With all of the island wind, sun and salt water, your luscious locks are going to need some serious protection. Save them by using Bumble and bumble Color Minded UV Protective Styling Balm. When working it into your hair from root to tip, it creates a seal around your strands, resurfaces damaged cuticles and locks in moisture and nutrients. It works for all hair types and I highly recommend it for color-treated hair because it doesn’t contain sulfates, blocks UV rays and will save you a visit to your colorist.

5 Spring Nail Trends to Try on PIX 11 Morning News

This morning I visited PIX 11 Morning News to talk about Spring Nail Trends and brought along two of my best friends to help demonstrate the looks.  Check out the segment above.  I also listed the trends and my favorite polish picks for each below.

Trend: Brightly Colored French Manicures

Try: Jin Soon Botanical Flowers Collection, $18 each at jinsoon.com

Trend: Grey Polish

Try: Top Shop Nails in Threadbare and Rainy Day, $10 each at Top Shop or Nordstrom

Trend: Speckled Textures 

Try: Deborah Lippmann Staccato Collection, $19 each at Nordstrom

Trend: Matching Lip & Tips

Try: DKNY Lip & Nail Set, $45 at dkny.com

Trend: Coral Shades

Try: Estee Lauder Pure Color Nail Lacquer in Hot Coral, $20 at department stores

Rose Petal Nail Art Inspired by DKNY pureDKNY a drop of rose

With the launch of pureDKNY a drop of rose, my mission was to seek out nail art inspired by the new fragrance.  The first time I partnered with DKNY to interpret fragrance through nail art it was for the holidays so the theme was intensity through glitter (see here).  This time, it's much different.  Dare I say more wearable?  You tell me. When I was first introduced to pureDKNY a drop of rose back in October (see post here) I fell in love and it quickly became my new daytime scent.  To replicate the softness of the pure pink rose petals, I chose to have my nails marbled through a combination of pinks and whites of various intensities.  What do you think?

Check out the DKNY Fragrances Facebook page for an easy step-by-step guide on how to recreate my look at home or try interpreting the fragrance your way and post on their wall.  Can't wait to see what you come up with!

You can purchase pureDKNY a drop of rose at DKNY.com or Ulta.com for $45.

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.

Holiday Nail Art Inspired by DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense

Happy Holidays BeautySweetSpot readers!  Since my latest project with DKNY left my nails appropriately sparkling for the season, I thought it was a good time to fill you in on what I've been up to with the brand (see post on partnership).  My mission: to interpret their latest fragrances through nail art.  In honor of the holidays, I experimented with green first inspired by DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense.  Here's a look at the scent and how I captured it on my tips!

You may be familiar with DKNY Be Delicious, as it's been out for years and has a cult following thanks to the refreshing apple accord.  This newer fragrance that launched this summer, DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense, ups the ante as it's even juicier.  The apple note is simply intoxicating and is layered on top of other fresh notes like grapefruit and florals while dried down by woody notes like sandal wood.

When I spritz the fragrance I automatically receive an intense splash of energy.  Playing off of the apple accord and green packaging, green was the only color that could capture the freshness and vibrancy.  I decided to use sparkles instead of flat polish to up the intensity and created an ombre effect to showcase how a fragrance wears.

Want to replicate my look?  Check out the DKNY Fragrances Facebook page for an easy step-by-step guide.  Interested in creating your own version of nail art inspired by DKNY Be Delicious Eau So Intense?  We can't wait to see what you come up with!  Post your versions on their Facebook wall as well!

6 Things to Add to Your Holiday Wish List from Celeb Manicurist, Deborah Lippmann

Normally when I see Deborah Lippmann, she's busy supervising her team of manicurists backstage during New York Fashion Week.  I always find her somewhere amongst the chaos to chat with her about the nail look for the show, trends for the upcoming season and pick her brain about what's next.  The celebrity manicurist and founder of her own nail and hand care line talks about not five, but six things you should add to your holiday wish list including jewels, affordable, yet chic clothing that I'm obsessed with and of course, a little pampering.

1. My new holiday shade Cleopatra In New York

I love the contrast of the black base with a pop of gold glitter.  I think that it’s very festive and modern, without being a traditional holiday shade.  Tip: One of the tendencies when using glitter polish is expecting the first coat to look the way that it looks in the bottle.  When seeing it in the bottle, the glitter may appear to be full-coverage, but the formula may go on sparse because it is meant to be layered.  Always apply thin coats because applying too much polish at once will cause it to chip easily.

