New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011.

Mercedes Benz New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 is well underway in New York City. The shows so far have been inspiring, and I do not want winter to come - maybe we can skip it and go right to spring fashion already? I know we can't, but we can look at all of the trends and dream. I cannot wait.

I have backstage information from many of the shows and will continue to bring you them until the end of Fashion Week. To see the latest from the runways and backstage, click on the banner above (or click here: Backstage at New York Fashion Week).

So far, I have the details on the following:

ORGANIC by John Patrick Spring/Summer 2011 Presentation.

Christian Siriano Spring/Summer 2011 Show.

The Look of the RICHIE RICH S/S 2011 Runway Show .

The Makeup Look at Richard Chai’s Spring/Summer 2011Collection.  

Backstage with Rene Furterer and Sean James at the Minnie Mortimer S/S 2011 Show.

Backstage with Aveda at Jason Wu S/S 2011 Show.

Backstage with NARS at the Honor S/S 2011 Show.

Backstage with MAC Cosmetics at Vena Cava S/S 2011 Show.

Backstage with MAC Cosmetics at Ruffian S/S 2011 Show.

Get 30% Off the Tarte Fashion Week Spring 2010 Collection.

Tarte Cosmetics sponsored with Hayden-Harnett for it's Spring showing last week during Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week. In celebration of the successful collaboration and fantastic show, Tarte is offering a unique 30% off all of the Spring 2010 Collection.

From now until September 30th, you will receive 30% off with the code SFW30 at Tarte Cosmetics. Products include emphasEYES Brow Pencil, Natural Eye Primer, Natural Cheek Stain, Smooth Operator, Bottoms Up Lower Lash Mascara and more.

Chatting with CoverGirl Makeup Artist Jake Bailey.

I had the privilege of chatting up CoverGirl Makeup Artist Jake Bailey on Tuesday at the CVS Reinventing Beauty Lounge. I picked his brain for a few minutes about his favorite CoverGirl products and even asked for a few personal product picks.

Jake told me that his favorite products right now are the Simply Ageless Foundation and newer Scultping Blush. There is a large range of shades for the foundation, while at this time, there are only four of the blush. He hopes (and so do I!) that they launch some new shades soon. Jake applied this creamy blush to my cheeks with a small but fluffy blush brush. He swirled the brush around in the compact and gently applied it to my cheeks, just as you would with a powder blush. The finished look was incredible. I have not been a fan of cream blushes in the past because I just cannot get the application right. With Jakes help and application tip, I will not be afraid any longer.

Another product Jake said is outstanding is the Outlast Lipstain. Afraid of stains myself, especially when drawn on, Jake showed me another way to apply the stain to my frightened lips. Jake took a lip brush and dabbed it on the tip of the stain, and applied it to my lips. The color was gorgeous and looked really natural. He used a lip gloss that is currently in development, but it is one of the most soft glosses I have used. My lip look lasted all day. Now, to wait for that new gloss that probably will not be out until the beginning of the year.

I am pretty much obsessed with the Simply Ageless Sculpting Blush now, especially after he wowed me with his application technique. I plan to scope out my local CVS to see which shade he used on me. I am pretty sure it was Plush Peach, but I won't know until I get there in person. I do know that he used Bit of Blossom on me, and I actually have that one, but know I will be adding it in more to my steady stream of lippies.

Realizing how affordable beauty products are right now, are really exciting me. Especially as Maybelline was the lead makeup sponsor at Mercedes-Benz New York Fashion Week, I have learned that beauty is definitely attainable. When matched properly, applied and blended at home (but like a pro), no one will know if you spent $6.50 or $65.00 on your foundation.

#cvsnyfw