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Super easy two-step beauty tips from Fashion Week

Models, models everywhere! We’ve just finished all the backstage interviews from New York Fashion Week and the good word is that hair and makeup for the next season is easy. Like, super easy. So easy that we rounded up the best two-step makeup tips that you can steal right this minute straight from the world’s best beauty experts who created them.Mason Pearson Brush + Your Fingers = Modern Gla
nyfw beauty tips
Kristin Booker

Models, models everywhere! We’ve just finished all the backstage interviews from New York Fashion Week and the good word is that hair and makeup for the next season is easy. Like, super easy. So easy that we rounded up the best two-step makeup tips that you can steal right this minute straight from the world’s best beauty experts who created them.


Mason Pearson Brush + Your Fingers = Modern Glamour

nyfw beauty
Today

Don’t be afraid to slightly undo a classic look to make it a bit more now. Celebrity hairstylist Ted Gibson created a nod to old Hollywood glamour at Carmen Marc Valvo, brushing classic marcel waves into a low chignon at the side of the head, but made it more modern by using his fingers to separate the side swept by pulling pieces to soften the look.

Mousse + Rattail Comb = Punk Pretty Braids

fashion week beauty
Today

Designer Marissa Webb worked with lead stylist Jeanie Syfu to create hair that would match the gritty femininity of her collection, resulting in an edgy-but-easy braided pompadour. Using the end of your comb to section off the center portion of the hair three-fourths of the way down, then create Dutch braids on both sides of the head. Secure the ends with a clear elastic and gather the ends of all three braids into a low bun, leaving the ends loose, and seal the look with TRESemmé 24 Hour Body Hair Spray.

Shimmering Eye Shadow + Fingertips = Luminous Glow

nyfw beauty
Today

If you need to create a gorgeous glow on the go, don’t worry about carrying a million brushes with you: just apply pearlescent eyeshadow with your fingertips. Makeup Artist Yadim tapped Maybelline Eye Studio Color Tattoo Metal 24HR Cream-Gel Shadow in Barely Branded onto the cheek and brow bones of the models at Dannijo and the results were absolutely amazing. Just remember: a little bit goes a long way.

Foundation One Shade Darker + The Palms of Your Hands = Instant Bronzer

fw
Today

There’s no need to keep a separate bronzer around if you just need a touch of warmth to the skin. At DKNY, Yadim applied Maybelline New York Fit Me! Foundation one shade darker than each model’s skin to his hands and massaged it into the face and neck for just enough sun-kissed color to look perfectly natural.

Your Fingers + Glossing Spray = A Gorgeous Textured Knot

nyfw beauty
Today

Don’t fight your natural texture when the humidity starts to rise. Celebrity hairstylist James Pecis created beautiful hair at Edun by raking PHYTO Professional Glossing Cream through rough-dried hair to amp up any natural texture with plenty of piece-y separation before pulling the hair back into a low knot at the base of the neck.

Gloss + Eyeshadow = Instant Shimmer

nyfw beauty
Today

Lead makeup artist Gordon Espinet used their forthcoming Eye Gloss to create a shimmering nod to the seventies backstage at Georgine, but you can combine powder shadow like M.A.C Eye Shadow in Folie with a little clear lip gloss for a similar look. Be sure to apply over primed lids so the mixture stays put.

Eyeliner + Lash Curler = Instantly Awake

nyfw beauty
Today

Mascara was a bit taboo backstage this season; most makeup artists saying that you didn’t really need it for the natural, lush look you seek. Diane Kendal worked Lancôme Le Crayon Kohl in Black Coffee right into the upper lash line for definition and curled the model’s own lashes for a bright-eyed look at Jason Wu.

Makeup Sponge + Nail Polish = Gradient Nail Art

nyfw
Today

Julie Kandalec created a gradient nail at Nanette Lepore that was so happy we had to get the DIY tips. Replicate the look by applying a base coat and two coats of Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple, letting it dry before dipping the end of a makeup sponge into Essie Nail Polish in Blanc and gently pressing it into the nail at the halfway mark, leaving less polish as you work toward the tip. Seal the look with topcoat and it’s all blue skies from there!

Lipstick + A Very Gentle Hand = Lip Stain

nyfw
Today

Sometimes, there’s no need for a full-on lipstick look, but if that’s the only product you have, you’ve got to work with what you’ve got. Lead makeup artist Kimberly Soane tapped Bobbi Brown Creamy Lip Color into the center of the lips and blotted it with her finger for the freshly bitten lip at Tibi. 

Turquoise Liner + Pink Lip Gloss = Modern Mod

nyfw
Today

You don’t need to fear bright colors; just use them in very precise ways. Take inspiration from the LA Flower Market-inspired look at Trina Turk created by Sarah Lucero and use Stila Waterproof Smudge Stick in Turquoise across the top of the eye to create dramatic impact in mere seconds. Feeling inspired? Add a gorgeous pink lip like Stila Liquid Lipstick in Carina to complete the look.

Dark Shimmering Eyeshadow + Pale Iridescent Shadow = Layered Eye Magic

nyfw
Today

Layering two shimmering shadows might seem intimidating, but the result can be gorgeous if you stay in the same color family. Take a note from makeup master Dick Page who created this gorgeous look at Tess Giberson by layering the inky iridescent shade from the forthcoming Shiseido Party Palette (coming for Holiday 2014) across the eye and topping it with the pale blue shade from the Luminizing Satin Eye Color Trio in Static (BL215)