Consultant, stylist, and curator Mellány Sánchez, born-and-raised in Brooklyn, knows many of the city’s institutions by heart. On her list of favorite haunts: the New York City Ballet (for her uptown days), the Tenement Museum (she’s working on an exhibition with the historical institution in the Lower East Side) and her local tailor (the break of a pant can be the most important part of an outfit for a stylist).
In Sánchez’s world, what may appear to be inconsequential details in a look are often the most thoughtful insights into how the wearer moves through the world—down to the firm sound that a boot makes when it hits the ground. The pieces in her own wardrobe are quality-minded with the intention to last, crafted to glide effortlessly through the city with ease, whether she's working with clients like model Imaan Hammam or collaborating with major brands like Nike.
The same thought process goes for her makeup routine, which is designed to be low-maintenance, high-impact. “One of my favorite pieces of advice is ‘don’t look in the mirror so much,’” she says. “I like the idea that I do [my makeup] and it is good to go for the rest of the day.”
To get that breezy yet fresh look, Sánchez first applies Face Trace Contour stick, adding a bit of ’90s-era supermodel 'ooh la la' definition to her subway-to-client-meeting-to-dinner routine. Then there's Baby Cheeks Blush in Mimi, for a quick pop of color. And finally, for when Sánchez needs a lightning-quick touch up on the sidewalk or in the back of a cab? She leaves that to Squeaky Clean Lip Balm in Garçonne to emphasize her full mouth—just another of those little yet incredibly important details that makes all the difference.
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Wake Up with Westman is inspired by the way our makeup works in the lives and rituals of the real women we know and love. For more beauty stories, check out vegan chef Tara Thomas's skin-first beauty routine and New York City Ballet dancer Unity Phelan's go-to lip and cheek flush.
