Happy Holidays!

It has certainly been a busy December for us at FEZ Studio. With events every week this month, it has been wonderful as we were able to give back to the community and several charities through the business...something I have always wanted to do.

It also allowed us the opportunity to meet even more genuinely good-hearted people and inspired us to do this on a more permanent scale. We will be partnering with a very special organization after the start of the new year. The joys of sharing and giving definitely doesn't have to end with the Holidays.

We sincerely thank you for all of your friendship and support this past year. You can be sure that next year will be filled with beautiful new surprises and useful beauty advice...so please check back often.

We wish you and those you hold dear a most Joyous Holiday and a Healthy, Happy and Prosperous New Year!

Fez Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Suite 108

Portland, OR 97209

503.227.2226

'Tis the season for RED

One of the many things I love about my work is the fact that I get the opportunity to work with so many different types of people. A question I get many times over is, what is the best red for me? 'Tis the season for red, right? Recently, it's been from my clients with red hair, some natural, some not, but a common problem for them is trying to find a red that doesn't make them look orange. The trick? Choose warmer bricks and rust tones. But red is also one of the most difficult colors to apply. However, no color warms and brightens your face more instantly, so it's worth it! Color is back in a big way. Here's a basic run-down of a red that will work best for you.

Wine reds - works best with warmer skin tones.

Blue reds - best for medium to cool complexions.

Coral reds - great for olive-skinned blondes and brunettes.

A lip brush is imperative for placement of color, because it allows you to apply the exact amount of color you want, placed exactly where you intend it. Lipsticks tend to be emollient so putting too much to your warm lips by applying it from a tube doesn't allow it to blend and adhere to your lips as well. It may also seem to thick. If you blot off the excess, you are creating a less defined mouth which is conter-productive to what most want from red lips.

Should you use a pencil? I most definitely recommend it for reds. It acts as a barrier against bleeding, keeps color in place and gives a more defined area to shade in the lips.

So don't be afraid and try it! And remember, there is a red for EVERYONE!

The Noir Collection by Julie Hewett Los Angeles specializes in reds for everyone!

Available at

Fez Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Suite 108

Portland, OR 97209

Harajuku Lovers Unite!

What to do on a rainy day in the Pearl?

Shop at FEZ Studio!

We have the unique Harajuku Lovers bags and accessories designed by GWEN STEFANI on sale for 40% OFF just in time for the Holidays. Many designs are available which represent the various subsyles of Harajuku. Since these are limited production, once they are gone, we will not be able to order any more, so please take advantage of this great opportunity while you can.

What is 'Harajuku'? It is a location in Japan where the young dress in their own fashions they invent themselves. Most of the focus has been on the unique style of this subculture which has acquired unsurpassed global iconic status.

During my time in Japan, I was fortunate enough to be involved in the the style and beauty experience of the subculture first hand. Although Harajuku style is really not definable, there tends to be 3 major sub styles:

1. Gothic Lolita - in which the style is overtly, cute and feminine. This emphasizes chastity and cuteness.

2. Cosplay - short for costume play, this is the act of dressing up as fictional characters, but translated into fashion.

3. The Harajuku Style - which is basically the combination of several trends which draws influences from punk and goth. It's basically a way for people to participate and identify with the subculture without ascribing to a certain style or standard.

In the end, I believe the idea and fascination with Harajuku is definitely not just isolated to the Japanese. The place and styles have grabbed the attention of style icons because it represents beauty and style standards that are really undefined. If you look at Hollywood these days, there is a lot of sameness of people following trends. After a while, it becomes boring. This is why I won't carry mass-marketed products bought out by large corporations. We are not created from a mold and should have a place where people value our individuality.

Harajuku is a representation of creative expression and freedom. It's especially ironic that it originated from a place that has traditionally valued conformity. Now, it is about reinventing standards and making it your own.

FEZ Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Suite 108

Portland, OR 97209

Phone: (503) 227-2226

E-mail: fezbeauty@gmail.com

Love Your Skin? Important Read

Okay, I have held off long enough. After yet another customer came in with her skin "misdiagnosed" at the mall, it wouldn't be right of me to stay silent.

In this recent case, my client was asked by the sales associate what skin type she had. She said her skin was oily and they agreed after looking at some chart. There are no textbook answers. She came in to me with not only her "oily skin" conditions but redness and superficial flakes on her skin that was not there before...after spending hundreds on a full line of products.

Before I recommend anything, I prefer to use a skin analysis machine to help accurately determine your underlying skin conditions. I also incorporate a 200x skin magnification scope and a detailed skin/hair questionnaire. What did we end up finding out? Her skin was actually dehydrated. That's right! So, instead of harsh products that would dry out her skin as she had been recommended, we went to cold-processed healing repair and deep hydrating complexes (The Hydrating Serum and Peptide Hydrating Complex). These are concentrated products that will do its job by binding moisture and assimilating right into the skin. No more greasy film sitting on the surface. She came in only three days later to visit us and to show off her glowing skin! It made our day to see her so happy!

So everyone, for your skin's sake, please take advice from someone who has been inside the industry. Most sales associates are NOT skin experts! I have worked with people who sold shoes just a week before she started cosmetics. Usually, people start work for a line even before they receive formal training. Even when training is done, a minor part of it is focused on skin compared with the rest that's focused on how to increase sales with product points. To be state-certified in skin takes months, not three days.

So please, trust your skin to the right people. Although I would love for everyone to come to FEZ Studio, I'd be happy if you go to any place in town that treats your concerns as if they were your own and accurately assess your underlying conditions.

In addition, please also be careful of strong, prescription ingredients. High strength products and harsh, invasive procedures can sometimes do more harm than good. Skin already goes through so much on a daily basis. Please be kind and listen to it.

From someone who has suffered from skin problems since I was 12, I have deep empathy for anyone who are suffering with skin concerns. I always have the urge to take people into my chair and help them like I have never been helped growing up. I know I can't save everyone who falls for advertised hype with celebrities paid millions to say they use certain products. However, I hope this is a stepping stone to help people become more educated about skin and the actual benefits of the ingredients they are putting on.

If you have any current concerns about your skin, I welcome the opportunity to hear about them.

FEZ Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Suite 108

Portland, OR 97209

Phone: (503) 227-2226

E-mail: fezbeauty@gmail.com