 

2. Briolette Small Cluster Drop Earrings from Ten Thousand Things

These earrings are sweet and simple, which makes them an easy accessory to go from day to night.  They’re very delicate and feminine, and I love jewelry that’s versatile and can be worn for any occasion because they’re appropriate during the day and at night.  I always have jewelry on my list, and have to tell my husband that I’ll never be disappointed with jewelry because I can never have enough.

3. Trip to Cal-a-Vie Spa

This spa has is fairly easy to get to in the US, and the weather is gorgeous because it is located outside of San Diego, California.  You can work out all morning and have incredible spa treatments all afternoon, which to me is the best of both worlds.  I enjoy the intimate atmosphere – there aren’t too many people, and the last time that I went I came home thinner, relaxed and with a few more friends.  They have couples week, so you can go with the girls or you can also do something special as a couple and go with your significant other.

4. iPhone 5

I always want new gadgets.  As soon as something new comes out I want it, so this is definitely on my list!

5. Maison Martin Margiela for H&M Collection

This collection is so hip, cool and affordable.  I was out of the country when it launched, so I definitely have some pieces from the collection on my wish list.  There is a really cute, big puffy coat that I really want.  Everything in the collection is very trendy as Margiela is, with unexpected shapes.  It’s an affordable way to be super hip.

6. La Prairie Caviar Crystal Limited Edition Set

Sometimes we feel like we can’t spend the money on ourselves to get beautiful skincare products, so getting them as a gift is really great.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving.  The La Prairie Skin Caviar Luxe Cream feels incredible, and I love what it does for my skin.  It also looks beautiful in my medicine which is another bonus!

Backstage Marc by Marc Jacobs, Where Glam Squads 'Got Their Slap On'

"Makeup is about getting your slap on," remarks makeup artist, Dick Page for Shiseido.  Backstage at the Marc by Marc Jacobs show was surprisingly quiet, until I began speaking Mr. Page.  "Why not do scruffy eyes and a little bit of lipstick...  Why not," he questions.  His motto set the theme for the entire look, "Just do your f*cken makeup! It's not that serious." 

"I want to see that the makeup looks wrong enough before the models walk out onto the runway," comments lead makeup artist, Dick Page.

"It's left over makeup, not perfect," Page says.  "You can even do it in a dirty city bathroom."

The hair was kept simple, because Guido Paulo of Redken accessorized each of the models hair with two scarves.  "When wearing a hair accessory you want to play your hair down," he explains.

The hair was texturized to make it "gritty" and then it was twisted back in no specific  style or form making each of the model's a bit different.

Celeb Manicurist, Deborah Lippmann Talks Nail Trends & Working with Top Designers

Nails have been the icing on the cake backstage during the past few seasons of NY Fashion Week.  Anxious to see what I was going to see backstage this season, I chatted with Deborah Lippmann, who is in charge of creating the nail look for countless shows this season including Kate Spade, Cynthia Rowley and Honor to name a few.  We discuss upcoming nail trends, the creative process of working with designers and her most memorable NYFW moment.

What do you predict will be some of the biggest nail trends for nails the Spring/Summer 2013 season?

White. We will definitely  see dark white, and opaque, full-coverage glossy white.I also think that we will see a stiletto nail shape, or a softer version of the shape which is almond-shaped.  There will be versions varying from almond to stiletto, but I think that is going to be the shape of the season.

How will nail art play a part?

I think nail art is still big, and it’s such a fun way to express yourself.  We haven’t seen the end of it.

You're working with some fantastic designers including Kate Spade and Cynthia Rowley.  What's the creative process like when preparing for a show?

It starts with a flurry of emails that begin weeks in advance. Then, I often receive inspiration boards from the designer, but it differs with every designer.  Sometimes I see inspiration boards, or sometimes I see clothing weeks in advance.  There are also times when I don’t see anything until the hair and makeup test 24 hours before the show.

It’s a creative process starting with the designer's vision, which is then interpreted by the styling team, and the beauty team which includes hair, makeup and nails.

Did you create any special colors specifically for this season?

We did actually.  We created a mint green shade for Kate Spade.  It's going to be part of the nail look, but the shade probably won't become part of the collection.  Also, in order to achieve the look that Cynthia Rowley envisioned, we layered two colors from my existing line to create the right look for the show.

What's your most memorable NYFW moment?

Narciso Rodriguez Spring/Summer 2012.  It's a really memorable moment for me.  I have worked with Narciso for many, many seasons, and we did several variations of a nude nail. Its a very minimalist look, and we always went for a very naked-feeling nail look.  Twenty four hours before the show I got a call about how they wanted a certain shade of grey for the nails, and I thought it was somehow an April Fool's joke.  I was excited, but surprised.

