fashion week: the big red bus

It's hard to miss the big red bus stationed outside Lincoln Center for fashion week, waiting to makeup, polish and primp any fashionista who wants a pick-me-up during the shows. I was one of the first to get an appointment.

First, Theresa Ann, nail specialist from Red Door Spas at Woodbury Village painted my nails in the same shade bestowed upon the models behind the scenes at the Nicholas K fashion show--a silvery lavender hue.

"It looks great against any skin tone," says Theresa who was up at 4, did her own makeup on the LIRR, and was at the tents at 6 a.m. to prep models for the show.

Next, I got a complete makeover from makeup artist/image consultant Vivian Wynter, who gave me a subtly smoky eye, beautifully blended concealed skin, perfectly contoured cheeks and a glamorous nude lip.

I left the bus feeling more than ready to brave the endless days of fashion week that lay ahead.

For more info, go to reddoorspas.com.

fashion week: chic bohemian

Looking for a hair style that's sophisticated but classic? Zahir Ziani, national creative director and master hair stylist for Red Door Spas offered this look for the models at the Nicholas K show. He left the hair straight and flowing with three small textured braids extending from the nape of the neck. For some models, headscarves were used to illustrate the natural, celestial movement of the sea.

"I was inspired by the chic bohemian look," says Ziani, "and the feeling of a woman walking in a desert full of beautiful clothes." He created three side braids woven close to the scalp and left the rest of the hair sleek and smooth. Try Kerastase Elixir Ultime for a longer-lasting smooth blowout and a drop of shine, plus a touch of spray to make the look last but keep it natural.

For more info, go to reddoorspas.com or mercedesbenzfashionweek.com.

fashion week: mediterranean blues

Good news for all of us green-eyes girls: To accentuate the greens, blues and charcoals of the Nicholas K spring collection, Lindsay Ebbins, national makeup director for Red Door Spas created soft makeup looks featuring accents of peach, coral and cream, Cheekss are refined with bronze and gold shades (Try Nars Orgasm Blush for a pinky-peach flush with subtle highlights and accents of golden shimmer).

To get the look, Ebbins used a ceramide plumping foundation, pure finish mineral powder to create a soft ethereal feeling. For a contoured effect, he applied bronzer to lids, lower lashline (using a wet shadow brush) and cheeks and vanilla shadow below the browbone and on the inner corners. A thickening mascara on eyes created very dense lashes and really made them pop and a slick of LipFix on lips kept them completely nude and matter for a downtown chic palette.

For more info, go to reddoorspas.com.

fashion week: men in makeup

We women don't always have it easy: think childbirth, monthly pms, bad hair days. But one thing we can be grateful for is the right to wear makeup to improve and enhance our looks. I always thought it unfair that, for the most part, it isn't acceptable for men to partake in these makeup touch-ups to help boost their self confidence. Except maybe for big-time rock stars or your local hairdresser, you never see a man with a makeup brush in hand.

According to Lindsay Ebbin, National Makeup Director for Red Door Spas, times are changing. He gave the models at the Nicholas K show a classic GQ look.

"It's a great natural base for all skin types," says Ebbin. "My goal is to clean up the look, moisturize the skin and accent the eyes."

He says many men who work at computers all day long need eye cream and are looking to use concealers so they don't look tired all the time. He used a light moisturizer to hydrate skin, a natural, lightweight base to even out their skin tone, and a touch of concealer under their eyes to revive them.

Says Ebbin, "They want healthy looking skin so they can embrace their inner self."

While I'm no more ready to share my makeup brushes with my husband than he is ready to borrow them, I hope those guys who dare to try it reap the benefits.

For more info on this look, go to nicholask.com or style.com.

FASHION WEEK SS '12

New York Fashion Week.

Let the shows begin!

Fashion's Night Out: Warren-Tricomi and Violent Lips

Warren-Tricomi Salon at The Plaza presents an evening of fashion-forward beauty with Violent Lips. Guests will be treated to complimentary Violent Lip temporary lip tattoo application, makeup touchups and trend-setting fall hair how-tos courtesy of the Warren-Tricomi beauty experts.

I'm not one to promote violence but you've got to try these Violent Lip temporary tattoos, available at Lester's and now as part of a special event at Warren-Tricomi salon for Fashion's Night Out. They come in snakeskin (shown here), rainbow, leopard and fishnet--how can you resist? Pair that with an amazing hair style and makeup application from the Warren-Tricomi expert styling team. On the fence? I trusted them to do my wedding hair and makeup, and was thrilled!

Don't miss this exciting event and a major part of Fashion's Night Out. For more info, go to warrentricomi.com or violentlips.com.

summer makeup look, from celeb makeup artist Mally Roncal

Famous for creating gorgeous “look at me” eyes, style-maker and celebrity makeup artist Mally Roncal (Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez, Angelina Jolie, Rihanna, Mariska Hargitay are fans) brings you expert picks for sultry summer eyes – and cheeks, and lips!

Mally's advice for an easy beach-bound makeup look: Slather on the SPF everywhere! Curl your lashes and coat with waterproof mascara to avoid runaway eye makeup. Give definition to your face with a waterproof brow pencil. Peach is the new pink and that goes double for lip gloss…try Mally Beauty Lip Gloss in Be a Peach or Mally Beauty High Shine Liquid Lipstick in Summer Peach. Don’t skip concealer or you’ll look tired. Mally Beauty Cancellation Conditioning Concealer SPF 25 is the perfect summertime option.

I tried Be a Peach and love it. It's the perfect beachy shade in a super-smoothing texture. I have yet to leave home without it this summer.

Molly also recommends using VISINE® Soothing Wipes as a great product to use at the end of the day. Before you wash your face, gently remove eye makeup (even stubborn waterproof mascara!) with VISINE® Soothing Wipes. Store them in the fridge for an extra-cool, refreshing treat. They really revive tired eyes and feel refreshing after a long day outdoors. They're are also great to stash in your bag for all your summer weekend getaways.

For more info on Molly's beauty looks, go to www.visine.com.