June Beauty Favorites

July 1, 2019

June’s Beauty Favorites addresses a ton of different serums, toners and cleansers in the world of skincare. To me, everyone’s skincare journey is different and especially during the warmer season like the summertime, everybody’s skin will have different reactions to different things. Which is why I’m reviewing more than one type of skincare regiment, to give you guys a better idea of what you might chose for yourself. We even have two different eyeshadow palettes, one that is mostly yellow & gold based and another that provides more definition to certain types of eye looks such as smoky and others. Continue reading to learn more about my monthly beauty choices along with where to find and shop the products.

COLOURPOP UH-HUH HONEY SHADOW PALETTE

This yellow 9-pan palette has every shade of yellow under the sun in 5 mattes, 3 metallics, and 1 Pressed Glitter. Literally, all yellow, the entire What's in ColourPop's Yellow Collection

Stinger: matte buttery yellow
Sunburst: metallic lemon yellow with blue glitter
Sweet Spot: matte primary yellow
Dandy: metallic vibrant yellow gold
Palooza: bright yellow with a copper duochrome shift
Queen B: metallic dandelion
Totally Buggin': matte butterscotch yellow
Oh Beehave: matte mustard
Buzz Kill: matte yellow brown

CAUDALIE LIMITED EDITION BEAUTY ELIXIR

A natural, innovative toning mist that sets makeup, provides an instant burst of radiance, and tightens the appearance of pores, featuring the same bestselling formula with a new, improved pump to finely and evenly distribute the lightweight mist. Inspired by Queen Isabelle of Hungary's famous elixir of youth, Beauty Elixir is formulated with grape extracts and clarifying ingredients to provide an immediate burst of radiance. The complexion treatment reduces dullness and is infused with toning rosemary, astringent mint, and soothing rose essential oil to prepare your skin for further treatments. Beloved by celebrities and makeup artists worldwide, the Beauty Elixir is the ideal priming base and setting spray between layers of makeup for a long-lasting and smooth finish. Perfect as an aftershave for men too!

LIME CRIME FRECKLE PEN

The Lime Crime Freckle Pen give ‘em blessings on blessings, babe. You’re a lil cutie in this long-lasting freckle pen that has a super soft felt tip pen applicator and is smudged proof for endless summer glamour. I don’t have any speckle of natural freckles and voila! Look what this magical pen can do?! I think I’ll be doing this beauty look a ton more often this season. Are you a fan of freckles? Yay or nay?

SON & PARK

BEAUTY WATER

A multitasking toner and cleansing water that creates a clean base for any skin care and makeup that follows. Solutions for:- Dullness and uneven texture- Dryness- Uneven skin tone If you want to know more… This multiuse product can be used as a toner and gentle exfoliant in the morning to prep for skin care and to create a smoother surface for makeup. At night, Beauty Water can be used as a cleansing water to thoroughly remove makeup, dirt, and oil. Lavender water, rosewater, and orange fruit extract hydrate the skin, while willow bark and papaya extract sweep away dead skin cells revealing a brighter skin tone and smoother texture.

BEAUTY GEL

What the heck is this, you might ask? It’s a light-weight gel moisturizer that would quickly absorb into your skin and provide the right amount of hydration in order to prep your face for base makeup. It sounds like it's a primer but it's not like your typical makeup primer where it will fill in lines/uneven skin. It will simply help to give light hydration to prevent dry spots/patches since that will make your base makeup look patchy or flaky. It also has little capsules filled with hydrolyzed collagen that will burst upon application; this capsule technology keeps the ingredients fresh until use.

BEAUTY PRIMER CREAM GLOW

A lightweight, quick-absorbing cream that provides coverage, brightens the skin tone, and primes skin for makeup application. This base cream that's packed with flower extracts you'll love, including lily, rose, and jasmine also contains pearl to illuminate the complexion and rosa damascena flower to help control sebum production. After using the filter cream, your skin will look brighter, smoother, and more even, as if you actually put a real life filter on it. I put this on days where makeup calls for more coverage. Literally the best primer I’ve ever tried!

