Nail Season is here

To me, spring and summer represent an exciting time for a fresh crop of color, light and new possibilities.  Polish sales have skyrocketed here as more people are showing more  toes and becoming more adventurous with color.  Among some of the most popular colors are "Mata Hari" (a smooth, lively coral) and Sequin (a sheer glaze of fine silver glitter that can be used as a glittering top coat or on its own) from Paul and Joe Beaute.  Want more to love?  Paul and Joe has perfected even distribution of particles for application.  All Paul and Joe nail colors also contain multiple nail strengthening natural extracts, vitamins A and E. 

Fez tip:  To get the most out of your fun, chunkier glitter colors of the season and to get the most even distribution of the color particles, use the side of the lacquer brush to polish instead of the tip. 

Another favorite color for the season is "Shape of My Heart", from Deborah Lippmann, now available at Fez Studio. Deborah Lippmann collaborated with Val Latrona, editor in chief at Shape magazine, to create this custom shade. A portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Hoag Memorial Breast Center who helped guide Deborah's mother in law through her very successful treatment.  I love it when beauty goes beyond the tip.  Not only do you get long lasting, healthy color with biotin and green tea, but you are also helping a very good cause.  All products mentioned here are free of formaldehyde, toulene and dibutyl phthalate.  Now that's pretty inside and out!

fezbeauty.com

205 NW 10th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

A Whole New World

I have finally done it.  Yes, I have started a video blog, still don't know what to call it, but I have finally started one. It's actually quite surprising to me because I am quite shy outside my work environment.  I prefer to be behind the scenes and take joy in putting others more deserving in the limelight. 

Many have suggested I do one, not because everyone else is doing it but because it will eventually become another creative outlet, another medium, for me  to share in topics, whether beauty related or not,  that captures the many colors and joys of life.  I meant to do this sooner but kept pushing it back until I realized today was International Women's Day - a day celebrated every year on March eighth. Groups around the world use the day to honor the achievements of women. They also use the day to call attention to some of the major social, political and economic crises affecting women and girls.

There are many issues in our world that affect women and girls from sexual abuse to poverty, and one day of awareness is really not enough to even touch on the impact these issues have on some women.  There was no way I could have even begun to speak of such concerns without going into detail on certain ones.  However, with each reminder or introduction, concerned voices may reach at least one person who may be moved to make a difference in at least one individual's life.

In a world dominated by men in power, women have contributed more than we know and many have said that our fourth president, James Madison, may not have secured his presidency without the work of his wife, Dolley.  We should also honor these unsung heroes but beyond the public world, are the thankless jobs of everyday moms, wives, sisters and best friends who are just as important.

I truly love my job because I work with so many AMAZING women on an individual basis.  Different ages, orientations, ethnicities, each one with a different story to tell.  Each inspires me to see individual uniqueness that makes no one as beautiful as they are.  Let's celebrate the beauty, power and (sometimes quite) strength of women every chance we get, and begin by thanking the woman next to you.  To all women reading this, THANK YOU!

Fresh Picks! Spring Colors In Bloom - Part I

Get ready folks, this is going to be a long one.  I must force myself to break it into two parts because when I get excited about something, it's hard for me to contain it.  One of the many aspects of my work that I love is that I get to play with a fresh crop of new picks in color and skin care offerings each season.  I knew that Paul & Joe Beaute was releasing new Cream Cheek Powders and Nail Polishes for spring 2010, but to tell you the truth, after looking at the photos, I wasn't too excited about them.  Sure, they were gorgeous colors I would normally go for, but I thought, how innovative are these products" in an already crowded cosmetic market?  Why should I bring them in? 

My lovely Paul & Joe diva must have read my mind because to my surprise, not too long after I saw the images, I got a shipment with all the products and colors to try out.  Do you know what they say about NOT judging a book by it's cover?  It's completely true in this case. 

