I appreciate Estée’s attention to genuine detail (there is already something retro about the brand’s makeup, to begin with): the case is even from the same era, released from their archives. It’s nice to be an old company at a time like this! With a cream, satin finish and glamorous bullet, it will look as good on your lips as it does in your clutch.

Modern lips with old-fashioned sass and glamour: this is the perfect finishing touch, whether you want to be January Jones or Christina Hendricks (and if you said January Jones, I’m gonna have to bitch-slap you). Wiggle in your walk not included. Available for pre-order at Estée Lauder for $25.

Some of the best things come from down under (beaches, kangaroos, accents…!), and we can now add Original & Mineral to that mix. Previously only sold in Australia and New Zealand, it’s an ammonia-free line of hair dyes and haircare products that quite honestly I was only curious to try because of their unique packaging. Don’t the bottles look awesome? Kind of like retro milk containers! In looking more into the brand however I discovered that the clean packaging (made using recycled materials), is actually a reflection of their brand philosophy, which is to keep all of their products natural and gentle by removing harsh chemicals and opting instead for natural extracts and active minerals. They’re also one of the first brands to go ammonia-free with their dyes (the agent usually used to open hair cuticles to allow color to penetrate – it can be very harsh and was actually one of the factors that resulted in the brand founder being diagnosed with contact dermatitis).

While I haven’t used any of their permanent color products (they’re used in salons around the world), I’ve been using their shampoo and conditioner for dry hair, which has build-in UV protection and is designed for those of us with colored hair. Its got a bunch of vitamins and amino acids and both are free of sulfates, parabens, and other chemicals that are often cause for concern. My test for hair products is always do I need to add some finger swipes of Oribe or Kerastase hair masks into the mix to de-tangle my long mane and with these products I didn’t. The shampoo is also quick to lather and both products hydrate without feeling like they were weighing my hair down, so no worries if you plan on using styling products post wash!

1) Vera Wang: Frederic Fekkai’s Paul Hanlon delivered windblown updos, rough yet tender and teased to deconstructed perfection. They were the perfect complement to Vera’s sheer layers of silk-chiffon, offbeat peplums, and intriguing cathedral-ceiling print.

2) Marchesa: It was pure ethereal romance at Marchesa, from the sweeping lace to the tiers of tulle to the Midsummer Night’s Dream hair – undone in the front, almost halo-like, and ornately braided in the back. Shimmering gold eyeliner completed the otherworldy feel.

3) Proenza Schouler: Long, loose, and cool was the mood at Proenza Schouler’s Asia-influenced, Samurai-fierce show (also styled by Paul Hanlon). With slightly off-center parts, hair fell in naturalistic pieces that had a dash of second-day grit – now known as “skinny, street hair.”

4) Calvin Klein: Modestly sexy and mysterious clothes lent themselves to glossy, slick-to-the-scalp ponytails that exploded into brushed-out manes for a super-modern take on one of the simplest of classic hairstyles.

5) Michael Kors: Après-ski or après-sex? The slightly undone buns, devised by Orlando Pita, were created with the concept of winter-vacation hair on-the-go: a twisted knot, a bobby pin to contain loose ends on the side, and minimal blow-drying action.

The grass is always greener, we always want what we don’t have, and so on…These expressions could not be any truer than when it comes to me with my stick-straight hair.

All my curly-haired girlfriends tell me how lucky I am, blah, blah, blah, that I have the option to curl my hair if I want to, which is much easier than straightening theirs. Well, my search for the perfect curling mechanism never ceases. You can imagine what the storage situation in my bathroom is like with countless rollers, curlers, curl-setters, and contraptions. And I just added a new one: this Twilight Sparkle Ionic steam hairsetter by PRO Beauty Tools.

I’m sad to say, I had high hopes and they were crushed. Maybe I should have been wary of a tool named after a movie (yes, this limited-edition setter was used on the set of “The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn.” They must have had some other products on board for those curls).

