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Fashion Week Redux: Backstage with MAC Cosmetics

Sarah Conley — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 14:38:32 EST

When I said that this past Fashion Week was going to be better than previous seasons, I truly had no idea how special it would be. I was blessed with the opportunity to film my backstage experience for MAC, clearly one of my most beloved brands. The above video is hosted on their YouTube channel (a must subscribe), plus on a dedicated Facebook tab.

Watch the mania that is otherwise known as backstage, including stunning designs by Naeem Khan and Christian Siriano, plus appearances by some of my favorite artists - Keri, Romero, Chantel, Gina and Gordon. I can't thank the MAC team enough for being able to participate in this special program.

Hope you enjoy!

Backstage at Monique Lhuillier with Kerastase Paris

Sarah Conley — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 14:20:07 EST

The hair backstage at Monique Lhuillier is absolutely gorgeous - a cheeky, fun look. Odile Gilbert for Kerastase Paris created a structured updo that is almost an architectural interpretation of the flower. Richard Avedon served as the inspiration, and Odile wanted to create a haute couture chignon, using the hair as if it were made of ribbons. Giant curling irons and hair dryers were used to style the hair into the ribbons. Kerastase Exilir Ultime was used to obtain the high shine and the Double Force Control Ultime was used to hold the hair ribbons in place.

Be Beautiful: MAC's Wonder Woman Collection

Sarah Conley — Fri, 14 Jan 2011 10:12:34 EST

Banish any thought of being a Plain Jane: M∙A∙C and Wonder Woman have joined forces! For Spring 2011, take a trip to Paradise Island with a legendary line-up of super-sized Mineralize Skinfinish,bold Eye Shadow quads, Pigment, Opulash, Lipsticksand oversized Lipglass, jumbo-big Powder Blush and Penultimate Eye Liner, Nail Lacquer and Lash inspired by the larger-than-life Bold Babe. Dashing and dazzling,the iconic super-heroine reminds us that inside every woman is a Mighty Aphrodite full of courage, confidence and charisma. Mission Accomplished!

Get ready - MAC released the collection images from the upcoming Wonder Woman collection this morning, slated to be on counter beginning February 10th through April 2011. To view photos of the entire collection, click through the gallery below.

In the collection:

LIPSTICK

Marquise d’ - Sandy cream peach (Lustre)

Russian Red - Intense bluish-red (Matte)

Spitfire Bright - creamy magenta (Satin)

Heroine Brown - bronze (Frost)

Suggested Retail Price $15.50 U.S./$18.50 CDN

LIPGLASS

Emancipation - Pale neutral pink

Wonder Woman - Bright red with soft pearl

Athena’s Kiss - Bright blue fuchsia

Secret Identity - Mid-tone copper with soft pearl

Suggested Retail Price $19.50 U.S./$23.50 CDN

OPULASH

Victorious - Purple

Army of Amazons - Green

Themyscira - BlueBlack Black

Suggested Retail Price $15.00 U.S./$18.00 CDN

PENULTIMATE EYE LINER

Rapidblack - True black

Suggested Retail Price $18.50 U.S./$22.00 CDN

NAIL LACQUER

Obey Me - True red

Spirit of Truth - Navy blue

Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$16.50 CDN

LASH

48 Lash

Suggested Retail Price $14.00 U.S./$17.00 CDN

EYE QUAD - Defiance

Defiance - Iridescent white pink (Veluxe pearl)

Paradise Island - Soft warm pink (Satin)

Star Studded - Mid-tone violet pink (Satin)

Real Drama - Dark burgundy with pink pearl (Satin)

Suggested Retail Price $40.00 U.S./$48.00 CDN

EYE QUAD - Lady Justice

Lady Justice - Bright silver with white pearl (Frost)

Insurmountable - Dirty blue grey (Veluxe Pearl)

Bold Babe Deep - metal blue with white pearl (Frost)

Deep Truth - True dark blue (Frost)

Suggested Retail Price $40.00 U.S./$48.00 CDN

EYE QUAD - Valiant

Valiant - Light lime with yellow pearl (Frost)

Spinning Transformation - Deep olive bronze with yellowpearl (Frost)

Diana Undercover - Dark forest green (Satin)

Manila Paper - Pale frost white gold (Veluxe Pearl)