BEAUTY FACE MASK CLEAN TYPE

This moisturizing mask contains hyaluronic acid and a blend of AHA from flower extract to help renew dull skin. The unique shape of the mask prevents essence from touching the hairline and weighing down hair. It’s a quick five-minute mask but with immediate results. My face looks fresh and clean every time I use these, and I use these often!

DERMALOGICA AGE BRIGHT CLEARING SERUM

This highly concentrated serum exfoliates to help prevent acne and supports natural cell turnover to reduce visible signs of skin aging. Phytoactives hydrate and smooth skin, while niacinamide and white shiitake mushroom promote a brighter and more even skin tone.

DERMALOGICA AGE BRIGHT SPOT FADER

This spot fader is a two-in-one brightening spot treatment that reduces the appearance of active breakouts and post-acne marks. Salicylic acid works to clear breakouts, while niacinamide and hexylresorcinol work synergistically to fade post-acne marks and improve uneven skin tone. AGE Bright Complex reduces visible skin aging and helps prevent over-drying.

KEVYN AUCOIN EMPHASIZE EYE DESIGN PALETTE

Unleash your makeup artistry through a range of eye-catching looks with the Emphasize Eye Design Palette from Kevyn Aucoin in ‘As Seen In’; a versatile eyeshadow palette presented within a sleek mirrored compact, that combines five matte, chrome and satin eyeshadow shades with a creamy metallic-effect color. Applied with an innovative ‘lemon drop’ felt tip for dual-purpose precision lining and color application, the Cream Foil Eyeshadow adds drama and dimension for a high impact finish. Experiment by layering the powder and cream shadows to create customised hues, or simply wear it alone for a reflective mirror-like shine. Shades Include (L>R): Ballet (matte) Blush (satin) Rose (chrome) Amethyst (matte) Sangria (matte) Rose Gold (cream foil)

FRESH BEAUTY SUGAR HYDRATING LIP BALMS

Sugar Lemon Hydrating Lip Balm locks in moisture for soft, supple, healthy-looking lips. The rich, cushiony formula coats lips with a protective veil that smooths and comforts on contact while delivering a velvety sheen and addictive flavor inspired by lemon meringue or peach. I can’t decide which one is my favorite, but they’ve been on heavy rotation this summer. I’m definitely obsessed with the flavors.

PURITO CENTELLA GREEN LEVEL CALMING TONER

A skin calming toner infused with 10% of Centella Asiatica extract, panthenol, witch hazel extract, and other EWG-class ingredients to instantly soothe and hydrate your skin. Contains sodium hyaluronate acid to prevent moisture evaporation while strengthening the moisture barrier of the skin. Free from harsh chemicals and preservatives.

PURITO CENTELLA GREEN LEVEL BUFFET SERUM

Formulated with EWG verified ingredients, this cica cream is packed with effective ingredients so skin will be protected, smooth, clean and vibrant. This versatile serum helps improve the appearance of your skin. Infused with 49% of centella asiatica extract, collagen, ceramide, and other EWG-verified ingredients to strengthen skin barrier while leaving the skin moisturized and supple.

LOVE & XX’S,

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May Beauty Favorites

June 4, 2019

When summer hits my makeup definitely becomes more minimal than any other season throughout the year. I usually only wear lipstick and mascara with a tinted moisturizer or BB cream. Just enough coverage, but still light enough for my skin to breathe. In today’s post, I’m sharing my monthly beauty favorites for the month of May, which include my in-between skincare regimens for the summer which does include some K-Beauty as well as other classic brands. I also have a favorite new prebiotic mask that’s great for anyone that’s a city dweller. And it’s fun because it changes color after applying. Continue reading to see more of my latest faves, such as a red orange lipstick and texture hair spray for beachy waves.

