There was something different in the air for this year’s winter New York Fashion Week. Despite the sub zero chills, the energy surrounding the shows, pop-ups, and street style felt bigger and bolder than ever. GU got the exclusive inside scoop as we caught up with DJ and Beauty Access founder Isan Elba while she prepped for the Michael Kors show. “I moved here about five or six years ago for college, and I’ve been doing Fashion Weeks for about three of those years,” she reflects while meticulously blending her base. “I started off super duper excited to see the shows and sit front row, and while I’m still so grateful, it definitely becomes more taxing as you get older. Between the glam, the transportation, and the screaming cameras, it’s been an interesting journey.”
For her appearance at Michael Kors, Isan channeled that “icon” energy into a look that struck the perfect balance between sophisticated and daring. Stepping out in a patterned, open-backed blazer vest with a plunging halter neckline, she grounded the ensemble with wide-leg black trousers and structured leather boots. The outfit, which she hand selected herself from the designer’s lookbook, is a direct reflection of her “feeling over fashion” philosophy. “I picked this because I like something flattering and sexy, but also equally chic,” she explains. “I’m more about how I feel in an outfit than how I look, because how you feel is how you look. If I’m uncomfortable, you’re going to see that in the way I walk but if I’m confident, even a simple outfit looks better.”
As the founder of the social enterprise Beauty Access and its nonprofit arm, Beauty Forward, Isan is tackling the industry’s waste problem head on by redistributing excess beauty and hygiene products to women’s shelters. Having recently been honored as a Future Icon by GU and Rich Little Brokegirls, she is now focused on expanding her digital footprint and community programming. “To me, an icon is somebody who leads by example. Someone who is constantly showing up and pushing their limits,” she says. “The best icons are the girls who decide to bring others along with them. You don’t get to decide you’re an icon; the people do. Making sure I implement that every step of the way is my goal this year.”
Scroll ahead as Elba shares her go to beauty hacks from hot DJ set to her iconic lip combo.
Interviewer: You mentioned being a “stress sweater” at these high energy shows. What is your #1 survival tip for keeping your makeup intact?
Isan Elba: I am going to hold your hand when I say this: Do not forget your pocket powder. As an oily girl, that is the scariest threat to your makeup. I make it a practice to look in the mirror and use my powder puff before I even step out of the car. That way, I know at least for ten seconds, my skin looks mattified. I actually just lost my Pat McGrath one (and the whole purse it was in!), but I won’t go anywhere without it.
GU: What is your secret to the perfect lip combo? People are obsessed with the “Isan Lip.”
Isan Elba: If you want the Isan lip, you need three things. First, Makeup Forever Artist Color Pencil in ‘Limitless Brown’ to line. It’s my second favorite because I lost my MAC ‘Chestnut,’ but she does the job! Then, I use MAC ‘Peach Stock’ right in the middle as a base it looks crazy at first, but it makes the color pop. Finally, I top it with YSL Loveshine. It gives that Barbie pink hydrated look without being too glossy.
Interviewer: Do you have a go to hack for when you’re in a pinch or don’t have the right products?
Isan Elba: Yes! If you do not have a lip color that matches you, use your blush. Use your blush as your lip color. I promise you, it is ten out of ten.
GU: You’ve mastered your “base” makeup. Do you ever experiment with bolder looks, like cut creases or heavy eyeshadow?
Isan Elba: Honestly, I’m the girl who always does the same makeup look because I know my face. Experimenting is hard for me because usually, I’m getting ready for an event where I’ll be on camera—that’s not the time to play! But I love the girlies who do the big, bold looks. We need to start playing with makeup again; it’s so fun. I just know my limits!
GU: What about your everyday eye look? It looks very subtle but defined.
Isan Elba: I’m currently using the MAC Eye Pencil in ‘Teddy.’ It’s a brown shade but it has a tiny bit of shimmer. It gives me definition without looking like I’m wearing a ton of liner. It’s my go to for that “chic but effortless” vibe.