On the Fly Beauty Style
Editorial Director of L'Oréal USA-owned website Makeup.com Caitlin Larwood knows a thing or two about looking good on the road, with business trips to San Fran, Paris and LA under her belt. Charlotte Steinway spoke to the New York-based beauty buff about packing products, effortless European style and her favorite places to get pampered
What kind of places do you travel to for work?
Currently Los Angeles and San Francisco. During my last job [as Corporate Communications Manager of L’Oréal], it was Paris. Now, we visit San Francisco to learn about what’s up-and-coming in innovation and technology, and L.A. for photo and video shoots, as the majority of the Makeup.com team is based there.
How would you say the beauty in California differs from that of New York?
First of all, San Francisco and L.A. are so different. In San Francisco I see a much more natural look, plus a lot of organic brands. In L.A., I’ll see more elaborate eye shadow and intricate looks that take longer to create. In New York, we tend to wear all black, so the makeup tends to be just as standardized as the fashion — it’s more conservative that what I’ve seen in L.A., where they’re not afraid to use color.
What about in Paris?
The beauty there is very elegant. There’s not a lot of experimentation with color: the women there always look professional, even when they’re outside the workplace. At the base of the look, it’s very simple — and of course they’ve got that iconic European clean, glowing skin.
Can you describe a destination whose beauty has inspired you?
Milan. Italian beauty is extremely unique: it’s very sophisticated and simple at the same time, but above all it’s just so elegant. I lived in Milan for five months a few years back, but the exposure I got there still inspires me to this day. When I think of a typical Milanese woman, she’s probably getting off her Vespa wearing all black, with beautiful radiant skin like you’ve never seen before. Makeup-wise, she’s probably got a light eye plus a pop of color on the lip or cheek.{"type": "right-quote", "text": "When it comes to travel, I really try to minimize what I’m bringing and just stick to the bare essentials."}
Were there any brands you discovered in Milan that you love now?
One European brand I wish they sold here is Roger & Gallet: their soaps are incredible, and in a world today where fragrance is such a saturated market, they really bring it back to the basics — my favorite scent of theirs is just a real simple rose.
What are some of your favorite beauty indulgences in New York?
For facials and body treatments, I love Kiehl’s Spa 1851 — it’s really true to the brand’s aesthetic and personality, plus all of the rooms have different themes. I get my hair cut at Cutler Soho, which has super professional staff and a nice, laid-back vibe to it. Bliss Spa gives the most amazing pedicures and their polish tends to last a really long time. For nail art though, it’s always got to be Valley Nails in Nolita.
How do you go about packing all of your products for a trip?
When it comes to travel, I really try to minimize what I’m bringing and just stick to the bare essentials. I always bring my own face soap and face lotion, and I’m a firm believer that every woman should wear Giorgio Armani Maestro foundation — it’s life-changing. No seriously. Other than that, I’ll pack black liquid eyeliner and mascara, and then for lips I love Urban Decay Revolution’s pink Anarchy lipstick—it’s the hands-down best pink I’ve come across—and Maybelline Baby Lips, which is a tinted balm.
Have you ever been to a hotel with game-changing amenities?
The Sunset Tower in Los Angeles. I always love seeing Kiehl’s bath products at a hotel, especially after a long flight.
What about a hotel with a killer spa?
The Caudalie Vinotherapie Spa in the Plaza, New York. It’s so beautiful in there — the brand incorporates grape byproducts into their treatments because of its wine-related roots in Bordeaux.
What are your essentials when it comes to hair as you’re traveling?
Definitely elastics and bobby pins for the styling — the messy bun is my go-to when traveling. My plane hair, however, is usually my most styled look of the entire trip: it tends to go downhill from there. And then dry shampoo is my best friend while traveling: L’Oréal Professionnel Fresh Dust is the best one I’ve ever tried. Once armed with those essentials, you’re prepared whether the hotel has a working blow dryer or not.
The views expressed in this article don’t necessarily represent the views or opinions of L’Oréal USA.
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