Many would argue that the best seat in the house at New York Fashion Week is in the front row. Watching the season’s latest looks sashay down the catwalk amongst camera-ready celebrities, socialites, editors, influencers, and buyers has a certain appeal — and is a rather interesting social experiment to witness IRL. However, as someone who spent the better part of her career reporting behind the scenes, I would argue backstage offers an even better view of the (unfiltered) action. It’s also where the world’s biggest names in beauty come to play.

Rock star hairstylists, makeup artists, and manicurists all descend on the Big Apple for a few jam-packed days of high-pressure fun and are crucial when it comes to bringing a designer’s dream to life. These pros transform supermodels into everything from “human bouquets” (seen at SHAYNEOLIVER’s Fall 2022 show) to “aliens tripping on mushrooms” (on view at Rodarte’s Spring 2022 romp) using their paints, polishes, and often-times-secret potions. “To see something imagined in my head translated onto the models never gets old!” says makeup artist Pat McGrath, a fashion powerhouse with countless seasons under her belt.

While NYFW is known to produce slightly more wearable beauty statements (at least in comparison to London, Milan, and Paris), there are still plenty of artists pushing boundaries — and somehow still reimagining smoky eyes, ponytails, and nude nails in exciting, new ways. “New York is where it…