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!  

 

  

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

 

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

Makeup Lessons for Brides

I work with many brides who are having out of town or destination weddings. They feel more comfortable doing their own makeup than leaving it to chance with a local artist so they come to me for a lesson.  I always try to convince the bride to take me with them (especially to island destinations), but unfortunately the air and hotel costs for me isn't in their budget - darn economy!!

A lesson is always fun and even if the bride is going to use a local artist, I will often design the look for a bride and she can use that as a guideline for anyone who does her makeup.  I don't want to disparage non-NYC makeup artists, as there are great artists everywhere. The trouble is finding someone with the same aesthetic and because makeup styles differ regionally and culturally it can be difficult to explain your preferences to a foreign artist.  A good makeup artist will understand this and should be happy to have as many details as possible and not consider it an insult.

Alisa came to see me for a makeup lesson last April and we worked together to find a great look for her upstate NY wedding.  Alisa was kind enough to share her experience with me.

 

Why did you decide to do your own makeup?

I wanted to have more control over my look. I was getting married out of town, so was not to familiar with the makeup services there.  I was worried about being overdone. I knew I was going to get my hair done proffessionally, so I wanted to concentrate on finding someone I was comfortable with for my hair and do the makeup myself. Plus my maid of honor is my sister and she prefers to do her own. My two bridesmaids are 11, so they didn't need a lot of makeup. So finding someone for one person might be tricky. I also have been getting mixed results from the mac counter where I usually get my makeup. I wanted  to get an update especially since I am not a twenty-something anymore!

 

What was the most difficult part to do/learn?

The false eyelashes were tricky  but worth it. Other than that it was pretty smooth. I wear makeup, so it wasn't like I was learning a new skill. Just refining and learning better techniques.

 

 

Was there anything that surprised you about your makeup and/or taking a lesson?

Nothing too surprising. But I learned about how to get my makeup to last throughout the day. That was really important. A lot of the products I was using seemed like they would be gone in three hours. Now I know what to do so my look lasts throughout the day.

 

 

What advice would you give another bride who is doing their own makeup?

Practice, practice, practice. I had my appointment in the beginning of April for a late May wedding. Plus, if you are going to be  a  nervous wreck the day of your wedding, you might be better off having someone do it for you. Also, time yourself and schedule the right amount of time you need. You don't want to rush on your wedding day! I got married at 4pm. I had my hair appointment at 11:30. I started my makeup before the appointment. Afterward, I touched up my foundation and did my eye makeup and final touches after. I was ready on time for photos beforehand, everyone else was a little late!

 

 

I feel like a proud mother bird, pushing her baby out of the nest and seeing her fly!  Great job, Alisa.

The key was to keep Alisa's makeup soft while still adding definition.  With fair skin and light brows one needs to be careful not to overdo the eyebrows or use colors which are too severe.  This can make a women look older instead of prettier.  I think the only female who wants that is an 18 year old trying to pass for 21 at a bar!  We still want to use color, but we want everthing to be blended and soft.

 

The look:

M.A.C eyebrow pencil in Fling

M.A.C eye shadows - Quarry, Coquette, Shroom

Bobbi Brown Granite Gel Liner (smudged into the eyeshadow)

#53 Andrea Lashes 

M.A.C - Twig lipstick (a fantastic lip color to wear alone or with gloss)

 

 

 

Thanks Alisa and best of luck! xoxo Lo

 

Simple & Sassy - Get The Look

I did a post on Jen's video a few weeks ago and here is the "Get the Look" that I promised. Jen's look is actually quite simple and classic and I didn't even use false lashes because her natural lashes are so long. I have included a close up photo of Jen that I took during the trial so you can see how it would look if you were looking at yourself in a mirror.  I feel that this perspective is so important since most photos are in brighter light and the makeup is very diffused.  Jen looks as if she doesn't have on much makeup except for lip color but in reality she has a strong eyeliner, foundation, concealer, filled in brows, and tons of mascara. I have a face chart and detailed product list on my Get The Look page. How adorable/pretty/cute is she?? I just love her.

Mariano Delgado- photography
JCrew - dress and shoes
Jennie Brent from Lo and Co. - Hair

Jen at her makeup trial

Foundation:  Era Face by Classified Cosmetics color R2.
Eye Shadow:  Stila Kitten and Heather in the crease
Eye Liner:  Bobbi Brown Granite Eyeliner
Lip:  M.A.C Retro topped with Bobbi Brown Cranberry Lip Sheer
Cheek:  Nars Mulitple Stick - Orgasm on cheekbones and Bobbi Brown Nectar on the apples of the cheeks.

Real Brides - Jen in Brooklyn

Jen came to see me and my hair diva, Jennie B for a trial and the three of us had so much fun it hardly seemed like work.  Jen is a cutie patootie and I think she looks like the love child of Isla Fisher and Lindsay Lohan.  We rocked out her look with a stained red lip, false eyelashes, and a catted out black eyeliner.  I will have a follow up post this week with her photos and a break down of all of the products that I used to "get the look".  Jennie B did an amazing job on the hair for Jen and her sister and videographer,  Michael DiChiaro put together this cool highlights reel. Also, check out this hilarious save-the-date (I refuse to use the acronym).  I looove Jen and Brian's sense of humor!

www.CreativeVideoEditing.com

Hayley and Gareth's Elopement

The Elopement.  What bride hasn't thought about it?  Throwing the wedding binder out the window, ripping up the seating chart, and making a bonfire of all of those bridal magazines. Nevertheless, most brides muster up the strength and stamina to plan the big wedding. These are the majority of my brides, so my curiousity was piqued when was I asked to work with an eloping bride.

