Life like this sure is sweet.
On a recent Friday evening, WWD toured three New York City neighborhoods — the West Village, Williamsburg and Astoria — capturing the beauty of the city’s inhabitants as they basked not just in the glow of a post-NBA Championship win, but a more literal golden hour, too. Of course, we stopped to ask their favorite beauty products and trends along the way.
The West Village, Manhattan
Bestie duos and more than one off-duty model abounded in the West Village, many of them sporting pinky-red blushed cheeks and exuding the air of a population that has long since accepted being stopped for man-on-the-street interviews in front of Bar Pisellino as an inevitability.
Ben Parag in the West Village, Manhattan.
Tess Mayer/WWD
What is your skin care must-have?
“I have been using Tretinoin for the longest; I feel like regardless of if you’re a girl, a dude, anyone — you need to use Tretinoin.”
NaJeen Michelle in the West Village, Manhattan.
Tess Mayer/WWD
What is your beauty routine?
“My go-to beauty routine is simple. I love good skin, a dewy look, a little bit of blush, mascara, eyebrows and, of course, MAC Lip Liner in Chestnut.”
Williamsburg, Brooklyn
Punk beauty was alive and well along the windy waterfront in Williamsburg, where residents of all ages sported cotton candy-colored hair, plum-stained lips and lively curls — not least of all while carrying a slice of Joe’s Pizza.
Sanyamit and Mahya in New York, summer 2026.
Tess Mayer/WWD
What is your secret to the perfect wing?
“Practice, since I was literally a pre-teen.” — Sanyamit
“We both like drawing; she’s an architect. And we’re very particular about the precision.” — Mahya
Alx (with no “e,” because she’s “excellent without it”), in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.
Tess Mayer/WWD
What perfume are you wearing today?
“[Mix:Bar] Vanilla Bourbon from Target. It’s cutesy, nice and it goes with everything.”
Astoria, Queens
Consider Steinway Street the yellow-brick road of Astoria, where the wafting scent of Valentino’s Born in Roma (the real kind, and the dupes being peddled by roadside perfume sellers) will lead you — if not home — to girls’ night out at the nearest hookah lounge. Count on polka-dotted manicures and wispy lashes to dominate the scene, too.
Sharon, Sarah, Julie and Liska in Astoria, Queens.
Tess Mayer/WWD
What is your must-have beauty product?
“Juliette Has a Gun Not a Perfume.” — Sharon
“Mine is a lippie. Make Up Forever Super Boost.” — Sarah
“Patrick Ta blush.” — Julie
“Valentino Born in Roma Intense, for sure.” — Liska
Danny and Adele in Astoria, Queens.
Tess Mayer/WWD
What is one beauty trend you’re not a fan of?
“Don’t hate me, but the one I don’t like is bleached eyebrows. I don’t get it. I can’t get behind it.” — Danny
“I want to try bleached brows so badly. For me, I’m scared of needles, so [I’m not a fan of] Botox. But besides that, I feel like I’m down to try anything — even Botox.” — Adele