Neighborhood Endorsed and Good For You Too!

Thank you very much for all of your interest, kind words, and questions. Your input and comments are much appreciated for they will help me to fulfill the goal of creating a site that best fulfills your beauty and style needs. Keep reading and stay beautiful!

10/30/07
"Check out Fez's new beauty blog, The Beauty Source, at: fezstudio.blogspot.com. Fez answers numerous beauty questions, has great cosmetic tips and lists products and tools you can purchase in his studio to re-create the looks on those fabulous models! (Our favorite line is Kate Somerville. Her magic potions and lotions make our skin look like it did when we were 21 and didn't think we needed eye cream!) " - PDBA

10/28/07
"If you love beauty tips, check out The Beauty Source, a new blog by FEZ Studio.......Once again, FEZ adds a little sparkle to our lives but this time, it's in the blogosphere. :-)"
- www.neighborhoodnotes.com

Fez Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

Katie Holmes' "Hot Body" Look

Top celebrity stylist and good friend, David Gardner, regularly works with A-list actresses such as Katie Holmes, Elisha Cuthbert, Rachel McAdams, Amanda Bynes, Lindsay Lohan, and Katherine Heigl among many others. He has launched a top-of-the-line hair care line that has incorporated his 20+ of experience in the industry and years of research. Recently, David had a chance to sit down to share how he created the hairstyle for one of my favorite photos of Katie Holmes. For best results, use the specified products and get that "Hot Body" you've been waiting for!

1. Begin with a clean head of hair. Use my Shampoo (Weightless Shampoo) depending on hair type to remove all debris and left over styling products for this or any hair style with body.

2. Condition lightly so as not to have the hair too soft, use my Daily Conditioner (Thick and Clear) for that.

3. Use my Magical Mousse, apply as directed to wet hair and comb through. Blow dry the hair with your head upside down until it is damp.

4. Start to section off the hair, blow dry each section with a large round brush starting at the nape of the neck and spritzing each section with a shot of Hot Body.

5. When each section is dry put it in a Velcro roller. Pin the whole head like this and then spray with Hold Me Hairspray.

Do your makeup and get dressed for your hot night out.

Then take out all the rollers and gently run your fingers through your hair. Remember that the more you play the flatter it will get! If it is really curly and too big you can gently brush through for that movie star look.

6. Finally spray a little Shine Me, lightly from a foot away and if you have crazy thick hair a tiny drop of Gloss Drops for the ends will do wonders.

7. Run your fingers through your hair and go.

GORGEOUS!

My special thanks to our guest contributor David Gardner. Katie Holmes' photo is from David Gardner Hair Care.

FEZ Studio is proud to be one of the few exclusive locations in the world to carry David Gardner Hair Care.

FEZ Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave, Suite 108, Portland, OR 97209

(503) 227-2226

On the Pulse - with Bill Macfarlane

Appearance Matters to people from all walks of life. FEZ Studio and The Beauty Source will connect with scene makers in and out of Portland to find the latest beat on the beauty pulse. For our first conversation, we got in touch with Bill Macfarlane, a busy (and always well-groomed) event promoter here in Portland, to get his unique perspective on beauty, grooming and style.

1. What is your definition of beauty?
Beauty is truly in the eye of the beholder. It is everywhere around us, in the smallest of details, yet we don't always take the time to notice it. But one thing that can bring out the beauty in anyone is confidence.

2. You just got married to your wife, Stephanie, not too long ago. Congratulations and sorry girls! What was it about her that took you out of the bachelor life?

Her zest for life, her fresh outlook on things and openness to new ideas, her trust in me, and of course her confidence!

3. I understand you traveled through Europe for your honeymoon. Did you notice any general or classifiable differences between the beauty preferences and styles of the women of the various countries? What about in comparison with those of women in the US? You might have to ask Steph this. We traveled through 7 countries and 13 cities in a month, so we experienced many different cultures and styles. One common theme I saw was what I call "effortless beauty and style". Whether that style is freshness and easygoing beauty out on the beach in Ibiza, or tasteful elegance for a night out at the Casino in Monte Carlo, the Europeans seem to have a style and flair about them that comes easily. Again, I think this comes back to the confidence in one's self. A familiarity with what "Works" for one's self is a must. In the US, I see many people wearing what they are told to wear, not what works for them. Develop a personal style instead of copying what's in a magazine.