CLINIQUE FRESH PRESSED CLINICAL DAILY BOOSTERS

Turn your moisturizer into a de-aging powerhouse. Clinique 's breakthrough day and night Boosters with Pure Vitamins C 10% and A(Retinol) are freshly activated to deliver prescription-level results against visible wrinkles. Simply mix a few pumps with your favorite Clinique moisturizer—Vitamin C in the morning, and Vitamin A at night. Enjoy a potent de-aging boost without changing the moisturizer you love. Everyday, Vitamin C 10% works on skin's surface to instantly brighten. See remarkably even-toned and retexturized skin with continued use. Everynight, Vitamin A (Retinol) penetrates deeply into skin's surface. Overtime, skin appears revitalized, lines and wrinkles 're-filled,' youthful tone recaptured.

GIVENCHY LE ROUGE LIPSTICK COUTURE EDITION IN NO. 304 MANDARINE BOLERO

Le Rouge defines lips with its intense, pigment-rich color. Its feather-light, non-sticky, velvety texture glides across the lips to deliver a semi-matte finish and long-lasting wear. The case features the “scribble tiger” pattern straight out of Clare Waight Keller’s first Givenchy runway show. Use this limited-edition case on all your Givenchy Le Rouge lipsticks. The shade is a muted red orange, the perfect vibrant bold lip for summer.

GIVENCHY PRISME LIBRE COUTURE EDITION

Unify, set, and perfect with Givenchy’s Prisme Libre. Upon application, imperfections appear diminished, skin looks more even, and makeup is set with a lasting, radiant, matte finish. The cap features the “scribble tiger” pattern straight out of Clare Waight Keller’s first Givenchy runway show. Use this limited-edition cap on all your Givenchy Prisme Libre loose powders.

LUNE + ASTER REALGLOW SKIN TINT IN MEDIUM BEIGE

This light-diffusing Skin Tint covers and perfects with ultra-lightweight, customizable sheer to medium coverage for a naturally radiant look. Your skin, only better! After trying this product, I have given up on foundation as well as BB & CC creams. A tiny bit covers those imperfections and smooths my skin tone without looking like a heavy makeup! You can dab on extra to cover specific spots and it does not look cakey like other tinted moisturizers that I've tried before. It’s the perfect formula for flawless skin, while the ingredients help repair while you wear it:

Hyaluronic acid helps to plump and replenish the skin’s moisture level.

Vegan collagen helps to improve hydration and smooth the skin.
Vitamin E helps to hydrate, repair and protect.
Licorice extract helps to support skin's elasticity, fight inflammation, soothe irritation and reduce redness. Consistent use over time has been known to fade dark spots.
Apple seed extract helps to hydrate, repair and protect skin.

COSRX FIRST CLEANSING MILK GEL

COSRX's Low pH First Cleansing Milk Gel gently removes makeup, dirt and excess oil, without leaving behind a greasy residue. Olive oil and witch hazel are added to this silky formula to alleviate visible pores, oiliness and redness. Maintains skin's pH level, tightens pores, and refreshes skin without stripping the skin. I’ve been using it every other day when I do not do a double-cleanse and it’s a great balancer in between.

COSRX CENTELLA CLEANSING POWDER

Mildly acidic cleansing powder is infused with enzymes to gently exfoliate, and centella extract to soothe sensitive skin. Promotes a healthy-looking complexion with youthful radiance. I use it as an exfoliator once or twice a week, especially if I have had several shoots and am using more makeup than usual. They’re also a great travel companion due to its size.

URBAN DECAY PERVERSION MASCARA

So intense you might need a safe word, Perversion glides on and gets you sexy in one stroke. (Yet it won't quit until you say when.)Like a second skin, Urban Decay's ultra-creamy, lengthening, volumizing mascara coats each lash with triple-black pigments and a deeply nourishing ingredient blend - for bigger, blacker, badder lashes. It's sick how black it is...the purest, deepest, most intense black color imaginable. Perversion has a creamy, full-bodied texture that's not too dry, not too wet. This allows just the right amount of ""pull"" so it glides through lashes. The result: Incredible control for insane lashes. Go ahead and pile on coat after coat. Want to apply more before you go out at night? No problem. Even if it's been all day since you applied, more Perversion always means more beautiful lashes. It NEVER gets brittle or clumpy.