It is very easy to use: you put each roller on the steam spout for a few seconds and the spongy roller becomes damp with “ionic steam.” You then curl your hair, and there’s an easy cover that clamps it all in place. Wait for it to dry and voila, your hair is so set that “the strong molecular hold can only be released by shampooing.”

That’s the sales pitch spiel that really got me because I have no problems curling my hair – it’s the STAYING curled that’s a problem. Not only did they not hold out until my next shampoo, they didn’t even last the hour. Thirty minutes later, my really nice curls (and they were really great curls) had lost alL their wave. Back to nearly stick-straight.

The brand says this has a satisfaction-guarantee, so I am trying to get a refund. Let’s see how good their customer service is. Don’t waste your money but they are on drugstore.com for $29.99.

Not gonna lie…I really, really, REALLY want to wrap my nails in these Nail Rock x Meadham Kirchhoff nail wraps ($14)! They remind me of my days watching Care Bears and I can’t help but smile looking at all the adorable illustrations. Kirchhoff’s designs are wildly zany and I’m not quite sure when, aside from Halloween and other like occasions, most of Ed Meadham and Ben Kirchhoff’s clothes would be appropriate, but their aesthetic makes a ton of sense when translated into beauty and accessories.

Nail wraps are a huge trend right now (at least here in NYC where Sally Hansen’s are everywhere), and these adorable ones were initially created for the brand’s SS12 runway show in London. Now they’re available, for a limited time, at Topshop & Nordstrom. Seeing as we’re right in the middle of Fashion Month, runway beauty is particularly top of mind, and while most of the eye-catching looks we see on catwalks won’t work in real life, nails are one of those ways we really can get creative and express our personality without having to do something crazy like rim cobalt eye shadow all around our eyes and up to our brow line!

Seriously, why haven’t I been using this all winter? After spending time in New York for Fashion Week, I was dried out. The first thing I did when I got home was jump in the shower and indulged with this velvety cream wash.

This is a whole new experience – no lathering up and scrubbing with your shower poof; this is like a facial for your entire body every time you take a shower. Ahava’s Mineral Botanic body wash is similar to a cleansing milk you would use for you face. If it’s good enough to clean your face, where there’s plenty of grime and makeup (gross but true), then it’s more than sufficient to clean the body. In fact, it’s exactly what you need as far as a cleanser goes. This wash performs a deeper cleaning than soap, which just takes care of the surface, and it has natural antibacterial ingredients.

Deep cleansing is great, but what I was really after was hydration. And I got the benefits of full moisture. There’s no stripping of the skin; this stuff adds nourishment back. It works so well I almost didn’t have to put lotion on afterwards. The Velvet Cream leaves your body so soft, it’s incredible. I love this line. If you use their Dead Sea Salt scrub first and follow up with this cream body wash, it will be better than any spa treatment you can get. On Drugstore.com for $21.50.

J. Mendel: The collection this season was pure perfection and the models’ romantic waves were the perfect complement.

Marchesa: Inspired by angels, Frederic Fekkai’s team created a sculptural head of cornrows and teased out some of the hair to give each of the models flyaways. Cornrows never looked so sophisticated!

Proenza Schouler: Something rare happened for the Proenza Schouler show this season, the Frederic Fekkai team actually dyed some of the models’ hair, giving their manes  a slightly darker shade of espresso. Dyeing aside both hair and makeup were relatively natural, which let the fantastic collection take center stage.

Michael Kors: Kors’ collection was one of my favorite this season and its rugged glamour was perfectly reflected in the beauty look. Hair was meant to look as though the models had themselves tied it into a knot, while blush was the focal point of makeup.

Jeremy Scott: If nothing else, Jeremy Scott is always guaranteed to entertain! I’m kind of dying for a wig like this so I can be a poodle come Halloween…

Images: WWD, Imaxtree, Zimbio

With precision-perfect craftsmanship, innovation of fur, evening dresses with endless sexy-louche appeal, J. Mendel presented one of the most beautiful collections of the week! At CoutureSnob.

