We just want to look significantly younger, thinner and prettier before the first holiday party of the season. Is that too much to ask? Thankfully, according to local experts, the answer is "not at all." Ladies and gentlemen, it looks like Christmas is coming early this year -
and in the form of lasers, razors, syringes, makeup and more.

Shimmer & Shine at Holiday Parties
Shimmery shades are the best choice for holiday makeup. If you are feeling daring, use blue and violet tones. For fair skin tones, use silver shadows. For darker skin tones, use warm golds. Dust the shimmery shadow onto your whole lid and along the bottom of your lashes. Keep the rest of your makeup natural; use only mascara, blush and a light, pale lip color.

Not sold on an entirely glittering look? To open up your eyes even when wearing more muted tones, apply a shimmery light shadow to the corner of your eye. You don't want to overdue the shimmer and make it look like you are wearing tinsel; apply sparingly!

Other holiday favorites are the timeless "red lip" and the "smokey eye." Here's how to effortlessly achieve both.

Timeless Red Lip
Combining light or natural eye shadow and black liner with a bold red lip never goes out of style. To get the "perfect red lip," apply lip balm, then line lips first in a red color similar to your red lipstick. Then fill in with the red lipstick of your choice.

For Smokey Eyes
Hold a black pencil close to your upper lashes and then create a thick line using short strokes from the outer lashes, inward. Do the same to your bottom lashes. Use a cotton swab to smudge the line. Using a small eye shadow brush, apply dark grey eye shadow (Tap the brush first to remove excess.) starting at the outer corner of the eye then applying across the lid staying close to the lash line, using feathery strokes. Blend the shadow up the crease to the brow bone. The smoky look can also be achieved using shades of blue, brown, violet and mauve.
Jennifer Glezer is a profes sional hair and makeup artist,
as well as owner of Fairest of them All. 904-3805
www.jenniferglezer.com

Dermacure Valencia'sLiquid Facelift
The Perfect Pre-holiday Makeover
In a single visit, you will receive an injectable filler treatment with Juvederm, Restylane or Perlane to fill in deep wrinkles and folds and restore lost volume. You will also receive Dysport or Botox to relax lines between the brows, on the forehead and around the eyes. Then, to top it all off, you will receive a customized ViPeel, which will brighten the skin, reduce pigmentation and improve fine lines. You will look incredibly refreshed and ready to take lots of holiday photos! 257-8400 www.dermacurevalencia.com

Apollo's Barber Shop Donates more than
"a Little Off the Top"
Half of Each Signature Shave Purchase to
Benefit Prostate Cancer Foundation
Through the month of November, Apollo's Barber Shop will donate 50 percent of the sales of Signature Shaves to the Prostate Cancer Foundation, the leading philanthropic organization funding and accelerating research globally to find a cure. Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in the United States. Do your part by enjoying a Signature Shave and, while you're there, consider a gentleman's cut, beard/goatee design, 10-minute hair color, sport's chair massage and much more. 254-2891 www.apollosbarbershop.com

Good Things come to those who Plan Ahead!
Sunday January 6
SCV Bridal Faire Extraordinaire Held at the Hyatt Regency Valencia, the Bridal Faire Extraordinaire has been a beloved tradition of Santa Clarita couples for many years. This event will showcase the top wedding professionals in our area. Included will be a fashion show, many door prizes and the opportunity to speak to officiants, sample cakes, interview bands, DJ's, florists, photographers, videographers, wedding planners, caterers and even wedding location venues. 255-1244
www.bridalfaireextraordinaire.com

Minor Procedures
Garner Impressive Results
"Most people will benefit greatly from a minor procedure to look their best and freshest," says Dr. Hayavi of Beverly Hills Physicians (800-788-1416 www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com). These procedures include Botox injection for wrinkles, as well as fillers such as FDA-approved Restylane or Juvederm to plump up the lips or correct wrinkles on the lower face.

"When these simple, pain-free in-office procedures are performed by an experienced physician, the results are both remarkable and incredibly natural looking. Our clients often report that they look and feel a decade younger, more rested and fresh faced," says the Beverly Hills Physicians doctor.

Another fast fix: a series of IPL Fotofacial laser treatments. "After your first treatment, you will notice significant and positive changes in the tone and texture of your skin, as well as a reduction in fine lines. Over the course of the series, you'll experience the elimination of sun spots, brown or yellow spots; pigmentation problems; fine wrinkles and/or fine veins; and texture inconsistencies on the face," explains Dr. Hayavi.

"The benefits of these procedures are multifold, especially when clients are eager to look their best - quickly - before holiday parties," says Dr. Hayavi. "These procedures are non-invasive, painless, require no down time or recovery and, if done by qualified physician, the results are very natural and affordable. In fact, they are so popular at Beverly Hills Physicians that we've noticed an increase in the sales and redemption of gift certificates before the holidays even begin. It seems like 'getting a jump on looking your best' is a gift people can't wait to give and receive!" 800-788-1416 www.beverlyhillsphysicians.com