Lo & Co. Blog

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

Great Shoes for Brides!

I am a big fan of shopping on www.ideeli.com. Check out this great collection of shoes that are perfect for a special event or wedding.  They have some really beautiful ballet slippers as well for a "back up" shoe.  Register for free at http://www.ideeli.com/invite/lauranadeau

 

 

 

Recession Proof Skincare

My mother reads my blog faithfully (she better!) and often posts comment as if she just stumbled across my site. She knows the fastest way to reach me is through my website so after my blog on recession proof makeup my mom sent me an email stating " What about skincare?"  Okay mom, I am getting on it  - jeeez!

As a makeup artist , I am always asked about skincare recommendations.  I see the eagerness in my client's eyes as they wait to hear that I have the secret to fixing wrinkles, big pores, dry skin, roseacea, and dark circles.  I wish I had an easy cure, just like we all wish there was an easy way to get skinny and rich, but there ain't! My standard answer is wear sunblock, eat well and exercise. I have gone to 10 different dermatologists over the years for acne and dermatitis and they all told me to use a gentle cleanser (like Cetaphil) and a moisturizer.  Not one of them ever told me to spend a lot of money on department store brands. The only Dr.s I have ever seen recommending pricey products were actually selling them - Hmm???

I have combed through what many derms and experts recommend and they all seem to look for products with the following ingredients:

• Exfoliants:  salicylic acid, AHA (Alpha-Hydroxy Acid) such as glycolic and lactic acid
• Moisturizers: antioxidants and vitamins C (Ascorbic Acid), E (Tocopherol), A(Retin), and niacin
• Acne prone skin - salicylic acid

Before buying skin care it is crucial for you to analyze your skin.  Most of my younger clients (under 30) would be just fine with a light moisturizer such as Olay Complete with SPF 15.  This is what I use during the day in the summer.  I am a little older than 25 and my skin has gotten much drier so I use a more hydrating night creme and eye cream which I apply religiously day and night. The under eye area doesn't have oil glands so it needs more hydration - this is the item to splurge on if you are experiencing dryness.  When I deal with dry skin I use M.A.C.'s Moisturelush line,  Arbonne's RE9 skincare line or Bobbi Brown's Extra line.  Don't use unless you have dry skin.  All of the moisture in the world does not prevent wrinkles.  Moisturizers plump up the skin creating younger looking skin which is a great canvas for makeup.

I love simplicity so I always look for multi-tasking items.  I would recommend the following as good everyday moisturizers.

 

Neutrogena Healthy Skin  has all the basics - Alpha-Hydroxy Acid, Vitamins A, B5, C, E and SPF 15

 

Olay Complete All Day Moisture Lotion SPF 15 - lightweight with Vitamins C, E and SPF 15

 

 

 

 

Olay Regenerists  -   All of the products in this line are chock-a-block full of all the key ingredients and are great for dryer skin.

Stridex Triple Action Acne Pads  - an affordable salicylic acid product that allows you to place it only were you need it.  I use this around my mouth and chin which are acne prone without drying out the rest of my skin.  I also use them on my dry heels as an exfoliant and then top it with moisturizer. 

Source for all images

These are only a few of the great drugstore products, but I hope this gives you the information needed to make your own educated decisions.  Whew, I am wiped out!

For much more detailed reading, I found two great websites which I highly recommend:

Beauty Expert Paul Begoun has a great site and blog.  She has an extensive lists of products recommendations.  She has her own line, but her lists includes all brands.

WebMD has a comprehensive ingredient glossary.  This will arm you with the information to make practical choices in skincare.

Recession proof makeup!

This is a much overdo post especially in this economic climate.  There are so many wonderful drugstore products that are nearly identical to the department store brands.  The downside is that you can't try them on in the drugstore, so my advice is to check out your drugstore's return policy.  CVS and Rite Aid have been know to return used and opened cosmetics, but I would double check each store before buying.  Also, save big moola on drugstore skincare. The key is too look at the ingredient list for Vitamins A,C,E.  I have a blog coming up tomorrow with drugstore skin care recommendations. 

Here are some of the products that you will find in my makeup kit: (all products except the lip liner can be found at drugstore.com)

Neutrogena Make-up Remover Cleansing Towelettes

I use these on the face and to clean my hands and brushes off quickly when working with a client.  I love these and they are mild yet takeover waterproof mascara.

Makeup Sponges

Drugstores carry a variety of non-latex brands.  A must for applying and blending foundation.

 

Mascara

Maybelline New York Define-a-Lash Mascara (waterproof or non) - this wand is great for application without clumping

Lip Gloss

It is hard to find sheer glosses without a strong taste to them. I just don't want my lips to taste like grapes!!  I found that Wet 'n' Wild in Tropical Glaze and Berry Brazen have a nice consistency and nominal taste. Although they look very shimmery the gloss has a subtle look on the lip.  I love these alone or layered on a lip pencil for more depth.

Source for all above images

Lip liner

I always carry Prestige Lip liner in Cameo in my kit. It is a great neutral color and for only $3.99 this is a great liner for me to have as a spare for a client who needs a liner.

 

Source

Do you have any drugstore products that you recommend?  Please leave a comment and I will check them out!! 

Eyeliner Addict

Janice came over to my apartment with her girlfriend for a bridal trial. Right away I loved Janice because of her outgoing personality and her love of makeup. Janice had very thick black eyeliner all around her eyes and of course I couldn't keep my mouth shut. Janice has beautiful eyes and the harsh liner was making them look smaller not larger. Her friend was nodding in agreement and Janice knew that she had an eyeliner addiction. It happens, I was addicted to Lancome's Drumbeat Red lipcolor in 1986-1988 - Oh the 80s!! I was worried that Janice would be freaked out if I did a really light look, so I smoked up her eyes with a deep raisin color. Funnily enough Janice thought that it looked too dark and we all had a good laugh. She felt silly since she was wearing much darker when she came in. I took off the darker shadow and we started fresh with a lighter eye. We did a thin black line with false lashes and a light shimmer shadow all over her eyes. We added a little depth with a fawny color in her crease. Janice loved the look and could see that by doing liner thinner and just on the top it was pulling attention to the top of her eye and making her eyes look larger. So brides, please don't be afraid to try something new, but also don't be shy in voicing your opinion

Ask Lo - Mature Makeup

Carol from North Carolina emailed me with the following question:

 

Dear Lo,

As a mother of a bride I viewed your web site for my daughter who is getting married but I have a question for 52-year old me. I quit wearing eye shadow because it accentuates the crinkles in my upper lids. How can I get cover these crinkles so I can wear shadow? I have med/fair skin color and my hair is med. brown. The skin on my eye lids is normal - oily.

 

-Carol

 

Carol,

I believe you have a common problem that can be easily resolved.  Mature makeup is something that I love, because it is more about finesse than sparkle!  52 is quite young in the “mature makeup” category as I deal with women from 40 -90 with the same problem

We all know that light colors emphasize and dark colors minimize.  If you thought your thighs were large you definitely would not wear white tight pants. Therefore, avoid light shadows on your lids if they are accentuating crinkles. And, avoid any shimmer in eye shadows – matte is your best friend. The best thing that you can do to emphasize your eyes is to use a dark brown or dark gray liner on your top lashes and then blend this into a medium brown or gray shadow.  This will pull the focus up to the top of your eye and will provide a nice background for your eye color.

As we get older we want to keep makeup soft as harsh lines can age a face. Stay away from pencil liners (they don't stay) and use a gel liner, cake liner, or wet eyeshadow.  These liners stay in place and can be just as easy to use.  Eye primers are wonderful for any skin and are basically matte cream shadows that you apply before your eye shadow.  Go to a counter such as Bobbi Brown, Laura Mercier or Trish Mcevoy (my favs) and have someone work with you and show you how to apply these products.  If you don’t have access to a department store then find drugstore that has a return policy for used cosmetics (CVS), then you can buy several colors and try on at home. 

Mature Makeup Mentor

I think that Diane Sawyer looks amazing and is as an example of Mature Makeup (or any makeup) down right.  Her eyes are nicely defined and her skin looks fresh due to a nice pink on her lips and cheek.  I have included a nicely lit portrait shot from a distance and a snap shot with harsh lighting. I know how critical you all are of your own faces and I want to show you how beautiful women look in real life when you get close up.  Yes, you can see her wrinkles around her face, but ain't nottin gonna hide that and she looks beautiful regardless.

 

 

 

Source: ABC/Ida Mae Astute and www.tvpopcrunch.com

Lo’s basic eye

1. Apply cream shadow or eye primer over lid from lash line to crease fading up to the brow
2. Apply a medium color shadow  from your lash line towards the crease (you can go up to the crease or stop below- as long as it is blended in) depends on your eye shape and personal preference
3. apply a tight liner on your upper eyelid
4. soften line by smudging slightly with eyeshadow brush.

Suggested products

Bobbi Brown

• Eye Shadows - Fawn, Taupe, Slate, Cement
• Gel liner - Espresso, Sepia, Granite, Black Plum

Laura Mercier

• Eye Basics – Creme shadow that is a great primer. Choose a color that neutralizes your eye lid
• Liner in Mahogany or Bleu Marine

 
Drug store

• L’Oreal matte shadows- many have a dark shadow to use for a liner 
• Flesh colored cream shadow from any brand

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

xoxo,
Lo