Launched around the same time as the Alice in Wonderland and Wildflower collections for Spring 2010, the first items I tried were the new Creamy Cheek Powders.  They come in the following colors:

(01) Marionette - an extremely pretty spring rose pink 

(02) Kitten - the light, innocent baby pink of a youthful blush

(03) Peaches - the soft glow of a peaches 'n' cream complexion

(04) Butterfly - a healthy and energizing mandarin orange

(05) Dusk - a chic, sophisticated copper/bronze with a subtle hint of neutral rose

Please keep in mind the colors in the photos do not do the actual products justice.  Upon first glance, a few may think that some of these colors are too bright to be wearable.  After playing with these formulas, I would say the opposite from a makeup artist point of view.  I love working with vibrant colors because nothing livens up a complexion better when done right, and this is done right.  The colors are not bold when applied.  In fact, they are highly translucent and end up delivering a virtually fool-proof and controllable rosiness and glow of natural skin.

Another innovation these products offer is that they use a "clear plate powder" technology that forms a semi-transparent veil on skin assimilating the natural rosiness underneath.  What this means is, it's not overly dewy and not flat matte, but a skin-like finish for your most natural, effortless look.

What's more, this cream really lasts!  It adheres well to enhance contours (love this aspect as it makes my job easier) and according to Paul & Joe, compared to regular powder cheek colors, the makeup coat is more translucent and made with more pigment.  Because of this, color is less likely to sink in over time, which means a lasting, glow for you all day long.

Of course, I was glad to find out that Paul & Joe also incorporated their famous Secret D'Or (Secret of Gold) formula into these products.  For those who are not familiar with what this is, Scret D'Or (included in many of Paul & Joe's products) combines several select varieties of champagne gold, each posessing a different hue and glow that varies subtly depending on what angle you view it from.  This enhances the unique dimensions of each individual wearer.  Trust me, this is a good thing!  Plus, like their other products, Paul & Joe makes this healthy color for the skin by including ingredients such as moisturizing hyaluronic acid, protective vitamins and soothing natural extracts.  As an esthetician, I love that my clients can feel good about wearing something that will help to beautify their complexion now and also long term. 

I am off for more color play.  If you are in seach of the freshest laquer shades to perfectly compliment your new spring makeup,  stay tuned for Part 2 of our Fresh Spring Picks!

Questions or comments?

Visit The Beauty Guy at

Fez Studio

205 NW 10th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

http://www.fezbeauty.com/

Facebook at "Fez Studio Apothecary"

With a new makeup collection and new movie, it's going to be a Wonderful spring for Alice!

I am excited to annouce Paul and Joe Beaute's Spring 2010 Limited Edition Collection - Alice in Wonderland.

Paul and Joe evokes fanciful childhood memories with this playful limited edition set for beautifying on the go.  Relive treasured childhood fairy tales and revel in the irresistible charm of classic Disney characters that warm the hearts of every free-spirited, adventure-seeking beauty maven.

The Alice in Wonderland Limited Edition Set is available in two variations that are each housed in a refillable mirrored compact including:

Lip Treatment Stick - An emollient lip treatment that adheres to lips with a delectable, soft, creamy finish for added moisture and smoothness.  Forming a moist veil of protection and a sheer wash of color to the lips, Lip Treatment Stick locks in moisture and soothes with organic olive oil, apricot oil, organic jojoba oil and rosemary extract.  Available in two shades:  Sweet Milky Pink or Cute Milky Orange.

Blotting Papers - Instantly absorb excess oil and remove shine without smudging makeup or leaving behind powder.  Softer than paper, these silky sheets can be used anytime, anywhere to remove oil and shine throughout the day.

Available for Spring 2010 only in Portland at Fez Studio, the Paul and Joe Alice in Wonderland Limited Edition Set will be available in two variations:

(001) Fantasy (Pale Pink) - The characters:  Alice, White Rabbit, Cheshire Cat, Dinah, Playing Cards, Hedgehog

(002) Daydream (Pale Blue) - The characters:  Alice, White Rabbit, Dinah, Dormouse

Alice and her friends are expected to debut in our Wonderland on the week of 2/15/2010.

