ÁMEZING NEWS #24: ÁMEZING GIFTS FOR ALL

Our second annual gift guide is here!

We cannot believe the holiday season is upon us! Gift giving is my love language so I’m sharing some of my favorite gifting ideas with you here today.

My approach to holiday gifting comes down to feeling. If I see something that reminds me of a person in my life, that’s what they’re going to get. This feeling is gifting at its best, when you just know something is right. It’s organic, never forced, and you just know the recipient will love and appreciate it. Hopefully, some of these recommendations will inspire that feeling in you today.

I try to shop small as much as I can, during the holidays and all year round, so you’ll see that reflected here (along with a lot of woman-owned businesses). I’ve also included some incredible service practitioners and ideas for memorable experiences for you to enjoy–just in case you prefer gifts that can’t really be wrapped.

In general, the beauty industry is characterized by extreme overconsumption. Of course I’m obsessed, this was my passion before it was my business, but I find the constant clamor for more exhausting. Speaking with friends and clients, I know this year has been challenging in so many ways, including financially. My intention was to share ideas that could support a variety of budgets, so don’t skip out on reading if you’re feeling short on cash. Money can make gifting convenient, but creativity is what makes gifting good.

Whether you’re searching for family members, besties, lovers, colleagues, neighbors…we’re here to remind you that it’s never about the monetary value, it’s always about the intention.

One last thing before we get to this year’s list!

This is our gift guide from last year. I still stand behind all of these reccs!

This is my Perfect Gift List on ShopMy. It’s filled with small, easy gifts. Perfect for stocking stuffers.

Ok, ok, without further ado…

ÁMEZING GIFTS FOR ALL !

Beauty and Wellness Brands

UDEA

Founded by Leanne Citrone and Natalie Stevenson, my friends at UDEA created two different kinds of supplements for vitality. The Hair Pill and The Mood Pill were created for systemic balance. Happy Mood= Happy Hair. The ingredients are traceable, NON-GMO and vegan and, of course, bioavailable for optimal absorption. If you are suffering from hair thinning or shedding the Hair Pill may be a great fit for you. Leanne is a pioneer in the hair and beauty industry and we are so lucky to have this physical manifestation of her expertise!

SOFT SERVICES

Soft Services is my standout body care range  of the year and I could not recommend it enough. Not only is the range experiential but it is also formulated for those with Keratosis Pilaris, eczema and other inflammatory conditions. The Carea cream and the buffing bar are some of my personal favorites and make for lovely gifts for a close friend or even new acquaintance. Who doesn’t need or want a little body-centric self care!

EADEM

Eadem really took the cake for me this year as the mission of the brands aligns deeply with my core values as a facialist who specializes in melanated skin. Eadem’s skincare range is inclusive, effective, beautiful to look at. With its Powered by Smart Melanin™ Technology, it’s also extremely effective. Over the last two weeks, I’ve been addicted to Le Chouchou in Boba Bounce. I love the tint and most importantly the feel, and in this wind it actually hydrates. I’m impressed all around!

REVERIE

Haircare by Garrett Markenson! Think “clean haircare made like skincare.” The anti- frizz milk serum scent is so heavenly, I truly wish I could bottle it up and wear it as my personal scent. Yes, it’s that good. As someone with both wavy and curly hair and a lot of frizz, this product will be a new staple in my hair routine. This product is made in California and the scent is all essential-oil derived which is probably why i love it so much.

RŌZ HAIR

I had the pleasure of shooting with RŌZ in summer and after they so kindly gifted me the range. I’ve never looked back. I am absolutely obsessed with the milk hair serum (the aroma is very special) and the air thickening spray. I have found that the air thickening spray is lightweight yet adds a really sexy bounce, it’s a great revival for a blowout. Check out their holiday kits and sets. 

Clothes and Accessories

GUMI

Founded by friends Gurina and Minji, Gumi is technical apparel that is both feminine and versatile. Check out the collection here, I think the biker tutu shorts would be a great gift ;)

TANK AIR

This brand is all about the FIT. I actually discovered Tank Air through my clients and I have to say that it's the construction that just hugs in all the right places. I’m especially a fan of the mini skirts and the tees. Gift cards are available online!

MICHELLE DEL RIO

The Paris-based designer Michelle Louise Del Rio has created some of my favorite silhouettes of the year, like the infamous Soledad Skirt. I was initially attracted to Michelle’s beautiful imagery online. Of course it comes to no surprise that I adore her entire collection. Sustainable and really beautiful.

LE BOUDOIR LOS ANGELES

I’m proud to say Le Boudoir is a local lingerie and store of my very own neighborhood here in Echo Park. Clémence Parienté Lorenzetti brought her Parisian touch and curated a selection of lingerie and intimate-wear of small independently owned brands. Keep an eye out for her first collection of cotton and satin underwear that I had the pleasure of testing out for a local shoot! The collection drops this week. This is a wonderful place for sexy yet practical gifts! Welcome to undies heaven!

Restaurants

BAR SINIZKI

In Atwater Village! First off, it's open from 7AM TO 12AM, which is unfortunately rare in L.A. I’ve been finding it really hard to walk into a restaurant in LA at all without reservations, let alone a place I can sit down for a solo lunch. This is my new spot and perhaps a nice treat for a romantic date or dinner with the parents. P.S the burger is not to be missed. 

