Lo & Co. Blog

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. 

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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.

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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.

 

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

Finding a Flaw Mentor

I am asked by my clients to disguise their flaws daily and it has inspired me to add a new category to my blog called "Flaw Mentors". Women constantly pick apart their photographs and obsess about a flaw even though most people have slight facial abnormalities. A photograph is not a true representation of how one looks.  It is a frozen two dimensional image of a face that is three dimensional and fluid.  Some people are very photogenic and others are not.  I am not that photogenic as my right eye is lower than my left and when I face the camera straight on this is obvious. This used to bother me until I noticed that many celebrities - Shannon Daugherty for one - have the same flaw and they still look great.  From that point on whenever I disliked something about my face, hair or body shape I would search for a celebrity who had the same issue and they would become my Flaw Mentor. I encourage all of you to try this out. It is surprising how many gorgeous women have "flaws".   Heidi Klum admittedly has a lazy eye and I think that she is doing okay with her face.

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Angie sent me an email about her perceived flaws.

 

Lo,

 

 As you can see, my eyes are kind of different in that the bottom lid sort of

slants up whenever I smile, or do anything. It makes me look like I\'m kind

of mean or glaring or something. Also, from certain sides, my face looks

really fat and my cheekbones big. Is there anyway to get rid of that or make

my face look smaller? 

 

 

 

Angie,

 

You have high cheekbones, full lips and beautifully shaped eyes.  These are all admirable physical traits that you need to embrace.  Your face isn't fat it is round and your cheeks may be on the fuller side right now, but they will keep you looking youthful.  I had huge cheeks in my twenties and then around my mid thirties, I finally had some cheekbones. You may not like looking younger now, but you will soon. Remember, photos flatten out your face, so please keep in mind that your face is more angular in person. Your eyes may turn up when you smile, but that isn't a bad thing.  Take a look at Lucy Liu. Her eyes get much smaller and turned up when she smiles and you can see that her eyes don't exactly match.  Regardless, she is stunning.  She has also has high and broad cheekbones which enhance her overall beauty.

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Angie, I want you to find your own Flaw Mentors and start working your beautiful face.  When you appreciate your beauty others will as well - trust me.  Nothing is more beautiful than a confident woman who is comfortable in her own skin.  I would suggest the following to enhance your natural beauty:

• Have your eyebrows shaped:  Groomed brows will give you a more sophisticated look and enhance your eye shape.
• Wear blush:  Blush will add dimension to your face and give an overall boost to your skin
• Wear eye liner on your top lash line:  Eye liner will pull focus to your eyes and give you a more polished look.  Choose a gel liner that won't smudge.  See my favorite products post.

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

 

Wedding Day Must Dos!

As a makeup artist I witness the "getting ready" process every weekend and here are my top do's. The most common cause of stress that I witness on the wedding day is the bride answering emails, texts and phone calls.  Technology is great, but it isn't necessary for everyone to have access to you on that day.  Do yourself a favor and give you phone/pda to your BFF.

Set the Mood

Don't forget music.  You'd be surprised by how many nice hotels only have a crappy clock radio, so check ahead of time.  Music can help you relax or help to get the party started. Ask for a room with good natural lighting, it will be much better for hair, makeup and photography.

 

Snacks

Plan for food that will give you energy on your long day.  Bite size, easy to eat food is great when you are beautifying.  A mimosa or two can be fine as long as you match each drink with a glass of water. It easy to become dehydrated during the stress of your wedding day. 

 

Expectations

Be very exact about what your expectation are of your bridesmaids, mother, fiance.  Stress that being on time is critical and can cause you a lot of stress if they are late.  Explain that traffic is not a valid excuse (there is always traffic) and they need to plan ahead. It can also mean losing valuable time with a photographer or hair/makeup person.   If someone in your group is always late pad their time (lie!) and have them show up 30 minutes earlier than necessary.  Tell you fiance exactly what he needs to bring, wear, and tell his groomsmen.  Tell people not to call you unless it is urgent and preferably have a bridesmaid field the calls.  Remember, most people are completely clueless to the complexity of planning and putting on a modern wedding!

Plan Ahead

Ask one your peeps to screen your calls for you on your wedding day and let people know that you will not be responding to your phone or blackberry except for emergencies.  It is amazing how many people email or call to ask about basic information which is on the invitation.  This is your time to relax - put your phone away.  Ask each vendor for a contract with the balance due the week before your wedding and prepare vendor payments in envelopes ahead of time.  I have witnessed harried brides running around looking for their checkbook and double checking charges on a contract. Don't think "I will just do that when I am getting ready"  do it before your wedding day - trust me!

 

Timing

Don't underestimate the time it takes to get ready. To ease your stress, create a schedule for the day.  Decide what time you want to walk out the door and count back from that.  I recommend allowing at least 30 minutes to get dressed. Have your accessories organized, your shoes broken in and padded (if necessary) and your bag ready to go and your veil or wrap wrinkle free.  Your bag should include a pressed powder to keep your t-zone matte and your lip color. 

 

Must-Haves

List of vendor phone numbers and of all key wedding attendants.  Sunglasses (think white or a pair that will complement your look) breath mints, double-sided tape, scissors, pressed powder, hairspray, shoe pads, tissue, body lotion, SHOUT wipes, deodorant, safety pins, medications,  If your photographer is doing still photos of shoes, dress, etc. bring one of your invitations and any other special wedding items that you may want photographed.

 

 

Bridesmaids

Ask bridesmaids to bring a choice of lip colors if you have an artist doing their makeup. They may have their makeup done, but they need to have something to touch up with. Have bridesmaids get dressed before the bride – takes a while for a group of woman to get dressed and then they will be ready to help the bride dress and get out the door on time.

