New York Fashion Week is synonymous with lavish parties, must-see street style, A-list celebrity sightings, and runway looks that cost more than our entire wardrobes. The average person simply can’t afford a Rodarte gown without taking out a cash advance (as much as we’d like to). But the statement beauty trends fresh off this year’s runways, like the rampant punk-rock vibes and red nail polish, can actually be recreated without blowing your budget — and some are even available at your nearest drugstore.
Behind the scenes at some of the biggest shows this season, models were prepped with affordable drugstore picks. From Alice + Olivia to (yes) Rodarte, we’ve got an inside look at the products used to achieve runway-worthy beauty, whether that’s a $9 nail polish or $5 hairspray. Find the chicest, cheapest beauty products used backstage at New York Fashion Week, ahead.
At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.
Rodarte
The Dracula-inspired collection from Rodarte gave us goth-meets-romantic vibes. While we wish we could snag every piece for our closet — including the headpieces — the hair products are much more attainable. Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images.
TRESemmé Tres Two Non Aerosol Hair Spray Extra Hold
Hairstylist Odile Gilbert kept the ethereal top knots adorned with flowers and veils in place using this extra-hold, extra-affordable hairspray.
TRESemmé Tres Two Non Aerosol Hair Spray Extra Hold, $, available at Target
Veronica Beard
For the brand’s catwalk debut, Veronica Beard gave a dreamy blend of autumnal tones and ’70s spirit — all the way down to the fingertips.Photo: Courtesy of Essie.
Essie Bed Rock & Roll Nail Color
Head nail artist Rita Remark designed a color-block effect with a red-toned brown as the base and a milky nude for a horizontal line at the moon of the nail.
Essie Bed Rock & Roll Nail Color, $, available at Target
Nicole Miller
Nicole Miller put forth an ode to punk-rock beauty with gilded textures and rebellious edge on the eyes. Photo: Gonzalo Marroquin/Patrick McMullan/Getty Images.
Garnier SkinActive Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water
But the rest of the face had a more clean approach — and to prep for that look, makeup artists relied on this under-$10 hydrating micellar water.
Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water Rose Micellar Cleansing Water, $, available at Target
Rag & Bone
Rag & Bone’s workwear classics were accessorized with innovative and colorful nail designs on the fingertips.Photo: Angela Weiss/AFP/Getty Images.
OPI ¡Viva OPI! GelColor Nail Lacquer
Those bright-red mushrooms were designed with this shade from OPI.
OPI ¡Viva OPI! GelColor Nail Lacquer, $, available at Sally Beauty
Alice + Olivia
Creative director Stacey Bendet brought whimsical designs and a play on patterns to New York Fashion Week — and the beauty looks were the cherry on top. Photo: Astrid Stawiarz/Getty Images.
Maybelline The City Mini Eyeshadow Palette in Urban Jungle
The models’ runway stares glimmered in an antique-gold eyeshadow that was dusted on from this under-$8 palette.
Maybelline The City Mini Eyeshadow Palette in Urban Jungle, $, available at Maybelline
TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Extend Hold Level 4 Hair Spray
Also captivating were the dreamy hairstyles, all created by Justine Marjan. She used this light-mist hairspray to keep the ’70s-inspired loose waves and slicked-back ponytails in place without a crunchy finish.
TRESemmé Compressed Micro Mist Extend Hold Level 4 Hair Spray, $, available at CVS
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