URBAN DECAY PERVERSION WATERPROOF FINE-POINT EYE PEN

If you want to nail an eyeliner look that's perfectly exact, you'll enjoy total control with Urban Decay's Perversion Waterproof Fine-Point Eye Pen, a super-smooth, free-flowing pen that draws crazy-precise, waterproof blacker-than-black lines that last all day.The pen's unique cartridge system allows for a constant flow of ink. Plus, its ultra fine tip glides on smooth without skipping or pulling, providing a smooth, controlled application. Easily create everything from fine lines to bold, thick lines. The waterproof formula lays down long-lasting black lines with ink that dries quickly and won't smudge, run or feather.

PEACE OUT DARK SPOT BRIGHTENING DOTS

Using microneedling technology, these revolutionary treatment dots create micro-channels within the skin that help deliver results in half the time of most treatments. Niacinamide, licorice extract, and tranexamic acid work together to visibly lighten and brighten without causing irritation. All dark spots are different—this product best treats dark spots from post-acne inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Now that I’m older it takes longer for an acne spot to clear up, and these brightening dots are doing the magic trick!

PEACE OUT ACNE HEALING DOTS

Zap that zit! These patent-pending acne-healing dots are the only acne treatment to combine absorbent hydrocolloid technology with active blemish-fighting ingredients. Infused with salicylic acid to kick acne-causing bacteria to the curb, they also contain vitamin A to help support natural skin turnover and aloe vera to soothe redness. Hydrocolloid technology extracts impurities while creating a protective barrier that guards against external irritants. By protecting your blemishes from bacteria, inflammation, and picking, these dots also reduce the potential for acne scarring. Whether you're struggling with hormonal acne, whiteheads, or inflamed pimples, your blemish is less red, less painful, and significantly less irritating in as little as six hours.

SGX NYC ‘THE DO-IT-ALL’ 3-IN-1 DRY TEXTURE SPRAY

Tired hair? Revive flat, 5pm hair with this multi-talented dry texture spray. Designed with dry shampoo to instantly add texture by refreshing and volumizing while hairspray provides brushable hold for that that perfectly undone tousled style. I love to use this dry texture spray all by itself on towel-dried/damp hair. During the summer, I’m not as into styling my hair with a blowdryer, curling iron, straightener, etc; that all do so much damage in the long run. So for those all-naturalé days, it’s my go to for wavy, beachy hair.

ALGENIST ALIVE PREBIOTIC BALANCING MASK

Algenist ALIVE Prebiotic Balancing Mask is a transformative mask that re-balances, detoxifies and leaves skin feeling alive and hydrated while enhancing clarity for an even, radiant look. Formulated with a probiotic, and prebiotic from algae, paired with our patented Alguronic Acid, to target concerns that may result from unbalanced surface skin bacteria. Probiotics and prebiotics are good for you ingredients that help balance skin's natural surface ecosystem. Skin is more resistant to pollution and the appearance of lifestyle aging. I use it every 2-3 days and it’s so fantastic! I love how it changes color, as if its really getting down to business and cleaning my face, ha ha!

LOVE & XX’S,

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A Slice of Summer Glow with These 6 Korean Beauty Products

May 21, 2019

THIS POST IS SPONSORED BY GLOW RECIPE BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

With our first official hot day here in New York City yesterday, I got inspired to write up a post on how to achieve that radiant summer glow when it comes to our skin. But sans makeup. Makeup can help achieve the ultimate sun-kissed bronzy luminosity - but for some makeup is a no-no during the warmer seasons. Especially heavier coverage such as foundation. I love to have my skin breathe during this time of year to keep it healthy and fresh, so in today’s post I’m sharing 6 amazing Korean skincare products, all from the same brand, that will definitely give you a slice of that summer glow we all want.

