All you hairstylists and makeup artists gearing up for New York Fashion Week have a lot on your plate right now. Between booking clients and coming up with hairstyle and makeup inspiration to securing affordable lodging and a flight that won’t get delayed, your to-do list grows by the day. We wanted to take something off your plate, and while we can’t help you book accommodations, we can help you with your packing. We reached out to a few of our Mane Addicts Artists who are attending NYFW this year to see which products are absolutely a must-pack in NYFW hairstylist and makeup artist kits. Discover the products you need in your NYFW kit below!
Taylor Fitzgerald is a celebrity makeup artist based in New York City.
Kathleen Riley is a celebrity hairstylist and founder of Shae Hair.
Dina DiPietro is a celebrity hairstylist based in New York City.
When has a powder puff ever not come in handy? No wonder celebrity makeup artist Taylor Fitzgerald suggests packing a ton in your kit. “I will load these up with some powder and leave them either in my touch-up kit or my clients,” she says.
Celebrity hairstylist Kathleen Riley mentions that “NYFW is a great time to step outside the box of clients’ usual looks.” Because of this, she recommends packing some hair extensions in your NYFW kit. “Hair extensions can be used in almost any look, whether it’s to add volume or length or create an amazing long ponytail. The sky’s the limit with extensions as they are definitely a must-have during NYFW,” Riley shares.
Those hotel hair dryers aren’t going to do anyone any good, especially when it comes to NYFW. It’s important to have a blow dryer you can count on, which is why New York City-based hairstylist Dina DiPietro recommends the GHD Helios Hair Dryer. “This blow dryer is so powerful and precise,” she says. “I can smooth out my clients’ hair quickly, which is important during the craziness of NYFW. It also leaves their hair smooth and shiny.”
If you don’t already keep a lash curler in your kit, this is your sign to do so. But not just any lash curler will do—oh, no. Fitzgerald shares that you need a Tweezerman Lash Curler. “It’s gentle so you don’t have to squeeze hard on the lash line,” she says. “They also have curlers for rounder eyes or almond-shaped eyes so it makes for a more comfortable curl and grips every lash.”
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that a flat iron is essential for your NYFW kit, but you would be surprised how often this hot tool is left out. Riley suggests purchasing the GHD Platinum+ Styler because it’s a do-it-all tool. “Not only can you straighten hair with it, but you can create waves or curls because of the beveled edges,” she says.
DiPietro reminds us of the importance of a good styling gel. “I know my clients will be running around the city so I always use this product to seal down flyaways.” Her styling gel of choice? Got2b Glued Styling Gel. DiPietro mentions that it’s not only great for flyways, but it’s “also great for a very tight ponytail look to keep hair in place.”
Eye masks serve a dual purpose, according to Fitzgerald. “There are so many events surrounding fashion week and my clients get makeup done so often, so to relax with cooling/hydrating under eye patches feels good,” she says. But more than that, Fitzgerald mentions they “also act as a tool when I apply eyeshadow because they catch the fallout. I spend less time cleaning up the under-eye area.”
Both Riley and DiPietro are big fans of root concealer, whether it’s a spray or a powder. Riley notes that she uses it “to blend the top of extensions into client’s roots” and is a big fan of the Rita Hazan Root Concealer Touch-Up Spray.
DiPietro uses the Color Wow Root Cover Up to fill in the hairline of her clients. “This could be used on anyone; it just makes the hairstyle look polished and gives it a finished look,” she shares.
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