4 Things We Learned Backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week
We've been schlepping ourselves over to Lincoln Center this week to get the tips, tricks, and products makeup artists and hairstylists have been spritzing backstage on the models. Though a lot of trends won't roll out till Spring 2011, we managed to snag some beauty tidbits that can be used right now, if not sooner.
Lesson #1: Even Models Need Some Skin TLC
For those who think models wake up with a clean, sparkling face ready to be dolled up - think again. Chris Benz partnered up with Clarisonic Sonic Cleansing System to get the models skin smooth, glowing, and squeaky-clean. Not only did this immediately enhance their complexion, it made putting makeup on that much easier. If you're worried your skin might be too sensitive for a cleansing system, try Cetaphil, which works for all skin types.
Wash your face every night to take your makeup off and only wash in the morning if you've forgotten the previous night (gasp!) and have makeup residue. Washing too much can dry the skin out, making it difficult to apply your makeup.
Related: 33 Best Skin-Care Products Ever
Lesson #2: Crimping Can Be a Good Thing
Seeing tons of models backstage at Luca Luca walking around with crimped hair, our hearts started racing and not in a good way. Nothing good can come from crimped hair, nothing. But after talking to celebrity stylist Teddy Charles, he assured us that if done right, crimped hair can give off a pretty, girly look.
To get this look, do a middle part with a tighter crimp and curl the hair with a curling wand, over an iron. Last, twist the two sides from the middle part so that it creates two twisted ponytails. To finish it off, cross the ponytails through one another and pin both with bobby pins for a French-inspired, girly chic look.
Related: 9 Cute Ponytails to Try Right Now
Lesson #3: Save Some Time on Your DIY Mani
A DIY manicure can save you money, but as far as setting time goes, it's as painful as well, watching paint dry. Try this genius solution that we picked up from Nonie Creme from butter LONDON at Vena Cava: press-on nails. (Don't worry-you won't look like a New Jersey housewife.) Creme hand-painted a reverse-French Manicure on press-on (not glue-on) nails, using three (yes three) coats of Yummy Mummy and one coat of Union Jack Black. "It's a really easy way to wear an over-the-top manicure," says Creme. "You can let them dry on your dining room table while you continue getting ready and pop them off with baby oil at the end of the night." (Did you hear that? That's the sound of DIY-ers everywhere breathing a huge sigh of relief.)
Related: 13 Polishes to Wear This Fall
Lesson #4: Having Flat Hair Is a Beauty Trend
If you find yourself complaining about flat hair - you might just be ahead on the next biggest beauty trend. Backstage at Narciso Rodriguez stylist were blow-drying the models hair with a net over top to make it that much more flat.
To perfect a sleek blowout of your own, use your favorite hair moisturizer (they favored Wella Professionals backstage) and a spritz of hairspray. Why go for this generic look? In the old Fashion Week days, designers wanted their models to all have the same look so that the clothes would speak for themselves. We'll be using this tip the next time we try to pull of a crazy print or high-waisted pant this fall.
Related: 8 Easy Ideas for Styling Fine Hair
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.