HOLBOX

My love for Holbox runs so deep. I started eating here in 2019. During that first meal, I had the best lobster of my life and firmly decided this is the best seafood in all of Los Angeles. This Yucatecan restaurant is located inside Mercado La Paloma and when I say I recommend every dish I truly mean every dish. Since receiving a Michelin star in 2024, it's a bit more packed, but I can’t think of someone more deserving than Chef Gilbert Cetina. For the Mexican community of Los Angeles, this was a huge and special moment. I highly recommend their testing menu offered on Thursdays and Fridays. P.S they have gift cards.

SAM’S PLACE

I haven’t been yet, but lots of friends are raving about this spot in Highland Park. It has zero social media presence, at least for now. I’ll be going soon for wine outside, with my dog in tow. Think cozy neighborhood restaurant meets a wine bar.

LA PAWNDERIA

Okay, I jumped for joy when I read this exists. After many pop-ups this year, Adriana Montoya has opened a Mexican-inspired dog bakery in Downey. Here you’ll find dog treats, custom cakes, and more. Gift cards are available too, perfect for someone who loves their dog even more than themselves (most dog owners!). I know where I’m getting Sailor’s stocking stuffers!

Culture

HOLLYWOOD BOOKS

Started by my friend Rebecca Ressler! Hollywood Books is a new neighborhood bookstore where you can find many genres, including a booming baby and children section. Take a gander, buy a good read for a friend! Address is 6917 Melrose Ave. 

“MORE PLEASE: ON FOOD, FAT, BINGEING, LONGING, AND THE LUST FOR “ENOUGH” BY EMMA SPECTER

Speaking of good reads! I discovered this book on Tierney’s podcast and rushed to buy it (listen to Tierney Talks to Emma Specter here!) As someone who struggled with eating in high school and throughout college, I related deeply, but I think it’s an important read even if you didn’t have those kinds of experiences. I think we should all read this! It’s a well-reported memoir, so it’s as personal as it is informative.

DESCANSO GARDENS

Of course Huntington Gardens is always at the top of our list, but have you ever Descano’ed? Nestled in La Cañada, these grounds are magical. Their current programming includes “Enchanted” night, where you can walk through an enchanted forest of light. A true reverie! Consider a ticket or membership for this holiday season! Perfect for children and adults! 

Superstar Service Providers

DAPHNE JAVITCH

Founder of Doing Well, health coach Daphne Javitch created a platform for those who are seeking practical approaches for a vibrant life. You can work with Daphne one on one for private health coaching or become a member for $15 dollars a month and gain tips and most importantly community.

RASA VEDA HEALING

A clinical Ayurvedic practitioner and medicinal aromatherapist, Sheila offers panchakarma (a detoxification treatment) as well as other Ayurvedic therapies and consultations in person or over zoom. My Friend Rachel Day initially introduced me to Sheila’s practice, describing them as incredible and heavenly. Perhaps a wonderful gift to yourself or a loved one who may need further health support.  

ANGELA SULAI

Angelia is a master reiki practitioner who I was so lucky to meet and work with on a recent shoot. (Yes, she’s an incredible makeup artist as well!) Angela’s work focuses on somatic healing for women of color, where she helps her clients discover their own healing power. A session with Angela would be a godsend gift!

KUMI SAWYERS

A bodyworker, somatic coach, and yoga teacher, Kumi is one of those people you meet and want to get to know. Kumi is a body expert and combined with her work as a yoga teacher, a healer. Kumi leads yoga retreats all over the world (often with my dear friends Kyle Miller and Krissy Jones) so keep a lookout for such announcements! You can email Kumi directly at kumarawellness@gmail.com.

QUANTUM CLINIC

Ever feel like you just need to unplug from light and sound? Well now you can do a floatation therapy for some much needed rest and relaxation. Benefits include reduced inflammation, mental clarity and great for emotional processing. Located in Frogtown!

TOMOKO SPA

A splurge worth taking at this beautiful Japanese style spa in the heart of Beverly hills! I recommend this for couples who are looking to self-care together (there’s even a couple’s room to book where you can enjoy sushi after your services, they’ll bring in Sugarfish for you!)

Any gifts on the top of your list to give or get this year? Any approaches to gifting you stick to year after year? Tell us more in the comments.

ÁMEZING GIVEAWAY 

If you made it this far, you deserve a gift too!

We are giving away a self-care goodie basket, featuring my ANTI POLLUTANT masque and some other yummy body care and clean makeup staples!

In order to enter, you’ll need to leave two comments. One on this Substack post (use the “leave a comment” button above) and the other on this IG post.

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Tell us what you’re gifting and how you’re gifting (or any feedback about what you love to see in this newsletter!) Your last chance to enter is Wednesday, November 27th at 11:59 p.m., so don’t wait. The winner will be selected at random and notified ASAP following the Thanksgiving holiday.

ÁMEZING UPDATES

To book a service, please email: bookings@amezskin.com. I’m only accepting a limited amount of new clients, so if you’ve been thinking about coming into the studio for a while but haven’t made it in yet, please act now!

I’ll be announcing holiday closures next month, and sharing the first section of a special two-part interview too…It’s with a friend in the wellness community. Someone you may already know…But for more on that, you’ll have to read next month’s newsletter.

The editor of Ámezing News is Tierney Finster. Follow her on Substack here and Instagram here. Listen to Tierney interview Andrea on her podcast here!