Suggested Retail Price $40.00 U.S./$48.00 CDN

REFLECTS GLITTER

Reflects Pearl - White glitter with a pearl sheen

Reflects Bronze - Sparkling rich gold

Suggested Retail Price $21.00 U.S./$25.00 CDN

PIGMENT

Bright Fuchsia - Bright magenta

Marine Ultra - Vivid marine blue

Suggested Retail Price $21.00 U.S./$25.00 CDN

POWDER BLUSH (DUO)

Mighty Aphrodite - Warm peach coral with gold pearl/Brightcoral pink with gold pearl (Satin/Frost)

Amazon Princess - Bright yellow pink/Deep blue pink withgold pearl (Satin)

Suggested Retail Price $24.00 U.S./$29.00 CDN

MINERALIZE SKINFINISH

Pink Power - Peachy rose with pink shimmer/Soft rosybronze/Soft shell pink with fine shimmer

Golden Lariat - True coral with fine gold shimmer/Softsuntanned bronze/Soft gold with fine shimmer

Suggested Retail Price $35.00 U.S./$42.00 CDN

M·A·C Wonder Woman Red Makeup Bag

Suggested Retail Price $30.00 U.S./$36.00 CDN

M·A·C Wonder Woman Bulletproof Blue Makeup Bag

Suggested Retail Price $30.00 U.S./$36.00 CDN

M·A·C Wonder Woman Utility Belt Eye Brush Set

Suggested Retail Price $49.50 U.S./$59.50 CDN

M·A·C Wonder Woman Utility Belt Face Brush Set

Suggested Retail Price $49.50 U.S./$59.50 CDN

M·A·C Wonder Woman Invincible Mirror

Suggested Retail Price $20.00 U.S./$24.00 CDN

M·A·C Wonder Woman TSmall, Medium, Large

Suggested Retail Price $25.00 U.S/$30.00 CDN

Is there anything that you're looking forward to? How do you feel about the collection?

On The Plus Side: Outfit of the Day 1/12

Sarah Conley — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:28:34 EST

Last night's "winter storm" disappointed, to say the least. I'll admit that I'm the first one to get excited at the slightest hint of snow, so the predicted epic snowfall that was just two inches past a dusting was a disappointment. At least it was an excuse to wear my new Sorel boots - you might remember post gushing over their arrival - and my new Kate Spade faux fur crossbody/muff.

Coat: Fleet Street via Re/Dress NYC

Heathered green top: Old Navy (no longer available)

Necklace: Gift from The Budget Babe

Lipstick: c/o MAC, Gualbi from the Mickey Contractor collection

Leopard faux fur crossbody bag/muff: Kate Spade (no longer available)

Knit jeggings: Lane Bryant

Snow boots: Sorel

To Tell A Tale of Cylops: How An Eyeliner Came Between Me & Lady Gaga

Sarah Conley — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:00:00 EST

Almost one year ago, for some reason I thought it was a good idea to purchase a champagne/flesh toned metallic eyeliner from a brand I wasn't that familiar with. A lot of my friends rave about this particular brand, so I trusted their effusive tweets in support of my decision and placed my order.

The moment the Sephora box arrived, I tore the box open to discover that upon first impression, the liner was everything that I wanted and more. Naturally, I removed the plastic wrapper and applied it immediately. At some point during my work day, my eye itched and I must have rubbed it, because the next thing I knew, my eye became so irritated it looked like it was bleeding.

To make matters worse, I was attending a MAC event with Lady Gaga and Cyndi Lauper IN PERSON. Needless to say, there was no way I was going to have my photo taken with Lady Gaga, much less meet her with this crazy looking eye. Instead, I downed glasses of champagne like a wallflower. I'm still traumatized.

Fast forward to last September. Backstage at NYFW, all of the MAC artists were raving about an upcoming collection full of shimmering highlighters and gorgeous shadows. Little did I know that this mysterious collection, Cham Pale, would include a metallic eyeliner similar to the one that will forever hold the blame for coming between me and Lady Gaga.

My history with MAC is rich - I've loved the brand for as long as I could remember, so naturally their products are the only ones who can heal my emotional scars. The special, limited edition eyeliner, I Get No Kick, is everything you'd expect from a flesh- toned metallic pencil. Wearing this color on your lower lashline is perfect for opening your eyes, especially when paired with MAC's Chromagraphic pencils.

