My first full day of Fashion Week starts at 9 a.m. backstage at Richard Chai. I try to stay out of the way as models scurry from one stylist to another, but I’m too intrigued by what’s going on in front of the mirrors. Here’s why: Chai has the beauty dream team — MAC for makeup, Aveda for hair, and Essie for nails. And after all that primping, what emerges is Chai’s runway look: neutral face, strong brows, and undone hairstyles. I call it unkempt beauty.

After leaving Lincoln Center (where the majority of the shows take place), I stop by celebrity stylist Robert Verdi’s Fashion Week lounge. It’s basically a place to hang out between appointments — and eat mac and cheese(!) while having your makeup touched up. I get a quick mani from the $1.99 polish line Sinful Colors in a deep burgundy color. I just hope it can hold up through all this Fashion Week craziness.

After a few more shows, I go to a cocktail party to toast Lancome’s new lipsticks, Rouge in Love. I decide to test-drive the bold, purple shade called Violette Coquette before I head back downtown to yet another event: the Gen Art fashion show, which showcases new and emerging designers. It’s sponsored by Crest and co-hosted by Whitney Port, who’s wearing an amazing ruched blue dress with sheer long sleeves. The show is fun, but long, and I can’t wait to take off my heels and get some much-needed sleep.