Lo & Co. Blog

Discount Designer Bridal!

I have had a lot of success finding great fashion deals at Ideeli.com. Today they have some amazing wedding shoes, dress, accessories.  Check it out! 

Register for free at http://www.ideeli.com/invite/lauranadeau

 

Adele - Get the Look!

I am officially obsessed with everything Adele.  Her voice, her style, her soul, and especially her hair and makeup!   It is great to have a glamour girl that actually has talent, isn't plastic, and eats food like the rest of us.  All of you women out there who are so critical about themselves need to see what makeup, styling, and amazing lighting does to a women who just looks ordinary when out on the street.  Sure she has amazing bone structure that is made for the camera and it doesn't hurt to have some cash.  However, we all can add some glam to our everyday, non-grammy winning lives with a few easy steps.

Ordinary

[photo source] 

Extraordinary!

[Image via AP Images.]

This look can be very simple and done in 5 minutes.

1. Smooth foundation on your skin working gently from the center of your face (nose) blending outward.
2. Define cheekbones with a subtle contour. Work bronzer on and under your cheekbones then add pop of blush on the apples of your cheeks blending up on to cheekbone. (Go over with a smidgen of loose powder to ensure proper blending)
3. Use a flesh tone eyeshadow all over lid and place a neutral color into crease (matte or shimmer). Concentration of color is on the outer third of the eye.
4. Draw as thick of line as you dare on top lash line with a gel liner, liquid liner, or use a wet eyeshadow powder for the most subtle line. Wing line out subtly by with a flick of the wrist upperward. Fix with cotton swab if needed.
5. Fill in brows with hair like strokes. Accentuate the peak and elongate the tail of your eyebrows as needed. 
6. False lashes, if you dare for evening. (how-to video)

 

Product Recommendations

Foundation:  Era Face by Classified Cosmetics, Laura Mercier Moisture Supreme Foundation.

Eye Shadow:  Stila Kitten and Heather in the crease, Bobbi Brown Shell and Fawn in the crease.

Eye Liner:  M.A.C. Fluidline in Black Track or Prestige Cosmetics liquid eyeliner slightly winged out.

Lip:  M.A.C Hot Tahiti, Retro, or Crosswires.

Cheek:  Nars Mulitple Stick - Laguna for cheek contour and Mata Hari on the apples of the cheeks.

Eyebrows:  YBF Universal Taupe eyebrow pencil.

 

 

 

Expert Packing Advice - Amy Salinger

My good friend and colleague, Amy Salinger has a super fun and informative style blog which I recommend for anyone!  Take a look at this post on packing for Thanksgiving:

 

The holidays are upon us and that means lots of travel. This can overwhelmingly painful for many since the joy of packing is right up there with moving. The experience is just on a much smaller scale, but it still stings if you can't get it right.  [Read entire post]

Lo on Skincare!

In my previous post on skincare I stated that there is no easy fix to great skin and my opinion is that  the best thing you can do for your skin is to exercise, wear sunblock, eat well and. Of course, you want to cleanse, gently exfoliate, and hydrate your skin. But take the money you would spend on pricey skin care and put it towards a gym membership and great sunblock. Instead of spending time and energy on "miracle cures", spend that time designing a lifestyle that incorporates activity and nutrient dense foods.   Treat yourself to a wonderful facial as your reward for protecting your skin. Eat vegetables and healthy oils.  Your skin is alive and needs nutrients to look healthy.  Treat your health like a savings account.  You put a little in every day and even though you don't see a big change right away, in 10 years you will be really glad that you did.  I am 43 years old and I am very happy that for the last 25 years I have forced myself off of the couch to exercise and that I embraced my skin color (fair) and use self tanner when necessary.  Most of us will spend much more time over 35 years old then under, so we need to change to long term thinking instead of short term.  Okay, I am going to get off of my soapbox and share with you some of my local favorites for my plan of attack.

Move!

I have always been a runner, but my body appreciates when I cross train and my mind keeps busy learning new techniques and steps.  My new addiction is an interval training class called 30/60/90 which was created and taught by Kristi Molinaro  (Equinox Health Clubs in NYC).  You can be a beginner or a world class athlete and get a good workout in this class. She designed the workout around drills that you do for 30, 60, or 90 seconds and then you do active recovery in between.  Kristi is amazing and she has many obsessed loyal students who follower her all around the city for this amazing class!

Sun protection!

Wearing sunblock is pretty easy but we don't always do it. Reward yourself for protecting your skin by some beneficial treatments.  Plus, if  you spend money to prevent sun damage, you may be more diligent about protecting it!  My colleague and friend Allison of Tres Belle recommends the following treatment.                   

" My  longtime staff at Tres Belle includes highly trained medical estheticians that have been studying skin care for most of their adult lives. We incorporate MIRACLE serum Phloretin CF into every single one of our facial offerings. It has been proven to help prevent skin cancer if used regularly, not only that but it does wonders for fine lines and hyper pigmentation. We always try to keep lots of free samples of it to give to our clients so that they can continue the process at home. We always stress prevention at Tres Belle not only for the look of our skin to keep it fresh and clear but also for the health of our skin. It's important to remember that prevention NOW will help save you big bucks, not to mention big worries in the future."

