'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

Physical Element...of Beauty: An Interview with Jo Carter

I was delighted to have the opportunity to interview Jo Carter, the owner of what I feel to be one of the most fashion-forward clothing stores in Portland,
PHYSICAL ELEMENT.

Jo and I share similar philosophies on what we choose to carry, the main difference being the translation to clothing and cosmetics. Like Fez Studio, Physical Element prefers to offer their selective customers exclusive unique products including offbeat, distinctive labels from Europe, Japan, as well as the United States ad Portland.

You can almost tell who is the Physical Element customer as opposed to the the mass-marketed consumer mall types. Her customers are true originals who are seen as trend setters. That's what we're about!

So ladies, if you want to lead, not follow, you know where to go!

1. For those who may not be familiar with your wonderful store, how would you describe "Physical Element"?

Physical Element was founded in the belief that clothing is an extension of a woman's personality and creativity.I search the globe for lines that blend art and fashion. At Physical Element, we specialize in the careful and thoughtful editing of European and domestic collections with a point of view. I am very happy to report that we are now the exclusive Portland retailer of Paris label, cop.copine.

2. What characteristics make clothing beautiful to you?

Beautiful fabrics and artful experimentation with shape and design. I love unexpected, but subtle details, as well as skillfully cut patterning that fits the body beautifully.

3. How has style preferences changed over the years since you opened in 2003?

Well, Physical Element has changed dramatically over the past 4 ½ years. When we opened in 2003, we were Portland's first women's fitness & yoga apparel store. Over the years, the store evolved to include fashion-forward European apparel. I was thrilled by the enthusiastic reaction by our customers and Pearl residents and slowly, the fashion portion of the store grew more and more. We had always carries elegant, directional activewear, but beginning in 2008, the store will focus all our attention on offering offbeat, distinctive labels from Europe, Japan, as well as the United States and Portland. My customers have been very enthusiastic and supportive of the change.

4. What is your favorite piece of clothing, right now?

Oh, that is a hard question! I suppose one of my favorite items right now would be the Emi skirt by Cop.Copine Paris. It’s a saucy little skirt that hits at your natural waist, is slim cut and finishes just below the knee. The Emi Skirt’s pinstriped outer layer rises ever-so-slightly in the back. The sheer ruffled underlayer is allowed to show off the back curve of your calf – so sexy! This skirt is so unabashedly feminine, even my UPS guy took note when I wore it - and he is a fellow of few words!

5. What role do you think makeup plays in fashion?

To me, fashion and makeup go hand in hand. Both are mediums with which we express ourselves and enhance our own beauty. I have difficulty imagining one without the other.

6. At FEZ Studio, we do make custom colors here, and many designers I have worked with envision colors and style of makeup to best represent their clothes. What type of look do you see when you look at your unique fall/winter lines?

I see a strong emphasis on the eye – either very smoky or with an unexpected strong color. The European palettes this year were very beautiful and neutral so bringing color into the makeup palette creates a wonderful drama! And of course, a beautiful foundation is key to any look.

7. What is your personal beauty routine?

I use mineral powder foundation which I love. Mineral makeup has improved the quality of my skin and reduces unpleasant breakouts. Since my lips are allergic to almost all lipsticks, I’ve compensated with a strong eye. I emphasize my eyebrows by defining them a little with dark eyeshadow. I like a grey, smoky eye so I use a combination of silvery greys and dark grey/blacks. I put a hint of color on my cheeks with a cream blush (peach). The only color my lips tolerate has been a lip gloss that uses only all natural products. I haven’t been able to pinpoint the source of my negative reactions. I so miss lipstick!

(Jo was quite happy to find out FEZ Studio has a pure mineral line that includes lipsticks. Many who have tried them have switched over from other mass-marketed mineral lines).

