Neiman Marcus’ Project Beauty: Full Blown event on Wednesday was full of delicious cocktails, great beauty products, and hair—amazing hair. Salons from Breeze Blow Dry Bar to Jon Thomas Salon & Spa came out to compete for the best hairstyles, while Neiman Marcus experts and models highlighted beauty must-haves. After Blown Away won best hair style for an edgy take on beach waves, I had the chance sit down with event host Elle magazine assistant beauty writer Julie Schott to discuss everything from must-have products to celebrating your imperfections.
What beauty trends are you most looking forward to seeing at Project Beauty: Full Blown?
For nails, seeing the return to a really basic nail after all this nail art we’ve had. It's a return to something really clean and that idea of matching your skin tone. RGB has some really great polishes for that. Also, I really love a matte, bold lip. Losing that shine and going with a bright matte whether it’s an orange or a bright pink is really on-trend.
Are there any lines that carry a really good velvety matte lipstick?
Nars always kills it with the bright lips. MAC also does really strong ones, and if you’re really going for it, OCC Lip Tar—that’s the most major color.
How are beauty trends playing into current runway trends? Are you seeing more pastels and metallics incorporated into beauty?
Absolutely, but I think beauty trends have a life of their own. They’re not necessarily born out of a runway trend or fashion trend. So when we’re seeing gorgeous metallic eyeliner and glitter, that’s kind of its own moment.
What kind of looks should beauty-lovers expect to see this season? Are they going to be more conceptual or DIY or a combination of both?
I think easy and fresh is always gorgeous. We always talk about investing in skincare and that carries you through from season to season, so it’s really about taking care of your skin and your hair. Invest in sunscreen and night serum or a really nice under-eye cream and face mask.
What are some skincare brands you recommend?
I love a glycolic peel. I love Dr. Gross’s glycolic peel for everyday and Clarisonic—you have to have it with your cream or foaming cleanser. For sunscreen I really love Shishedo. You can find one that doesn’t clog your pores and give you white residue, which I think some people struggle with. People think, “Oh, if I wear sunscreen, it’s going to get heavy or I’m going to get breakouts," but the Shishedo and SkinCeutical products aren't like that. Chanel does some really lightweight fluids, too.
What products do you recommend for women on the go? When it comes to covering up imperfections like under-eye circles and other discoloration, what are your go-to products?
I’m so happy that you asked that because I also have very dark circles around my eyes and lids, and I like it. I don’t want to feel bad about it, and I think a little color there can look pretty and alive. And yeah, maybe you want to dot a little concealer on it. I really like the Tom Ford men’s concealer. That’s what I carry, but I don’t feel like I have to always cover up dark circles. Your skin can be beautiful and have that darkness. I do love to carry a great lip balm. Chanel and Dior both make really hydrating lip balms that I love. Another thing to carry with you is mascara that you can layer on that’s not going to get clumpy. I love the YSL one. You should always have a lip color on you. If you quickly need to feel more done, Chanel has a really deep wine stain you can blot on. Everyone has that one lip color that they know when they put it on they’ll feel much better.