Boerum Hill Brooklyn NY 11217
917.763.6143 / 718.797.0033
allison@tresbellespa.com
www.tresbellespa.com

You are what you eat!

Find the healthy foods that you like and eat them!  I love Dr. Oz (Oprah's Doc!) and he gives great recommendations on Oprah.com.  Listen, we can't live a perfect life but let's make sure to do something good for our body each and everyday!!

photo source

 

Flaws, Scars, and Other Deformities

My eyes are too small, my eyes are too big, my lips are too pink, too big, uneven, hair is too thick, too curly, too straight.  I hate my short eyelashes, I hate my long lashes, my eyes are uneven, my brows are hideous, my eyes are too Asian, Causcasian, doll like, wide, far apart, close apart, deep set, prominent. Don't even get me started on the body issues that I hear.

I have heard it all and I have said many of them myself.  However, I am here to tell you to set yourself free! No one notices or cares because they are too busy obsessing about their own perceived flaws.  

Kate Middleton's newly discovered "massive" scar (that went unnocticed for months, while being photographed a gazillion times) is a perfect example of my theory.  I have had an inch scar under my eye since I was two (pulled my husky's leg while eating-whoopsie!). Remarkable, I have only had a handful of people notice it in my life.  It has receded as I aged, but is still a significant mark directly under my eye.

Everyday I stand inches away from a client while applying makeup in broad daylight or in bright light spraying every inch of their naked body with sunless tanner.  Often, twenty minutes into the application they will point out some hideous deformity to me.  Guess what?  If it was that bad, I would have noticed it!!  I ususally respond by turning away from them and asking where the scar is on my face.  Not one person has ever been able to recall the scar. They have been looking at my face for the last 20 minutes and have not seen it.  Please read my post on finding a Flaw Mentor.  The insanity needs to stop!!

 

 

Style Me Pretty Wedding

From the moment I met Carmen, I knew that I wanted to work with her on her wedding day.  I love a beautiful bride (makes my job easier!) but most of all I like to work with nice people that happen to have great taste. No stressed out bride, no high maintenance friends or relatives.  Carmen has an ease about her that parlays into an effortless and elegant wedding style.  Her Jenny Packham dress was flawless and her bridesmaids coordinated while remaining individual.  Leo Patrone captured the day beautifully and Sarah Kate Events dotted every i and crossed every t!

Check out the full post and view the great video by Well Spun Wedding Films. Carmen and Darren are a ridiculously good looking couple!  

 

  

Etsy Love - Great Gifts

It can be so difficult to find a gift for the women in your life for a wedding, holiday or event.  I find that the gifts that mean the most to me are the ones that are personalized and when I wear it I feel the love of that friend or family member with me.  My girlfriend, Kim gave me a beautiful charm necklace on my birthday with a simple "Lo" on the front and "luv u k." on the back.  I don't wear a lot of jewelry, but this is something that makes me feel special when I wear it.  I employed the same idea when my dear friends Kathleen and Kelly's mother died last year.  I found a massive array of artisans on Etsy.com who customize jewelry to fit any budget.  I loved working with an individual instead of a factory and I was so thrilled when the necklaces arrived beautifully packaged.  It seemed a fitting gift to let my friends know that they were special to me.   

I worked with a bride yesterday on her wedding day and I fell in love with this peacock bag that she purchased on Etsy.  She had her new initials embroidered on the inside of the teal lining.  I love these easy creative ways of making a gift to yourself or others special!

 Fireweed Impressions

BagNoir on Esty

Wedding gowns and bridal shoes discounted!

I am a huge fan of www.ideeli.com and they have amazing discounts on designer bridal dresses, shoes, veils, and lingerie.  Any bride should check this out.  http://www.ideeli.com/invite/lauranadeau 

 

 

LOoking good for photos!

Cutie Pa-tootie, Michelle from California contacted me about doing her own makeup for engagement photos. Michelle has a good grasp of makeup and just needed a little tune up!

Lo,

I have my engagement pictures this weekend and am doing my own make up for ease on the budget. Do you have any tips for make-up when it comes to photography.  I don't want to look overdone, but not without make-up either.

On a daily basis I wear:

• Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (Almond )

• Laura Mercier Creme Eye Base in a neutral color and top it with Bobby Brown Shimmer Brick
  
• Laura Mercier Golden Mosaic shimmer block under the cheek bones as a bronzer and  M.A.C. Peachykeen blush
• Mascara- black (I always feels like mascara ends up under my eyes though)
  
• Mac Fluidline eyeliner - Glitz and Blitz
• Chapstick on the lips or Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips in Amber. 

