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New York Fashion Week Backstage Beauty

When it comes to Fashion Week, it's not just the radiant spectacle of bold, new fashions sauntering down the runway that make our hearts race; it's also the awe-inspiring hair and makeup trends we see that oftentimes leave us speechless. This season at Fall 2011 New York Fashion Week, it was no different.

We went behind-the-scenes to survey the impressive army of leading hair stylists and makeup artists at each show to see the magic firsthand. Time and time again, we observed talented teams hard at work carefully crafting a precise hair and makeup look for each show that reflected the overall creative vision and mood of the presentation via the designer. Here's a how-to on recreating some of fall's hottest beauty trends as seen on the runways in New York.

Vera Wang Hair Look by Orlando Pita at Orlo for MorrocanOil
At the Vera Wang show, Orlando Pita aimed to create boldly romantic hair, that was still modern, architectural, and all together graceful. Using MorrocanOil Luminous Hairspray, an argan oil-infused miracle product, the stylist backcombed and blowdried the hair for volume, then pulled it all back and down for a clean, modern look. Pushing the hair in a low, loose ponytail several inches below the nape of the neck, Pita then left the rest of the remaining hair sleek, straight and full of shine.

"The contrast of different textures is important in this look. Hair on top is shiny and smooth, falls completely back from the face, and becomes more matte as it's shaped into a voluminous pony-roll, with loose strands falling down the back," he said.

Luca Luca Makeup Look by Gucci Westman for Revlon
As Revlon's Global Artistic Director, Gucci Westman strived to create a fresh, modern makeup look especially for Luca Luca's fall runway show. With a dramatic, matte red lip subtly defined eyes and bare skin, the look exuded confidence and sophistication that perfectly complemented the Luca Luca collection.

For the eyes, Westman used a smattering of Revlon products including the Matte Collection eye shadow in Rich Sable, Luxurious Color Eyeliner in Sueded Brown, Colorstay Liquid Liner in Black, Double Twist Mascara in Blackest Black and CustomEyes Shadow and Liner in Naturally Glamorous. For the lip, the artistic director kept it simple with ColorStay Lipliner in Red and Matte Lipstick in Really Red. Lastly, nails were painted in Revlon's Grey Suede polish for a touch of unexpected edge.

"The look is about a fresh, modern girl on an adventure," says Westman. "She's refined, yet modern. I created an eye that is contoured but not overly done so the attention is focused on the bright, striking lip."

CFDA/VOGUE Fashion Fund American Express Show Hair Look by Renato Campora for Frederic Fekkai
For a unique comprehensive runway show that featured over 60 looks from designers including Jason Wu, Phillip Lim, Alexander Wang, Marchesa, Peter Som, Derek Lam, Helmut Lang, Rodarte and more, it was important to lead stylist for Frederic Fekkai, Renato Campora, to create a sexy, versatile hair look that every woman could do at home.

Campora sent models down the runway wearing a deep side part showcasing loose, flowing hair full of bounce and shine. Using Fekkai Coiff Controle Ironless Straightening Balm and Fekkai Advanced Full Blown Volume Styling Whip, Campora blowdried hair before using Fekkai Coiff Bouffant Lifting and Texturizing Spray Gel to tease hair at the roots. Using a curling iron, the stylist then added flirty loose waves, leaving the ends out for a natural, unfinished touch. A spritz of Fekkai Sheer Hold Hair Spray polished off the easy, modern look.
Styling backstage for Vera Wang show
Styling backstage for Vera Wang show
Hair by Frederic Fekkai

Jennifer Chan

Jennifer Chan is a fashion and beauty editor, luxury travel journalist, and on-air host who brings over 18 years of industry experience working for leading publications including Travel + Leisure, InStyle.com, People.com, Lonely Planet, E! Online, StyleCaster, TripSavvy, The Daily, WWD, Fashionista.com, Real Simple Magazine, ELLE.com and more. Based in Los Angeles, Jennifer is a seasoned luxur...(Read More)

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