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Diary of a beauty editor in New York

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It’s one thing to see beauty trends from my desk. It’s another to see them as they happen. What is even MORE fun, is to find out what happens behind the scenes. Maybelline flew me to New York to experience backstage and front row at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, interview the stunning Maybelline spokesmodels, visit the factory where the makeup is made and hang out on the set of the annual Maybelline Calender shoot. Not to mention the shopping, celeb spotting and much more!

Clockwise from top left:  Maybelline NY Communications Manager Georgia Reid, Beauty Editor Yasemin Turker, Me, Beauty Editor Sherine Youssef, Maybelline NY Marketing Manager Michelle Gazzola.

Day One
The flight to NYC is a looong one, so the cosy Qantas PJ’s made for a comfy trip. Our driver, Marvin, ensured our journey from the airport to the Empire Hotel (where they film Gossip Girl and where we were staying) was an entertaining one by filling us in on his celeb clients (Brad Pitt likes dining solo at The Palms Restaurant and tennis star Andy Roddick has become a great mate). He also said the restaurant in our hotel (P J Clarke’s), serves the best ‘sliders’ (mini burgers) in New York (handy).
www.pjclarkes.com
www.thepalm.com



Photo booth fun at Forever 21 with fellow beauty editor Yas.

Day Two
After an all star American breakfast of oats, brow sugar and dried cherries, we were ready for some exploration. Our first stop at Sephora is a must for all beauty editors (or any girl with a make up fixation) followed by some bargain hunting at Forever 21, Gap and Macy’s and a photo session at world square. After a quick shopping fix, we headed straight on to Damrosch Park at Lincoln Centre for all the action at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
www.sephora.com


Our first backstage appointment with Charlotte Willer, Global Consulting Makeup Artist, Maybelline NY (aka makeup guru) was not disappointing.  Busy creating a beautiful elongated ‘smoky eye’ for the Cynthia Rowley show, she was happy to answer questions and give a private demo of exactly how to recreate the look. Her use of shimmering gold powder on the inner corner of the eye to add glamour and light is definitely a trick I’ll use for nights out.

With just enough time to bolt back to change outfits and head to the Svedka-Suvana Fashion Week Escape Lounge for a complimentary blow dry, hairstylist Josh channelled Kim K for front-row-worthy ‘do’.  With Julia Stiles just a few seats away, the show was a hit and afterwards we grabbed a quick dinner at Ed’s Chowder House before collapsing into bed.
www.empirehotelnyc.com/eat-cc.php

Day Three
We were able to quiz makeup guru Charlotte Willer again about makeup trends. “Polished skin is in” not dewy, not matte, just a healthy, fresh, polished finish is the aim.  Next stop was the Prabal Gurung show which I’d heard was a favourite of Demi Moore and Rachel Zoe - I could see why. The collection was AMAZING. Delicious neutral shades, tailored pants, luxe wool pieces and contrasting brights (red and hot pink) followed by sexy black ensembles. Devil Wears Prada Muse, Anna Wintour, even looked impressed (from what I could see behind her huge black sunnies!)



Next stop was an interview with Maybelline makeup artist for Spain, Gato Zamora, for an off-site Catherine Malandrino show. Backstage there was a line of beauty editors jostling to speak to him and when we finally had our turn, I could see why. Gato has the 'x factor’, so sexy and talented. He offered up makeup tips I’d never heard before and showed us exactly how to line up blush on for the cheeks using a makeup brush like a ruler. The look for the show was again about polished skin but with a dark ‘expensive’ looking ‘smoky eye’.

The hair was also a triumph. The stylist explained he used a tong to create a ‘natural’ look by curling the hair one way from the roots to mid lengths and then the other way for the ends. Once the hair cooled, it was brushed out. The final result was more 70’s glamour which suited the collection.



Instead of the models strutting down the runway, they we positioned on stands like sculptures, so we could see the clothes from all angles. The free flowing viewing meant I was able to check out Gossip Girl guest, Kelly Rutherford, who looked stunning in a floaty cream top, scarf and pale denim flared jeans.

Back at the Lincoln Centre we readied ourselves to interview Maybelline spokesmodel, Kemp Muhl. I was excited because according to the Maybelline New York PR team, Kemp is not only beautiful but interesting, clever and talented. During the interview she spoke about her boyfriend Sean Lennon (son of John Lennon and Yoko Ono) and making out and then biting Steven Tyler in an Aerosmith video! You will see her full interview in CLEO at a later date but I can share that she loves teal nail polish, has white skin due to nocturnal band playing and is fascinated by redheads (“they’re like unicorns”) and Australian aboriginal culture.

After the interview we jumped in a yellow cab bound for Soho where we had a quick look in the DASH store (clothing chain owned by the Kardasian sisters). They had rolled out red carpet and set up velvet rope outside with a bouncer enforcing a line. Bypassing security, I walked straight in to find a half empty store. Hmmm, a clever ploy to create more Kardashian hype perhaps? After a fun, Mexican style bite to eat at Tortilla Flats, we popped into Marc Jacobs (I spied a classic black bag which I drooled over and later bought) and the Marc Jacobs pop up shop with 2001-2011 limited edition items for some present shopping for family and friends (I also bought myself some MJ cashmere socks!)

www.tortillaflatsnyc.com

Stay tuned for days four and five of Rachael's NYC diary!