Beauty Maverick

Blackberry Obsessed

Rich, noir-esque shades of wine, black cherry and plum have taken over beauty counters this season— and for good reason. Such mischievous tones are the perfect compliment to the '40s and '80s- inspired fashions of fall.

Find your fix in one (or all) of these favorites:

CHANEL Rouge Allure Lipstick in Hysteria and Mania
Look-at-me lip color that's both rich and long-lasting. Limited edition.

GIORGIO ARMANI Lip Wax in Deep Chianti
For those who prefer a matte stain, Armani's unique formulation can't be beat.

LIPSTICK QUEEN Chinatown Glossy Pencil in Mystery
This gloss-in-a-stick provides the perfect wash of color. (Sheer.)

YSL Dessin du Regard Haute Tenue in Shimming Burgundy
A brilliant way to draw attention to your eyes. Use all-over, or in the corners of a smoky eye, for best results.

DIOR Liquid Eyeliner in Plum
Discreet and easy-to-apply, Dior's classic eyeliner is now available in a rich plum hue.

M.A.C Mineralize Eyeshadow in Young Punk
Whether you dust this sparkling shadow across your lids, or use wet as eyeliner, it's sure to get attention.

NARS Cream Eyeshadow in Swing
Try smudging this shimmering cream shadow (all the way) around your lash line for a sexy yet subtle look.

CHANEL Le Vernis in Vendetta and Diabolic
Two berry good reasons to invest in CHANEL's new Noirs Obscurs collection.

ILLAMASQUA Nail Varnish in Unnatural
A deep, blood-red hue that's both flattering and chip-resistant.

O.P.I Nail Polish in Give Me Moor!
A dark, black plum shade that screams "gothic glam." (In a good way, of course.)

Head of the Class

Be it blazers, patent oxfords, or button ups, school house chic just wont quit.

Classically girlie Luella and young rebel-cum-uptown darling Marc by Marc adorned their models' heads with brightly-colored giant bows for Spring 2010.

Though runway doesn't always translate to real life, the larger-than-life accessories made us long for the playground where we would have been the envy of all.

— Daisy

M.A.C Fall/Winter '09

Never one to do things by halves, M.A.C’s launch of their Fall ’09 makeup collection in NYC was truly inspired. Three distinct artists were asked to create a line and the resulting palettes and portraits were as diverse, unique and colorful as M.A.C’s concept of beauty. 

Painter Richard Phillip’s muse was an austere and glamorous Venus; alluring and aloof, haughty and vaguely disapproving, she demanded your attention, resented your gaze and managed to seduce you anyway.

Her noir-ish, retouched perfection stood in stark contrast to photographer Marilyn Minter’s sparklingly gritty, sweaty and spontaneous, last days of disco, fallen showgirl interpretation. The “captured moment” quality of the image, combined with the extreme close-up of her muse, created an incredibly intimate, glittering abstraction. If Minter’s work had been wearing a g-string, I would have tucked a twenty in it. Instead I just blushed (in Heritage Rouge) and took one last furtive glance before averting my eyes and saying ten hail Marys.

Illustrator Maira Kalman’s lyrical sensibility was readily translated in her innocently mischievous collection– neon lime and bright turquoise eye liner clashed harmoniously with mustard orange and electric violet eyeshadow. Sit down with Maira’s muse over a bowl of leek soup and pumperknickel toast, and the conversation might turn to Proust, the suffragettes and Dvorak’s cello concertos before she has to run to her to her 4 o’clock appointment with her psychoanalyst.

And while I, for one, may plead the fifth on yellow frosted eye shadow or fuschia glitter for my peepers, I know that someone out there will wear it and wear it well. I salute and/or air-kiss you in advance and am….inspired!

— Claire

Jil Sander for Uniqlo

Heart Jil Sander? Prepare to call-in sick to work on Thursday.

That's when the designer's capsule collection— +J— hits Uniqlo stores across the U.S.

Click here to view the complete collection on NYMag.com.