I created the shade, and once we got it approved with Narciso we had to create ten bottles for my team to use backstage.  When we got to the show, all of the models were asking what the color was because they loved it. We realized then that we had to put the shade in the line, and Narciso named it Stormy Weather.

To collaborate with Narciso on a strong color was so unexpected, and it was a great moment.  That's one of the great things about how that creative process happens, and how so much can happen at the last minute that ends up being incredible.

What do you think you owe your success during NYFW to?

People ask how you get to be really successful as a manicurist and get to the next level, and you have to always be willing to work and embrace whatever comes your way. Take the job that starts at 4AM, and then the one that starts 8PM that night.  You have to be willing to be there and be a part of it because things happen in the moment.

Nicole Scherzinger Adds Her Edgy Style to imPress

When I walked into the suite at the Dream Hotel downtown to chat with Nicole Scherzinger about her new line of press-on nails for imPress all I could do was stare at her legs!  She was wearing loose, leather shorts and a great pair of stilettos that made her gams look redic.  A dancers legs for sure, they only made me want to hit the gym and do a thousand lunges.  I had to stop before it got creepy and focus my attention onto the reason I was there, the nails.

"In my line of business, appearance is everything and my hands are always next to the mic, which make my nails the final accessory," Scherzinger commented.

As the Celebrity Brand Ambassador for imPress Press-On Manicure, she designed nine styles: three solid neon colors and six patterns that will launch in May at CVS and Walmart.  Her favorite are the ones I ended up trying on at the event, which are a gradation in color from purple to black to midnight blue with black stars on them.  They're rock star chic.

Since she's part Hawaiian, Scherzinger also created a set with Hibiscus flower incorporated into a French manicure to represent her culture and a set with music notes (inspired by last year's Dolce and Gabana collection) to represent her career.

"I need to make sure I'm expressing myself through my nails just like I do with everything else so designing a manicure on-the-go was a perfect fit for my crazy schedule."

When I applied the press-on-nails myself I was impressed that there were enough in the set to find ones that matched my tiny nail beds.  They're easy to apply, literally you just match them up to your cuticles and press down.  However, you should cut them down and file them to the shape you desire.

NYFW Beauty Trend: Matching Lips & Tips

This season one of the biggest trends I've spotted backstage is matching nails and lips, which means it's going to be super hot for fall.  Backstage at Zac Posen where models wore striking, yet classic red lips and nails, I had the chance to catch up with my friend and MAC Makeup Artist,Kerri Blair to chat about the look. "The lip and tip is definitely one of the hottest trends this fashion week so far," commented Blair.

The true red created for the lip at Zac Posen is Cherry Red Lip Pencil and a red lip mix gloss.  To match the lip, the closest nail polish MAC had is a new shade called Flaming Rose, which will be out in the Fall.

"Classic red lips and nails are just as important as a black dress," commented Blair.  "The color looks good on any skin type because it's neutral with a little warmth and a little coolness mixed together."

Coming soon from MAC, (and I can't wait for this) will be matching sets of lipsticks and polishes that further encourage the trend and take the guesswork out.

Seeing Spots at Kate Spade’s French-Inspired Collection

Kate Spade’s Fall/Winter 2012 collection had lots of bright colors and Parisian inspired prints. I thought the polka dot nails the models sported were by far the cutest accessory.  Manicurist, Deborah Lippmann was responsible for the models polka dotted nails (very Kate Spade) and was decked out in her own nail design confirming that nail art is here to stay. "She said that the polka dots are an ageless trend, and such an easy way to infuse some fun into your nails," Lippmann commented.  She first played with a lot of color combinations and then chose to go with a more simple color scheme of peach and black. The base coat was done in Fade To Black and the polka dots were applied in an opaque peach hue called I’m Not Innocent—the pretty combination was unexpected, yet totally Kate!

The makeup, done by Jouer cosmetics, was kept very natural with the focus on an attainable smoky eye. The look is definitely not too harsh to wear for the minimalist makeup girl, and is just the right amount of edge.

In keeping with the French vibe of the collection, each girl wore a bold fringe across her forehead that completely covered the brow area. Most of the fringe extensions were pre-cut, tailored for each model, and triangle shaped. The rest of the hair was kept really sleek and shiny to contrast the strong graphic patterns and color blocking on the clothes.

Golden Globes Beauty: Zooey Deschanel's Tuxedo Mani, Hit or Miss?

