As wonderful as my summer was, I think I have been looking forward to autumn since August. I’ve been loving every aspect of it from the crisp, cooler weather (hello smooth hair!) to Halloween to the gorgeous colors that mark the season. And one of my favorite shades, plum, has become a wildly popular beauty trend this fall.

Plum looks beautiful on eyes, lips. and nails. Luckily, there are so many shades and varieties available this season to flatter all different skin tones. For instance, a deep plum matte lipstick is not going to look great on everyone, but a sheer eggplant gloss may work better. If vampy eggplant nails aren’t you’re thing (they’re mine!), opt for more of a pale mauve shade instead.

COVERGIRL makeup artist, Molly R. Stern loves the plum and purple lip trend this season, since it adds a bright pop of color to any beauty look. “When wearing a plum lip, keep the rest of your makeup minimal so bold lips are the focus of the look,” Molly tells The Beauty Mark. “If you want to create a more dramatic beauty look, pair a plum lip with a sheer layer of gold shadow on your lids for a gorgeous, unexpected hint of color. If you’re afraid of the purple lip but still want to be trendy this season, try doing purple on the eyelid.”

On the eyes, I really like COVERGIRL Smoky ShadowBlast in the shade Purple Plum. It’s easy to apply and the two different contoured ends of the eye shadow stick are great for creating a bold, colorful and smoky eye.

Want to see some more purple picks? I tried them all so you don’t have to! Check out some of my favorite fall plum picks for eyes, nails, lips, lids and more.

(Just promise not to wear them all at once!) See the slideshow >>

Don’t you love leaving the hair salon and getting a great PHR? Only a very good hairdresser will make sure you’re always getting a positive Post Haircut Response (PHR), a funny little term coined by my friend Lesley many years ago. And admit it, there’s nothing like walking out of the salon after a cut or color and everyone favorably responds to your new hair ‘do. A good hair day is a good day, my friends.

I think we all know the secret to how celebrities always look picture-perfect whenever they leave the house. I’m chalking it up to the hours they spend with their team of stylists, hairdressers, and makeup artists. But whenever I see Jennifer Aniston’s hair, I am amazed by how gorgeous, healthy, and shiny it is at all times. (I’d bet she gets a great PHR even when she has a few split ends!)
Read the full story

Taylor Swift is the latest celebrity to create her own signature scent. The country-pop star has teamed up with Elizabeth Arden to create her own line of products.

See exclusive photos from our photo shoot with Taylor Swift

The 20-year-old’s first fragrance will debut in fall 2011. She’ll be involved in various stages of the scent’s creation, including product development, packaging and advertising. Read the full story

There’s nothing that I love more than beauty with convenience. Every time a new beauty product comes my way that offers both effectiveness combined with ease, I’m automatically a fan. Such is the case with some smile-friendly products created by Dr. Irwin Smigel, Father of Aesthetic Dentistry and the man behind Supersmile. With everything from toothpaste to tongue cleaners to whitening dental floss in his Supersmile line, Dr. Smigel has your mouth covered.

My favorite product in the line is the Supersmile Powdered Whitening Rinse. It’s the coolest new dental product I’ve tried in a while, designed with travelers and people on-the-go in mind. It’s essentially a packet of powdered mouthwash, smaller than a credit card that easily fits into a pocket or purse. To use it, rip the top off and add water to the packet (which acts as the cup), then rinse. It helps to remove stains, freshen breath, and eliminate bacteria, plaque, and gingivitis. I’ve found the rinse is great to use post-meals, before heading out after work, or any time my mouth needs a pick-me-up.

And with celebs like Justin Timberlake, Jennifer Lopez, and Cameron Diaz as patients, Dr. Smigel has helped create his fair share of gorgeous smiles. Want some dental hints on how to get a set of perfect pearly whites? Dr. Smigel shares some professional advice and useful tips with The Beauty Mark on how to keep your smile shining bright.

Read the full story

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, dedicated to increasing awareness of the importance of early breast cancer detection.

Even though we’re more than halfway through the month, it’s still not too late to get tickled pink over some of the philanthropic beauty companies that are pledging their support for breast cancer research and encouraging us all to “shop pink” for beauty buys that support the cure. Read the full story

Did you know that what we consume on the inside has a direct effect on the outside?

Celebrity nutritionist Paula Simpson has some practical suggestions to treat and prevent problems that happen to us at different ages, simply by eating certain foods.

Ever think broccoli would help prevent blemished skin? Or salmon would reduce redness? Check out these beauty foods that help brighten complexions, restore elasticity and defy aging in your 20s, 30s, 40s and beyond. Read the full story

Actress Julie Bowen plays mom-of-three Claire Dunphy on the hit series Modern Family. Then she goes home to her real family and plays mom-of-three to son Oliver, 3, and one-year-old twins, John and Gus. Yet she still manages to be effortlessly gorgeous, as well as absolutely hilarious, when talking to PARADE’s HealthyStyle about motherhood, aging, marriage and more.

Photos: The Hardest-Working Hollywood Moms

In the September/October issue, out this week, Julie says, “There are days when I’m like, ‘Hey, you look pretty good.’ But I work with Sofia Vergara. You can have your very best day, and then you walk in and look at her and you go, ‘Okay, now that’s just superhuman.’” But Julie is pretty superhuman, herself. She’s a doting wife and mother to three young boys, a star on one of the hottest TV comedies and she wakes up every day at 5am to train for a half-marathon. Add to all of that the fact that she’s a genuinely cool gal. Read the full story

My social life is suffering this week — all in the name of fall television. I’ve been waiting not-so-patiently for the season openers of several of my favorite shows: 30 Rock, Dexter, Eastbound and Down and another little ditty, called Glee.

I must say, the latter was well worth the wait. Last night’s season 2 premiere of Glee had the exact same sharp wit, biting sarcasm and strong singing that earned it 19 Emmy nods and two wins. It also didn’t hurt that the kids sang Gaga, Jay Z and the greatest song EVER from A Chorus Line, all in the same episode. I’m on the edge of my seat for next week! Two words: Britney. Spears.
Read the full story

With New York Fashion Week in full swing, it looks like fall 2010 is bringing forth some awesome hair and beauty trends inspired by the colorful new season.

Hairstylist and salon owner Latrice Strader anticipates some daring color trends this season, along with some super chic cuts. From bangs to layers to sultry shades, check out these fall hair trends along with fun and inspiring celebrity looks to help everyday women find the styles that fit them best. Read the full story

And the award for “Craziest Look” at the VMAs goes to…I just can’t make up my mind.

I look forward to the MTV Video Music Awards every year — the Oscars it is certainly not. The VMAs have always been the awards show where celebs are encouraged to get a bit more creative with their looks on the red carpet. (In this year’s case, it was the long, white carpet outside the Nokia Theater in Los Angeles!) And with some of the lackluster performances from the show, the 2010 VMA beauty and style sightings were some of the most entertaining highlights of the night.
Read the full story