HauteLook Lounge at New York Fashion Week - Day 3

On Saturday, February 13th the festivities continued during the last day of the HauteLook lounge, with Jemma Kidd Makeup School providing makeup touch ups. I was excited to receive a Rachel Pally headband and leggings, both made with one of my favorite fabrics - modal. Since there was no XS left, I ended up with a S that looked like a cropped legging. To my surprise, it ended up being a full size legging on me that fit perfectly. These leggings are super soft, smooth and extremely comfortable.

Later that evening I came back to the lounge for the Decadestwo trunk show, featuring designer clothing from Chanel, Prada and Louis Vuitton. I was also excited to receive a $50 gift card toward my next HauteLook purchase.

I wanted to send a special thank you to Kerry, Chelsea and Jeremy, for all your hospitality at the lounge. I enjoyed meeting with all the brands and taking a few moments to relax away from the tents and off-site shows. I hope you make it back next season to kick off Fashion Week at Lincoln Center (until then I can't wait to finish up all these fashion week posts and go back to a normal schedule until September!)

- Kim Weling

Yvette introduces Jemma Kidd Makeup School and provides quick makeup tips

HauteLook Lounge at New York Fashion Week - Day 2

My running back and forth from the tents, off-site shows and work continued during the second official day of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. On February 12th, there was a whole new set of brands present at the HauteLook lounge. I've heard of BECCA cosmetics, but have never tried their product. They were giving out samples of their Silky Hydrating Primer so I'll definitely have to try that out. BECCA has a Skin Perfecting Make-up System, carrying over 34 shades of Concealer and 30 colours of Stick Foundation, with the ability to exactly match any complexion.

Sjal is a lifestyle brand, with a holistic approach to scienitifcally advcanced skincare, bridging eastern medicines and European bio-technology with the infusion of precious minrerals and gem stones. Sjal is Swedish for "spirit, mind, heart and soul." The sjal blue kashmir-saphir facial is based on principles of tibetan medicine and is exclusively available at Agua Spas Morgan Hotel Group Delano - Mondrian Miami - Mondrian Los Angeles. I got a sample pack the products used for the facial, including the pearl enzyme exfoliating mask, kashmir saphir perfecting mask, as well as samples of the orbe eye contour creme and cela intuitif light cellular renewal creme.

Freeze 24-7 was also at the lounge, giving away their full size IceCream Double Scoop Intensive Anti-Aging Moisturizer, which hydrates while nourishing, firming and toning skin.

Later that evening, I came back to the lounge for the Rachel Pally Fall 2010 Preview. Rachel does carry XS, but depending on the silhouette some of the pieces may or may not suit my frame. As Rachel walked me through her collection, there was one black and white printed mini skirt she showed me that I definitely knew would fit me!

Rachel Pally Fall 2010 has a tribal and ethnic influence, drawing inspiration from safaris, wildlife, and nature. Colors range from earthy shades to deep smokey jewel tones with names like Sahara, Amazon, Tide, Meadow and Clover; prints incorporate woodgrain, cheetah, and ethnic designs. Draping and body-conscious silhouettes as well as strong shoulders, layering separates, and lush cashmere pieces are seen throughout the collection.

- Kim Weling

HauteLook Lounge at New York Fashion Week Fall 2010 - Day 1

HauteLook Lounge featured chic, custom décor by interior designer and Haus interior owner Nina Freudenberger, furniture courtesy of Desiron and wallpaper courtesy of Hinson.

Found this picture of me on bespoken4.org, getting airbrushed with the Luminess Air system.

Photos courtesy of bespoken4.org

I was looking forward to visiting the HauteLook Lounge again, a temporary escape from the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week tents and off-site shows, if not to check my email then to get my makeup touched up, get a drink and pick up some goodies. I'm glad I took the time to meet with HauteLook's partners and find put more about their products. Thursday, February 18th was the first day HauteLook opened up, at the Bryant Park Hotel.

I am most excited about trying out my airbrush system, compliments of Luminess Air. I had never gotten my makeup airbrushed on before and decided to give it a try. I expected it to feel like a heavy coating, but it felt light and natural, like my own foundation. It went on like a fine mist, with less effort than applying foundation with your fingers or brush. I loved how quick and easy it was, and how evenly it went on - absolutely flawless. Not only can you airbrush foundation, but you can also airbrush on blush, bronzer for a soft glow and a little shimmer as a highlighter.

Not only did Kristen, makeup artist for Luminess Air, do a fantastic job of airbrushing my makeup, she was also very helpful in teaching me how to airbrush the foundation on myself. I was told I was the first person that day to brave trying it out on my own. I held the stylus correctly on my second try, in which you hold it like you are holding a pen. Then you place your index finger on the throttle button and gently push back and spray in a circular motion. I can't wait to try my air system out at home! To be honest I haven't been applying foundation on a regular basis because I am always running out of my house in the morning, but what's an extra minute with a quick spray here and there? Stephanie was also very helpful in explaining the Luminess Air system to me - Thank you! I'll definitely let you know how I do with using it on my own!

Also at the lounge was Exhale Spa, who I am familiar with through Spa Week but have never been to before. I didn't have time for a facial at the lounge so I can't wait to try out their 60 minute True Facial at their spa. Exhale Spa gave away complimentary GRN Blue Chamomile Facial Cleanser and GRN Bearberry+ White Tea Mask. Actifirm has partnered with Exhale Spa, gifting lounge guests with an Actifirm Discovery Kit, including an antioxidant cleanser, renovation serum, actimoist booster, and 10% z-peel.

- Kim Weling