The OurWeddingDay.com Blog

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

We just posted a new article on the mp3 player/professional DJ debate.

Cheryl Q is an acclaimed wedding entertainment specialist.  She is a published author, a mentor in the national American Disc Jockey Association, on the ADJA Board of Directors - South Florida Chapter, and is the only woman in the US who is CPSDJ Certified.  Now she weighs in on the increasingly controversial subject of using ipods at wedding receptions, exclusively for OurWeddingDay.com:

Check it out.

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.

Dear Lo,

Like every other bride, I want to look "perfect" on my big day, and I'm tempted to hire someone to do my make-up for me, but we are getting married in the middle of nowhere.  Finding someone to travel without having a huge budget has been an issue, so I think I'll end up doing it myself.  The problem is I rarely wear make-up.  I'm just WAY to tired/lazy in the morning to do anything with my face before I head to work, besides slather on some Neutrogena Tinted Moisturizer and Clinique High Impact Mascara.  So, needless to say, I'm NERVOUS.  There are so many products and now there are HD formulas added to the mix to create even more confusion for me!!  I have no problem investing in quality make-up, but since I have no idea what I'm buying most of the time I end up not liking it and getting discouraged.  Ugh!

People say my eyes are my best feature, so I want to try and play those up for the big day, but I've tried applying fake lashes before and had a terrible time (I'm a blinker when things get too close to my eyes!).  I could be hopeless. 

~ Chelsey

Chelsey, 

You are too cute!  You look really great without makeup and it will be easy to make you look even more "natural" for your wedding.  First of all, your eyes are gorgeous and you have great skin and bone structure. Let's just even out your skin tone and a little definition and dimension.  I love your inspirational photos and this is what I refer to as a "classic eye".  It is all about a sheer shimmer shadow and a tight liner across the top of the lid. False lashes can add extra glam. I did this eye on Carissa in a previous post which has a detailed product list.  The only difference is doing a pink lip instead of a deep berry.

I think this will be a great complement to your halter style dress and summer wedding venue.  However, since you don't wear a lot of makeup we need to see how comfortable you are with this eyeliner.  I want you to go to a Bobbi Brown, M.A.C. or Stila counter with these photos and ask an artist to show you how to do this eyeliner.  All of the aforementioned brands have a gel liner that is perfect for this and easier to use than liquid liner. I recommended trying a dark gray liner instead of black - it will be a little softer.  For the lip try out some of the Bobbi Brown pink glosses layered over a lip pencil.  I love Bobbi's Petal, Pink Beige, and Rose Sugar gloss.  I have used these on countless brides over a neutral lip pencil.  You can adjust the color with the lip pencil.  If you want more pink go with a pinker liner or if you want more depth use a darker pencil under the pink gloss.  Experiment and find what you feel best in.  Finally, if you feel that the liner is too strong you can smudge the liner and soften the look.  Simply apply a medium gray shadow (M.A.C's Print shadow) on a small eye shadow brush and blend it into the liner.  This creates a smudged smoky line which many women feel more comfortable in.  There is no perfect look for everyone; it is all about what you feel best in.  Trust your gut and don't worry, as an expert I guarantee you are going to look gorgeous no matter what!

xoxo,
Lo

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.

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 for photography?

On a daily basis I wear: Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer (Almond ), Laura Mercier Creme Eye Base in a neutral color, Bobby Brown Shimmer Brick, Laura Mercier Golden Mosaic shimmer block under the cheek bones as a bronzer, and  M.A.C. Peachykeen blush.  For mascara: black (I always feels like mascara ends up under my eyes though); eyeliner: Mac Fluidline - Glitz and Blitz; lips: chapstick or Bare Escentuals Buxom Lips in Amber.

When I go out it is pretty much the same, 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 fiancé) 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.  I really need a good concealer and natural looking/matte lip color. 

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 like I have make-up on, 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'll 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. Don't use shimmer under your cheekbones. It is a highlight and works best on your cheekbones.  Please watch my shimmer video on my site!  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 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 your 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. 

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

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 have always loved the sophisticated look of a beautiful red lip.  I know, I know, you are afraid of red – you think that you will look like a clown or something even worse!  I have heard it all, but trust me the right red can make your skin look amazing and your eye color pop.  If you are short on time, throw on your red lip, mascara, blush and you look pulled together and confident.

The red lip was worn by many top actresses at the Golden Globes this year and many brides are turning to this classic look and rocking it!  The trend is to have a more stained look, rather than a perfectly lined, opaque lip.  It can range from a subtle berry to fire engine red.  So no matter what you skin color, there is a great red for you!

The key for a great red is to use more than one color.  I like to have one red that is a deep matte and a second that is brighter and more moisturizing. Start by applying a layer of the matte and press your lips together or press in with your finger to work the color in and stain the lip. Apply color again and blot with tissue a couple of times.  Switch to your second color and repeat the process until you achieve the desired look.  This will add dimension to your lips and makes them look softer and more natural than one matte color.   A red lip pencil can also be used on the lip, but use a color that is softer than your lipstick.

I use and recommend...

Matte Lipsticks: 
Bobbi Brown - Burnt red (orange/red), or Redwood (red/brown)
M.A.C. - Retro (brownish red), or Dubonnet (orange/ red)
Lipstick Queen - Natural Sinner (brown/red), Berry Sinner (berry), or Red Sinner (orange/red)

Sheer Lipsticks:
Bobbi Brown - Cranberry, Ruby, Plum
M.A.C. Brick-ol-a (pinker red –easy to wear), or Spice it up (a beautiful berry red)
Laura Mercier - Garnet (plum/red)

There are many drugstore brands which I also love, but you can’t try them on in the store.  CVS has a great makeup return policy that lets you return used cosmetics.  Please double check with the clerk before purchasing.

You must try on the colors to know what is right for you.  When you have the right lip color on it should perk up and brighten your skin color.   Go to a counter and let the sales associate know that you are looking for the right red and you want to try on a bunch of colors. A decent artist should understand and give you a little space, but be there to help you out. For sanitary application, ask for a spray alcohol bottle and a tissue.  Spray the alcohol on the top of the lip stick and then wipe of onto the tissue.  You can apply to your lip directly or with a lip brush.  Go at off peak time for the best department store experience (avoid 12-2pm and 5-7pm).

Perfect lip tips:
For dry or flaky lips use a toothbrush (gently) on wet lips to remove flaky skin.  Hydrate lips with a balm and blot of excess before applying color.  Apply color from the middle of your lips and work out.  Clean up a messy lip line use concealer or foundation on a flat brush around the lip area.

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