When it comes to Fashion Week (lights! camera!), you better believe that the hair, makeup, and nail artists backstage are using every expert trick up their sleeves to make sure the models look flawless show after show. To bring you the best in backstage beauty (without the mayhem), we asked the pros at the Spring 2014 shows for their most clever tips that you can incorporate into your daily routine. From how to look sunkissed year round to how to remove stubborn glitter polish, here’s what they had to say.

1. When applying glitter, always wet your brush with water first before dipping into the makeup to prevent the flakes from traveling or falling down, advises Diane Kendal, who created gilded lids using Lancôme for Jason Wu.

2. To create an even red nail like we saw at Naeem Khan, manicurist Michelle Saunders recommends letting the nail brush fan out while painting. The red polish gets too thin when keeping the brush straight. Start with the brush at the cuticle, fan it out, and half of the nail is done already! She said not to be afraid to add pressure and be firm with the brush.

3. To add overall sunkissed color to the face as Alice Lane for Maybelline did at Mara Hoffman, don’t be afraid to apply foundation just one shade darker than your natural skintone. Blend thoroughly with a brush.

4. Give your braid a shabby chic, lived-in feel by gently pulling out pieces after the braid is complete as L'Oréal Professionnel Artist Laura Polko did at Houghton. To keep the look together with just the right amount of messiness, finish with hairspray.

5. For a quick and smooth pedicure, make sure to start with a layer of ridge filling base coat such as the one Essie used at Rebecca Minkoff since toenail surfaces tend to be more uneven.

6. To get rock-and-roll waves (the other 3 seasons’ answer to beachy) as seen at Jill Stuart, Kerastase Paris artist Odile Gilbert recommends keeping the look from being too done by only curling the middle section of hair leaving the roots and ends out. To finish, instead of brushing, spray head with dry shampoo and tousle. This will not only help hold the style, but also perform double duty to soak up any grease or oil that may form during the day.

7. When removing a glitter enhanced nail look like we saw at Jenny Packham, manicurist Gina Edwards advised soaking a cotton ball in nail polish remover and letting it sit on the nail for a minute. Then begin your regular nail polish removing process. Never file the glitter off—no filing the natural nail ever!

8. A quick and easy way to create instant dewiness on skin anytime is to mix a drop of lotion in your hands and press into face and cheeks as Alice Lane did backstage at Suno. This trick can be used on bare skin or over makeup.

9. For a sleek low ponytail as seen on the runways of Jason Wu, make sure that hair is tight to the scalp. To prevent unwanted volume and add shine, Kerastase Paris artist Odile Gilbert slicked hair back with pomade before tying with an elastic.

10. Add a shimmery glow to your lids by reaching for a clear lip balm. Alice Lane applied Maybelline Baby Lips over eyeshadow at Wes Gordon for a multi-dimensional look.

 

Which beauty tricks will you steal? Leave us comment below.