Laura Nadeau is the creator and owner of Lo & Co Makeup Artists, specializing in creating a fun and fabulous community for brides or any woman who wants to step-up her beauty routine. In addition to her own blog, The Down Lo, Laura shares her insight and advice on bridal beauty secrets right here, every week.
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.
Lo: Why did you decide to do your own makeup?
Alisa: 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 professionally, 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!
Lo: What was the most difficult part to do/learn?
Alisa: 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.
Lo: Was there anything that surprised you about your makeup and/or taking a lesson?
Alisa: 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.
Lo: What advice would you give another bride who is doing their own makeup?
Alisa: 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 everything 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
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