November is now here, and cold weather is just around the corner. Even though I hate the shorter and darker days, I love this time of year because of the Fall fashions. This year is like a smorgasborg of style. There is something for everyone. There is leather, suede, double breasted jackets, angora knit lace, and even touches of silk...everything to choose from! The Fall fashions are beautiful this year!

What is better than Fall fashions, well Fall makeup of course! Well at least for a makeup artist. There are rich shades and various textures to choose from. It's a makeup artist's dream.

While I explored the new shades for this years palette, I had the opportunity to write about my findings for the October issue of Les Nouvelles Esthetiques (American Edition) magazine. You can see one of the images that I created for the article above.

As I gathered my information, I thought it would be great to interview another makeup artist for the story. Who better to ask about Fall color, than Sam Fine, one of my favorite celebrity makeup artists. As Sam Fine says, "Many women of color are afraid to use color, but Fall is the perfect time to experiement!" I totally agree. Many woman of all ethnic back grounds feel that it is better to do no makeup at all, than to mess up. My philosophy?.....Live a little! It's just makeup, it will wash off!

If you are still unsure than consider some of the tips from all of the new beauty books out today. One of my favorites books is Iman's "The Beauty of Color". You can see video clips of the makeovers and the interviews that Oprah did with Iman, and other guests Naomi Campbell, and Eva Mendes http://www.imancosmetics.com/1.0/videodiary_main.html. Makeup was done by one of my other favorite makeup artists Pat McGrath!.....LOVE her work!

While you look good in your Fall fashions and makeup, make sure you don't skip your exercises. You can get great tips in the "Back Talk" story I wrote for Belleza magazine. I interview Dr. Tom Konicki, who is a chiropractor for some advice and exercises to keep our backs healthy. Not only did I have a great piece for the magazine, but I also learned a lot of helpful hints on how to avoid a lot of unnecessary back problems. The issue will hit news stands soon.

(Image credit to the left: styling and imagery was by me and photographer Fred Ramirez for CC&C)

Not only did I learn tips on taking care of my back, but I also got a chance to use a great body lotion by Olay called Quench. Even though I have dry skin, I hate the feeling of greasy moisturizers. Quench was surprisingly light weight and refreshing to my skin, without any greasy residue.

I know no one really reads the packaging on body lotion, but it felt so good I had to find out why. Come to find out, it has Amino-Vitamins and Chamomile with the ability to give your skin a burst of moisture that continues for 24 hours so you don't have to keep applying it over and over again. Now I can keep my skin looking good and feeling good in the winter months to come.

I am now accepting beauty questions at my web site. I will try my best to answer all of your questions, but due to my hectic schedule that is not always possible. I will post a few of the questions and answers on my upcoming blogs!

Ok that's enough!....time to go back under my nice warm blanket! See you next month!