Avon.com

It’s a really pretty bracelet – reminds me a little of the friendship bracelets I wore when I was a kid a century ago.

Last week, Avon actually invited me to a private screening of the new movie Precious, and it conjured up a lot of the same feelings this bracelet does –wearing it is a symbol of unity that represents a future without limitations for all women — and in the movie, we saw Precious with the most incredible odds stacked against her – and her being victorious in the end.

Bracelet proceeds will be used to create a new Avon Empowerment Fund and the first $500,000 from bracelet sales will be matched by the Avon Foundation for a total donation of $1 million to UNIFEM, the United Nations Development Fund for Women, for projects that will empower women around the world.

So, even though I am giving a bracelet away, I really really hope all of you go to the site and BUY one. Buy it for yourself, buy it for your family, your friends, every awesome woman in your life – can you think of a more meaningful stocking stuffer? Really.

But if you want the one I am giving away – share one thought on what women can do to empower each other in the here and now. Deadline is December 1 – good luck!

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Avon.com

Granted, I realize movies aren’t real, and her character is not necessarily her.

But I still love Reese! And I love her new scent for Avon, Reese in Bloom.

“In developing In Bloom, I found myself drawn to the scents of my childhood in Tennessee,” explains Reese Witherspoon. “We had a great big Magnolia tree in the back yard, and it’s that beautiful white blossom that inspired the perfume. In Bloom is indicative of where I am in my life today. I’m feeling very strong and independent, and so happy, so full of life. The fragrance truly captures that feeling—it’s very sensual, very romantic and alluring.”

And here’s the exciting part – an AUTOGRAPHED bottle of Reese’s new scent for you! I am giving away one bottle – and it’s super-coveted – in fact, I hear it’s under like, armed-guard lock-in-key at the moment. (OK, not really…but I wouldn’t blame them if it was.) Reese mentioned Bloom was inspired by her favorite childhood scent – what was YOUR favorite childhood scent? Comment below – a winner will be chosen November 25.

Earn extra entries by RT-ing this contest on Twitter. (I’m @alywalansky) – Good luck!

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So, there I was, bundled up, clutching my coffee for dear-warmth, when I realized, the time had come. Winter has arrived, and it’s time to get ready – and do our best to stay beautiful.

Image: Dr. Howard Sobel

According to Dr. Howard Sobel, New York City dermatologist and dermatologic cosmetic surgeon, there are indeed really specific ways to care for our skin as the weather gets colder.

During the colder months, everybody’s skin becomes less oily and drier from both indoor and outdoor elements, include the wind, indoor heat, etc.

“I tell all my clients – no matter skin type – to swap their cleanser for a milder and less drying product. Cooler showers do work – so turn the heat down! Take shorter showers too. And be sure to apply a body-specific moisturizer shortly after on damp skin for maximum effect,” Sobel says.

Sunscreen is critical

“Most people stop using sunscreens once the weather turns colder, but the facts are that aging of the skin results from sun damage that occurs during both summer and winter months. Save time in the morning and sleep an extra 15 minutes by using a dual-purpose moisturizer that has SPF in it – at least 30 SPF,” recommends Sobel. This way, you keep your skin hydrated while protecting against cumulative environmental damage that comes from sun exposure.

Many people tend to overlook the hands during the colder months, despite the fact they are the first on our body to get excessively dry.

Remember to moisturize your hands daily, and if you’re worried about dry, worn-out or older looking hands, speak to your dermatologist about skin rejuvenating hand treatments. “I think dermal fillers can work great as well as laser treatments to remove unattractive sun spots,” says Dr. Sobel.

Autumn is a great time to have a purifying facial or a mild peel to remove your dead skin cells that have accumulated over the summer months.

“In my practice, I see an increase during this time of patients requesting mild to medium peels to refresh their skin for the new season. Since many women like to go lighter during the colder months, they want their complexion to be as smooth and refined as possible,” Says Dr. Sobel.

“Many of my patients who come to see me around this time have pigment changes in their skin from summer. I like to use the Aurora Laser, which uses a very gentle light and energy to remove brown spots from sun damage, blotchiness and to improve skin tone and texture. This treatment is also great to get your in skin in glowing shape for the holidays,” he goes on.

So, is your skin ready for winter, and are you already seeing the effects of the chill? I’m going to follow this advice, starting now!

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Borba

But did you know there’s BEAUTY tricks you can add to your arsenal? Yes, things we do to look and feel good can also save us from certain ruin.

I conferred with Borba skincare founder and celebrity esthetician, Scott-Vincent Borba, and he provided few seasonal skincare and wellness tips to keep your complexion looking flawless despite dropping temperatures and the flu!