Good (Skin) Etiquette

I spent the summer couch-surfing in Australia on a recent trip back home. The art of being a good guest involves flowers, thank you notes, and making your stuff (if not your self) scarce. Hogging the bathroom is high on my list of don’ts so I was grateful to discover the super convenient EZ4U 4-IN-1 facial treatment by MD Skincare: individually wrapped pads that promise to cleanse, balance, treat and moisturize in one step, without the need for water.

I’m usually a little wary of 2-in-1 products, so the 4-in-1 claim tested my credulity but as a morning beauty routine, these freshen the skin without stripping and prep it perfectly for sunscreen (which incidentally can be applied from bed/the couch). With a throw cushion worn over your face at all times, your hosts will hardly know you’re there.

This does not entitle you to stay indefinitely, but it does promise a fuss-free skin routine.

— Claire

Race & the Runway

As two of the hottest hubs of style, New York and London have long been in cahoots and competition with each other—and with back-to-back fashion weeks, it seems that the two are in direct comparison more than ever.

After browsing the recent London show coverage, it was impossible not to notice the flux in size and race of the models. Instead of the young, pin-thin, fair-haired girls that walked the New York shows, London designers are sprinkling their shows with girls with curves [Mark Fast] and all shades of skin [PPQ].

Perhaps the British runway is picking up where European print let off. It wasn’t too long ago that Alexandra Shulman, Editor in Chief of British Vogue, admitted to frequently retouching fashion spreads to add pounds to boney models. And, who could forget Italian Vogue’s all-black issue? But the real question is, when will [if ever] the New York shows become inclusive?

— Daisy

Spring 2010: Trends to Watch

NY Fashion Week left us with a number of buzz-worthy beauty looks for Spring '10.

Below, a round-up of the trends that aim to inspire, be worn— and test our limits.

Awe-Inspiring: Porcelain Doll & Faux Tatoos

Though we've not seen what the couture houses have in-store, NYFW certainly kept us entertained with a theatrical showcase of the industry's top talent.

Worth Wearing: The New Pink, Voilet Eyes & Subtle Metallics

At Zac Posen, flushed cheeks added a youthful effect to the fashions showcased, whilst Tracy Reese sexed-up pink lips and rosy cheeks by pairing them with punk-inspired hair and nails. 

Lavender-colored eyes also ruled the runways in NYC, with makeup artist Dick Page pairing the look with a muted, 60s-inspired lip at Michael Kors. (Another exciting spring trend, more to come on that in a bit.)

And, no surprise here, metallic eyeshadow returns as the go-to for the season. Whether gold, silver, white or nude, a subtle shimmer to (and around) the eyes and cheekbones works as the ultimate pick-me-up for a winter-worn complexion.

If You Dare: Lace-Covered Nails, Feather Lashes & Mascara-Less Eyes

I'm absolutely obsessed with the lace-covered nails created by celebrity manicurist Elle (for Barielle) at Reem Acra. They live on the fine line between brilliance and kitsch, and work with both the romantic and rock-inspired styles of the season.

Best Left on the Runway: Artliner, (Purposefully) Smudged Mascara & 'Punk-Colored' Coifs

Unless you're Lady Gaga, these trends shouldn't translate (directly) from the runway to real-life. Enough said.

Fashion's Night Out

Everyone in NYC is buzzing about Vogue's international fashion fête, but a girl can only hit so many parties on a Thursday night.

Below, a listing of the city's top events:

CHANEL
15 East Fifty-seventh Street (between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue)
New York, NY 10022
(212) 355-5050

For the first time ever, CHANEL invites you to custom-create your very own "2.55" handbag. Enjoy sipping on champagne while collaborating with their specialists to design your personalized bag. Also, celebrity makeup artist Angela Levin (whose clients include Jennifer Aniston, Nicole Kidman, and Blake Lively) will be available for tips, tricks, and how-tos.

M.A.C
113 Spring Street (between Greene Street & Mercer Street)
New York, NY 10012
(212) 334-4641

When twilight descends over New York City, stop by your favorite M∙A∙C store where special DJs spin, nibbles and nosh will be served, and Janelle Monáe is said to make a special guest appearance.