Coquette says go bold with color this spring with a colorblock mix of pink and reds.

What makes you feel more protected – and more tough and powerful – than a great pair of boots? Proenza Schouler at ShoeSnob toyed with the concept of “protection” for Fall 2012.

It was virtually impossible not to love the sense of fantasy Marc Jacobs brought to NYFW. Read more at BagSnob.

The Jet Set Girls love the Jimmy Choo Cruise 2012 Collection.

This Alexander McQueen gold skull bangle bracelet is the perfect addition to Shopping and Info’s must haves for a spring 2012 Arm Party..

Oscar de la Renta: Orlando Pita is definitely pushing for the headband to make a comeback! After using them at Doo.Ri and Carolina Herrera, Pita created a sixties bouffants at de la Renta and fastened a headband or ribbon on the crown of each models’ head after backcombing their hair.

Tory Burch: This slightly messy up-do went well with Burch’s inspiration this year, which was a good girl who falls for a bad guy. It’s prim and proper, but the loose strands give the look some welcome edge.

Vera Wang: I love the darker direction Wang has been going in and it was reflected well in her beauty look this season. Models had strong long brows, porcelain skin, and pink-nude lips, while the hair was based off a feeling of “savage beauty.”

Marc by Marc Jacobs: It’s hard to notice anytime aside from that statement-making matte red lip! Red has certainly been the color of choice this season and here it was complemented by a slicked back ponytail.

Rodarte: The beauty look at Rodarte was meant to reflect being caught in a dust storm and it succeeded. I love the bob-like hair and I double love the falling star headpieces.

Images: WWD, Imaxtree

Marc Jacobs: It’s hard to believe that these braids were covered up with over-sized hats because they certainly are braid perfection. Created by Guido Palau the hair was complemented by unfussy makeup by Francois Nars. Skin was kept fresh and radiant with no blush and models had heavily lined lower eyes, which allowed for the focus to be kept on the layered looks that made their way down the runway.

Theyskens Theory: The look this season was granny chic though there was nothing granny about the hair, which was basically a blow dry and go look. I liked that it was low on product since we’ve been seeing so much stiffness on the runway this season and it went well with the downtown cool aesthetic Theyskens is known for. Quite the contrast to Herrera!

Donna Karan: Like at Marc Jacobs models wore hats, but instead of being braided hair was put into a forties-style asymmetric rolled chignon. It was the eyes however that made the strongest impact with a mix of MAC Diva and Partyline lipsticks applied to the lid and outward (yes…lipstick!). There was no mascara used and brows were filled in with MAC Fling and Lingering brow pencils.

3.1 Phillip Lim: Lim’s neo noir comic-inspired collection was one of my favorite so far this season (along with The Row I pretty much want every piece…), and it was beautifully complemented by the slightly-cartoonish, but still utterly sophisticated makeup created by Francelle Daly, NARS Brand Ambassador. The pink dots are meant to evoke a girl who is on the brink of tears.

Images: WWD, Imaxtree

Pixi and I go waaaay back as it was one of the first brands I consistently bought when I was in High School. I first discovered it at Henri Bendel, but about a year into my obsession they discontinued the range and Sephora picked it up. Another year or so later Sephora discontinued the line and no one in the U.S. stocked it anymore! This was pre-e-commerce being commonplace so the only way for me to get it was in London at their boutique. Luckily I have a lot of cousins living in the UK so I found myself in London frequently enough to stock up. Eventually though I ditched my Pixi compact in favor of NARS and Chanel, which at the time were all pretty much the same price. Fast forward many years and Pixi is now stocked at Target and costs nowhere near what it once did! Luckily (or not…), price doesn’t always reflect quality because their products are still great and now they’ve teamed with Disney for a limited edition Tinkerbell-themed PixiGlow makeup collaboration.

The line won’t be in Target stores till March, but it just hit the web so we can all stock-up on these adorable products, which I think more than give MAC’s Superwoman collection a run for its money.

