We’re back in the NYFW swing of things. Backstage at DKNY we talked to some of our favorite beauty veterans and got the scoop on the conceptual beauty look they created. From the cobweby hat-hair created by Eugene Soueliman to Yadim's quirky graphic eye. See how they created these memorable runway looks.
Textured Cobweby Hat Hair
“We’re doing a hairstyle that’s as if a hat has been on it and it’s squished down," explains lead Wella hairstylist, Souleiman. And the key to getting this sans hat? Tension, which he created by French braiding two sections of hair beginning behind the ear and bring it down the back of the hairline. Then, using the small end of the back of a comb, he pulled out a thin layer on both sides along the center part, brushed them until full of static, giving the cobweb texture. After spraying them with dry spray, the static hair hung as a veil over the sleeked down flat hair. To keep it pressed down while backstage, the girls wore bandanas while finishing up backstage.
Quirky DIY-Looking Graphic Eye
“When I talked to the team they said they wanted something quirky and eccentric,” Maybelline lead make artist Yadim explains. Well, he nailed it with the imperfect non-straight line around the eye replicating a shape found on the fabric on a piece in the collection. “It was a bit of a flower print but you wouldn’t really know it because it’s so abstract,” he explained.
Interested in how he created this squiggly graphic eye? He drew the lines using Maybelline Master Precise and Master Graphic, meeting the top and bottom on the outside corner. "You can't make a mistake because it's done purposefully." To get the lines this perfectly imperfect, smear them out with a makeup wipe and then go around and cleaned it up with a dry Q-tip. It still will leave the squiggly effect without initially creating it on purpose.
"The Fast Pass" Mani
Keeping with the conceptual, DIY theme, lead Essie manicurist Michel Saunders gave each model what she called "The Fast Pass," manicure. It's simply one swipe of nude-colored polish called "All Eyes On Nudes" down the center of the nail. Also looking as if the model quickyldid it herself. "Leaving a little bit of the sides out to show that it's ok to be imperfect," explains Saunders.
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 
Her new winter collection, 
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.
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.
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).
When I get my weekly mani, I normally play it safe and get a purple tinged black hue, like Essie in Luxedo, that I feel comfortable wearing. I think dark colors look chic on my short nails, and complement anything I wear. This week, I stepped out of the box and played with nail polish—even my manicurist questioned my choice!
I decided to make my nails pop and play them up as my main accessory with Essie in Haute as Hello and painting only my ring fingers with Essie in Too Too Hot. Being that the two polishes are both warm-toned, I like the way it works. It’s definitely a conversation starter!
Normally when I go get manis and pedis I very rarely bring my own shade. (Mostly due getting them randomly on the go and forgetting to put my color in my bag.) Therefore, I'm always forced to choose between a wall of OPI and Essie colors, which don't get me wrong, I love, but in the wonderful world of nail color, there's so much more out there – like Butter London for instance.
I first discovered Butter London a few seasons ago backstage at NY Fashion Week and was introduced to the Creative Director, Nonie Creme. This Spring, Nonie was inspired by impressionist style prints that graced the Spring/Summer 2011 runways and created a palette that she calls "muted/greige."
I love Duri polishes. Every time I go to the salon my options are limited to OPI or Essie. Not that that's a completely bad thing, because they do have great shades, but there are so many other brands out there who make fabulous colors that are not to be over looked – like Duri.
I recently received their fall collection and was so eager to test them out that I painted each of my nails a different color. Called "Angels and Demons" colors are named Angelic Dust, Seven Heavens, Sacred Quest, Paradise Lost, Path of Light and Wickedly Devine. My favorites are Seven Heaven – a deep magenta – and Sacred Quest – a metallic brown.
