1) “The secret to hiding nail polish imperfections is the SolarSpeed Conditioning Spray ($11),” says CND’s Roxanne Valinoti backstage at BCBGMaxAzria. P.S.: In case you’re planning ahead, delicate shades of pink nail polish are making a comeback.
2) Like 1960s-style Twiggy makeup? “Eyes are the focal point of the look,” says Matin Maulawizada, global artistry director for Laura Mercier, who did makeup for the Pamella Roland show. To achieve the look, draw an upward wing using a bold black liquid liner. Backstage, artists used Laura Mercier Artist Luxe Liquid Liner (available in October, $125).
3) Metallic looks were big for clothes and nails at NYFW. Want to recreate the look? We’re a fan of Essie’s Mirror Metallics collection including Good as Gold, No Place Like Chrome, and Blue Rhapsody ($8). For a smooth finish, prep the nail bed using a hand lotion, and massage cuticles.
4) Don’t be afraid to use shimmer, says Tinte Cosmetics founder Stacy Reid backstage at W118 by Walter Baker. “A little shimmer on the cheeks and around the eyes will go a long way.” Try Tinte’s shimmering face pearls in one of these seven shades ($15 each).
5) Arcona Skincare has made fans of both celebrities (Rachel Zoe, Katherine Heigl) and regular Washington gals. The brand’s Triad Pads ($30) were used to prep models’ skin backstage at Lela Rose, but Arcona expert Allison Marks says the must-have is Desert Mist ($32), a protective serum that defends again environmental stressors and pollution while hydrating and repairing skin’s collagen. “Consider it the ultimate city block,” she says.
6) When styling an updo, blow out hair so it’s full and completely dry and tease your hair lightly on the top and sides, says Pamella Roland hairstylist Paul Labrecque. Another hair tip: “Shine, shine, and more shine” is key to a chic chignon. Paul Labrecque Curly Finish High Gloss Spray Shine ($20) will last all day and night.
7) Nail art is still big for spring, but can be tricky to pull off in a conservative office. CND nail expert Candice Mancchi has these suggestions for making a subtle statement: “Try a reverse French manicure, incorporate one accent nail, or if you have a favorite pattern on the runway, use it only at the tip.”
8) Use a warm shade of eyeshadow to create a bold, brushed-up brow. Global creative director of Stila Cosmetics Sarah Lucero used a hint of Fire eye shadow, found in Stila’s In the Know Shadow Palette ($39), to add warmth to the faces of models at Rebecca Minkoff.
9) The messy sideswep knot looked flawlessly natural at Nicholas K—and can be easily re-created at home. Global creative director of Catwalk by TIGI Nick Irwin dished on the secret to this bohemian style: “It’s all about manipulating the hair. Diffuse the ends and pull pieces from the knot.”
10. Inspired by a messy, ’80s hairstyle, Tresemmé lead stylist Jeanie Syfu created loose, beachy windblown waves at Rebecca Minkoff. The secret to the style? “Use some dry shampoo on the mid-length of hair for texture and movement.”
Kara Manos writes about all things beauty in the District on her blog, Politics of Pretty.
