Now that we’re nearing the end of fashion month, you may find yourself avoiding reflective surfaces or ordering Starbucks Trentas solely to conceal our not-so-glowing complexions.
What, just us?
Blame it on the whirlwind flights, the onslaught of fro-yo and canapé as backstage fuel or the late-to-bed-early-to-rise sleep schedule (or just blame it on the a-a-a-a-a-alcohol), but our skin takes a serious beating over the course of fashion month. And just when our FW14 under-eye circles were starting to fade, too.
Desperate times call for miracle workers. Enter: Bobbi Brown.
We asked (read: begged) Bobbi—Yahoo Beauty Editor in Chief and our personal fairy godmother—to share her secrets on how to prep for and decompress from Fashion Month. Here are her go-to products and treatments, tips for battling ‘airplane skin’ and a prescription for all you models (like, all of you, right?!) constantly removing and reapplying heavy runway makeup.
—Chelsey Burnside
1. How do you prepare or treat your skin before Fashion Month?
"Since spring fashion week typically takes place right after Labor Day, I’m usually coming off of a family vacation that gave me ample time for rest and relaxation, but there is also nothing more invigorating than a trip to the spa. Personally, I love the spa at The Ritz Carlton hotel—they offer the most amazing massages. I instantly feel refreshed and rejuvenated; it’s a perfect pre-NYFW treat. To ensure my skin is glowing and healthy for Fashion Week, I make sure to stay hydrated, stick to a well-balanced diet, eat fresh, clean foods and get regular exercise. I also try to get enough sleep and make time for myself to unwind and decompress from the day, even if it’s only for a few minutes. My other Fashion Week must-haves include:
· My iPhone – to take pictures for my blog, EverythingBobbi.com, and update my Twitter and Facebook pages. I like to instantly post pictures of the makeup, interesting people I meet, or things I see.
· Altoid mints to freshen my breath and peppermint hand sanitizer to clean my hands so I’m always ready to work.
· Water and some healthy snacks, like raw almonds or some cut up carrots or celery, to recharge. The food at the shows is usually not as healthy as I prefer."
2. What are your long-haul must-haves?
"When I travel, my essential products are creamy concealer, pot rouge, and Extra Moisturizing Balm. All of these products are multi-purpose, allowing me to pack less without sacrificing any part of my beauty routine.
Dry plane cabin air and a change in climates can wreak havoc on skin, so skincare is really important when you travel. Keep things simple, but effective. Pack a cleanser (choose one that is suitable for your skin type), moisturizer, and eye cream. If you are going to be spending a lot of time outdoors, bring plenty of sunblock and lip balm. I never travel without Extra Soothing Balm and Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm. The Soothing Balm is truly multi-purpose- I use it on my face, lips, cuticles, even my heels. The Moisturizing Balm really softens and hydrates my skin, so it looks fresh and smooth, even after a long flight."
3. Do you have any special go-to products that you apply after a long, stressful day?
"After a long day at work or a long flight, the first thing I do when I get home is wash my face and then apply Extra Face Oil. It’s scented with Neroli, Patchouli, Lavender and Sandalwood and instantly makes me feel more relaxed. My Extra Balm Rinse is a Fashion Week must-have, as it gently and effectively removes all eye and face makeup without stripping the skin. It also works to hydrate skin that is dry and weathered from each show. My BB Cream is also great for covering irritation, correcting redness and brightening the complexion in addition to calming and treating the skin.
When I travel, I also walk as much as I can to help my circulation (it’s also the best way to take in my new surroundings). I also like to get up early and start my day with a work-out. Exercising in the morning helps keep my energy up for the rest of the day."