When I go out it is pretty much the same products but I use Laura Mercier pressed powder over the moisturizer.  I do similar things with the eye shadow just a bit darker with usually a brown or this dark gray color from MAC I have.  Sometimes for a base I'll start with MAC vanilla eye cover, which is similar to Shroom.  I use a black liquid liner across the top of the eye and the Mac fluidline on the bottom.  I'll usually use a neutral lip liner and one of my glosses like Amber.  I'd like to find a lipstick because Mark (my fiance) doesn't like it when my lips are "sticky."

I was planning on doing some make-up shopping so if you have specific product recommendations I'd love that.  Specifically a good concealer and natural looking/matte lip color I really need. 

As for the look I'm going for, I think I want a soft and romantic look with a sort of happy glow. I want to look I have make-up on versus nothing, but not for it to be overpowering.  We aren't going to be dressed formally and a lot of the pictures will be on the beach.  Maybe a subtle and smokey eye with a more natural colored lip? 

 

 

 

Michelle,

 

You are a beautiful woman and I think that with a few changes in your makeup routine we can easily make you even more photogenic!  If you think of your makeup like your wardrobe, then I would say you have all of the classics.  Now, we just fine tune with the proper accessories and I’ll show you how to dress up your look! 

1.  

    

    

    I love tinted moisturizer, but it disappears quickly.  I recommend buying the Laura Mercier oil-free foundation (unless you have dry skin) which will give you light coverage and will last longer.  It can be more economical as well, because you have the option to simply mix it with an inexpensive face moisturizer.  Voila, you have made your own tinted moisturizer and have the option for more coverage if you like.   Always, set with a loose powder (I love Laura Mercier’s translucent loose powder) this will add longevity, fight shine and create an even canvas for blush and bronzer. 

    

    

2.    Please no shimmer under your cheekbone. It is a highlight and works best on your cheekbone.  Please watch my shimmer video!  Bronzer can be used on and under your cheekbones for contour and warmth then add a “pop” color of blush on the apples of your cheeks. 

3.   Peachykeen blush is a great blush that you can apply on and under your cheekbones, but I suggest that you also add a bright "pop" color on your apples.  A peachy pink blush (Bobbi Brown Nectar) would be perfect for you.  Don’t do a pop color if you blush easily or turn red due to rosacea. 

4.  I prefer crème shimmers better than powder for the cheek. I use Nars Multiple Stick in Orgasm on everyone. 

    

5.   Laura Mercier and Bobbi Brown make great creamy under eye concealers. I apply this after eye makeup to avoid having to clean up shadow that has fallen.  

6.  M.A.C. Fluidline liner and Shroom shadow are great for you.   I would add M.A.C. Nehru to your “wardrobe”.  I can tell that you like to wear blue and this is a great contrast to your blue eyes.  You can wet Nehru and use it as eyeliner and then smudge it up for a smoky look. To “dress up” your look just do a slightly thicker line and you can use a  M.A.C. eye shadow like Print, Shale, or Sumptuous Olive to smudge into the liner for a smoky look.  You don’t have to do a full out smoky eye – that can be difficult.  Just smoke up the liner and blend, blend, blend into your shadow!  The bottom line should never be darker or more prominent than the eyeliner on top of your lid.  The focus should be drawn to the top of your eye, not the bottom. 

7. Use waterproof mascara.  M.A.C.’s is good and I also really like Maybelline Define-a-Lash in black.

8. M.A.C. lipstick in Twig could be a great neutral color for you and you can top with a little bit of sheer gloss in the center of your lip for a little moisture.  I recommend this for outside photos as wind blows hair into gloss.  As for fiancé not liking the stickiness, tell him to get used to it or to stop kissing you!!!

9. To avoid the eye shadow creasing I recommend eye shadow primers (which you are already using) and then apply a neutral shadow color on top of it to set it. Shroom is good, but it is also great to have something without shimmer.  For more longevity use a matte shadow first then add shimmer shadow like the shimmer brick as a final touch on top.  Shimmer bricks are very light and sheer and won't last as long as other shadows. 

10. Makeup does fade with time, but the best way to slow the process is to build a look using light layers. Whether on your eyes, face or lips remember the following steps: prime, add neutral color, add desired color, and add shimmer if desired.

 

 

 

 

Makeup for the camera:

1. Apply more coverage for your skin, especially under your eyes and any pink or uneven areas.  Carry a powder compact and powder your t-zone as you get shiny.

2. Apply heavier blush which will add dimension and much needed color when shooting with a flash

3. Apply thicker eyeliner. Leave it as a clean line or smudge the line out for a smoky look.

4. Fill in eyebrows to accentuate the shape

Good luck and let me know how it goes!!

xoxo,
Lo

 

Great Summer Clothing

I love a clothes that are comfy and stylish.  I love them even more if they are inexpensive!  No, I don't work for Idelli.com, I just love their stuff.  My Tribe makes these drapey lightweight frocks, that I die for since they hide a multitude of sins.  I can't get rid of my love handles and still enjoy life, so I just have a wardrobe that camouflages them!

 

http://www.ideeli.com/invite/lauranadeau