Treat Eyes

Your eyes are the first place where you can see the challenges of a cold. (I can see this by my mom looking at me when I am sick, and instantly commenting, based on my “glassy” eyes, “You look like crap.” Thanks, mom!)

First off, place in your freezer, your eye cream for 10 minutes (BORBA Orbital Eye Rejuvenator is amazing for this). This acts as a cold spoon to the eyes and light reflectors and skin diffusers help reduce the appearance of dark circles and puffiness. If you can manage, line the bottom lash line with a white eye liner and use a translucent or highlighter around eye duck with a fade out to the middle of the lash line. That will reduce eye redness and awaken your appearance.

Hint of Tint

A natural rosy-pink blush will infuse life back into skin, even if you feel like your drained of it! Borba says cream blush is great on dehydrated skin while a powder is great over moisturized skin.

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Sxc.hu - This bee is in-the-know. Purple remains huge this season!

According to celebrity makeup artist Douglas Otera, some of the hottest fall colors for us to consider adding to our cosmetics box are dusky purples, blues and deep plums.

Douglas says a way to do this is to experiment with a dark purple or sapphire eye paired with nude, matte lip, or a wine-dark lipstick. To finish the look add just a slash of eyeliner and mascara!

“I will say this season it’s all about clean! A clean and bright face. Whether you decide to go with this seasons blues, plums and purples or not, keep it clean. Especially the eyes dramatic or not you want a nice base, maybe a crease and a nice tight liner with mascara.”

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So, what’s hot for Halloween nails?

Sephora

The easiest thing, obviously, is to, well, fake it. Dashing Diva’s Design Nails on the Go, available at Sephora, are TOTALLY cute – as in black with skulls! – but are natural-looking press-ons, meaning you don’t have to commit to them, at all. (And can have them even i you have short stubby nails.)

Of course, something to remember…if you are going for a non-skull-sympathetic costume (like, say, a nun) – you won’t want to choose this design.

I’m going to be Glenda the Good tomorrow, and I’m aiming for a shimmery pink – last year, I was more of a castaway starlet, and went for the palest peach. Your nails should reflect the rest of your look, or it’d just look like a…costume. And a not very good one at that.

We can’t have that, now, can we?

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(Mostly because Halloween starts in about a half hour.)

Sephora

First of all, I’m loving the new Sephora Halloween Kit -it’s only $19, and gives all sorts of fabulously Halloween-appropriate looks, all in one box.

The kit has anything you may need to create the look of a doll, fairy, and angel, including: False Eyelashes, Round a Pot in Beach Ball, Glitter Spray in Silver, Slim Eyeliner in Black, Slim Eyeliner in White, and Luminous Glow.

Why is this great? Well, if you are still looking for tips right now, you probably still have no idea what you are going to be tomorrow. You may as well keep your options open! Now lets hope there’s a store close enough for you to do a last-minute mad dash…

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A few months ago, I met Lauren Luke at her Sephora launch event, and LOVE her. So, when I saw she had updated her YouTube with some fabulous new tips for Halloween makeup, I had to share them here!

For those who don’t know, Lauren is the beauty-blog-queen of of the UK. Her YouTube channel has over 300,000 subscribers…just to watch her play with makeup. (Geez. Why didn’t I think of that?)

Her ideas are great, though. Check out some below.

Gothic Vampire Look

Lauren used the Twilight Ash eyeshadow from her My Smokey Classics makeup kit to help create this vampy look.

Angel Eyes

(She uses some of my fave MAC products in this one!)

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Sxc.hu

A little guidance is always a good thing! Here are some fab tips from celeb makeup artist Brett Freedman:

Perfect Cat Eyes

Give a silver dusting to the whole lid from lash line to brow line and into the tear duct. Add a sweep of a purple-gray hue to the crease of the eyelid to add depth. Then use a felt tip liquid eyeliner (Brett loves Sephora’s version) and lightly dot on the lid, staying as close as possible to the lash line. Go back over and this time press the felt tip firmly into skin and ‘connect the dots’ to smooth the line, fanning it up and out toward the temples on the ends. Finish off your makeup look with pretty pink cheeks and lips!

Bombshell Makeup

Start with a foundation that’s a shade lighter than you usually use (try Revlon’s Custom Creations foundation). This sets the stage for the crisp, retro look. Shade the crease of your eye with a soft beige-y taupe shadow. With a sponge-tipped applicator, apply a matte, bone colored shadow (or pale face powder) all over lids and add a silvery shimmer along the brow bone to highlight. The black liquid liner is very important. Run from tear duct to outer corner very close to the lash line. Extend liner up and out. Corner false lashes finish this alluring eye look. Fill out lips with a true blue-red lip liner and fill in with a deep red lipstick. Use very minimal blush in a soft pink. Ice the cake with Marilyn’s iconic mole aka your black liquid liner!

