Makeup Guru

Despite rumors of bankruptcy and inevitable demise, Stila was up and running thanks to new financial backing—and looking better than ever backstage at the Cynthia Rowley Resort show yesterday. Echoing the designer’s “old is new” approach of using recycled fabrics from previous presentations, Stila pro artist Dom Briguglio took the opportunity to showcase the cosmetic range’s versatility. “It’s all about multitasking products,” Briguglio said as he added Stila’s Gold Illuminator to its Sheer-Color Tinted Moisturizer and brushed the mixture onto models’ faces for hydration, light coverage, and a touch of shimmer. Once he had his base, he picked up a black Smudge Pot, which he used as both a liner and an eye shadow, building it through the crease. Briguglio also used the occasion to debut a forthcoming product from the brand, a Lip and Cheek Stain in Mango Crush, which he dabbed on cheeks for a peachy flush and painted on lips for a sheered-out version of the now ubiquitous orange pout. “You need to choose the shade that’s best for you,” he said when we inquired about the best way to wear the popular color. “You don’t necessarily have to go so bold with it. Sometimes a pinkish gloss version works just fine.” Hairstylist Rodney Cutler interpreted Rowley’s direction by prepping models’ hair with Cutler Volumizing Spray and creating an updated take on the French twist, pulling hair to one side and, rather than twisting, folding it over itself again and again for a pleated, askew style. “It’s quirky, it’s fun, it’s Cynthia,” he said. He also fastened two bows made of newspaper to hammer home the recycled feel, an accessory we’re going to guess will not be going into production anytime soon, although crazier things have happened…