8. What is your definition of beauty?

Beauty is when a woman is completely comfortable and confident in her own skin. She is a woman who is unafraid of expressing her personal style and loves to experiment. It is relishing in our physical idiosyncrasies and celebrating them rather than trying to force ourselves into a mass-marketed image of beauty.

9. What do you feel are some advantages customers have by shopping independent and local as opposed to larger corporate "chain" stores?

Well, frankly we just care more than a large chain store does. The owners have a passion for what they do and customers benefit from their caring and knowledge. Sure, independent businesses are also trying to make a living, but we are in it for so many other reasons. We do what we do because we love it, and enjoy knowing all our customers. It’s the relationships we build that make it all worthwhile.

10. What is one piece of advice you would like to give our readers about beauty and fashion?

Have fun! Beauty and fashion should be an area where you can express your creativity and your vision.

Thank you very much for your time.

Remember, there's no time like the present to show your best self. Where to start?
Look no further.

Physical element

1124 NW Lovejoy Street, Portland OR 97209

Phone: 503.224.5425

website: www.physicalelement.com

FEZ Studio

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

Phone: 503.227.2226

The photo of Jo (above) was taken at her store, Physical Element, by Kenneth Aaron.

From Runway to Holiday

A lot of women ask me how they can get the simple, low maintenance hair they see on the runways. Well, having done a few runways myself, here is a a quick simple trick that will give you that model hair. Most importantly, it's translatable to everyday life.

Start with moose on wet hair. I personally like using the David Gardner Magical Mousse as it is literally a magic potion I keep in my kit for many needs. It adds volume and shine to straight styles as it also helps to hold and rejuvenate curls. Most importantly, it's rich with proteins to help protect from heat styling damage. You gotta love that! The trick mousse is to use enough for your hair, even a little bit more than you think you need for the proper hold and style. Moose has a light enough consistency that when you don't have enough, your hair may just eat it up.

Then, use a blow dryer with a diffuser (for wavy styles) or a concentrated nozzle with a round brush (for straighter styles), I like using the T3 myself, but most importantly, point the dryer away from your roots. If not, you will probably see some unwelcome frizz.

Once hair is dry, put on more mousse. Focus product mostly on the middle parts of the hair with left-overs on the ends and roots. It may be contrary from what you may have heard, but it will give you more control. This will make it look like you have 5 times more hair. Use your fingers to work in your style instead of a comb or brush. These simple techniques will give you a clean look, that's not completely undone, but softly structured. Who likes running their fingers through stiff hair, right? Ready? Now go work your model Holiday hair, girl!

Fez Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Portland, OR 97209

Business Class

I work with many professional clients who couldn't be bothered with make up when they first come in. However, these same women usually become the best advertisements for what a polished makeup look can do for one's confidence and career.

When you perceive yourself in a better light, you are more confident and the world takes notice. With that said, there's a difference between looking polished and looking overdone. At the same time, a natural, refined look does not mean flat.

Makeup in a professional workplace generally works best when it's more low key, but subtly enhance your features. The first step to your polished look should be to even out your skin with foundation in your preferred formula and more importantly, your correct shade. It may be surprising to some, but not every line is going to carry your shade, so don't settle or give in to pressure from sales people when there is no match. This is why I choose to work with three different lines that offers matches for various undertones.

Cheeks

When it comes to cheek color, I wouldn't go more than two shades darker than your natural skin tone. Stick to earthier, close-to-flesh tones. Of course, there are no rules. This is just a suggestion for a work day setting. If you have darker skin tones, go a couple colors more vivid, because you will drab your skin out by making it darker. Apply with a light of had, just enough until you see that bit of color.

Eyes

It should be about definition. I would focus the lining on the top lashline. A lot of people feel naked unless they line around the entire top ad bottom. If you do line the bottom, please don't make it as bold as the top (this also applies to mascara). After the line has bee drawn, smudge it to give it a more natural effect. Then, use a neutral shadow to subtly enhance the eyes without taking away from the definition. Don't forget the brows!