4. In your line of work, I am sure you come across many women and men. For those who are not familiar, what do you do and what do you feel is the most common beauty or grooming mistake you see out there?I promote for events, so I see a lot of people all done up and ready to be seen. But what I see way too much of is sameness. Lack of flair. It doesn't take too much to add a bit of personal style to your wardrobe. Do something to stand out from the droves of guys in striped dress shirts and jeans sporting spikey hair!

5. What is your personal grooming routine?

Grooming is very important. I use a mild face soap morning and night, and moisturize as well. Use sunscreen in the summer months. Don't skip the night time wash! If you sleep on a pillow with dirty residue from your face, you're just asking for skin problems!

If you were stuck on a desert island, what three grooming products would you have with you?Sunscreen, mild soap and moisturizer.

6. What does Stephanie feel is the most beautiful about you?

Oddly enough, when I asked her, she said confidence! Funny how great minds think alike, no?

7. What does she feel you need to work on?

We both agree I need to get my abs back. They seem to have faded a bit in the last few years :-)

8. How much influence does your wife have on your style? I understand you were Posh and Becks once for a Halloween party...very fitting.

Funny - I actually came up with that idea. In fact I help her with a lot of her style choices. I go shopping with her and act as a sounding board, and give her ideas she hadn't thought of, and she does the same for me.

9. Speaking of which, how do you define your personal style?

Adaptable, with just a bit of flair. I like to stand out, but not in a "did you see THAT guy" kind of way. Just a little something different, whether it's wearing the family tartan kilt instead of a tux at a formal event, or an Elvis costume at a theme party.

10. What is the biggest splurge you have spent on grooming/style?

Black Prada Technofabric suit. Every man should own a nice black suit. This one has a hard finish, but is slightly stretchy. This thing is incredibly comfortable and looks like a million bucks.

11. Who is your style icon?

Hmmm. I can't pin it down to just one, and in fact it changes. Lately I've been liking David Beckham's style - because he has the confidence to try new things. I like Calvin Klein for classic stuff - clean lines and trim fit. I may pick up a new idea from someone just walking down the street.

12. What advice do you have for women or men out there in terms of beauty or image? Develop your own personal style. Take bits and pieces from various places and make it your own. Don't be afraid to add a little tasteful flair to your personal style.Stay fit and take care of your body and skin. Fitness and good health will never go out of style!

Our very special thanks to guest contributor, Bill Macfarlane.

Suggested Products:

• a/MEN/ity Gel Face Cleanser with liposomal vitamins and

the After Shave and face Moisturizer

• Urth for Men Face Balm SPF 15 and the Green Tea and Rice Scrub.

FEZ Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave, Suite 108, Portland, OR 97209

(503) 227-2226

Forever Tan (without the damage)

One of the top questions I have been asked is, "how do I look like I still have a natural tan in the winter months."

For this post, I will focus on a natural-looking tan on the face. Here are some proven tips which will give you your best results:

FACE

Please, please, please, do not use a foundation darker than your natural skin tone to try to give yourself an appearance of a tan (unless your body skin is quite a bit darker than your facial skin). Use powder bronzing products instead.

Skip the shimmer - Okay, who tans in shimmer? I certainly don't. For the most natural look, go for a matte powder bronzer a couple of shades darker than your natural skin tone. Just because it says bronzer doesn't mean it will work with your skin coloring. There are those with warm, red and rosy undertones, for example, so please choose one that most complements you.

Soft Lighting - Lightly buff onto cheeks, forehead, nose and chin (where the sun would normally touch your face) and blend into the skin. Please remember to be light of hand. It's always easier to build up intensity with several light applications than to take away streaks.

Go Bright - For the most believable glow, use a bit of blush with a lighter pinky peach undertone. Many people are surprised by this. However, think back to I time when you notice that nice, glowing tan on your face from being out in the sun (with sunscreen, of course) and going, "Daing, I look gooooooooooooooood!" I hate to be the one to tell you this, but that's most likely a bit of a sunburn. However, the perfect pink or peach blush (depending on your skin tone) will replicate that look without the damage. The best trick for this is just to smile and place the blush on the apples (the fleshy part) of the cheek. It will also keep your bronzed skin from looking too drab, which may be a danger for some who use too much brown on their skin

For those who still want shimmer, feel free to put a bit on the upper part of the cheek.

Voila! Your perfect, natural tan all year round! I'd be happy to help if you have any further questions or need color advice.

Get the Forever Tan look.

