New York Fashion Week is approaching fast, and I’m starting to take inventory of more than just my closet. The excitement has me bouncing off the walls, especially after a summer of sun-kissed, bare-faced skin and off-duty protective hairstyles. Fashion week is always a way for me to step back into the glamorous persona of a New York woman, and I like to create my beauty looks at home and take extra care of my skin during this time.
For an editor, fashion week looks like running from early morning shows to late-night after-parties, and every event comes with a slew of photographers looking to capture every moment. It’s crucial to have a solid arsenal of beauty products that help you serve looks but also keep your skin healthy and vibrant throughout the hectic week.
Today, I’ll be sharing the trusted beauty essentials that will carry me through the whirlwind that will be this upcoming fashion week—because they’re the kind of products you’ll want to have on hand for your busy day-to-day too. Below, find the 43 items I insist you know about.
This will make it look like you got lip injections.
SkinCeuticals
C E Ferulic
Dr. Barbara Sturm
The Better B Niacinamide Serum
The most common feedback I get from aestheticians is the fact that I need to work on my skin texture, and that’s how I got introduced to this serum that combats visible pores and increases hydration.
Tom Ford
Vanilla Sex Eau De Parfum
Vanilla perfumes have been all of the rage lately, but sometimes they smell a bit too much like vanilla extract to me. This one has woody notes that round it out and make it a noteworthy scent.
MAKEUP BY MARIO
Softsculpt Cream Contour & Bronzer Stick
I had a hard time for a while finding a contour stick that was dark enough for my complexion without looking chalky. The shade range here runs deep.
Farmacy
Mini Green Clean Makeup Meltaway Cleansing Balm
Want to see a magic trick? Watch as your makeup literally melts off your face.
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Yummy Skin Soothing Serum Skin Tint
I own quite a few foundations, yet I always find picking this lightweight skin tint instead. It has a natural finish while still providing the coverage and glow that I need.
FACTORFIVE Skincare
Lash/brow Growth Serum
The number of compliments I’ve gotten on my lashes since this product came into my life…
Kosas
Chemistry Aha Serum Deodorant
A deodorant you can really run around in—it’s in my bag almost every day because I’m convinced that it does the best job. It blends in with sweat creating the odor-free vibe I’m all about.
Maison Francis Kurkdjian
Oud Eau De Parfum
Oud is the captivating scent that stops you in your tracks when you first come across it. Inspired by sand, wind, and gold, it truly takes me to another place.
Tower 28 Beauty
Sos Daily Rescue Facial Spray With Hypochlorous Acid
This Tower28 facial spray has been getting so much hype on the internet lately, and I just learned that the process of creating it took eight years. It kills bacteria on your skin post-workout for less acne and a worry-free sweat. The humidity during fashion week in September will be brutal, so I’ll be keeping this in my bag.
OUAI
St. Barts Moisturizing Body Cream
I’m a Black woman, so you already know I’m obsessed with body lotion. I’ve tried them all, and this one is my recent favorite.
An event like fashion week is the type to bring about unexpected blemishes. Starface is a fashionable way to cover them up.
I’m seeking intense hydration without having hair that feels weighed down. Introducing this conditioner was the right move.
Diptyque
L’eau Papier Eau De Toilette
This light musk fragrance smells like a crisp fall day, and with fashion week marking the start of the fall season, it’s one to try.
KILIAN Paris
Rolling in Love
No scent is more hypnotizing than Rolling in Love. Deep florals with an equally are something you really don’t want to miss.
Function of Beauty
Bond Repair Custom Shampoo for Coily Hair
I love anything that feels tailored to me, so naturally, this shampoo would catch my eye on the shelves. It helps with frizz and never strips me of hydration.
This might be the best-smelling bodywash I’ve found in recent years. It’s fruity yet fresh and fills my bathroom with a very good vibe.