After wearing I Get No Kick several times, I can safely say that it has not come between me and any celebrity encounters or ruined my night. All's well that ends well - but someone, somewhere still owes me a picture with Lady Gaga. ;)

Pucker Up & Kiss Those Gloomy Days Goodbye

Sarah Conley — Mon, 08 Nov 2010 11:33:31 EST

Over the course of the past week, the weather in NYC has been moody...to say the least. We've been subjected everything from sunny skies all the way to random sleet/snow/hail - you never know what kind of "experiences" the weather is going to throw at you. Not only does this make getting dressed a challenge, but you have no idea what your hair or makeup will have to endure. The only way I can survive the day is to turn to my power color - red - and push through the day. These three lip products have been my most recent go-to's:

Cherry Lip Pencil

$13.00 at M·A·C

No red lip is worth it's color without a good foundation. MAC's Cherry Lip Pencil is a classic blue-red, perfect for pairing with almost any red shade.

To keep your lip color looking sharp, start by lining the outer edges of your lips and filling inwards, following the natural shape of your lips and enhancing the points at your cupid's bow (the points at the top of your lips). Carry a lip brush with you for precise reapplication, but just know that it's easy to smudge your look. Bring concealer & a concealer brush to clean up the edges if you're planning a late night. No one likes a hot mess!

Fusion Beauty LipFusion Infatuation

$29.00 by Fusion Beauty at Sephora

Don't get thrown off by this product's gloss-like appearance - it performs like a liquid lipstick. Screen Siren (the color at left) is a gorgeous, glossy, opaque cherry red, perfect to bring a shine to even the gloomiest day. Check out the lip color in action in this video from a recent Fusion Beauty event with Kim Kardashian (more on that soon). PS - this gloss won't sting or burn. You just get a delightful tingling/numbing sensation.

The Infatuation Liquid Shine Lip Fattener uses the same AmpliFat technology as the Lip Fusion glosses to increase the surface of your lip area within 15 minutes. Based on clinicians' studies, Infatuation was the only plumper that long term results, increasing your lip's surface area within 28 days. Fancy, no?

Ruby Woo Lipstick

$14.50 at M·A·C

Glossy lips are fun, but they can be high maintenance. For a no fuss, low maintenance look, try a matte.

MAC's Ruby Woo is one of the most iconic reds, seen on everyone from Dita Von Teese to Gwen Stefani. It's beyond what is normally thought of as matte - it's a retro matte, matter than matte. While some matte shades can be drying, avoid chapped lips by properly preparing your pout with a lip primer or moisturizing balm before applying.

Do you have a favorite red lipstick? Is there another color that is your go-to when the skies are dreary?

Backstage Beauty: Edition Georges Chakra with MAC and Cutler

Sarah Conley — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 10:31:18 EDT

The runway looks for Edition Georges Chakra were super sexy and vibrant, so the hair and makeup looks had to be compliment the designs without overpowering. Makeup teams from MAC Pro, lead by Terry Barber, and hair teams from Cutler Salon, lead by Leon Gorman, created the looks.

The makeup was inspired by an "accidental Pirelli calendar girl". To achieve this look, key makeup artist Terry Barber used the following products:

Face

Studio Sculpt Foundation

Cheeks

Improper Copper, Tint, and Midtone Sepia Cream Color Bases

Eyes

Mix of Midtone Sepia and Tint Cream Color Bases

Retrospeck eyeshadow on the lid

Caviar Dreams eyeshadow in the crease

"loads of mascara"

Lips

So Vain and Super Kissable Lip Color (new for Spring 2011)

Leon Gorman wanted to create a hairstyle that was very cool, with a bit of an edge, yet sophisticated. Inspired by Helmut Newton, using a bit of Redken Strong Hold Gel to create a sexy look. The gel was applied in sections, then combed through the front. A loose braid was created, leaving the style very loose in the back. To finish the look, he used Redken Forceful 23 hairspray.

