I spend a lot of time backstage, during fashion week; I enjoy covering beauty just as much as the clothing. The best is when I get the opportunity to do both for one show, but since call times and show times are usually so far apart and there are often overlaps with something else, I sometimes have to choose. If a call time is late enough, I can see the full first looks before they hit the runway, and if it’s early enough, I sometimes have just enough time to run to another venue and come back at showtime. The latter is exactly what happened at Rebecca Minkoff. In partnership with Diet Coke, I headed backstage to catch up with Sarah Lucero and her Stila team, and check out the makeup before jetting downtown to Sally LaPointe and then back again for the full Rebecca Minkoff show (which I managed to do, all in one hour). I’ve already shared a couple of my “on” moments, here in this Diet Coke video and on instagram, but if I had to choose another, it would definitely be the first time I stepped into the tents at NYFW. I still feel honored to be invited, and even more so that I get to peek behind the scenes and watch some of my idols at work.

It’s always such a pleasure to chat with Sarah; she is genuinely kind and talented, and always bright and sunny, despite the backstage hustle and bustle. Shoulder to shoulder, flashes all over, hair and makeup and nails all being done at once, interview after interview: I only just now realized that I should’ve taken video, so that you all could understand how chaotic it is and fully appreciate the level of work that goes into each model’s look, from head to toe.

This particular look, referred to as “Mod Maven” by Sarah, is one that can be easily recreated at home. For all it’s impact (that lip!), it requires few products: a pinkish neutral eye and matching blush, filled brows, mascara, and a dark, matte lip (Stay All Day Liquid Lipstick in “Amore”). I broke down the products used to get the look here, if you want to try it out for yourself. I’m also looking forward to trying out the nail look (by Essie) – a twist on a french manicure, done with a deep berry and navy tips. Beautiful!  Huge thank you to Diet Coke, Stila, and Rebecca Minkoff for hosting me backstage and near the runway. See you in September!

p.s. See more of my NYFW adventures on Westfield Style.