mark Spokeswoman, Lauren Conrad looked both beautiful and sophisticated in a retro, 1940’s look at the Avon Hope Honors Gala. Lauren attended the star-studded benefit on behalf of m.powerment by mark, the philanthropic initiative dedicated to breaking the cycle of dating abuse and partner violence. Celebrity Makeup Artist Amy Nadine gave her secrets for creating the glammed up look, reminiscent of Lana Turner and Rita Hayworth.

How to Get Lauren’s Retro Look:

Face: “For a perfectly polished complexion, I evened out Lauren’s skin tone with mark Powder Buff Natural Skin Foundation in Natural, for a super-velvety finish. To emphasize the delicate contours of her face, I applied mark Bronze Pro Bronzing Powder starting in the hollow of her cheeks, then directly under her cheekbones, up to her temples, across her hairline and under her jaw line. I then swirled mark Good Glowing Custom Pick Powder Blush in Star Glo on the apples of her cheeks for a subtle rosy glow.”

Avon Products Inc. has turned up the volume in the rising din of the celebrity fragrance fray by signing one of hip-hop’s hottest acts — Black Eyed Peas frontwoman Fergie.

The multiyear deal comes on the heels of a record-breaking 26-week run at number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart for the Peas’ “Boom Boom Pow” and “I Gotta Feeling,” and serves as Avon’s answer to last summer’s deal between Parlux Fragrances Inc. and musical heavyweights Jay-Z, Kanye West and Rihanna, not to mention Coty’s latest coup in signing perhaps the greatest prize, Beyoncé Knowles.

Fergie walking the runway at the fall 2006 Heart Truth Red Dress event.
Photo By Talaya Centeno

Fergie, 34, whose real name is Stacy Ferguson, is the latest high-profile name to join Avon’s growing cast of celebrities. The list includes Reese Witherspoon; Patrick Dempsey and his wife, makeup artist Jillian Dempsey; Courteney Cox; Derek Jeter; Jennifer Hudson, whose contract is due to expire, and in Latin America, Salma Hayek. Avon’s designer alliances have included Cynthia Rowley, Christian Lacroix and Emanuel Ungaro.

Couple of weeks ago I was given an amazing opportunity to interview Avon’s Fashion Week Stylist Anthony Barrow. In this interview Anthony talks to me about his beginnings as a top hair stylist, his experience appearing on Bravo’s hit series “Make me a Super Model“, Fall’s Hottest Hair Styling Trends, and future plans.

Marta Walsh: When did your fascination for hair design begin?
Anthony Barrow: My fascination for hair design started when I was at art school when I met a group of visiting cosmetology students.

MW: How did you get your first big break as a professional hairdresser? What were some of your most memorable celebrity collaborations?
AB: My first big break was the British Hairdressing Awards. Some of the most memorable collaborations were with Juliette Binoche and Ozzy Osbourne.

MW: What is your main philosophy regarding hair & beauty?
AB: It has to be beautiful, no matter how extreme!

MW: What are some of the hottest fall hair trends?
AB: Classic shapes with modern textures and accent colors will be popular this fall.

MW: Which hair styling tools and products are must-have to achieve some of the hairstyles we are going to see this coming fall?
AB: Everyone should have Advance Techniques Mirror Shine Spray and a flat iron.

Reese Witherspoon is taking on a new role this fall — that of perfumer.

The Academy Award-winning actress has teamed up with Avon Products Inc. to launch her first fragrance, called In Bloom by Reese Witherspoon. While Witherspoon has spent the last two years serving as Avon’s global ambassador and brand spokeswoman, creating a fragrance marked something of a new endeavor for the 33-year-old.

Reese Witherspoon in a ad for Avon’s In Bloom.
Photo By Courtesy Photo

“It was a unique experience for me because I had no idea what goes into making perfumes,” said Witherspoon, who sat down at the Four Seasons in Beverly Hills last month to discuss her new scent. “I thought you just pick a fragrance and it’s easy. But there were all these different levels of creating a scent that were new to me, but really fun and exciting.”

Talking Makeup is giving away 3 Avon lip colors to 5 lucky winners from Avon’s latest Summer lip color collection! yoohoo! Jillian Dempsey, Avon’s Global Creative Color Director and Patrick Dempsey’s wife helped created these 3 beautiful lip products for Avon!

3 prizes to 5 lucky winners, this what you can get by Avon:
1. Avon Pro 3-in-1 Lip Wand
2. Avon Spectra Color Lipstick
3. Avon Ultra Color Rich Extra Plump Lipstick

To find an Avon e-representative near you, visit http://shop.avon.com/shop/find_a_rep.asp

How to enter Avon lipcolor giveaway:
1. Subscribe Talking Makeup’s YouTube Channel!
2. Leave a comment on YouTube video.
3. U.S. or Canada Shipping Address ONLY!
4. Avon lipcolor giveaway EXPIRES 6/16/2009.

Good Luck:)
Marta