These extremely limited collector's items are expected to go fast.  Pre-orders are currently accepted at (503) 227-2226.

The Beauty Guy can be found at
Fez Studio
205 NW 10th Ave
Portland, OR 97209

Sugar: Your skin's worst internal enemy (and then some)!

                                                                       No copyright infringement intended

In case you've already made the decision to avoid any sugar in your diet just after reading the title, please be comforted that you do not need to go that far.  Your body does require sugar as a source of easily accessible energy, at the same time, I feel it is important to be educated about the types of sugars we should consume in moderated amounts and the effects of sugar on not only our skin, but overall health. 

1.  Sugar and Aging. Sugar accelerates aging in may ways.  First, inflammation contributes to aging and excess sugar causes inflammation through the fast rise of blood sugars which causes biochemical changes in skin.  These biochemical changes include a process called AGE (how appropriate, right?).  AGE stands for Advanced Glycosylation End and is the process by which excess sugar molecules stick to protein fibers, binds them together and produces harmful waste which welcomes the free radicals.  The glycation process of when sugar attaches itself to collagen also causes skin to be inflexible and can greatly contribute to loss of elasticity and give way to deep wrinkles.  Skin also becomes much more susceptible to the other major contributor of skin aging, UV damage.

2.  Sugar and Acne.  Fluctuating hormone levels often contributes to the cause of acne.  Unlike more complex starches, we go back to how sugar surges the blood sugar levels rapidly.  This causes a big surge in hormones and cells of liver and muscles eventually fill up with these blood sugars.  These sugars are then converted to long fat chains, or lard.  Your system is now not only overwhelmed with hormones, but these excess insulin androgenic hormones kick up your skin's oil glands, which in turn overproduces skin oils.  Add to this mix an excess of blood fats floating around and you have the ideal conditions to aggravate any existing conditions for acne. 

3.  Sugar and Health.  As you are now aware, sugar's dubious reputation goes beyond cavities and obesity.  We know the simple sugars are bad for us, but why is it so hard for us to give up our sweet tooth?  Again, this brings us back to the rapid rise in blood sugar levels that sugar causes.  What goes up must come down, and the down fall is about as rapid as the rise, causing a mood crash that may include depression and the addictive desire of craving more sugar before returning back to normal. 

Sugar also upsets the mineral relationship in your body and reduces defenses against bacterial infections.  Reducing the amount of sugar you intake will not only show on your face through positive changes in the way your skin looks.  It will also reduce free radicals which goes beyond affecting your skin to damage healthy cells and contribute to several disorders and illness of the body.   So mamas, for healthier and less cranky kids, the next time your child does something worth rewarding, please don't perpetuate the cycle by automatically suggesting sweets. Don't let your babies grow up to be junk food addicts.

4.  Free Yourself.  Again, please do not be alarmed into eliminating all sugar from your diet.  Although about 400 years ago refined sugar wasn't even around, it can be quite hard to avoid today.  For many of us, sometimes, it's just emotionally comforting to treat ourselves to the refined, simple sugars with empty carlories (in donuts, cookies,cupcakes or candy bars) once in awhile.  However, it's much more benefical to acquire the sugar your body needs through complex sugars (pasta, root vegetables, corn, rye) as they increase blood sugar more slowly and provide more substained energy.  If you do feel that your skin or mood is out of balance, it may be a sign to try to stabilize your blood sugar levels by eating more proteins.  In addition, you can add more fiber to help It's true what they say that you are what you eat, so please free yourself for your looks and health and keep moderation in mind.   

Please keep in mind, I am not a nutritionist but an esthetician who has worked with many skin conditions.  For a topical solution, look for GAG (Glycosaminoglycans)-infused products such as Tracie Martyn's Firming Serum, to slow collagen destroying enzymes as it works to minimize wrinkles and firm sagging skin.  If you have any questions, I  can be reached at Fez Studio, located at 205 NW 10th Ave  Portland, OR 97209.