Zooey Deschanel hit the Golden Globes red carpet in a green and black silk Prada gown that was very, well, very Zooey, but what really caught my attention was her tuxedo mani. While it is expected for men to wear tuxedos to awards ceremonies, I have to admit, I didn't really like the look on Zooey's nails.  Even though nail art was a huge trend backstage during fashion week for Spring 2012, I think it should be kept off of the red carpet.

Her dress on the other hand, I loved.  I thought it was elegant and expressed her personality. What do you think of nail art on the red carpet?

Holiday Gift Guide: Juicy Couture & Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Set

Whether she's your teenage sister living in the velour suits or your best friend who appreciates the feminine, flirty style of the cocktail dresses, if you're shopping for a Juicy girl, the Juicy Couture + Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Set makes a fun and affordable gift. This year, Juicy partnered with Celebrity Manicurist, Deborah Lippman, who primps the tips of A-listers like Gwyneth Paltrow, Julia Roberts and Sarah Jessica Parker to create three metallic hues for the Juicy girl.

It includes "Believe" (silver), "Here Comes the Queen" (sparkly gold) and "Jewel in the Crown" (peweter).  I really like the gold as I feel the holiday season is one of the only times I can get away with wearing tons of glitter on my nails without looking like a 12 year old.  The three polishes have a jewel on the top of the brush and come in an adorably chic pink gift box.

You can find them at JuicyCouture.com for $48.

I Got A Mani with Essie Weingarten of Essie Cosmetics

This morning I had the opportunity to get a mani and sip a mimosa with none other than Essie Weingarten, (yes, the Essie herself who founded the mass polish line you're probably wearing on your fingers right now) at an event for Glamour magazine at Tenoverten in Tribeca.  We talked about her fave polishes, where she gets her weekly manis and how she comes up with all of those names! Her new winter collection, Bling It On, has a color called "Size Matters," and when asked about where the name came from Essie commented, "I don't know where your head is, but I was thinking about diamonds!"  When naming her polishes, sometimes she starts with the name of the collection in general and creates names for the individual polishes afterwards, but sometimes she'll come up with a great polish name and develop a whole collection around it. In this case, had the theme in mind first.

When we were discussing our favorite Essie colors of all times, (mine being Wicked obvi), she said she doesn't have a favorite color, but one holds a special place in her heart because of what it did for the line – Ballet Slippers.  Once she received a letter on proper stationary from the Queen of England herself requesting to purchase the polish.  Then in The Devil Wears Prada, Meryl Streep (Anna Wintour) claims, "If you work at Vogue you must paint your nails with one coat Ballet Slippers and one coat Marshmallow."  The attention that one shade continues to draw from around the world helps to make Essie polishes a constant go-to.

Finally, I had to know where the Queen of Nail Lacquers gets her nails done!  The answer – Samuel Shriqui Salon on the Upper East Side.  Word has it even Julia Roberts goes there!  I'm going to have to pay a visit!

Navy is the New Black

You've heard it once, you've heard it twice.  This is the new black, that's the new black, but really ladies – navy is the new black.  At least when it comes to nail polish.  High shine navy manicures are it for fall. If you're anything like me you've been wearing a slew of dark polishes on your tips from Chanel Black Satin to OPI Lincoln Park After Dark, but this Fall in case you haven't noticed, already in your local nail salon are Essie in Bobbing for Baubles and OPI in Road House Blues – two perfect navys.

My favorite right now is by Creative Nail Design called Midnight Sapphire. It's a very inky navy that resembles a an ink mark a dark felt tip blue marker would leave behind.

Video: Backstage with the Glam Squads During NYFW

Essie's New Winter Collection: Bling It On

Allow me to introduce Bling It On by Essie.  In the beginning of October you'll be seeing these jewel toned shades (think rubies, emeralds and sapphires) popping up at your favorite nail salon.  Yes ladies, another choice will be added to your important weekly decision! Shades include: Cocktail Bling (pale gray), Bobbing For Baubles (deep blue), Size Matters (ruby red), Brooch The Subject (cashmere), School of Hard Rocks (deep, bright green and my favorite) and Bangle Jangle (lavender).

I'm typically not the girl who chooses a color from the latest collections as an almost black like Essie's Luxedo or reddish tinged black like Wicked are two of my go-to's, but I am anxious to start wearing more fun holiday inspired shades with the new season.

Futuristic Luxe at Ports 1961

  The New York Public Library isn't just for book worms - it's where Ports 1961 showcased their Spring 2012 collection.  I think the library first received major fashion cred thanks to Sex and the City.   Before I dish on the backstage beauty I wanted to say thank you to Jeannine for letting be in her shoes for a week! It was so great being a part of SS 2012 NYFW and most of all being able to share my experiences with you!