Lips

Keep them lined and defined. I suggest filling the lip in with color because you don't always have time to touch up. You want an even color base on your lips and for lip color to adhere to, as opposed to seeing an outline once things fade. Avoid shades that are too matte and flat. It makes the lips look old and they are so dated. Opt for colors that have high pigment yet allows some of your natural lip color and texture to show through. Not only will your lips look healthier, but it will seem like you look great without even trying.

It's all about balance. You want to define and balance your features out so others will notice your strong presence as a whole. Your pulled-together look may even be part of the reason for your future promotion.

To replicate this look:

Foundation: Creme-to-powder foundation for sensitive skin in Lily

Cheeks: La Bella Donna Blush in Brick

Eyes: Julie Hewett Los Angeles Palette in Soiree. Eyeliner in Smudge. Rose scented mascara in Black.

Brows: Kevyn Aucoin the Precision Brow Pencil

Lips: Julie Hewett Los Angeles liner in Hue # 004 (for a warm pink base a bit deeper than her natural lip tone) and lipstick in Biba (a sheer nude).

Fix: Then she fixes her makeup with Julie Hewett Los Angeles Pure Cucumber Extract spray (her favorite part).

As always, if you have any further questions, please feel free to contact me at:

FEZ Studio

1125 NW 9th Ave

Suite 108

Portland, OR 97209

(503) 227-2226

fezbeauty@gmail.com

If you'd like to subscribe to updates, please e-mail me at fezbeauty@gmail.com

The Allan Stage Interview: Inspirations, style, and what makes him melt.

In my line of work, I have been fortunate enough to meet many talented people that radiate beauty from the courage to express a part of their souls. This includes, my good friend, Allan Stage. For those of you who are not familiar with his name, he is an up-and-coming singer/musician from Denmark who
is definitely making waves despite the fact that he is an independent artist.

While music is such an individual thing, you will find that his eclectic pop style exemplifies a fusion of
European pop well.

I am especially amazed that Allan manages to remain down-to-earth and keeps his great sense of humor, as I am sure you will discover for yourself. His support for independent artists is also to be commended as being an independent store owner, I can certainly relate. I'm proud to consider him a friend. Enjoy!

1. For my friends out here who are not familiar with your work, how would you describe your music?
pop with a twist of everythin really... I feel its kinda skizo.. hehe

2. What are some of your musical influences?
artist on myspace! You can find the coolest bands and artists there! I was listening to OneRepublic even before they had an album out! they rock...

3. Where do you get inspiration for your songs?
my everyday life and erm Love off course.. Its funny you can get inspired just by gettin a cop of coffe somewhere and just look around at people and kinda guess their story... stalker argh!

4. How do you classify your personal style (of dress)? Does your personal style differ from your stage style?
I am very casual. But sometimes like to dress it up a bit with a nice clean jacket a bit of formal wear and a bit of casual.. hehe.. my style I guess was branded european by some american fans.. hehe... I wear the same on stage as off... makes me feel more at ease...

5. What is your daily grooming/hair routine?
wash, condition(when I remember) and sometimes wax/clay... I have been told to blow dry... but hey who has time for that u guys?! hehe

6. You've had both short and long hair. What do you prefer and why?
somedays I would like to go short again, cause long hair sometimes needs a lot more attention and thats a but on the girley side... hehe

7. How would you classify your favorite cologne right now?
trendy/fresh

8. What makes a woman beautiful to you?
That she looks after hereself and smiles... a womans smile makes my world melt...

9. What advice do you have to both men and women about taking care of themselves? erm hmm... look after yourself and get a haircut hehe

10. Where can people find out more about you and hear some of your work? www.myspace.com/allanstage go on check it out and add me...

I know you are busy so thank you very much, Allan, for your time. Much continued success to you, my friend!

Fez Studio
1125 NW 9th Ave
Portland, OR 97209