Skin: Kate Somerville Total Vitamin Serum (skincare that enhances the glow of a tan) and Kevyn Aucoin Sensual Skin Primer

Face: Kevyn Aucoin Senusal SKin Enhancer (concealer) in SX 09, Airbrush Foundation in LQ 09, Gossamer Loose Powder in Radiant Diaphonous. Julie Hewett Pure Persian Rose Water used to set makeup and give a natural finish.

Cheeks: Julie Hewett Ora Mineral Mix in Bronze, Bud of Rose Blush (a perfect pink/peach for many skin tones)

Eyes: La Bella Donna Compressed Mineral Eye Color in Cameo and Brownie. Julie Hewett Palette in Boudoir and Eye Pencil in Smudge. Kevyn Aucoin The Curling Mascara in Curling Rich Pitch Black.

Brows: Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil

Lips: Julie Hewett Camellia Lip Balm, Hue Lip Pencil in Hue 007, Bijou Lipstick in Odessa, Lip Lush in Mimi (a perfect sheer pink).

Available at FEZ Studio (503) 227-2226.

1125 NW 9th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

Bridal Beauty

It is always such an honor to be asked to be involved in creating a look for one of the most important days in someone's life...her wedding.

Having your makeup done by a professional is truly one of the smallest checks you will ever have to write, but it is also one of the most important. Think about how you want to see yourself in photos and how you want to remember looking (and feeling) for years to come. It is also a chance to be pampered and not have to stress out about one more thing.

However, I understand that for various reasons, some may choose to do her own makeup. I have decided to post some advice inspired by FAQ from my brides and the fact that one of our good friend's family member just got engaged. If you are reading this, congratulations, again!

1. Like any important event, please practice your makeup ahead of time to prevent being stressed about your look if something should not work as you planned. I suggest trying the finished makeup look with the dress as well because depending on the dress, it may not complement the makeup as well as you may think.

2. Balance eye, lip and cheek colors for the most finished look. This does not mean use the same colors, but make sure they have the same tonal value and strength.

3. When doing your eyes, if you choose to use shimmer (think sparkle) or sheen (think cream or gloss), place the shine product either on the lid or under the brow bone -not both. This is especially important when flash photography is used because when shine is overemphasized around the eyes, you may get the disco ball effect. When shine is placed just on the lid, for example, it will give a beautiful ethereal glow to your eyes in photos.

4. Be aware of the differet lighting situations you may be in as you will need to adjust your makeup accordingly. Whether it's indoors or outdoors, lighting definitely affects how makeup colors appear. One reason more vivid applications are used for evening makeup is so skin will not look washed-out. Whether natural or artificial light has more red, blue, or yellow tonal values also plays an important role.

If you do decide to use professional services, please make sure they provide detailed consultation that addresses your specific needs. It should also include a trial run through of your makeup. Personally, I take test shots of different looks so if this is not offered, please take along your camera.

I should be adding more tidbits in the near future, but I hope this was helpful for you. If you have any further questions, I'd be happy to hear from you.

Get this luminous Winter Bride Look (available at FEZ Studio - 503-227-2226)

Skin: Primed with Kate Somerville Gentle Daily Wash, Kate in a Jar, Quench Hydrating Serum (essential for smooth, flawless, glowing skin), Deep Tissue Repair, and Line Release Eye Cream.

Face: Kevyn Aucoin The Dew Drop Foundation, Sensual Skin Enhancer and Gossamer Loose Powder. Scott Barnes Luminizing Mist.

Cheeks: La Bella Donna Mineral Cream Color in Candlelight and Luminere for Face in Moonlight. Kevyn Aucoin The Pure Powder Glow in Natura.

Eyes: La Bella Donna Mineral Eye Pencial in Brown, Mineral Compact Color in Cameo (base), Petals Mineral Sheen Eye Color (highlight), and a blend of Carmel and Cafe Au Lait (lid). Kevyn Aucoin The Volume Mascara in Black.

Brows: Kevyn Aucoin The Precision Brow Pencil.

Lips: Julie Hewett Cameila Lip Balm. Kevyn Aucoin The Flesh Tone Lip Pencil, The Expert Lip Tint in Faith (Baby Pink), The Liquid Fountain Pen in Beaugonia (Gold).

Body: Scott Barnes Body Bling in Platinum

Tools/Brushes: Billy B Beauty Makeup Brushes

Fez Studio

1125 NW 9th ave

Portland, OR 97209