January 2010 - Beauty of the Month: Rachel Weisz

Get her look:

Eyes: Use a neutral base color from lashline to browbone. Place a light sheen, highlighter color in the inner corners of the eyes and along upper/lower lashlines. Use a soft, pointed round shape brush, like Kevyn Aucoin's small eyeshadow/eyebrow brush, for smokey placement of deep brown or black along the outer corners of the lids. Blend this color along the upper and lower lashline. Tons of mascara is applied to both the upper and lower lashes. Don't forget to fill in and define those brows.

Cheeks: Instead of using a warm color to highlight the apples, the blush is placed along the cheekbones to help emphasize this feature. Try Julie Hewett Los Angeles in Sun or Bronze.

Lips: A liner is very important to define the features for this look. Blend colors into the lips but keep the middle lower lip light. Lightly brush and finger blend a medium-tone lip color to the lips for a soft, warm effect.

Products can be found at Fez Studio, located at 205 NW 10th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

I hope you enjoy this series on my personal reflections on beauty. Yes, there is a scientific explanation to what we are supposed to find beautiful in terms of the spatial arrangements of features but, to me, beauty is so much more complicated than that. Beauty is something that is also tied to a sense of character the individual portrays, a unique sense of emotional expressiveness and how these relate to your own emotions. Because of this, what is beautiful to some may not be beautiful to another....despite what science says. Agree? Disagree? Good.

Rachel Weisz is someone I have been entranced with since her role as Evelyn in Universal's The Mummy ...a role that made her famous to mainstream American audiences. Yes, I am not ashamed to admit I enjoyed that movie. There was a sense of quirkiness to her actions and upon first reflection, she is someone that I might call "cute" or "pretty". However, upon a second look, she grabs you as something much more. Her features may not be perfect but there is something about the arrangement of these imperfections that give her a relatable sense of character....a curious complexity.

There is no doubt she is an intelligent woman in the steps she has chosen in her career. However, to me, I do not see cynical intelligence, but one that tends to come from an emotional place. Hers is a non-narcissistic beauty of which she seems quite unaware. Look at her eyes and you could almost see a sense of wonder. A sensuality (as opposed to sexuality) that draws you in. Of her role in The Constant Gardener, for which she won an Academy Award, she says, " That's the beauty of this film. It has fast pace and excitement, but it also has heart and soul." To me, this heart and soul is what makes her extremely beautiful.

Rachel Weisz can currently be seen in Paramount's 2009 drama, The Lovely Bones (an adaptation of Alice Sebold's 2002 novel of the same name), co-starring Mark Wahlberg and directed by Perter Jackson. 

IN HER OWN WORDS:

It [Botox] should be banned for actors, as steroids are for sportsmen.

Acting is all about expression; why would you want to iron out a frown?

I think London's sexy because it's so full of eccentrics. There's not much room for eccentricity in Hollywood, and eccentricity is what's sexy in people. L.A. makes you feel ugly. People find out I'm an actress and I see that 'whore' look flicker across their eyes. In L.A., unless you've just won an Oscar or you're Mr. Studio Head, no one talks to you. Even at parties. I'm not one for parties and stuff like that. I get a bit nervous around lots of people. Being invisible is what I really enjoy. That I find quite entertaining

I find Hollywood really toxic. I prefer being as far from the center of celebrity as possible. I think actors have a choice of drawing attention to themselves or living on the outskirts. I actually think if you are an actor and you're working and you're doing pretty well like I am, I feel you really have no right to grumble. I don't think you do. Obviously I could think of things that piss me off sometimes, but it's such an amazing job. You get to travel, you get to stay in beautiful places, meet incredible people. And every time you do a different role you learn something new. Frankly, if you don't like it, you should stop and do something else.

As a child I was the best tree climber in our neighbourhood, I was like a little monkey. I've never been afraid of hurting myself or a little physical discomfort. If I'm just in dungarees, I don't think I would intimidate anyone. The older you get the more capable you get at managing life.