WATERMELON GLOW ULTRA-FINE MIST

This ultra-fine, hydrating, fog-like mist is designed for ultimate skin radiance and makeup enhancement. It’s uniquely formulated with hibiscus flower which naturally contains AHAs to smooth the look of skin, apple cider vinegar (ACV) which naturally helps balance oil production, and rice germ oil which helps protect against free radicals. I have used it before applying makeup and it’s great, but I literally spray this on my face all day long even without makeup on. It smells like watermelon, so good in fact, my husband secretly loves it too! Refreshing, travel-friendly with very cute packaging, it’s my new favorite mist spray for summertime.

BLUEBERRY BOUNCE GENTLE CLEANSER

This hydrating, bouncy cleanser delivers all the antioxidant-rich benefits of blueberries while refining pores with hyaluronic acid and AHAs. The ultra-gentle formula is packed with nourishing oils to remove makeup with minimal rubbing. Skin is clear, radiant, and glowing without feeling stripped. During the warmer months, I prefer a gentle cleanser as I don’t want to use something too harsh for my sensitive skin. This cleanser is really my jam, and I love using it while traveling too when skin can wreck havoc even during the simplest of trips.

PINEAPPLE-C BRIGHT SERUM

Brighten up with pure pineapple juice, a potent, natural source of vitamin C, AHA, and bromelain enzymes. Blended with soothing chamomile, the serum retexturizes skin and evens tone. Glass Skin is the ideal skin look inspired by K-Beauty—so smooth and reflective that it looks like glass. Or that dewy glow effect. It’s the ultimate summer brightening serum - your face will literally look like a mannequin! But in a good way, ha ha! I also love how to chamomile is a red reducer - especially when it comes to breaking out. And how adorable is that bottle?!

WATERMELON GLOW PINK JUICE MOISTURIZER

This oil-free moisturizer calms, brightens, and perfectly preps skin for makeup, while antioxidants protect against environmental stressors to ward off fine lines and dark spots. Use day and night as a moisturizer for oily/combo skin or as a serum for dry skin. Its bouncy, gel-emulsion texture feels cool on contact and absorbs instantly. Perfect for the summer heat. It works best with the pineapple serum for that ultra glowing skin. Plus, the smell is intoxicating. It’s like your face guzzled down a glass of fresh watermelon juice!

AVOCADO MELT SLEEPING MASK

Intensely moisturize, firm, and brighten overnight. Oleic acid and linoleic acid-rich avocado helps to restore moisture and collagen in the skin, while the antioxidants and antibacterial properties of manuka honey refresh stressed out skin. PHAs provide a gentle exfoliation while you sleep. This avocado sleeping mask contains Kaolin Clay: This clay pulls impurities from the skin without causing redness or irritation; and absorbs excess oils, decongests pores, and diminishes shine. Skin is extremely smooth. Would recommend using only a little bit per use - in this case, less is more.

WATERMELON GLOW SLEEPING MASK

My favorite product out of the 6: It’s the first product I ever tried by Glow Recipe and I use it all-year round. This luxuriously bouncy, breathable sleeping mask refreshingly hydrates, smooths, and perfects skin overnight with a revolutionary pillow-proof, transfer-proof formula. The oil-free, lightweight, glow-boosting hybrid is formulated with ultra-soothing watermelon extract, hydrating hyaluronic acid, and gentle AHAs that work while you sleep to tone and clarify roughened, dull complexions. AHAs smooth the surface of the skin by banishing dead, rough surface cells, clearing the path for ultra-effective, lasting hydration, while hyaluronic acid binds moisture to the skin for an incredibly nourished complexion. Skin is baby-soft and bright in the morning, effortlessly.

LOVE & XX’S,

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Charlotte Tilbury Review - Waking Up Your Complexion

May 8, 2019

THIS POST IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY CHARLOTTE TILBURY BUT ALL OPINIONS ARE MY OWN.

