Sunscreen recall

The W.S. Badger Company, makers of the infamous Badger Balm, is recalling all lots of its four-ounce SPF 30 Baby Sunscreen Lotion and one lot of its four-ounce SPF 30 Kids Sunscreen Lotion.

According to the FDA, the voluntary recall stems from "microbial contamination" that was found during routine product re-testing. The sunscreens in question were found to contain Pseudomonas aeruginosa; Candida parapsilosis and Acremonium fungi.

In a statement, Badger Founder and CEO Bill Whyte said the affected sunscreens passed "required microbiological and comprehensive challenge testing" prior to their sale online and at major retailers in the U.S. and Canada. In its 18-year history, Whyte said, this is Badger's first recall.

Apparently the preservative system in the affected lots was "compromised," but as of Sept. 25, the FDA said no adverse reactions have been reported.

For details on the affected UPC numbers and refund information, click here.

'Top 10' for fall

Night time temps have started falling below 60 in Charlotte. Could it finally be time for fall? According to the calendar, the official season change is this Sunday.

Fresh from a 10-day trip to NYC where she worked backstage at Fashion Week, Charlotte's 19-year-old makeup artist Katy Albright has been in the thick of fall fashion.

She shared her "Top 10" favorite looks, as well as some insider knowledge on the best products to pull them off.

1. Perfectly bold eyebrows

It's time to put down the tweezers. Fall 2013 is all about beautiful, thick eyebrows. Benefit Cosmetics "Brow Zings" ($30) are the perfect tool to get perfect brows. This kit has colored wax, soft powder, two brushes and tweezers. Complete the look with Anastasia clear brow gel ($22) to keep unruly brows in place.

2. Smokey, burgundy eye shadow 

Accentuate your eyes with warm, earthy tones. Burgundy is the perfect shade to complete this season's look. Use Aveda's "Cinnamon Bark" ($14) to achieve a warm, matte finish. If you're looking for something with perfect shimmer, try Makeup Forever Diamond Eye Shadow #311 ($20.) 

3. Wine-stained lips

An updated version of the red lip, berry shades look great on all skin tones. Try NARS "Volga" ($26) for a strong, matte finish. For a more subtle effect, try Tarte Lipsurgance in "Moody" ($24.)

4. Bold, geometric liner

This season, eyeliner comes in many different shapes and sizes. Whether its applied in thick strokes or in fine detail, MAC Chromaline in "Black" ($19.50) gets it right every time.

5. Fresh face

Clean, natural faces made their appearance this fall on the runways. To achieve a soft, dewy complexion try Smashbox Camera Ready BB Cream ($39.)

6. Bright matte lip

Here to stay, a bright, bold lip paired with a naked eye completes the look for fall 2013. Colors ranging from reds to pinks hit the runway this fall. Try Aveda Nurishmint lip liner "Barberry Bloom" ($16) or Makeup Forever Rouge Artist Intense #36 Satin Fuchsia ($19.)

7. Illuminated skin

A healthy glow to accompany a perfectly clean face makes its way just in time for fall. Use a small amount of NARS illuminator "Copacobana" ($30) right above the cheekbone to create this look.

8. Bright liner

Bright blue hues accented the eyes of models at Stella McCartney and Anna. Use NARS Larger Than Life "Barrow Street" on upper lash line for a colorful twist on the typical black liner.

9. Metallic shadow

Use subtle hints of metallic silver or gold in the corner of the eyes or as liner this fall. Makeup Forever Aqua Cream #2 Steel ($23) is the perfect shade of metal. Sugarpill "Goldilux" ($12) has a highly-pigmented gold you can't ignore.

10. Smokey Underline

A new version of the "smokey eye" appears on models at Marc Jacobs. To replicate this look, apply Stila Smudge Stick waterproof eyeliner "Stingray" ($20) and delicately smudge towards the outer counter of the eye.

Photos for all

So many great photo collections came from New York Fashion Week, which wrapped up last week.
The Huffington Post was just one outlet that put together a number of show-related slideshows, and two in particular caught my eye.

Both captured off-the-runway "street style," and were helpful with envisioning how seasonal beauty trends look on a variety skin tones, ages and hair types. For me, real-life depictions make it easier to personally translate which looks might work best, more so than the gorgeously-stylized ads.

The first photo collection offered a mix of at-the-moment fall looks: graphic nails, berry lips and some great braid inspirations.

For those already looking ahead to Spring 2014, the second slideshow illustrated the already-emerging pattern of minimal makeup and potently-colored pouts. (I was extra-envious of all the curly/wavy hair going on.)

Charlotte's own award-winning makeup artist and stylist Katy Albright worked with the Aveda Team at NYFW. Check back later in the week for her behind-the-scenes experiences; "Top 10" fall beauty trends and tips on how to nail the needed techniques.

Katy Albright

Guest appreciation at Aveda Institute

Aveda Institute Charlotte is holding a free, guest appreciation event Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 1520 South Blvd., Suite 150.

Not just for existing clients, the soiree is open to the public and will feature mini-facials and stress-relieving hand massages. Other promos include 20 percent off services booked through Nov. 30 and a free Aveda Stress Fix body lotion with $100 product purchase.

And while the designated Breast Cancer Awareness month doesn't officially start until October, those who make a donation to Breast Cancer Research Fund can take a spin on the prize wheel.

All services - which range from massages and facials to hair cuts, coloring and mani/pedis - are performed by supervised students. I've been going to the institute since I moved to Charlotte and am an established believer.

My one complaint is if you go for a trim every eight weeks, the stylist you just found (and fell in love with) has likely already graduated and moved on. But whether you're a college student or six-figure professional, a peek at their service menu and pricing helps ease the heartache.

For additional details: 704-333-9940.