Style IT's Spring 2011 New York Fashion Week coverage is proudly sponsored by Torrid:

Backstage Beauty: Carmen Marc Valvo with MAC

lesleykat — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 11:30:00 EDT

For the eyes key makeup artist, Romero Jennings created intense color and drama without a ton of shimmer. The color used wasn't pulled directly from the collection but instead was a color that the designer wanted to use. He pulled the metallic eyeshadow on to the side of the nose. This was meant to be reflected and seen by the viewers of the show. Romero then used the teal color on the outer top and bottom of the eyes to extend the shape of the eyes. He used a pencil brush to dot the teal color into the lashline and then used a #217 brush to blend it out. The cheeks were then sculpted with a taupe powder. A little pearl cream color base on the high planes of the cheeks to added a highlight.

The nail color was a custom blended pink-toned nude with light shimmer. A flat clean look creates a sexy reflective shimmer.

Skin:
Face+Body foundation
Mineralized skinfinish natural
Cheeks:
Bone Beige scupting powder
Pearl cream colour base
Eyes:
Dalliance Mega metal shadow (to be released in spring)
new teal eyeshadow, not yet named/released
Lite Brite cream shadow (new product?)
Haute & Naughty mascara
Studio finish concealer (to lighten brows)
Lips:
Super kissable lipcolor

Style IT's Spring 2011 New York Fashion Week coverage is proudly sponsored by Torrid:

Backstage Beauty: Davidelfin and MAC

lesleykat — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 10:30:00 EDT

The Davidelfin Spring 2011 collection is about totality. All of his obsessions for the last 10 years put together into this collection.

Key makeup artist, Romero, created a futuristic makeup look. he described it as smokey, sexy, alien angel with smoked out angled grey eyeshadow. the whole face was shades of grey and black. skin was perfected with face and body and the brows were blocked so that the eyes are the focus. He started by lining the eyes black smolder pencil. Then used black and brown cream liner as a base for the eyeshadow. Copperplate and the new mega metal eyeshadow, Dalliance were then blended on top of the base. The lashes were then curled and topped with haute and naughty mascara. He chose this mascara because it is very black with a velvet like texture. The lips were then glossed with super and flesh kissable lip colors mixed together.

A sidenote about the kissable lipcolor: goes on like a gloss, lipstick and pencil all in one. It is creamy with staying power that adheres to the lip over time. It conditions and hydrates so well that it slightly plumps the lips. This fantastic formula is set to release in the spring, so keep your eye out for it.

Products used:
Eyes:
Smolder pencil
Blacktrack fluidline
Dipdown fluidline
Daliance
Copperplace
haute and naughty lash
Bat Black cream colour base
Face:
Face+Body
Taupe blush
Pearl cream colour base
Mineralize skinfinish natural
Lip:
Flesh kissable lip color
Super kissable lip color
Prep+prime loose powder

Style IT's Spring 2011 New York Fashion Week coverage is proudly sponsored by Torrid:

From The Runway: Nicholas K Spring 2011 Collection

Sarah Conley — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 15:00:00 EDT

As the opening show to Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, the energy in the room prior to the start of the Nicholas K show as electric. Everyone still had smiles on their faces, heels on their feet, and well wishes for the collection they were about to see. Nicholas K is designed by siblings Nicholas and Christopher Kunz and features pieces for both men & women. For Spring 2011, the pieces had a wonderful mix of casual and chic, with knitwear, plaids, softened greys, and lots of hoods. Ideally, this collection would be worn by a downtown professional on the weekend, keeping the downtown cool but modernizing the look for their new lifestyle. The collection was styled with shoes by Vintage Shoe Company, sunglasses by Ray-Ban, and hats by Parkhurst.

For the nails, Dashing Diva's Pattie Yankee worked with the Nicholas K team to select several polishes to complement the looks. The team chose Concrete Playground, Astor Place, and Tibi Couture to enhance the earthy shades of the collection.

For the hair, Rodney Cutler of Cutler Salon used a combination of Cutler Volumizing Spray and Redken QuickDry 18 to create the relaxed, effortless style.

For the makeup, Lyne Desnoyers used MAC Cosmetics to create a play on textures, but skin that still felt ready to wear. To achieve the look, Lyne used:

Skin

Mineralize Skinfinish Natural

Eyes

Pro sculpting cream in Bark

Velvery Moss or Florishing shadow

Coffee eye liner smudged on top & inner rim

Brows

Strong/defined

Cheeks

Contoured with Pro sculpting cream in Bark

Matte Bronze bronzing powder

Lips

Lip Erase in Dim

Style IT's Spring 2011 New York Fashion Week coverage is proudly sponsored by Torrid: