Lo & Co. Blog

Ask Lo - Under Eye Dilemma

I love to help out my viewers navigate the cosmetic world.  There are so many products with false claims and I want to share with you products and techniques that really work.  Linda contacted me about a treated dark and dry under eye skin. This is a common issue, but very treatable.

Dear Lo,

I have dark under eye circles so would love how to minimize that.  But, I have green eyes, so would like to play them up. Also, what would you recommend for under eye & eyelid dryness?  It's only been going on with one of my eyes for about 6 weeks, but eye cream doesn't seem to be helping even though I put it on day and night.

I have seasonal allergies like hay fever and I'm allergic to a variety of other things. Right now I use foundation from Bare Minerals foundation and I've stopped using any under eye concealer because of the dryness under my eyes, it just looks like a mess if I put anything on it. Thanks so much for your help!
  ~ Linda

Linda,

Under eye darkness and dryness is a very common problem and something that usually worsens with age (good times!)  The good news is that we can cover darkness and hydrate the skin.  Allergies, can worsen darkness and cause the skin to be drier due to rubbing watery, itchy eyes.  Also, the skin under the eye doesn't have oil glands, so it will always be drier than the rest of your skin. Here is what I suggest:

• Invest in a super emollient eye cream and use day and night.  I like M.A.C Moisturelush Eyecream, Bobbi Brown Eye Balm, Arbonne eye cream.  All of these are super hydrating and will work wonders.
• Buy a hydrating under eye concealer that has full coverage. Bobbi Brown makes a super moist concealer and I also recommend their pink-based under eye corrector (used first to neutralize gray/purple). Erase Paste by Benefit is also a really nice concealer.
• It is crucial to use the correct color and technique. Check out  my application tips and go to the counter and have an artist test the colors on you. This is a product that is worth splurging on.  It should look a little too light at first, but as it oxidizes it will blend into your skin. You can use a light dusting of translucent powder to set concealer and avoid smudges.

Makeup Tips

• Don't forget to wear blush.  I nice pop of blush on your cheeks detracts from dark circles, adds dimension to your face and gives you a "just ran around the block" glow. Go Blush!
• Avoid purple/plum eye shadow or liners as that will just highlight purple underneath the eye.  Apply eyeliner on the top lash line only to pull attention up and away from the under eye area.
• Curled lashes bring attention up - I see that you do that already - good job!

To highlight your beautiful green eyes use a gold-based shadow.   There are a ton of shimmer shadows in a variety of colors which have a gold base and provide a great background color for your eyes.  M.A.C's Mulch (bronze brown) and Sumptuous Olive (goldy green)are two of my favorites.  Then apply a nice tight eyeliner (dark brown or black) on your upper lash line.  Hello green eyes!

Let me know how everything goes!

PS I have eye allergies and love to use Naphcon A for itchy eyes (OTC), but check with your Dr.

xoxo,
Lo

The Down Lo on Makeup Artists!

Finding

I am continually asked how to find a MUA when you don't live in a metropolitan area or are just not having any luck with referrals from websites.  I recommend the following:

1. Contact wedding photographers, reception venues, or hair stylists for referrals.
2. Go to a makeup counter and ask specifically for an artist that does bridal.  Ask them questions about their rate, technique, past weddings.  If an artist doesn't know their bridal rate then they ain't doing weddings!
3. Contact beauty salons and ask for a referral

Choosing

I recently had a bride ask me "do I need to have several makeup/hair trials?".  My response is absolutely not. I recommend that you do your due diligence and google them before the trial and see what is said about them.  If you have a lot of time and disposable income, then see as many as you like, but most brides are on a time crunch and a budget.  If you love how you look and feel comfortable with the artist then book her/him.(visit my blog on bridal trial dos)  I encounter a lot of indecisive brides and my advice to them is to trust your gut and bring a friend to the trial.  Don't expect to look like you would on your wedding day - this is a trial.  You can't see the full picture and the hair and makeup will look even better on the wedding day as the artist is starting out knowing exactly what the end product is. 

Tipping

Lastly, I want to talk about gratuity. I am asked about this often and it is tricky for me to answer since I am a vendor and don't want any of my clients to feel pressured to tip.  I have worked as a waitress, bartender, counter MUA, dogwalker, and nanny so I feel that I have a good grasp on the service industry and what is expected/appreciated! Waitstaff is paid a very low hourly wage b/c gratuity is expected, so please take care of them!  When you deal with a MUA at a counter please consider the following.  Their job is to sell the product and they must meet sales quotas. They are expected to help customers and show how to apply products, but they are not expected to give full makeovers, unless the customer is seriously interested in buying products.  This does not mean that you should feel beholden to buy a product if you try them on.  I am talking specifically about people who come in and have a full face of makeup done with no intention of purchasing.  The difference is in the intent.  If you are spending time with them for the sole purpose of a lesson or a trial, then you should buy products or tip them (or both!).  This isn't a store/brand policy but it is considered proper etiquette among counter MUAs. I do want to stress that a gratuity means that you are grateful for their service - you shouldn't feel bullied into tipping or buying products. I have also been on the receiving end of poor service at makeup counters and that is not kosher!

When working with freelance MUA, you are hiring them for a service and leaving a tip is completely acceptable.   In my experience, 80-90% of brides tip on the day of the wedding, but far less tip for the trial. Personally, I consider a tip to be extra frosting on the cake and am always very grateful that my service was appreciated. I don't expect expect a tip and I don't think less of my clients who don't tip. The best tip for me is a very happy client who refers me to her friends, family, or blogs.  However, I can't speak for everyone and I know that many artists do feel slighted and expect a gratuity on the day of the wedding. I understand that a lot of people go by the rule of thumb, that if an artist is self-employed that there is no need to tip.  My feel is that great service is great service, period.  If you are not happy with their service don't tip.  Besides, working for yourself is a lot more blood, sweat, and tears than an being employee. 

Bottom line:  Trust your gut and reward great service (not mediocre!)

Editorial Fun!

You all know that I live for my "real people" clients, but I do love to get a little crazy and do some editorial work.  Monica Broz is a fabulous wedding and fine art photographer so when she asked me to shake things up with her I jumped at the chance.   I thought that you may enjoy seeing the wilder side of Lo, which still can be used as inspiration for everyday looks. I also included my snap shot and the pro shot so you can see the difference lighting and talent makes.

I had fun turning Russian beauty, Natalia into a modern Geisha. This look is an exaggeration of everything - eyebrows, eyeliner, lip color. However, it is still a clean look that accentuates Natalia's gorgeous features (and she is sweet and smart too!).  To take this to real life, apply a tight eyeliner line with a dark gel liner (M.A.C, Bobbi Brown, Stila), groom brows and a stain your lip with a berry or red lipstick. By staining, I mean that instead of a solid application of lipstick, you press the color into the lip with your fingers and blot with a tissue a few times, thus creating a stained lip.  (see blog on red lips).

Photo: Monika Broz

Model, Frances has this otherworldly quality that I had so much fun with.  We used blue in the blush, eyeshadow, and eyebrows instead of the typical colors.  Without using much makeup the effect really enhanced her incredible skin and hair color. This concept is true in real life (no blue blush please!) by enhancing eye color with contrasting eyeliners instead of matching.  The correct blush and lip color can make your skin look even more beautiful. A pop of color can make your natural coloring look even brighter and better!

 

Photo: Monika Broz

This was the second look on Frances and we had a blast creating this look.  I primarily used M.A.C Club eyeshadow on her eyes and place her blush really low to create an surreal look. I wouldn't recommend this as inspiration for bridal, but if you want to put a spin on a smoky eye, Club is your color.  Poor Frances would forget about the green stems in her hair and bang them into the door jam as she moved from room to room! It really isn't easy to be a model.

 

Photo: Monika Broz

I know that you all think being a makeup artist is a cushy job, but I will have you know that I did have to do the makeup on the male model below and I didn't like any second of it!!!

Actually, I am old enough to be his mother (teen mother, that is!)

It is a messy job!

Wedding Salon Event - Monday March 23

Free Food, Champagne and False Eyelash Lessons!

The Wedding Salon is throwing an amazing event next Monday at the Roosevelt Hotel.  There is a fashion show, dancers, chocolate fountains, and champagne!!  Need I say more.  Oh, and I will be there (on the balcony level) with celebrity stylist, Allison Berlin.  I will be doing demonstrations on how to apply false lashes and other fun stuff.  Also, Allison has tons of great tips for shopping for you dress, so please stop by. 

PS. Use code WLNY09C from the Wedding Library Blog to get complimentary tickets and Brooklyn Bride has a code for $15 tickets.

Expert Advice - Gown Shape

I loved the "tricks of the trade"  that celebrity stylist, Allison Berlin shared with us last week, so I asked her for more expert insight.  I love to work with Allison and think of her as part of my beauty S.W.A.T. team!  It can take a village to look great and we are here for you.

Along with being recently named one of NYC's Best Personal Stylists by Page 6 Magazine, Allison has been the talent stylist on my favorite show What Not to Wear for over 3 years.Yes, that means she dresses Stacey!

Side Note: WNTW's hairstylist Nick Arrojo lives in my building and I think he is afraid of me after our initial "meeting" in the elevator. I may have been a little too excited to make his acquaintance!

Wedding Gown Styles De-Mystified

The elation of an engagement and finally being able to shop for the dress of your dreams is so exciting that brides often become overwhelmed with the reality of having to find The Dress from a sea of different gown styles.   Few brides know there is a bit of science involved in choosing the most flattering dress for your body type.   Once you discover the right shape, The Dress won’t be far behind.  Keep these styles in mind as you research bridal magazines and start the shopping process.

A-Line- The most universally flattering style for most body types but best for pear-shaped and short-waisted brides.  This style enhances a narrow waist and flows out in an ‘A’ shape at the hip to create a smooth line and hide imperfections.

Ball Gown- A traditional, formal gown style that is flattering for taller and fuller-figured brides.  The emphasis on the narrow waist, and sometimes dropped waist, highlights the smallest part of the body.  Ball gowns are also a great choice for busty brides because the fitted waist and full skirt help balance proportions. While many brides want to feel like a Princess on their big day, petite brides should avoid a gown with so much fabric.  After all, you want to the focus, not your dress.

Mermaid- This curve-hugging shape is contemporary, glamorous and is even popular with starlets on the Red Carpet.  Mermaid, or trumpet, gowns are form fitting through the knee and flare out into a circle.  Great for brides with well proportioned curves or those looking to enhance a boyish figure.

Sheath- This higher-waist, straight style is well-suited for tall or petite brides and athletic body types.  Sheath gowns are often cut on the bias which will show every curve and bump.  Brides may wan to opt for a tailored (thicker fabric) sheath that is more forgiving. 

Empire Waist- Becoming popular in the past few years, the empire gown is fitted under the bust and flows into an A-line skirt.  This is a trendy style that has a relaxed attitude—perfect for beach and less formal destination weddings.

Allison Berlin www.stylemadesimple.net

Thanks Allison!!

 

 

 

 

How to shimmer Video

I have had a lot of questions about shimmer lately, and after one of my viewers told me that she was putting shimmer under her cheekbones as a bronzer, I knew it was time to revisit my shimmer video/blog.  I don't think many people have seen this video that is on my site, so please check it out. 

Shimmer is meant to highlight, not to use all over your face. Using shimmer all over would be equivalent to writing this entire paragraph in bold type - nothing would stand out.  Also, shimmer doesn't reflect much in interior lighting.  However, when you go outside or have a flash bounce off of your face you can look like a greasy disco ball.  Don't use shimmer on your nose, dry skin or wrinkly skin unless you want to accentuate any of those items.

Click to play

Styling Tricks from Allison Berlin

Wouldn't it be great if we all had a stylist to dress us everyday!  Of course, mere mortals like us don't have room in our budget for that so I asked my my stylist extraordinaire colleague, Allison Berlin (www.stylemadesimple.net) to give me some tricks of the trade.  Listen, I watch women pile into these formal gowns every weekend and believe me it takes a village.  Well, at least proper undergarments!

Trick or Treat?

I get a lot of requests to divulge my tricks of the trade. For example, what keeps the girls from peeking out of that low cut halter gown? How can I fill out that Vera Wang strapless number? What do I do when I get more deodorant on my shirt than under my arm? The answers to those burning fashion fix-it questions and more were reserved for closed sets until now! 

Chicken Cutlets- that's what the pros call 'em! They're actually uplifting silicone bra inserts that help fill-out or even-out. I'm also a fan of Low Beams and Fashion Forms Gel Petals for overly attentive nipples. http://www.thebetterboobjob.com/

Topstick- the stylists' go-to fix-it.  More powerful that Hollywood Tape, the little yellow box was originally meant for keeping toupees(!) in place. I use it to keep a loose hem from dangling, a collar from flopping over, and a button-front shirt peek-a-boo free.   http://www.wardrobesupplies.com/store

Shout Wipes- Keep these individually wrapped wipes in your handbag ready for a clumsy moment. First, wipe off the excess solution on the back of your hand, then gently DAB (not wipe) the stain.  I used this to remove a small blood stain on a white dress just before my client walked the Red Carpet, seriously. http://www.drugstore.com/templates/browse/default.asp?catid=23240

Deodorant- possibly the most unusual solution, simply rub the thin foam padding covering the top of a dry cleaner's hanger against the white mess and suddenly you're ready to go (provided it's not a huge mark). I have no idea how I learned this but it works wonders!

T&A- Gowns require some serious structure to look effortless.  Shapers should be every brides BFF and attend all dress fittings.  Spanx panties have the best sucking power and come in all different lengths from the rib cage to the thigh.  If you’re small busted, have the bra cups sewn into your g own.  If you’re blessed with more, skip the strapless bra and invest a good nude bustier (they often sell this at the bridal shop).  My favorite bra tricks for ‘girls’ of all sizes?  Braza bra extenders allow you to wear your regular bra with a scoop back top or dress, and a 2in safety pin attached to the back of your bra straps can turn your regular bra into a racer-back without that high, thick panel down the middle. 

http://www.spanx.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2990106&cp=2992042.3015040

http://www.galapagosboutique.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=BRA-LOWDOWN

Travel stylist- want all the glamour of being a stylist but none of the physical labor? Become your own pro with a travel styling kit. Make sure your planner/bridesmaid/mom has this handy in the bridal suite the day-of.  It has what you need to fix last minute wardrobe malfunctions for the bride or groom!   http://wardrobesupplies.com/store/

Thanks Allison - I love those treats!

Brow Help

I received an email from Stephanie which stated her frustration with finding someone who she could trust with her brows in Richmond.  I wish that I could fly Stephanie in on my private jet to personally tend to her brows, but times are tough! So, I asked her for a photo and did my first long distance brow consultation.

Dear Lo,

My goal is to get my brows in shape for my wedding at the beginning of April. I have been cautious  about getting them waxed b/c once they're gone, there is no fixin' them.   -Stephanie

Stephanie,

Here are my suggestions for doing them yourself:

1. You have a great natural shape – I think it is key to trim your brows more than pluck
2. Use a brow comb to brush your brows either up or down (which works better)
3. Trim the brows ever so slightly a couple of hairs at a time in line than matches your general shape.  Do a little trim then brush back to normal then redo if necessary.  You don’t want to over cut, just get the hairs short enough so they stay in the general shape better.  Asian eyebrows can be very stubborn and trimming them can help to whip them into shape.
4. I recommend a M.A.C. eyebrow pencil (spike or stud) and draw in feathery strokes where indicated on the photo.  You can use a brow brush with powder if you  like or some people like to do a combo of both.  Take the same approach as with trimming. A little bit at a time. Sketch in going with the hair in short strokes that mimic the natural hair.  Then brush through with your brow comb or clean mascara spoolie.  Then step back look in mirror and repeat as necessary.  It is so key to back up away from the mirror and take a look. People don’t see you - and shouldn’t see you from 2 inches away.
5. Don’t obsess about eyebrows not being identical – they shouldn’t be. Think of them more as cousins than twins.
6.  I like to finish of with a clear gel to keep the brows in place and it also gives a natural look after using powder or pencil (or both!).

Any hair on or below the pink line should be plucked and the longer hairs should be trimmed so they don't fall below the line.

Black lines show where to subtly fill in with pencil or powder.

Good Luck!!

 

LOvely Asian eyes!

I have been hearing a lot of frustration and confusion from my Asian brides as to how to apply eye makeup.  I simply try to define the eye and use colors that complement the skin tone.  I don't approach an Asian eye any differently than I would any Caucasian, Hispanic, African, or Icelandic eye.  I don't believe in "creating" a crease if there isn't one. I like to accentuate the lash line which will define and pop your eye color. Below is a breakdown of my simple approach for an Asian eye and it can be used on any eye. I have a list of specific products below the photos.

1. Brush a sheer shimmer shadow over the entire lid (blended into the eyebrow area) I suggest either an opal or gold shimmer.
2. Apply a thin tight line across the upper lashline. Use a thicker line for a more dramatic eye.
3. Smudge the liner with a eyeshadow brush or smudge brush
4. (optional) Sweep a medium tone color on the eyeshadow brush and smudge this into the liner and up towards the top of your eyeball. The shape of the shadow should mirror the shape of your eye.  Blend, blend and blend with an empty shadow brush or ponytail brush.
5. (optional) Apply lashes if wanted (see video)
6. Apply mascara to curled lashes.

Done!

 

Here are some of my recommended products:

Sheer light Shadow

M.A.C. - Rice Paper, Shroom,
Bobbi - Champagne, any of the Shimmer Bricks
L'Oreal - Duos in Classic Khaki and Mocha Buff

Liners

M.A.C. Fluidline in Backtrack or Dipdown
Bobbi - Gel Liner in Black Plum(great for popping brown eyes), Black, Espresso, Granite

Medium Shadows

M..A.C. - Expensive Pink, Girlie, Shale, Era, Haux
Bobbi - Raisin, Fawn, Stone, Chocolate Shimmer
Almay - Pure blend shadows - Stone, Oatmeal, Lavender

Brushes

Stilla - #28 double sided brush - a liner and smudge brush - one of my favorite brushes! I also love #30 - double sided eyeshadow and ponytail brush.

Here examples of this eye on my gorgeous brides. Let me know if this helps you out!!

 

 

 

www.wayneyuan.com  - Fabulous photographer!