The holiday weekend is over, marking the unofficial end of summer. Any illusion of an unscheduled free life is about to come to an abrupt end. Kids are on their way back to school, most college students have already left, and the rest of us have resumed our fall schedules, which seem to be more demanding and overwhelming each year. September is the springboard to the rest of the year. This is the perfect time to make changes in your life and have a fresh start for fall. The easiest changes to make are in your appearance. Now is the time to look in the mirror and re-evaluate yourself. Look at everything, from your hair to your makeup. Summer looks are often not appropriate after Labor Day. What works in the summer often doesn't translate to fall.

Here are five tips to look your best for fall 2008.

1) It's time for a haircut. Don't get nervous! I am not telling you to cut it off. I am only suggesting you get a trim. Now is the perfect time to put the shape back in your cut so it will be easier to manage and look more polished.

FALL FORECAST: Watch out for the most subtle A-line bobs.


2) Tone down your hair color. Summer wreaks havoc on your hair color even if you're not a sun bunny. Summer sun and wind can make natural looking sun-kissed hair color look fake and over processed.

FALL FORECAST: Hair color has never looked so believable. Golds, coppers, auburns, and chocolates -- color tones found in nature -- are the most desirable shades.


3) Comb the makeup counters. The naked face doesn't work in the fall. It is definitely time to look like you made an effort to look your best. Makeup doesn't have to look unnatural. The end result should look like you, only prettier.

FALL FORECAST: Makeup artist Enid O' predicts smokey eyes with pale cheeks and lips or strong red lips with nude eyes and a light blush.


4) Learn how to finish your hair at home. Hair this season looks more finished than we have seen in years. You should not be solely dependent on your hairdresser to look good. Watch your hairdresser style your hair. Notice what styling tools and products are used. Buy them and practice. You should be able to do your hair in 15 to 20 minutes.

FALL FORECAST: After several seasons of a tousled look, fall hair will be smoother, with controlled waves. Hair will never look frozen or sprayed in place.


5) Have a bad hair day 'do as a back up when you are running late. Life happens! Sometimes there's just no time to get it together.

FALL FORECAST: Pony tails with combined textures will be the "I need a blow dry but I don't have time" 'do this fall. Use styling products to slick hair back, and then pull remaining hair into pony tail. Leave pony tail free of product to show natural texture. Women with shorter hair should master simple chignons. Chignons should be worn low and look like you did them yourself. Leaving the ends out of the twist looks younger and fresher.


Fall is here. Everyone is back from vacation. You will soon see all your old friends and probably make a few new ones. It is time to look your best, embrace the season, and as always, have fun looking beautiful.

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