Even though Charlotte Tilbury’s skincare and beauty brand has been around since 2013, it wasn’t until this year that I finally got the chance to review the very well known British (now global) brand. I first took notice of the products a couple of years ago while on my very first trip to London. I was impressed with the packaging and quality of each product, but just never got the opportunity to try any of the well-known makeup artist’s brand. Charlotte Tilbury is an award-winning MUA and a British Vogue Contributing Beauty Editor and has collaborated with such designers as Tom Ford and Burberry. A definite game-changer in the beauty industry. So without further ado, let’s get started on some of my favorites from Charlotte Tilbury Beauty!

LIP CHEAT LIP LINER IN PILLOW TALK

When it comes to lips, I always trust a good lip liner to start. That is, after exfoliating and hydrating them puckers. Lip Cheat Lip Liner smooths over lips to create a seamless line, resize, and reshape for a fuller pout. It lasts up to six hours thanks to a no-smudge, waterproof formula that won't feather or transfer. The texture is rich and velvety to layer comfortably on your lips. With a range of 15 shades that can be matched—nudes, reds, berries, and pop colors—to perfect any lip. Wear alone or with a gloss for a lighter finish. I love the ‘Pillow Talk’ shade: a pink nude, which is just perfect for anytime.

MATTE REVOLUTION LIPSTICK IN PILLOW TALK

The lipstick features 3D glow pigments that help lips appear wider and fuller. The matte formula is enriched with Charlotte's secret ingredient and orchid extract to protect and soothe lips for a cashmere finish. The unique, square-angled tip mimics the shape of a lip brush for a precise application. This lipstick comes in a range of 12 shades, including the bestselling Pillow Talk, giving every woman the choice of a perfect nude or pop of color. I love the matte finish and its long-lasting, buildable, and hydrating combination. My new favorite nude lipstick, for sure!

FILMSTAR BRONZE & GLOW DUO PALETTE

Celebrity makeup artist Charlotte Tilbury is a firm believer that shading and highlighting can re-sculpt and re-define your face. This iconic bronzer and highlighter duo has the perfect blend of pearl and golden pigments to sculpt and highlight your features. These universal shades are created from a refined golden base that flatters all skin tones. The sculpt bronzer adds buildable definition along the lower cheek, jawline, and sides of the nose while highlight illuminates the top of cheekbones, bridge of the nose, eye orbital area, and cupid’s bow. Visibly slim, sculpt, shorten, trim, and highlight your features for fabulous, red carpet-ready facial framework—this highlight bronzer duo is perfect for buildable and subtle coverage. This all-in-one pressed powder, bronzer, and highlighter creates killer cheekbones and candlelit skin, with the best control in terms of buildable coverage with a price tag at $68.

INSTANT MAGIC FACIAL DRY SHEET MASK

This sheet mask has a clinically proven five-skin solution IQ that reduces wrinkles, smoothes, brightens, lifts and hydrates exactly where your skin uniquely needs it the most for dramatic facial results now and in the future. It features a bio-mimetic vector delivery system, which allows for a prolonged release of actives, and powers them into the epidermis. The dry textile mask is imprinted with active ingredients, unlike most traditional sheet masks that are water and glycerin. The burst effects of this mask last for up to eight hours, and its technology allows skin to get exactly what it needs with ingredients that fill the intercellular gaps to reconstruct skin. Vitamin B3 brightens tone and revives the skin's glow; a plant stem cell matrix lifts the skin and helps to decrease wrinkles; and crocus bulb extract redensifies the skin to support reconstruction and encourage collagen and elastin production. Peptides work together to reduce wrinkles, and magic oils and butters help strengthen the lipidic barrier for a natural, nourished glow. A revolutionary mask that will have all your magic skin wishes come true.

WONDERGLOW FACE PRIMER

Give your complexion an instant pick me up and create an effortlessly dewy look. Wonderglow is formulated with breakthrough light-reflecting microspheres, collagen-supporting peptides, and patented anti-wrinkle ingredients to turn the look of dull, dehydrated skin around in a flash. Its translucent formula blends seamlessly into any skin tone, while light diffusers blur away lines and add luminosity for a flawless, poreless, complexion. Use under foundation or on its own for a sheer coverage, luminous glow. I love to use it both ways, but it will definitely give you that dewy skin look. Like a sun-kissed shimmer of a glow.