DIOR
21 East Fifty-seventh Street (between Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue)
New York, NY 10022
(212) 931-2950

Famed fashion photographer Arthur Elgort will be in-store taking portraits of Dior clients, which Arthur will personally sign. Also, those who are getting their portraits taken will have the opportunity to have their makeup done by DiorShow makeup artist Ricky Wilson (his celebrity clients include Emmy Rossum, Sharon Stone, Leighton Meester and Sheryl Crow), and styled for their portrait by stylist Sally Lyndley, whose work has appeared in Vogue.

OPENING CEREMONY
35 Howard Street (at Crosby Street)
New York, NY 10013
(212) 219-2688

Opening Ceremony will be hosting a festive block party featuring food, music, and special edition merchandise. Designers and friends of the store will participate, including Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez of Proenza Schouler, Kate and Laura Mulleavy of Rodarte, Delfina Delettrez Fendi, Alexander Wang and Scott Sternberg of Boy/Band of Outsiders. Each designer will offer goods made exclusively for Fashion's Night Out, sold out of the back of custom cars tailored to each designer's aesthetic. In addition, shoppers will enjoy DJ sets by O.C. friends as well as food and refreshments from neighborhood vendors.

LANCÔME
201 Columbus Avenue (at Sixty-ninth Street)
New York, NY 10023
(212) 362-4858

Designer Chris Benz, makeup artist Daniel Martin, and model Elettra Wiedemann will be at The Boutique from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. Be the first on the waiting list for Chris’s Pout-à-Porter lipstick, coming spring 2010. The first ten people on the list will receive a Fashion’s Night Out T-shirt. Everyone on the list will be entered into a drawing to win two tickets to Chris’s spring 2010 fashion show, to be held this September. The lipstick shade and name will be revealed at Chris’s show. (All of the previous Pout-à-Porter lipsticks have sold out and become collectors’ items.)

MARC JACOBS & NARS
Saks Fifth Avenue
611 Fifth Avenue (between Forty-ninth and fiftieth Streets)
New York, NY 10022
212-753-4000

Marc Jacobs will be pairing with NARS to offer free runway makeovers from the fall '09 show (and yes, all of the artists actually worked backstage). There will be free totes and NARS product for all that participate, as well as a drawing to win a runway bag full of NARS products, autographed and dated by Marc himself.

Fall's Best Beauty Buys

From China's love of color to Russia's flare for the dramatic, opulent eastern influences are ever-apparent in the fall '09 collections.

So how does one translate these over-the-top trends from runway to real-life? With a selection of the season's top offerings, of course:

Flawless Complexion: La Mer The Radiant Concealer
Blends seamlessly to camouflage imperfections and correct tone. SPF 25.

Sculpted Features: YSL Palette Y
A limited edition blush and powder duo that can be used individually to highlight and contour, or together for all-over radiance.

Rosy Glow: Fresh FreshFace Blush Powder
This long-wear blush provides a natural, healthy-looking flush.

Look-At-Me Lip: CHANEL Rouge Allure Laque in Dragon
Strikingly rich, this liquid lip lacquer boasts intensity and shine that lasts for hours.

Barely-There Lip: MAC Lipstick in Myth
This pale, muted nude is the perfect compliment to a bold eye.

Bold Eye: NARS Essential Eye Palette
From cream to copper and midnight grey, these six shades are all you need.

Dramatic Lash: Shiseido Perfect Mascara
Achieve volume, length and luster with this latest innovation from Shiseido.

Defined Brow: Cle de Peau Eyebrow Pencil
A cartridge-type brow liner that smoothly draws beautiful, delicate eyebrow. Includes brow brush to smooth and tame brows.

Metallic Nail: Lancôme Le Vernis in Indigo Paris
Opt for short nails when wearing this stunning shade of blue.

Kiehl's Imperial Body Balm

Inspired by old-world Russian herbal remedies, this antioxidant-rich body balm is as luxurious as it is effective.

Honey and Fruit Glycolic Acids work together to impart softness and radiance, whilst a nourishing blend of natural butters help to protect skin from environmental damage.

For best results, use this product immediately after bathing for deeper hydration and faster absorption.

Retailer: Kiehls.com
Cost: $42.00