The PixiGlow collection includes:

o Catching Shadows Crayon ($18.00) – a waterproof cream-to-powder eye crayon

o Fairy Dust ($14.00) – a glimmering loose dust that can be used on skin, eyes or even lips

o Fairy Face Palette ($34.00) – a palette that includes 5 eye shadows, 3 color blush palette, 5 lip creams and applicators

o Magic Tink Tint ($16.00) – a gel crayon that tints your lips

o Straight On ‘til Morning Liner ($15.00) – a waterproof pencil liner in deep green and glitter

o Pirouette Pink Nail Colour ($8.00) – a bright pink nail lacquer with just a touch of shimmer

You can check-out the entire collection here. I don’t know that I would go out parading a Tinkerbell palette at my age (I wish I had a niece or a friend with a young daughter to buy it for!), but I’ve tried the eye crayon and lip tint and they’re both worth getting if you’re looking for something that’s no-muss, no fuss when you’re on the go (and I love the chunky-ness of both…the eye color is good for that “no makeup” dewy look). They’re also super-cute without being overly childish.

Catherine Malandrino: This is certainly not the classic Parisian chic one might have expected. In fact this look was inspired by an erotic horror film from the 80s called Cat People. Lots of volumizing mousse and oil was used on hair and turquoise liner was key for eyes.

Diane von Furstenberg: A side-parted bun – classic perfection! Clearly a lot of product went into creating this look (Orlando Pita is truly a master…), and it made for a powerful, but understated result. If you’re looking to rule the boardroom with austere sophistication…this is it!

Y-3: We’ve already discussed headbands (and hair acting as a headband), making a comeback. Here we see the look again with a Heidi-esque twist.

Timo Weiland: 90s grunge/punk has never been a personal favorite, but the models at Weiland’s show pulled it off well.

Zac Posen: Nothing short of stunning! The beauty look at Posen incorporated his collection’s Asian influence in both hair and makeup.

Images: Imaxtree

Given that we’re smack in the middle of NYFW I thought it would be a good time to highlight what has become a go-to product for me on days that involve makeup changes. Relatively often I’ve come across an interview/article where a model or a makeup artist has talked about Avene’s Thermal Spring Water ($16). They would swear by it especially for use in between shows during Fashion Week to sooth skin, which made me think it would be perfect for the days when I start off with light makeup and then quickly need to take it off (my face is usually a little red after I remove my makeup because I have such pale and sensitive skin), to get my face cleaned and prepped for heavier nighttime makeup or on days where the opposite take place (ie I quickly need to take off my makeup and jet to the gym). I’ve been using the thermal spring water spray in exactly those situations and it not only helps sooth my skin when it’s mildly irritated, it helps remove any leftover makeup, and the spray bottle makes it super easy to simply mist over my face (it also feels great after a workout!). There are 300-plus studies to back up the effectiveness of this water and it’s so mild that you can spray it on open wounds without having to worry about a sticking sensation (again I have very sensitive skin and this causes no irritation when I spray it all over my face).

That said, this isn’t a miracle worker! This isn’t going to replace any cream or serum, but it can easily replace a toner to refresh your skin and sooth a mild irritation/itchiness/redness.

Victoria Beckham: The models in my girl crush’s show had their hair styled by Redken’s Guido Palau in a simple, clean, and sophisticated manner. The look was understated and balanced Beckham’s architectural collection well, while a bright pout added some beauty drama.

Derek Lam: I mean do you not tie for this smoky eye? It was created using a mix of burgundy and white Estee Lauder shades.

DKNY: I can’t imagine how much hair product went into this slicked – almost wet – look, but it looked great on the runway and the shine Eugene Souleiman, working with Wella Professional, was able to achieve is pretty remarkable.

LAMB: Punk meets Amy Winehouse here. I’m over the beehive (hard to top what Jean Paul Gaultier did for his last couture show), but the style worked well with Stefani’s collection.