Pop Art Eyes

You’ll need two sets of false eyelashes for this monochromatic mod look – one very full, dark pair for the top and a second sparser, spikier pair for the bottom (try Andrea Perma-Lash). Sculpt lid out from the tear duct to outer corner with matte gray shadow – be very exaggerated and rounded and arc it like a rainbow. Take a near-white silver shimmer eye shadow and apply boldly to lid and brow bone. Use a liquid liner on top and bottom, extending on the outer corners horizontally (toward the mid ear, not the temple). Apply false lashes to top and bottom lash lines. Steer clear of blush and go for a very pale, fleshy lipstick or gloss.

Gold Dewy Makeup

Start with an all over tan and shimmery glow (Vanitymark’s Shimmerskin is great!). Gold and peach tones are your friends. Give you cheeks a sweep of warm apricot blush and work it up around eyes. Get an eye shadow quad in browns – use the palest shade to highlight under the brow bone and layer the shades from lightest to darkest. The darker the shade, the closer it should be to the lash line. Use a deep brown eyeliner pencil on the inner shelf of the eye for extra pop. Apply small, corner lashes to the top outer lash line to amp up lashes. Apply a peachy/golden gloss to lips. For the finishing touch, take a loose, sheer gold powder and dust over eye make up and along the tops of the cheekbones.

Smoky Eyes

It’s all about the eyes. Too much is never enough. There will be little other make up so it’s best to get your pow from really working your black eyeliner. Apply base as usual. Use a very neutral lip – clear gloss is best. Blush should be a fleshy, barely there pink. Using a soft black eyeliner, fill in your lid and under eye in quick strokes. Don’t worry about getting it smooth and perfect because (in true rocker style) you’re gonna smudge and blend with your finger. Curl your lashes and apply multiple layers of blue-black mascara (try L’Oreal Voluminous). Once mascara dries, take a small dab of clear lip gloss and rub into lid and lash line. This will give the liner a wet, naughty look. Rock on!

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Blu Salon

Because of that, I was super grateful when New Jersey’s fabulous Melina James, owner of Blu Salon invited me out for a day of recoup (and beauty!).

Melina is the sweetest person ever, and her entire staff clearly likes each other. I told her how rare that is – I’m used to NYC salons where the guy cutting your hair likely last night had a drunken one-nighter with the girl who colored your hair, and now everyone is snickering about it behind their backs. There’s also none of that haute-salon elitism – and you can tell by the huge range in age and lifestyles of the clients who come in throughout the day.

My day started with a relaxing Swedish massage with Albert Agnello, my very first massage from a guy – I think I’m hooked. They are way better at working on those tight spots!

Next, I got quite possibly the best facial of my life with Jill Turano – we gabbed about everything from food to boys as she gave my skin some serious recuperation. We spoke a lot about the products I use, and my skincare regime – as a product junkie, I am not often loyal to a single line or ritual, and this is bad. But the important thing is to cleanse morning and night, no matter how tired or drunk we may be! Jill said though that I had good skin, and we spoke about the importance of keeping it good – and that involves hydration. Since then, I’ve been attempting 8 glasses a day of water, and am seeing a difference already! Later in the day, Jill gave me a makeup touchup – I was looking for that sexy “looks like I am not wearing makeup look, but actually am” – and that’s exactly what she gave me! I maintain that while men THINK they don’t want us wearing makeup, they actually do…and the key to happiness is letting them think they are getting what they want, even though we are.

The rest of my day was just as blissful – Angelica Pulgarin gave my nails and toes a touch of shimmery navy – I’m all about the dark colors in fall, and everyone says they are perfect on me! – and then creative director Stephanie Atwell finished me off with a blowout. I so wish I had taken before/after pix – I feel a little remiss that I forgot to – because by the end of the day, it was truly night and day. I left looking like a princess! A very relaxed one, at that.

I love, love, love Blu Salon – it has a very chic – and I normally avoid using the word chic – oasis-like aspect. Full of comfy couches and girlie colors of pink and black, you feel like you are at a trendy bar, hot spa, and cozy lounge…all at the same time. Plus, they have candy out and about for guests…you ain’t lived until you had m&m’s with your manicure.

And, how’s this for exciting news? ANY reader who goes to the salon and mentions me or my blog during the month of November gets a $20 gift card! As the prices are surprisingly reasonable there – that’ll go a long way!

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