British couple Hayley and Gareth boldly planned their "party of two" in NYC. They had a grand day planned to the "T" by my friend and colleague, Soraya Jollon .  They got ready at the chic Library Hotel, followed by a photoshoot all over the city with photographer, Erica Lynn who did a bang up job. Their intimate ceremony, was officiated by Carrisa Templeton  (one of my brides) followed by cocktails at Pegu and a fabulous dinner out in the city.  Hayley wore here gown (and super cool boots) the entire day.  The day was one of the rainiest in May, but as you can see by the photos it didn't dampen their mood.

Hayley was a dream to work with and Gareth was just too adorable with those mutton chop sideburns.  I watched as Gareth saw Hayley for the first time in her gown and I was moved by his emotional reaction.  They are just such a lovely couple.  I left the hotel and although the day was gray and rainy I felt like my heart had grown a little by witnessing their love.  Best of luck, Hayley and Gareth.

Sherien - Egyptian Goddess!

I have had Sherien's photos in my gallery for many months now and I am happy to show the beautiful video which my good friends Rob and Leyda shot at Rockmelon.  They captured the Egyptian and Dominican infused celebration which I had the pleasure of attending.  

One of the great things about being a makeup artist in NYC is that I get to work with many different cultures. Sherien got ready at her parent's home which was choc-a-bloc full of family and friends.  Many of Sherien's relatives live on the same block and and they kept popping in to see how the "beautifying" was going. The joy and love was palpable in the home I was glad to be a part of it.  I did the makeup on Sherien's aunt who had flown in all the way from Cairo for the event.  I get nervous when doing makeup on someone from a different culture especially when there is a language barrier.  I am never quite sure if their aesthetic will match mine. I kept chatting away a mile a minute and she just kept smiling and looking at me with the kindest of eyes. I hope she was pleased with the results, but I have a feeling that no matter what I did she was going to look radiant and happy.  

I would like to take more credit for Sherien's look, but I didn't have to do much but highlight her already defined features.   I used Classified Cosmetics foundation lightly across her face with a rose blush to pop out her cheekbones. I enhanced her eyes with a rosey gold eyeshadow a tight black gel liner on her top lash line.  Sherien's lips are brought out by Bobbi Brown's Rose Gold gloss on her lips. My hair diva, Jennie Brent did a bang up job with a messy chignon.  

Jennie and I were invited to the wedding and I was so excited to attend.  I knew it would be an amazing party and I was not dissapointed.  The multi-cultural event was visually stunning as well as festive.  My favorite part was the belly-dancing and flamenco dancing. Nothing gets a party started like gyrating midsections!  I danced my butt off and by the end of the reception I had taken Sherien's veil off of her head and was wearing it while shaking my grove thing!

Sherien's smoldering beauty is obvious in the photos and videos, but I believe that most of that comes from a passionate and beautiful soul.  I will not forget that great day I spent with Sherien and her family.  Best of luck Sherien and Randy. xoxo Lo

Reception:  The Tobacco Warehouse in Brooklyn. 

Photography: Angelica Glass 

To see more gorgeous photos go to projectwedding.com where they are featured the real weddings section.

Real Brides - Sarah

When I meet with a bride for the trial run - I take photos, a video and keep detailed notes so I can remember as much as possible about her look and personality.  It is amazing how a few simple words can bring a client's unique personality back to me regardless of the time passed.  The words on my notes for for Sarah read "really nice person". This is a commonly used phrase, but when I write it as a note to myself - I know exactly how special that phrase is. I have a rare job that requires me to stare at a face and eyes, to focus on a person from inches away with the intent of understanding them and trying to enhance their beauty. In my day-to-day life, I skim over things and multi-task, but when I am applying makeup on a face I am truly in the moment and that enables me to see people in a more intimate way. It is difficult to hide from your makeup artist!!

Jacob Pritchard's photography captured Sarah's beauty as well as her calm and kind persona.  I enhanced Sarah's eyes by using an opal color shadow all over the lid and using rosy browns along the lash line and crease.  I topped the soft eye with a very tight black gel liner to "pop" her eyes in photos.  I used my new favorite lip combo - Bobbi Brown's Blue Raspberry Creamy Lip Color topped with Pink Brightening Gloss.

I love the idea of taking a double-decker bus with your guests to the ceremony.  What a fun way to travel and see the city.  Tara of EAP , was the fantastic day of coordinator. The couple wed at Central Park's Conservatory Garden with the reception taking place at Astra.

 



Good Luck Sarah and Michael!!!

Real Bride - Aisyah!

I met Aisyah for her makeup trial a few months ago and was so excited to be a part of her wedding because of her fun loving personality. As a makeup artist I am a little obsessed with skin tones and bone structure. And, while I love my fair skin, I was a tad envious of her butterscotch exterior and high cheekbones.  I believe the secret to taking great photos is to be in the moment, be yourself, and interact with your friends and family. Aisyah is a cheeky monkey and I love that it shows in her photographs. She knows how to interact with the camera playfully and authentically, yet "pretends" it isn't there for some nice beauty shots. To get her look check out a previous post I did using Aisyah's trial photos as an example of how to do a basic eye.

Aisyah personalized her look with butterflies and a ridiculous pair of 5 inch Christian Louboutin shoes with pink feathers (love!) and her dress converted to a mini.  I have no idea how she walked in these -  but I love this girl!

Photographer Christopher Lane did an amazing job of capturing the day in Dumbo, Brooklyn at the uber cool Smackmellon. I once again collaborated with fabulous Stacy Pitt who did this Hollywood glam look. Enjoy!

 

 

 

View all of the photos here