Backstage at Jason Wu's Fall 2011 collection at New York Fashion Week, the beauty concept brought to life the opulent tone of a bygone era, with hair brushed in genuine 24-karat gold, ruby-red nails tipped in the same hue and extravagantly smoked eyes.

MAKEUP: Diane Kendal for MAC Cosmetics
HAIR: Odile Gilbert for Aveda
NAILS: Roxanne Valinoti for CND
SKIN: Sunday Riley
SNAPSHOT: An evening at Versailles

THE SCOOP: Jason Wu's Fall 2011 collection was inspired by Robert Polidori's book "Parcours Museologique Revister," which details the soaring architecture and style of Versailles. The French palace's love affair with gold dripped its influence on the beauty look, with nearly every feature finished in the gleaming tone.

"The makeup is rich and velvety, like fabric. I applied gold in the center of the eye, so that it pops open wide with each blink," said Kendal. To achieve the dramatic smoky blue eye, eyeliner was used as a base on the top and bottom lids, with darker powder shadow later brushed over as a topcoat to intensify the shade.

Hair was an equal scene-stealer, with a low ponytail twisted and secured back to the base, leaving a fan of ends that were then painted with genuine 24-karat gold and fashioned into the shape of a leaf. "This look is about elegance and attention to detail," said Gilbert.

Brows were bleached into muted submission so hair ornamentation and sensually smoked eyes could take center stage -- though we don't suggest you try this at home.

Nails continued the gilded theme, with a dark-chocolate cherry base and French tip dipped in gold. The nail was filed into an oval shape with a high-society longer length. "Jason asked for some length on the nail for a more dressed-up feel, in much the same way you slip on your stiletto heels. In fact, the shoes in the show have gold heels too," said CND co-founder Jan Arnold.

Skin was prepped and attended to by Sunday Riley, who said that model skin was already showing a lot of wear and tear, despite it only being day two of fashion week. After cleansing with a creamy wash, skin was treated to serum hydration and moisturizer rich in protective essential oils.

GET THE LOOK - MAKEUP: All makeup by MAC. On both the crease and lower lash line, apply Marine Ultra Eye Pencil followed by Thru the Night Eyeshadow blended outward, and Carbon Eyeshadow blended downward. Generously highlight the center lid with Gold Glitter, finishing with Blacktrack Fluidline at the top lash line and Haute & Naughty Lash Mascara. Neutralize any redness on the lip with foundation, and then add pearlescent color with Cream Color Base in Shell. Balance cheekbones out with a light sweep of neutral blush.

GET THE LOOK - HAIR: All products by Aveda. Prep hair with Smooth Infusion Glossing Straightener, and then pull into a ponytail at the nape of neck. Then twist two even sections around one another, bringing the hair back to the pony base, and securing with the ends splayed out. Apply Firmada to the ends for hold, and paint liquid 24-karat gold -- or gold spray -- onto the ends, shaping into a leaf adornment. Finish with Brilliant Spray-On Shine all over, and Air Control hair spray on updo.

GET THE LOOK - NAILS: All products by CND. Shape nails into a long oval and apply Dark Ruby as a base, followed by Bloodline. Then apply one coat of Air Dry to give you more control over the Gold Chrome French tip you paint on to complete.

GET THE LOOK - SKIN: All products by Sunday Riley. Depending on your skin type, wash with either Gray Exposé for acne prone, or Charisma Crème Cleanser for normal to dry. Top with the dry-oil Juno Serum, which absorbs on contact, and preps skin for a variety of makeup looks, whether it be glowy or matte. Finish with Start Over Eye Cream on periorbital area.