MAGIC CREAM

It certainly is not called ‘Magic Cream’ for nothing. This moisturizer fights visible signs of aging on all fronts, supporting natural collagen production and cell energy while fighting free radicals to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It supports natural hydration and elasticity, smoothing the surface and promoting healthy skin renewal. The youth-boosting ingredients lift and transform tired-looking skin. Give that perfect kind of ‘bounce’ you want before applying makeup. It’s a cool $100 bucks but really worth the price for the quality of this moisturizer.

FULL FAT LASHES MASCARA

Featuring ingredients for the ultimate false lash effect, Full Fat Lashes will give you curl, separation, volume, length, and drama.. The five-grooved brush deposits the optimal line of mascara along the lash line, pushing your lashes up and out. It features fine-tipped bristles that catch every lash—no matter how short or fine—coating them from root to tip in the glossy black formula. The buildable formula creates voluptuous lashes that don’t dry up and fall onto your cheeks and a three-dimensional flutter that is ideal for finely separated, naturally-defined eyelashes.

LOVE & XX’S,

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NYFW Beauty Trends in Hair, Makeup and Nails

February 16, 2019

Hi, everyone! I’ve been meaning to get this up on the blog, but amidst travels and also my laptop having a nervous breakdown, it’s been rather trying to get this up and live. But it is finally here: my recap of all the beauty trends I noticed during New York Fashion Week for Fall/Winter. Some have been around since the dawn of time, as most trends in fashion are refurbished, reused and recycled. But there are several trends I truly loved and will definitely be partaking in the upcoming season. So without further ado, let’s jump on it and start with the makeup trends spotting around from NYFW.

MAKEUP TRENDS

PINKY PINKS & BURGUNDY WINES

If you noticed one thing about my makeup abilities as of late, I am all for color. The more vibrant the better. Which is what many makeup artists played around with backstage this season. For example, the makeup direction to Kate Spade with Romy Soleimani and Maybelline was filled with vibrant, friendly pink shades ranging from blushing pink to burgundies. Sally LaPointe’s show also displayed heavy wine colors, interestingly applying an iridescent pink liquid highlighter - the Hyper Real FX to the cheek bones which gave such a beautiful subtle quality to the look.

SMOKEY EYES

You know what’s a trickery in eye makeup? Mastering the art of a smokey eye without looking like raccoon eyes! What makes this difficult is the subtlety of the smudge, but not too much where it becomes overkill. Tom Ford always does this technique so well (need to try the Tom Ford beauty line) but my favorite was the intense smokey eye in Jeremy Scott’s Show. Maybelline did the full eyelid smokey, but also carried it down to the inner corners of the eye to give it a more dramatic effect. Rest assured, smokey eyes aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

WATERCOLORS

Another favorite, MUA Cassandra Garcia played with a subtle green smudge for Tibi. Using Bobbi Brown Cosmetics, the look was inspired by the perfectly imperfect look of slept-in makeup and the watercolor green is something cool and different. It looks slightly messy, but in a chic unpolished way. Other shows that really played on watercolors more intently were Eckhaus Latta and Collina Strada where the models’ eyes were a wonderful canvas to blend on. Literally reminded me of Monet’s brush strokes and definitely got my heart palpating.

SHARPLY SKILLED EYELINER WORK

3.1 Phillip Lim’s lead makeup artist for the show, Diane Kendal was all about precision when it came to eye makeup backstage this season. Using only three colors of white, khaki and purple and with the help from a new makeup brand, Unframe the Beauty, their eyeliners are an innovation 1200 years in the making. The brush is created by traditional craftsmen from the Kumano and Nara region of Japan, with custom-made fibers that are entirely hand-blended for firmness, flexibility, and softness. Only seven people in ALL of the world can skillfully do this delicate and precise work.

