Kate Foley - Rouge Dior Lipstick Fall 2013

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson at Gramercy Park Hotel.

Kate Foley is a busy woman. So busy, it's almost an understatement. The Brooklyn-based British expat recently left her job as a buyer at Opening Ceremony to go out on her own as a freelance stylist, consultant, and fairy godmother. Between styling shows during New York Fashion Week and consulting for English brands across the pond, it's safe to say Foley has a few style and beauty rituals up her impeccably cuffed sleeves.

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson.

That's exactly why she relies on Rouge Dior for a lipstick that won't quit after the first café au lait. And we can certainly see why. The iconic French label's formula is moisturizing and nourishing, and the inspired-by-the-runway hues are as bold as the Moulin Rouge's lights. When you're away from the mirror as much as she is, that's a beauty game-changer.

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson.

So, when our friends at Dior told us they were hanging out with Foley in Manhattan for the day, we jumped at the chance to tag along. From the Gramercy Park Hotel to the High Line, keep reading (and ooh-ing and ahh-ing) to see how Foley makes Rouge Dior work beyond the 9-to-5. And, since we know you're already wondering what shades Foley is wearing, we're giving you a bonus, behind-the-scenes video and the opportunity to shop your favorite products used in the photo shoot below — you can thank us later.

Dior Rouge Dior in No.999, $34, available at Dior;
Dior Dior Contour Lipliner in Rouge No.999, $30, available at Dior;
Dior Dior Vernis Nail Lacquer in Rouge No.999, $24, available at Dior;
Dior Diorshow Mascara in Catwalk Black No.090, $25, available at Dior.

Makeup by Lynne Schaeffer; Hair by Bethany Brill; Video edited by Christopher Michael Beer; Shot by Owen Levelle.
Photographed at Gramercy Park Hotel, 2 Lexington Avenue (between E. 21st and E. 22nd Streets); 212-920-3300.

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson on the streets of Gramercy.

How did you get into styling and creative consulting?
"After leaving high school, I attended Camberwell College, part of the University of the Arts in London. After the first semester, I was offered a job working for a big stylist in London. With her, I worked on shoots for magazines, including British Vogue and V Magazine, as well as shows for Karl Lagerfeld and Victoria's Secret. After that, I assisted another stylist and eventually went on to work for Vogue Turkey when it launched."

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

And how'd you get into the buying side of things?
"I’d always been really interested in the business side of the industry, and that took me to working as a buyer for Opening Ceremony. I recently left that role to focus on a mix of styling and creative consulting for brands and stores. I wanted to combine my experience and interests, and this seemed like the natural path."

Take us through your morning routine, in terms of getting dressed.
"How I get dressed totally depends on what I’m doing that day. If I have meetings with stores or a designer, I try and look a little better presented. I’ll wear a heel with a pair of culottes or a skirt usually. If I have no meetings, I like to be really comfortable and will swap heels for sneakers."

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson.

Sounds like you're a nonstop force, which means you definitely need a beauty regimen. What's yours?
"I love makeup, but like to keep it very fresh and minimal. Depending on the time of year, I normally use some kind of very light tinted moisturizer and a little bronzer to give me color. I’ve just started using a

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson.

light brow pencil for definition. My favorite piece of makeup is lipstick. I normally wear this every day and am not afraid to wear bright colors. It’s normally a bright red, pinky red, or sometimes a dark red in winter."

What do you look for in the perfect lipstick?
"I love something that gives a strong color and really stays on. I hate when lipstick comes off and leaves you looking like you’re only wearing lip liner when you eat or drink. Rouge Dior is great, as it not only sticks, but is also super-hydrating. I love that the lipstick isn't drying, and also doesn't feel sticky or too glossy. I hate it when lipstick is too chalky and gathers in cracks or dry parts of your lips. [If my lips are dry,] I usually use a lip balm because my lipstick will stick to dry skin and become uneven. With Rouge Dior, I don't have to do that, which is great!"

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Once you've nailed that down, how do you get that perfect pout with lip liner?
"It’s very simple! I nearly always use a lip balm first and then blot that, so it’s not too thin or too glossy. If it's the evening, I will sometimes use a lip pencil and then apply lipstick!"

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson.

How does your outfit here play off the streets of Gramercy?
"I love Gramercy Park and used to reside here when I was first moving to New York. I love that it's so central and so close to the craziness that is Union Square, yet still so calm. I really like One Lucky Duck for food and juice and also 72 Irving, which is such a typical, nice New York-style coffee shop. This outfit felt appropriate to the area. It’s fun, but also polished. I’m wearing a British brand, Isa Arfen, and shoes from Gianvito Rossi with a Lady Dior bag."

Dior Rouge Dior in Deauville No.671, $34, available at Dior;
Dior Diorshow Brow Styler, $29, available at Dior;
Dior 5 Couleurs Eyeshadow in Incognito No.030, $60, available at Dior;
Dior Diorskin Nude BB Creme, $44, available at Dior.

Photographed on the streets of Gramercy.

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson at the High Line.

You've championed up-and-coming designers for a long time, who are your favorites?
"London-based brands Isa Arfen and Marques Almeida are two of my all-time favorites. Both are totally different from each other, but are doing something really special and unique.

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson.

I also love Bellavance; its spring '14 collection is beautiful!"

Now, tell us about this outfit, pretty please?
"The gold dress and pants are from Suno’s fall collection. I’m not someone who would usually wear a short dress, which is why I paired it with the pants underneath. I like that this makes the look more grown-up. The stilettos are from a British label, and the bag is Dior."

We’re on the High Line right now. What do you love most about the area?
"I’m big into plants and gardening — the planting on the High Line is so clever and so interesting. I love that they’ve kept the train tracks and focused the planting around the original elements. It’s so great to walk the whole path. A great place to sit and relax, either alone or with a friend, in the sun in spring, summer, or autumn. It feels very calm, despite it being busy!"

AdvertisementADVERTISEMENT

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson.

You seem to really love a bold lip, what is it about bright lipstick that you love so much?
"I go for a really fresh face with a little glow when I apply makeup, so lipstick is really the piece of makeup I have fun with. I love that lipstick can be an extension of an outfit, an accessory,

Photographed by Jens Ingvarsson.

and I treat it as I would a pair of shoes, jewelry, or a bag. I think that certain outfits can be perfectly finished with a lipstick."

What's the one big tip you have for wearing lipstick for work and play?

"I think you can get away with more in the evening, especially as you don’t need your lipstick to last too long. In the day, you really need something that’s not too thick or sticky. I never want to feel like I’m wearing lipstick in the day; I just want to look like it! Something light and hydrating is the key. Rouge Dior in Rose Bonheur is a really perfect color for the day and 999 is great for the evening."

Dior Rouge Dior in Rose Bonheur No.448, $34, available at Dior; Dior Dior Contour Lipliner in Elite Pink No.663, $30, available at Dior; Dior Diorskin Nude Natural Glow Radiant Powder, $50, available at Dior; Dior Diorshow Black Out Mascara in Kohl Black No.099, $25, available at Dior.
Photographed at The High Line; 122 Gansevoort St (between 10th and 11th Avenues).