Yes, fashionistas, New York's Fashion week is over but not forgotten. The tents were raised and paparazzo assumed their positions as the pitter-patter from Jimmy Choo stilettos resounded throughout Bryant Park. As they do every year, top designers and makeup artists came together for this special occasion to put their best foot, threads and faces forward for the Spring/Summer 2009 collection.

Here's a recap of who we saw, what we did, and why we love Fashion Week.  


This year, MAC became one of the leading brands used by designers and makeup artists to create their signature looks. The cosmetic brand debuted The MAC Lounge, a comfy haven for the meeting of creative and fashion forward minds where beauty editors, celebrities and socialites mingled and refreshed their palettes in-between shows.


Backstage at the DKNY show, head makeup artist Charlotte Tillbury described this year's look as "fresh and handsome." Brows were defined using an eyebrow pencil one shade lighter than the actual brow color to give an even edge, while lashes were touched with just a bit of MAC Zoom Lash Mascara and curled for a natural look. On the face, MAC Blush Creme in Cherche and Pleasureful were blended onto the apples of the cheeks.

Head makeup artist Val Garland worked with designer Herve Leger show to give his models a chic minimalist appeal. Garland relied heavily on simple black eyeliner, a bit of the MAC Strobe Cream massaged into the skin for a radiant glow and MAC Lip Conditioner with SPF 15 dabbed on the lips.

We can't forget about the mane attraction. Fashion show hairstylists relied on messy buns, simple braids and cool waves an easy, bohemian look. Hairstylist Andrea E. Wilson worked backstage at the Nanette Lepore show and let us in on one of her "secret" essential beauty products. The Bumble and Bumble Does It All Spray is a must have. "It's not heavy," Wilson said, "and you can spray it on and still comb out the hair and it gives a nice hold."

Click HERE for more fashion week exclusives from the ESSENCE team.