Backstage Beauty JENNY PACKHAM:L'Oreal Professionnel, Laura Mercier, Essie

THE TENTS, Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, Lincoln Center NYC

words/images Judith Ecochard

smooth hair-via large barrel brush-section by section---hair dryer is key-here Solano's new 3700 Moda Dryer -speedy and easy to hold-for the "perfect blowout"

"Have you seen her dressed in gold, like a Queen in days of old, she shoots colors all around, like a sunset going down..." EASY one of our fav Rolling Stones songs-SHE'S A RAINBOW-a trippy answer to the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper....and the inspiration for fashion designer Jenny Packham's Spring 2012 RTW show.

L’Oréal Professionnel Lift Extrême targeted weightlifting mousse ($18.00/8.6oz. applied section by section-for volume, texture, and to prep hair for blow-out

Once again, L'Oreal Professionnel and lead hairstylist Leonardo Manetti had Jenny's gals looking glam ~a la Jerry Hall 1970's (a major Spring theme)...with flowing smooth locks to compliment the light, billowing silk chiffon frocks...with added sparkle via dazzling Swarovski cyrstals.

Italian Manetti was so funny and nice-we totally get why he is so popular...fyi partner in ION Salon/NYC

HOW:
Smooth blowouts and then shiny tresses ...guaranteed with L'Oreal Professionnel Perfect Shimmer ($21/5.8 oz)--- shine illuminating mist applied onto hands-and then in random sections at the crown for a subtle sheen...and topped off with a spritz of the Infinium Hairspray-pictured below ($23.00/11oz)...for zero frizz, crunch-free hold.

-L'Oreal Professionnel Infinium 4 Extreme Hold Finishing Spray

"Hair is about lifestyle, not about the trend, " Manetti emphasized---as this side parted blown out 'do is "not complicated---and moves." In the real world-maybe a half hour to do-tops...with the part starting just inside the brow from right-to-left.

As a side note, we actually had a discussion about the importance of a good blow dryer---and all the hair stylists we chatted with backstage gave a thumbs up to the new Solano 3700Moda Dryer ($220)-with a short barrel that's easy to maneuver-as well as Far Infrared heat, Tourmaline (minimizes flyaways), Ceramic and Ionic technologies for even heat distribution, shiny locks without the frazzles...and faster dry times.

Solano®'s SleekHeat 450 Flat Iron with Ionic, Tourmaline and Far Infrared heat technologies=healthy, shiny, smooth hair

LAURA MERCIER Cosmetics is on beauty bests lists- for her Secret Camouflage concealer...

At the show, Talia Shobrook-from London-posh accent- but based in NYC ----was super relaxed we thought and beyond nice---as she explained the "cool, sexy, summery" make-up.

Models channeled Jerry Hall 70's glam via a matte deep red lips-( Laura Mercier Lip Pencils-in Redwood, Ruby, and Very Cherry), and matte bronzer (Laura Mercier Matte Bronzer in Dune Bronze and Mineral Pressed Powder in Warm Chestnut) applied under the cheek for that sculpted look...both we think ---can work well in real life. As Shobrooke enthused-"...make-up, have fun with it!"

Laura Mercier Lip Pencils-in Redwood, Ruby, and Very Cherry-and middle pop of color with Creme Lip in Bing Cherry

Eyes got all dewy with layers-and no eyeliner---starting with the new Foundation Primer in Radiance-(launches Dec. 2011)...then layers of L.M.'s Eye Basics in Flax, Metallic Creme Eye Color in Platinum, and the Sequin Eye Shadow in Pink Crystal in the middle of the eye---

Lip Glacé finished the look...while the brows-were "filled in and slightly extended."

FIVE coats of L.M.'s Full Blown and Long Lash Mascara in Black and a few single false lashes-extended the ends.

This was one neat cosmetic kit

Gina Edwards for Essie had the nails done in the very popular California Coral-a nice peachy pink that we think looks good year round.

Toe nails got the same treatment-primed with a ridge filler-then two coats and a quick top coat.

Gina Edwards

We had a gel manicure ourselves---but had heard that our nails would suffer, accordingly. Edwards assured it it is not a fait accomplis-.
"It's all about removal---no electric files or anything abrasive. You really have to take the time to soak the nail," she told us.
"Most salons are too busy... so it's really crucial to have a good manicurist to protect the nails."

Wise Words.