KAUFMANFRANCO BACKSTAGE BEAUTY/HAIR/MAKEUP/NAILS

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week/NYC
Lincoln Center

words/backstage images Judith Ecochard
runway images Fraser Harrison/Image.net
Video mbfashionweek.com

Revlon ColorStay Nail Enamel in Tradewinds $7.99

KaufmanFranco -a nine-years old label-is known for their sophisticated/sleek body-conscious urban-wear in rich, sumptuous fabrics, leather and exotic skins- for women.

This outing -the Fall 2013 collection-was the debut on the runway for the duo.

Revlon's Global Artistic Director, Gucci Westman created sultry eyes for the show-using Revlon products to get the looks that we think---are do-able city day-to-night makeup for the non-pros to aspire to.

multi-tasking on a model

This being a morning show-the backstage was a buzzing hive of activity from the get-go...with the models simultaneously getting hair/nails/makeup done by a swarm of black clad, busy bee artists.

NAIL Trends for Fall 2013---solid colors at practically every show we went to ---here-- using a pretty pale beige-y pink using Revlon ColorStay Nail Enamel in Tradewinds.

According to Westman---and we are quoting the handout-"I wanted to create a look that was dark and ominous...I was inspired by the classic film, Rosemary's Baby, so this look is all about the eyes. I combined smoky grey shadows with ultra heavy black liner and piled on extra lashes for a mysterious and sultry look. To contrast with the gritty textures on the eyes, I kept the girls skin soft and pretty and gave lips a natural flush."

chubby make-up sticks are having a moment-and so TSA friendly!

One product that we wanted for ourselves---the Revlon ColorStay Smoky Shadow Stick i Volcanic ($8.99). We asked Gucci Westman about how to use for dramatic effects---"it's easier than a powder and a liquid...and is layerable for a bold color..." And smudge-able too-as plenty of the artists used a sponge tip brush to perfect the lid application,

a 'before' shot---to a discerning on-the grey/black eye shadow needed to be refined....

One thing that we always are reminded of when we see the professional make-up artists at work---the arsenal of tools/brushes they use to achieve the 'look'---when most of the time-we just use our fingers, supplemented with an occasional cotton swab swipe when we really mess up.

To perfect this sultry eye look-the makeup artist took about another five minutes and three different brushes...

neutral shadow upper lid-Revlon PhotoReady Primer and Shadow in Pop Art ($9.99)

After....

Other products used: Revlon ColorStay Liquid Eye Pen in Black ($8.99) and Crème Gel Liner in Black ($9.99)-lining the inner and outer rims of the eyes...topped off with Revlon PhotoReady 3D Volume Mascara in Black ($8.99)

backstage staple- Embryolisse Lait Crème Concentré

shadow color palettes---and on the lips Revlon ColorStay Ultimate Suede Lipstick in Front Row and Private Viewing ($9.99 apiece),,,with Revlon ColorBurst Lip Butter in Crème Brûlée ($7.49)

a makeup professional has many concealer options to match all skin tones.

for the face-Revlon Nearly Naked Makeup ($9.99)---lined up and ready to use. To define/as blush-Illuminance Crème Shadow in Not Just Nudes ($6.50) and the not yet released Baby Stick for Lips and Cheeks in Tahitian by Gucci Westman ($8.99-April 2013)

"Beauty and Safety without Compromise," CV Skinlabs-moisturizes, minimizes redness

Hair by Peter Gray for CUTLER Salon/Redken

Long wavy bedroom hair à la Bridgett Bardot-the vava-voom styles up top matched the make-up perfectly. Peter Gray added volume using Redken Guts 10 Volume Spray Foam at the roots-supllemented with "easy" hair extensions that tape on---noting the models like it...no glue used so no damage when taking the hair out.