By Suzanne Zuckerman
(InStyle)
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(InStyle) -- As "Good Morning, Miami" follows on the heels of "Will & Grace" as part of NBC's Thursday night lineup, comparisons between leading ladies are inevitable. Yet, "Miami"'s Dylan, played by Ashley Williams, is as low-key as Debra Messing's Grace is high maintenance.
A chic but approachable hairstylist for a hilariously dysfunctional morning show, Dylan has "a great haircut, simple and clean makeup, and a lot of style," notes costume designer Lori Eskowitz-Carter. When a top producer (Mark Feuerstein) brought in to boost ratings catches a glimpse of Dylan, he falls for her instantly.
So what do Grace and Dylan have in common besides comic timing and unrequited love? Perfect hair, of course.
Hair
Miami's real-life resident hair expert Mary Guerrero clearly did not have her work cut out for her when she set about creating a balanced hairstyle that would flatter Williams's oval-shaped face. "She's a natural beauty," Guerrero points out. "She could look beautiful bald." Thankfully, Williams sports a modern, face-framing cut.
To keep it from falling flat through countless wardrobe changes and long days of shooting (which can last up to 12 hours), Guerrero begins with shampoo and conditioner from Cinema Collection (available at gerdaspillmann.com). For added volume, the line's spray gel is applied as a base before blow-drying.
Dylan's look is "edgy," but "not too coiffed or done," Guerrero explains. Sebastian Xtah Crude Clay, worked through as a finishing product, allows her to continuously spike and add texture to Williams's layered locks. So, did the actress pick up any professional pointers on how to play a hairdresser on TV? "She does pay attention to what we do," confirms Guerrero. "She has her skills down."
Eyes
Makeup artist Patty Bunch aimed for a look that is true to who 23-year-old Williams really is. "We want the innocence," she says. "She's a fresh new talent with a fresh, clean look."
Bunch steers clear of heavy eye makeup, opting instead for a natural effect created with MAC Crme liner in dark brown, smudged against the upper and lower lash lines. Brows are tweezed slightly, then filled in with MAC eyebrow pencil in Fling, followed by MAC Brow Set in Clear.
Vincent Longo mascara and eye shadow trio in Autumn Rhythm accentuate Williams's baby blues. "Ashley has more lashes than a horse's tail," observes Bunch. "We should all be so lucky!"
Face
Bunch smoothed Clinique Dramatically Different Moisturizing Lotion on Williams's cheeks and blended in Soft Finish Makeup in Soft Porcelain. She adores the company's Soft Finish pressed powder in Soft Porcelain as it tends not to cake.
She then highlighted Williams's cheekbones with MAC Select Cover-up concealer in NC15, using Vincent Longo Crme blush in Terra Mauve to deepen contours. This provided " a radiant flush and brightens up the face."
Williams prefers a matte, rather than glossy mouth, so Valerie Beverly Hills lip pencil in Pansy was used. Lips are then filled in with a combination of Clinique Chubby Stick in Nude Ice and Angel Kiss.
For a finishing touch, Bunch darkened the beauty mark on Williams's upper lip with a Body & Soul eye liner in Mink. "Beauty marks are such an anomaly that if you have one, you shouldn't erase it. You should bring it out," she advises.
Clothes
Dylan "cares about her clothes but isn't conscious of them," explains Eskowitz-Carter. "She looks good without trying so hard."
Although not quite as fashion forward as Messing's character on "Will & Grace," (Eskowitz-Carter styles both shows) Dylan maintains a certain individuality and sophistication. She wears a lot of Seven Jeans and pants by Theory or Chlo, which are well suited for Williams's narrow hips.
Tops tend to be soft and flowing without being "fussy," and are typically found at Fred Segal or Urban Outfitters. On the pilot, Dylan wore cowboy boots, paired with a Kieselstein-Cord belt featuring a Miami-inspired crocodile-shaped buckle.
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