Corpus
California Natural Stick Deodorant
If you couldn’t tell yet, I am a perfume lover, so I hate when I have a deodorant that conflicts with my scent of the day. This one feels different.
Yves Saint Laurent
Nu Halo Tint Highlighter With Vitamin E
When I want extra glow, I apply this one directly to my face, and when I’m feeling more low-key, I dab it on a brush and go in.
Ellis Brooklyn
Sea Hair and Body Fragrance Mist
When I first step out of the shower, I love misting myself with this body spray that is also good for your skin. It’s an incredible base for whatever perfume I chose for the day.
Olaplex
No. 6 Bond Smoother Frizz Control Styling Hair Cream
Leave-in conditioners have come and go from my bathroom, but this one feels permanent. It really does the job while remaining lightweight.
ONE/SIZE by Patrick Starrr
Mini on ’til Dawn Mattifying Waterproof Setting Spray
When I found out that this setting spray was inspired by what on-stage Broadway actors use, I fell even more in love. It can rain on me, I can sweat, and my makeup won’t budge.
Nécessaire
The Body Vitamin C – Radiance Serum With Thd Ascorbate
If you also have hyperpigmentation literally everywhere, try this.
Danessa Myricks Beauty
Yummy Skin Lift & Flex Hydrating Concealer With Hyaluronic Acid & Caffeine
The newest concealer to my collection is becoming a quick favorite.
Garnier
Micellar Cleansing Water
The makeup remover I always come home to.
Irene Forte
Pistachio Face Mask
When I need a quick mini facial, I come straight to this product.
ANNEMARIE BORLIND
Rose Nature Blue Light Protection Spray
During a week that requires a lot of staring at screens, I’ll be carrying this spray around.
amika
The Wizard Detangling Hair Primer
This product has done absolute wonders for my hair when it’s getting tangled. The best part is it sprays just the right amount each time so my hair is never drenched by it.
Tom Ford
Private Blend Ébène Fumé Eau De Parfum
Whenever I need to feel balanced, I burn Palo Santo in my apartment. This fragrance smells just like it but even smokier. I’m obsessed.
Anastasia Beverly Hills
Mini Soft Glam Ii Eye Shadow Palette
My favorite color palette for a warm and smoky eye.
Sporty & Rich
Multi-Vitamin Face Mist
I’ve been using this after putting on my makeup lately, and it’s just so refreshing.
amika
Soulfood Nourishing Hair Mask
I always like to prepare for fashion weeks a few days out by squeezing in an extra hair mask. This one really has done wonders for me.
Strivectin
Multi-Action Clear Acne Control System Kit
My blemishes are gone within 24 hours when I spot treat them with this routine.
r.e.m. beauty
Essential Drip Glossy Balm
This lip gloss comes in the prettiest of colors.
Saie
Mini Glowy Super Gel Lightweight Dewy Highlighter
The best base to a glowy makeup look you can find. Ever since I heard that it comes in pink, I’m officially overdue for a reorder.
dae
Cactus Fruit 3-In-1 Styling Cream With Taming Wand
One of the most-buzzed-about new launches of summer 2024—this one is coming for your flyaways. The built in taming wand is key.
Armani Beauty
Luminous Silk Face and Under-Eye Concealer
My under-eyes have never looked brighter, and the best part is it barely creases.
Saie
Dew Blush Blendable Liquid Blush
I’m obsessed with this blush in Spicy. I love to wear it on its own or with a powder option on top for a multidimensional look.
I’ve never seen an easier way to apply toner.
NUDESTIX
Nudies Glow Cream Highlighter Stick
This highlighter is so flattering and stays on all day.
TOM FORD
Traceless Foundation Stick
The best full-coverage foundation that I’ve tried.
REFY
Glow and Sculpt Face Serum Primer With Niacinamide
The applicator makes it so easy not to overdo it with the primer.
Glossier
Futuredew Facial Oil-Serum Hybrid
For the pink under-glow we’re all after.
