We snooped around the hair and make-up trenches backstage at NYFW, to see what the professionals used alongside, underneath and on top of all the hero products that usually claim the beauty column inches…
1. Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream As seen at: Rag & Bone, Marchesa A soothing moisturizer made from rose petal and rosehip extracts, with avocado oil. 'It’s really good to wear under make-up,' says makeup maestro Gucci Westman. 'Especially in the winter.'
2. Wella Professionals Brilliance Conditioner As seen at: Jeremy Scott Before loading the Jeremy Scott models’ hair with mousse for a straight-out-of-the-shower runway look, creative genius and hair stylist extraordinaire Eugene Souleiman treated the girls to this conditioning treatment, which left their hair shiny and soft. They were probably grateful after a week of having their hair frazzled at all the other shows.
3. MAC Prep + Prime Transparent Finishing Powder As seen at: Michael Kors Like Photoshop in a jar, this loose powder sets make-up while reducing shine and minimizing the look of pores, lines and imperfections. We’re going to be buying this stuff in bulk. Pro tip: We saw Michael Kors lead make-up artist, Dick Page, dip a large brush into the powder before swishing it into bronzer and applying both at the same time.
4. Éminence Organic Skin Care Products As seen at: Rag & Bone We spied a whole host of products from the all-natural, organic skincare range in the Rag & Bone make-up area, including their Coconut Milk Cleanser, firming Citron Age Defying Massage Soufflé and Arctic Berry Peptide Radiance Cream moisturiser. Celeb fans include Jessica Biel and Madonna.
5. Lucas’ Papaw Ointment As seen at: Marc Jacobs A must-have for beauty insiders, this ointment is made from Australian papaws. It has so many uses for your skin - it’s like nappy cream for grown-ups.
6. Hairdryer Sock Diffuser As seen at: Donna Karan, Jeremy Scott We asked Alfie on the Wella hair styling team why they chose to use a diffuser sock over the hairdryer nozzles. 'It creates a more natural drying process because it’s all heat and no air,' he told us. 'Air causes friction, which is what causes frizz.'
7. Koh Gen Do Maifanshi Moisture Foundation As seen at: Rag & Bone, Marchesa Specially created for HD filming, this mineral make-up cream foundation diffuses fine lines, pores and uneven skin, using moisturising botanicals and light-reflecting powder particles.
8. Babyliss Pro Nano Titanium and Ceramic Curling Iron As seen at: Victoria Beckham For Victoria Beckham’s 'nonchalant and easy’ slouchy ponytail, Guido Palau used this curling iron, along with the Babyliss Pro Dial-A-Heat Ceramic tongs and Redken Pillow Proof, to give the style some added ‘not bothered’ texture.
9. Nivea Essentially Enriched Body Lotion As seen at: Marc Jacobs Most of the pros’ secret weapons are affordable basics, like this intensive body moisturiser, which no doubt smothered the models harsh New York winter-ravaged skin.
10. Cotton buds & fingers As seen at: Everywhere! Pricey brushes and tools have their place in your make-up bag, but you can’t beat the good old-fashioned techniques. Dick Page used a trusty cotton bud to get black cream eyeliner smudged right into the lash line for Marc By Marc Jacobs. Fingers were applying and blending all kinds of products backstage at every single show. So, get stuck in.