 

 

Most Important!

SMILE, SMILE, SMILE, and laugh.  Everywhere you turn there will be a camera and everyone (I mean everyone) looks beautiful when they are smiling and laughing.  Also, smiling and laughing will relax you.

 

Lauren Slusher Photography
 

The Down Lo on Oscar Makeup

Whenever I consult with a client about their event, wedding, or photo shoot, it is crucial to find out what kind of look they are going for.  A lot of people mumble something like "I don't know - you're the professional- what do you think?"  I always have an opinion about everything (just ask my mom, ex-husband, and sister!) but this is one of those times where I need to dig deeper and find out what my client's opinion may be.  I will dissuade or encourage them if I feel that they are going down the wrong road, but I know that if someone doesn't feel beautiful, they won't look beautiful.  I have had the most success pulling out style opinions by asking which celebrity they like on the red carpet. Do they like Reese Witherspoon's classic look or Keira Knightley's smokey eyes?  While not everyone is certain about what they look best in, most people have a strong opinion of who they think looks great and who doesn't. My mental catalogue of red carpet looks has been a great resourse for inspiration as well as clarification.

The top trends on the red carpet this year where architectural dresses as well as pale, flesh tone gowns. Overall, I felt that many women didn't have enough color on their lips or cheeks to balance the monotone look.  It is important to remember that camera flash and bright lights will wash you out and your dress color must make your skin look beautiful.  Amanda Seyfried is beautiful and so is the dress, but the color did nothing for her.  I feel the only way to pull off this dress color on her skin is to have a brighter or deeper lip color. 

 

Demi Moore pulled off the monochromatic look, with her tawny skin and dress, but many could have looked even better with a dash more color. 

 

 

I love this pink color on Anna Kendrik's skin, but maybe just a little brighter lip.   

 

Cameron got it right with a pale dress and a brighter lip.

 

Kathyrn Bigelow was my Oscar 2010 favorite because she beat out her ex (extra sweet) for best director and best picture, and she is ridiculously fit and fabulous for 59. Go Kathyrn!

 I still think she would look even better with a little pink lip.

 

  
 

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.

Inglourious Basterds - Beauty Inspiration

I can find beauty inspiration in the most unusual situations, and this fall I have found it in the much ballyhooed movie, Inglourious Basterds. Quentin Tarantino's chewy dialogue and impeccable direction made this fantasy of a marauding nazi killers in German occupied France seem like it could have and should have happened.  The film was also so incredibly acted that I found myself holding my breath during certain scenes as if I was alongside the actors on screen.

So how does this gruesome part of history inspire me?    It reminds me that beauty isn't in designer clothing, bags, shoes and the newest trends.  Beauty lies first in strength of character and conviction. Beauty can be as simple as holding your head up high even during great diversity.  Great style can be seen anywhere - even on people that live in horrific times. The main character, Shoshanna was dressed in baggy grey clothes, but she still looked stylish.  There was something about the way she held her cigarette and the perfect messiness of her hair under her hat. 

So, you are thinking "great, now Lo expects us to go sans makeup and smoke cigarettes!"  Heck no,  that is the inspiration for my fall look which I will call the "less is more" look.  The french are great at creating an effortless look that screams confidence.

Sans makeup, but oodles of attitude.

Applying the war paint (cream blush)

The look is quite easy and below are my picks for products:

Cream Blush
M.A.C  Bobbi Brown, Nars, Revlon

Matte Lipstick
Check out previous post on how to apply a red lip

Nail Polish
Dark red/plum I love O.P.I's Mrs. O'Leary's BBQ and Vampire State Builiding
Classic red - O.P.I's Big Apple Red, and Essie's Fish Net Stockings

Fabulous in Five - Products and Techniques

The sexy and sassy stylist (I just love alliteration), Amy Salinger asked me to be a guest for her Fab in Five video. Amy has a slew of great videos on youtube and her website/blog is amazing. Click here to subscribe to Amy's Videos and/or click here to receive Sass n Style updates. Check it out for stylish yet practical tips. I had a blast doing this video and am planning on doing more how-to videos this month.

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NARS Multiple Creme Duo ($45) or Nars Blush/Bronzer Shadow Duo ($37) - A must have in my makeup kit.

Avon's Mark Cosmetics has some great blush and bronzers at a great price ($6) I use After Glo everyday for a great peachy blush and Bronze Glo and Golden Glo work well as a bronzer.

Technique: Apply bronzer in a big "c" around your eyes brushing on and under your cheekbone and lightly over your eyes on the temples. Add blush on the apples of your cheeks for a healthy glow.

Don't forget to tap off excess powder on brush before applying and use the brush to blend once the powder has been dispersed on cheek. When in doubt, blend and check your makeup in natural light.

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L'Oreal Infinite Wear Shimmer Eyeshadow - Shroom

Stila Kitten Eyeshadow - another staple in my makeup kit

Technique: Apply with brush or finger all over lid. Add to inside corner for extra "oomph"

Prestige Lip Liner in Cameo or in Natural. Can find in drugstores.

Technique: Apply neutral lip liner all over the lip as a lip primer to add longevity to any gloss.

Hair Favorites

Marc Anthony Strictly Curls - I picked this up at Duande Reade and was super impressed with the product. It is great on curly hair and I also found that it works well on slightly wavy hair like mine to create a "beachy wave" look.

Technique: Work product into hands and apply lightly to curls.

Salon Grafix Spray Powder Shampoo - Skip the pricey powder shampoos and get the same results.

Technique: Hold can 6-8 inches away from hair and spray toward the root of the hair. Spray in sections where you need lift or want to absorb oil. Best to do little at a time, don't spray your entire head like Amy does in the video!

[photo source]

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.