Aya Kanai’s resumé reads like a who’s who of the fashion editorial A-list: Shopbop.com, where she held the post of head stylist, senior fashion editor at Teen Vogue and her current position as Cosmopolitan’s fashion director. And that’s in addition to styling the likes of Ashley Olsen, Kirsten Dunst and Kirsten Stewart.
Hours spent on fashion shoots mean she gets ample face-time with world-class makeup artists, so it’s really no wonder she knows a thing or two about beauty. Here, we asked Aya to drop some knowledge on her most recent product obsessions, surprising hair care secrets and why French girls totally live up to the hype.
Rule #1: Less Is More
"My beauty M.O. in 3 words: clean, easy, minimal."
Photo: Courtesy
Rule #2: The Eyes Have It
"I swear by Shiseido's Hydro-Powder eye shadow -- they have all different colors and it comes in a handy pot."
Rule #3: Throw Some Shade
"If you could ever describe a lipstick as "healthy", this would be the one. It's the perfect color to wear with everything and it's made from plant-based ingredients so you can feel good about applying it everyday."
Rule #4: Have A Well-Stocked Hero Kit
“On my busiest days I always have Evan Healy rose water facial mist on hand – I use it in the morning after a shower and also throughout the day. Aroma M camellia face oil is essential in desert climates and during NYC winters. I also love Shiseido Ibuki refining moisturizer and Clean Well hand sanitizing wipes.”
Rule #5: Know How To Draw The Line
“I’m also loving eyeliner these days. When I’m not experimenting with DHC liquid liner I like to use my Jillian Dempsey khol eyeliner in jet black. Jillian herself (she did the gorgeous makeup on a recent cover shoot) taught me how to smudge eyeliner like a pro! But seriously, her waterproof eyeliner is a dream.”
Photo: Courtesy
Rule #6: Everything In Moderation
“Don’t get me wrong, I love mascara, but I prefer natural, full lashes, not a caked-on spidery look.”
Rule #7: An Apple A Day Keeps The Hair Doctor Away
"I swear by apple cider vinegar! I used it diluted with water instead of conditioner."
Rule #8: Mix And Match Fragrances
“I’m obsessed with perfume oils. When I go on a trip, I pack a few different ones from Aroma M and then mix them up based on how I’m feeling. Each scent is so luxurious -- some are fresh and clean, others are woodsy and dark.”
Rule #9: Splurge On Skincare
“I like to splurge on facials and waxing. The best place for facials and acupuncture in NYC is Treatment by Lanshin -- it’s the best skincare studio I’ve ever been to.”
Rule #10: Keep It Polished
“I love the manicures at Paintbox in NYC. Another favorite is Nails by Mei -- she only takes private clients so get in line and book a time and until then, you must check her out on Instagram. When it comes to polish colors, I’m partial to anything metallic.”
Rule #11: Choose Your Beauty Role Models Wisely
“Charlotte Gainsbourg and Lou Doillon have an easygoing French attitude towards beauty and they both have a quirky, unusual type of beauty that they don’t try to hide. I also love their menswear-inspired, understated fashion sense.”
Photos: Getty Images