Alexander Wang: Feeling lazy about styling your hair and makeup? This is one way to go…

Images: Imaxtree, style.com

There simply a no more glamorous place to have a show than The Plaza and fittingly everyone was cool as a cucumber backstage at Thakoon, who showed in a space on the hotel’s third floor. The designer’s collection this season was inspired by old movies, particularly ones set on the Upper East Side in New York City where “women get dressed up to go grocery shopping.” In keeping with his RTW inspiration he asked that Odile Gilbert create an up-do that looked like one that “young women could achieve themselves.” To create the look Odile applied Kerastase Mousse Substantive and Kerastase Lotion Densitive before blow drying hair for body and texture. She then used Fibre Architecte on the ends for a smooth finish before pulling the top section of hair back and securing it at the crown, leaving the sides out. The sides were then slicked back and sprayed with Kerastase Double Force Hairspray. Next, hair was brought back into a ponytail and wrapped into a French twist before being  secured with bobby pins. Ends were then pulled towards the forehead to create side swept bangs. Odile then teased pieces of the French twist to create a wispy texture that can only be seen from the back and finished the look with Kerastase Double Force Hairspray. Odile told me that the side-swept bangs were inspired by Audrey Hepburn and when I asked her if the average young girl could really re-create this look she jokingly said “yes, it’s easy get into the chair!”….It def didn’t look easy that’s for sure:)

As for makeup in keeping with the beauty looks we’ve been seeing thus far it was relatively minimal, but featured a bold lip. Using NARS products  Diane Kendal gave the models’ dewy skin (notably a brightening powder called Undress Me Multiple was used – it’s new for Fall 2012 – along with Pure Radiant Tinted Moisturizer SPF30/PA+++, Snow Loose Powder, and Exhibit A Blush), eye brows were brushed, lashes were kept free from mascara to keep faces looking fresh,  Pandora Duo Eyeshadow and Santa Monica Larger Than Life Long-Wear Eyeliner were used on eyes, and to give a bright pop Heat Wave was used on lips.

The form-hugging looks at Victoria Beckham’s breakthrough Fall 2012 show were so sleek – a fabulous play on military structure and body-conscious dressing – it was almost easy to forget how equally sleek the hair was, set off by bright-red lips. Almost! We might have to wait for next year to get our hands on Victoria’s delicious dresses, but you can recreate the hair for yourself right now!

“We worked to get each girls’ hair flawlessly smooth and straight,” says Redken’s Creative Consultant, Guido. “You can make hair this straightforward stylish if you do it perfectly.” It’s all about “American minimalism” and “simple beauty.”
Here’s an accessible behind-the-scenes how-to, courtesy of Guido himself.

First, what you need to get the look.

1. Redken Satinwear 02 Ultimate Blow-Dry Lotion($7.02)
2. Redken Hardwear 16 Super Strong Gel ($16.95)
3. Redken Flash 02 Glistening Mist ($13.50)

1.Starting with hair trimmed very straight with a blunt finish, add Satinwear 02 lotion to protect and soften hair, and blow-dry.
2. Create a deep side part and flat iron hair until perfectly straight.
3. Add a generous amount of Shine Flash 02 mist for a glossy finish, and tuck hair behind the ears.
4. Use a dollop of Hardwear 16 gel to slick down the front of the style for an extra wet finish and added texture.

Have you ever heard of Kiawah Island? If not you’ll likely be hearing all about it this summer if your husband/boyfriend/friends are into golf because the Kiawah Island Golf Resort is hosting the 2012 PGA Championship. Last week, before all the NYFW madness began, I spend four blissfully relaxing days at the resort with my father who’s a big golf fan (seriously he goes around calling himself Tiger after a good game…), and let me tell you if you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day gift your loved and YOU can enjoy — book some time at this resort this year! I don’t care much about golf or tennis (the two main activities there), but not only is this resort located beach-side, they’ve got multiple outdoor and indoor pools along with hot tubes, a sauna, a steam room, fitness classes, and one of the most luxurious spas I’ve ever been to. Not to mention countless restaurants including a Forbes 4 Star and AAA 4 Diamond rated one. Honestly I would have never expected food to be amazing in South Carolina, but not only was it fantastic, if you so choose, there are many healthy options (if only I had opted for them and not the foie gras in a grand marnier blanket…).

