Top beauty gifts for the holidays

Jeffrey Fetzer is a celebrated hair and makeup artist in Hollywood. He’s appeared on several talk shows and most recently served up the hottest trend tips on TV Guide Network’s 2009 "Countdown to the Emmy Awards." Currently, he’s busy at work on photo shoots, having just completed his latest endeavor, Myface, an iPhone app available by mid-November. He recently gave us his top picks for what to get your loved ones for the holidays.
 
In a quandary over what to get mom, sis or girlfriend? Recently in North Hollywood, I stopped by one of my favorite haunts, Frends Beauty Supply. It's offering a fantastic holiday special: a beautiful gift basket with all the trimmings and 25% off your entire purchase! It's your choice as to what goes into the basket or the store will design one for you.
 
It all started for DuWop with a product called "lip venom," which actually plumps the lips immediately. Now it has a full cosmetic line and I have to say that my favorite thing is its EyeCatcher eyeliners. They go on so smoothly, never smudge, yet are easy to blend, with some wonderful color choices. You’ll have fun mixing and matching with their eyeshadow pallets. The new lip venom called Moon Venom is ever so powerful. All I can say is, wear this with caution: Packs of suitors will stand in line for that holiday kiss! EyeCatcher eyeliner is $18.50 and Moon Venom is $17.
 
Indulge with sophisticated Kevyn Aucoin Beauty cream eyeshadows, which come in a variety of shades with quite a punch of color and a no-nonsense approach to application. The best way is to dip your brush into the pot and dab it on the eyelid with soft taps. Women will love it because they don’t need to be a professional artist to use this product successfully; it spreads easily and never goes on wrong. My pick for the holidays is Sparkle, which gives the eye a smokey look with hints of dark blue and kohl black. Available at Sephora for $27.

Every woman wants her skin to look its best at all times. Pamper her with Perfection Skin Care products, which definitely live up to their name. Firming Day Hydration moisturizer, with the highest content of hyaluronic acid, is a favorite of all the stars. It instantly reduces fine lines and leaves the skin feeling and looking very youthful. Available at Perfection for $70.

Stila, a staple of mine for years, has some wonderful classic products, plus always something interesting coming out. Dazzle friends with its All Over Shimmer, a liquid product that has a built-in applicator. My advice is to brush it all over the shoulders when wearing something strapless, and on the legs to give a beautiful warm glow. You can also blend a few drops into foundation to obtain a very subtle hue, making everyone wonder what you've been doing to look so good!  Available at Stila for $22.
 
Hair care is so important for both women and men. Lavish her (or him) with the versatile Nectar of the Gods, which stands alone as a deep conditioner, color sealer or leave-in conditioner for all hair types. It controls frizz and gives body and fullness to fine hair. I’ve used Nectar of the Gods on many actors and actresses. Hours under those hot lights tend to dry out their hair. Nectar of the Gods protects hair and leaves it looking healthy with a natural shine. It actually penetrates hair, to nourish and restore dull, lifeless, damaged tresses to the look and feel you want. Available at Frends for $39.10.
 
Happy holidays!

To see Fetzer's work, go to his blog or the Zenobia agency's website.

Photo credit: Geraldine Wilkins-Kasinga / Los Angeles Times

Comments

[Robin]

Love, love, love Jeffrey's Perfection skincare. It's amazing. My skin looks 10 years younger.

[duxbellorum]

"Nourish and Restore" are patently FALSE terminologies when it comes to hair or skin treatments. Hair above the root and the top layer of skin are DEAD! It is not possible to make change to something dead. Please, people, read through what is being said.

If you truly want to make informed choices about being good to your hair and skin, check out the "cosmeticscop.com" website where you can find thorough Consumer Reports-style [non-biased] reviews of most brands of beauty supplies from the US and Europe. Then you can truly make informed decisions.

[Been there, done that]

Unfortunately, Frends is an unfriendly store. The women were terribly rude and more interested in gossip than customer service.

[Mary-Laure]

Cool article but that picture is going to give me NIGHTMARES.