The theme for hair, makeup and nails: futuristic luxe.  As soon as I heard that term from Nonie Creme, Founder of Butter London, I just had mental flashbacks of The Jetsons and how I thought that by now I would have owned a flying car.  To complement this theme, for the nails, Nonie used one coat of Chimney Sweep, a dark charcoal with a metallic finish, topped with matte top coat.  Doing this created that velvety texture without completely losing the shine (Nonie was the hand model for the above picture).  The focus for the makeup was having a bare face with a burst of color on the eyes using a vibrant metallic green eyeliner.  Pat McGrath, lead makeup artist for Covergirl,  used Intense Shadow Blast in everlasting green and create a thick line across the eye.  Quick tip: if you're a beginner start off by playing connect the dots;  make dots along the lash line and then connect them.

Lastly, the hair imparts a heroic sentiment with an east coast feel, says Guido, lead Redken stylist.  Guido accomplished this by creating a  'faux ponytail'; he simply pulled the hair back without tying it.  Guido also used barrettes, that he painted white, to hold the hair back.  The look is no-frills, modern and elegant,  a common theme I've seen this NYFW season.  Thank you again for checking out my posts for Beauty Sweet Spot - hope you enjoyed them!  xo

Groovy Baby! 60's Mod for Alice + Olivia

Bright colors mixed with pastels and eclectic hairstyles were part of the beauty scene for Alice + Olivia by Stacey Bendet's Spring 2012 collection.  The theme: walking through a secret garden during the 60's.

Thomas Dunkin, Sebastian Professional Lead Stylist, didn't want to take the 60's look so literally, so he pulled inspiration from the 20's creating three different styles.  A mix between chignons and buns, side-swept hair and low ponytails with head scarfs.  SO Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly!   For the runway, Dunkin used Potion 9 Lite as the foundation throughout the hair and a donut to create that polished look for the buns and chignons.  When trying it at home, he suggests making it your own. No need to make it so polished (i.e. no donut). If there are any loose strands let them be so as not to make it seem like you're trying too hard.

Let's talk about the shagadelic makeup done by Stila's Global Artist, Kasi Harabedian  for Beauty.com.  .  GORGEOUS!  The sparkling turquoise eyeshadow and extreme cat eye brought out the 60's mod style we all know and love.  She used a nude liner in the inner rim of the eyes instead of white to give it a modern touch and make the eyes pop.  For the most part, the nails were a mix of sorbet colors from Nails Inc. including mint green, corals and pinks.  However, some of the models rocked white nails with black stripes. To make it work Julie Kandalec first painted two coats of floral street and then a top coat on which she drew the black lines with black taxi.  A quick tip from the pro: no need to run out and buy fancy nail art pens, all she did was cut the bristles of the brush to make it easier to create the stripes.

Vivienne Tam Creates A Japanese Garden with Retro Twist

Clean, natural hair and make up complemented the Japanese garden inspiration backstage at Vivienne Tam.  Lead Maybelline Makeup Artist, Andy Koh, incorporated a modern twist to 70's retro style by using metallic tones.  Koh shared how foundation was key for a fresh face using two different shades - a lighter shade for the t-zone and darker shade around the face for a structured look.  For the eyes instead of using a harsh line with an eyeliner like you would see on Twiggy in the 70's, Koh used a copper tone for that line on top of the gold base.  Another modern twist was to have natural looking lashes, although he used Maybelline's Falsies mascara, which builds thick lashes, he wiped the brush to remove the excess mascara and lightly applied to the eyelashes for a more natural effect.

Simple, organic and undone were the words used to describe the hair by Lead Stylist, Leon Gorman for Redken.  A deep side part and low ponytail twisted into a quick messy bun, held up by a combination of bobby and french pins, topped off by a light spritz of Redken Fashion Work 12 was all it took.  Gorman also shared for those with greasy hair to use dry shampoo to build that texture.

For a quick manicure, Incoco provided grey nail strips that were applied to the nails with no drying time needed.  It probably took as long as reading this sentence to apply them to the nails.

Calling out teens from the 90's - remember 7th Heaven?  Well, talk about an awesome flashback Beverly Mitchell, currently starring on The Secret Life of  the American Teenager, dropped by backstage and I had to ask her what was the essential beauty item in her kit.  Her answer: blotting papers!  A total lifesaver.  Trust, I had to use a couple today with this humidity.