If you’re in a relationship with someone who is always nagging you about not being into golf/tennis or simply in a relationship with someone who loves those sports this is the perfect faux-selfless gift (does that sound awful!?). Let the men enjoy golf and you go luxuriate in the spa! Or if you’re single, it’s a great place to go with a friend for a spa/beach weekend out of it (it was a nice alternative to Miami, which is where I usually go to de-stress).

On my first day there, after spending some time sweating out my toxins in the steam room, I indulged in the resort’s signature body wrap massage. Basically the therapists strategically places heated, grain, and herb filled wraps on your tension areas while you get a full body  massage. The wraps smelled amazing and I’m a heat lover (who is still ALWAYS cold!), so it was perfect for me. All I can say is spending four days almost entirely unplugged from the stresses in my life was an amazing treat that I’m very grateful to have had. I should also underline that this resort is HUGE so if you do go get a car because while the spa, fitness center, pools, and some restaurants are in the main building, the golf courses and some of the other restaurants are a good 15-20 min drive (yes, the resort is that big…). Lastly I didn’t do it while I was there because I was, well, lazy, but there are a ton of organized actives including bike tours and walks. Check-out the spa menu here.

Rag & Bone: We’ve been seeing a ton of off-center parts thus far this season, but Redken’s Guido Palau went for Rock-n-Roll-like center parted tousled hair at Rag & Bone (resulting from a combination of mousse, paste, and twirling pieces of hair with fingers). As for makeup it stayed true to the minimalist trend most designers seem to be going for this season.

Yigal Azrouel: This is my favorite look so far. If only I could look this cool! And if only my roots looked this good when they start to grow out… I never thought I’d be someone to opt for a pale lip, but more often then not these past few months I’ve been applying a light lipstick (usually Tom Ford’s Vanilla Suede), making this look all the more appealing.

Suno: Kudos to Suno for not only making bold prints look fantastic, but for having the guts to allow their models to walk out with ample amounts of rusty shadow — not easy to pull off without looking strung out. Not only did the models look fantastic, the eyes worked amazingly well with this season’s print-astic Suno collection.

Doo.Ri: Is the headband slated for a comeback? Maybe. We’ve been seeing them a lot on the red carpet lately (think Michelle Williams, Charlize Theron…). I for one wouldn’t mind.

Prabal Gurung: To die! I love the intensity the shadow up to the brow brought to the collection, but sadly even though the models looked fantastic, I can’t imagine a context where this would work off the runway.

Images: NYTimes, Imaxtree, style.com, Telegraph

Jason Wu: I know, I know people keep saying ombre is on its way out, but I’m still tempted! I shall see what my stylist says when I go get my hair cut and colored next Friday. In the meantime, I loved the look at Jason Wu even though the two tones were a bit too severe for “real life.” Black tape was used to wrap the ponytail, which I thought was original and Kerastase hair products were used to give the models’ mane that great shine. On a side note, you can’t see it from the above picture, but the models’ had a fantastic taupe OPI hue, San Tan-tonio, on their nails.

Douglas Hannant: Models had their nails painted with essie Mint Candy Apple – a favorite thus far – I need to get my hands on this shade!

Concept Korea: Obviously not a streetstyle look, but talk about an impressive use of hair product! I feel bad for these models when they go home and have to wash their hair…

Peter Som: More hair gel? Right this way! Created by stylists from Wella, the look at Peter Som was a mix of the slicked back and the loose/straight from the beach look. Fittingly Wella Ocean Spritz hairspray was a key product used.

Cynthia Rowley: I have to hand it to Rowley because as crazy as this look is, I actually love it. The designer was inspired by craftsmen for her collection this season and I think the controlled chaos style of the hair reflects that well.

Images: AP, Imaxtree, style.com