BAMBI LASHES

Makeup artist Tom Percheux described the beauty as “eyes that wouldn’t lie to you” for the Brandon Maxwell show was very reminiscent of Twiggy’s signature look. And it’s as simple as it can get, but will bring the eyes to life with an added illusion to bigger and brighter eyes. Something I can totally get on board with - the key is to do both the top and bottom eyelashes. I have to say out of all my favorite makeup trends, this will be probably the first one I will want to re-interpret.

HAIRSTYLE TRENDS

BEJEWEL ME, BABY

If you’ve been paying any attention in the hair accessory scene, you know barrettes, bobby pins, clips of any kind are all making a huge comeback. But there’s been a transitioning period here at NYFW where the accessories are more about letting women SHINE. Justine Marajan did the hair backstage for Christian Siriano where we saw chains mixed in with braids, giving it a cool and edgy vibe. Area had a gang of 70s rebels take the runway with likeminded hairdos beaded in jewels, literally. I am really into anything in the rebellious family so this trend is definitely something I would like to re-create for myself!

CRIMPED

Probably my favorite hairstyle that I saw backstage this season, it’s not a difficult hair style to achieve. Nowadays with all the top hair gadgets/tools you can get a heat iron with the shape embedded into the tool that will ease the process of getting the waves in the crimped hair. However, one way to achieve this as well is to braid the hair then flat iron the braid before brushing it out. This gives it a more froofy overall look, leaving it more modern in my opinion. I saw this technique done by Aveda, led by Gary Gill for the 3.1 Phillip Lim Show.

A SPLASH OF COLOR

Or rather a splash of paint, Jeremy Scott’s fake news theme was quite cheeky with the hairstyle to go along with the message behind his collection. The models all wore wigs which were all trimmed backstage before what looks to be a bucket of paint spilled all over the tops of the models’ heads. It obviously was painted on, however. Philipp Plein also used neon green streaks in the models’ hair, giving it that pop of color.

FINGER WAVES

The 30s are back and I couldn’t be happier! Finger waving is the shaping or molding of hair while wet into "s"-shaped curved undulations with the fingers and comb. These waves, when dried without being disturbed, will fall into deep waves. Finger waving differs from marcel waving in that there are no heated irons used on the hair. Prime example was Sally LaPointe’s show, giving the models’ a suitable look to go with the Elvis theme. Zimmerman and Maryam Nassir Zadeh also demonstrated this look but in a more relaxed way either with softer waves with a shorter cut or ruched ponytails. Overall, another favorite hairstyle I need to try and do soon!

NAIL ART TRENDS

ADD SPARKLE

At Kate Spade New York, manicurist Julie Kandalec (for Essie) paid homage to Kate, “she leaves a little bit of sparkle everywhere she goes.” by subtly applying bronze glitter to a nail prepped with a base coat for a naturally shimmery look. Tibi also took an understatedly sparkly route: Jin Soon Choi painted the top half of the nail in a rich toffee beige shade and filled in the bottom half with a mélange of holographic silver flecks. To tone down the shine, Choi finished it with a matte top coat. Which is what is next in terms of trends.

MATTE EVERYTHING

I noticed several other nail looks aside from Jin Soon Choi’s such as Maryam Nassir Zadeh powdery blue matte nails, which were also a favorite. Phillip Lim also worked with Jin Soon Choi to create a peachy nude matte finish as well, bringing a modern woman essential vibe. I love the non-streaky look to a matte nail, as it looks more polished and sophisticated. You can bet you’ll be seeing a lot more of this trend come this fall season.

OVER THE TOP EXTRANESS

Jeremy Scott worked with Ms. Pop to do a monochrome monogramming in an effort to keep up with the graffiti-inspired textiles. She lent her expert brushstroke to write out "New York" in black-and-white lettering, creating a newsprint effect over seven fingers. Definitely made headlines. ;) Other statement nail looks included Alice + Olivia where they literally hand-painted 3-D acrylic butterflies on sets of burgundy nails. And last but not least, Adeam went with gluing pearls of all different sizes on blue and pinks nails, which were definitely delivering something extra to the table.