Avon's Beauty and Empowerment Ambassador Alesha Dixon is joining the panel on Britain's Got Talent
She will appear on the show alongside Amanda Holden, Simon Cowell and David Walliams.
We can't wait for the series to start in the spring. Glamour and fiesty opinions galore...
My Beauty Secrets
Avon beauty ambassador Alesha shares her beauty know-how
What are your top three desert-island products... that you wouldn't want to be stranded without?
A good moisturiser with SPF to protect my skin, a lip gloss to keep my lips hydrated and looking luscious and hair serum to stop any frizziness!
What do you consider you best and worst features and how to you enhance / cover them?
I feel confident about my legs so I always make sure to do lots of running but like most girls I have insecurities too and am not that keen on my tummy which I try to hide a bit but I love food too much! Haha!
What are your beauty dos and don'ts?
Always take off your make-up before bed, girls and moisturise, moisturise, moisturise! Don't leave your foundation unblended – tidemarks aren't a good look, so make sure to blend in well around the jawline and down onto your neck!
What's your favourite Avon product?
I have to say that ever since I did the photo shoot for the brochure, I LOVE the new Ideal Flawless Foundation, out in February. I was stunned initially that the shade range is so big because it's so hard to find products to suit darker skin. It gives a really nice coverage and feels great too so it's my new make-up bag staple and I wear it every day! I think it will be a huge hit!
My First Blog
Avon's new celebrity blogs exclusively for Avonfabulous on beauty behind the scenes...
Singer, TV presenter and Strictly judge Alesha Dixon spills the beans on her new role with Avon.
Behind the scenes at Strictly I'm up to my ears in lipsticks, glitter, eyeshadow, about six shortlisted dresses… plus umpteen pairs of earrings. And let me tell you there's always an Unplanned Earring Panic just before the start of the show.
However, playing about with glittery eye gel and 101 lipsticks is my idea of heaven.
Which is why I'm so happy and proud that I've been asked to be a beauty and empowerment ambassador for Avon… I get to play with Avon's astounding colours and formulas – like a mad beauty scientist. AND I get to champion Avon's work for women who have experienced domestic violence.
A beautiful combination in my eyes.
There's no doubt that in good times and in bad a new lipstick can sort of come to the rescue. It certainly has for me.
On a really bad day it can lift your spirits just that little bit that makes the difference. On a good day it can make you feel pretty darned gorgeous. And that's a feeling you can't knock.
How I found True Love
Avon's new beauty ambassador Alesha Dixon has found true love.
Star Alesha reveals how she found The One, blogging exclusively for Avonfabulous:
'Well, they say you have to kiss a few frogs before you find your prince… but the great news is I've found my soulmate.
It was love at first sight… we clicked instantly.
I'm talking about my soulmate foundation here.
The ONE is Ideal Flawless Cream to Powder by Avon. After trial and error I find Caramel suits my skin tone the best. It's part of the new Ideal Flawless foundation range, appearing in Avon brochures from February.
I've always found it difficult to hunt down the right shade, but a make-up artist taught me a long time ago to test it on my jaw line and see how it looks in daylight.
I'm always surprised how much it changes the look of foundation when you give it the daylight check. It stops the chances of an embarrassing tide mark.
I have combo skin… and Flawless stops that patchy thing going on: it goes on like a cream but dries to a natural velvety look and lasts for ages. And it adds a little moisture where I need it and reduces shine where I'm prone to 'glow'.
Longlasting, velvety, immaculate. Ticks all the boxes.'
See you soon, Alesha xx
Backstage at photoshoot
TV presenter, singer and Strictly judge Alesha is announced as Avon's gorgeous new Beauty and Empowerment Ambassador.
Watch Alesha behind the scenes with make-up artist Liz Pugh as she prepares for a photoshoot using Avon's latest and most advanced foundation yet... Ideal Flawless Liquid Foundation
Ideal Flawless Liquid Foundation is available in the Avon brochure from February, from your Avon Representative.
What makes me happy
Alesha on what makes her happy... what inspires her... and how she loves nothing more than a Friends-athon!
Have you heard TV presenter, singer and Strictly judge Alesha Dixon is Avon's new Beauty and Empowerment ambassador? She's also the face behind Avon's newest foundation innovation the Ideal Flawless collection, available from your Avon Representative from February.
Who is your dream dinner date and why?
My dream dinner date is with my girlfriends! We always have a laugh and make each other feel great!
How would you describe your style?
I would say casual glam! I love mixing it up depending on my mood. (Here I am getting ready, pictured left) backstage on an Avon shoot with celeb make-up artist Liz Pugh.)
Who is your biggest role model?
Oprah Winfrey is my god! Such an empowering woman who has a strong faith and speaks such wisdom.
How do you deal with being in the public eye?
I accept that it is part of my job. I try not to fight it but just go with the flow. It's never easy to have your private life talked about but I try to be as private as possible.
As a celebrity, do you feel pressure to stay slim and look gorgeous at all times?
I don't feel the pressure because I am my own person. Who I am as a person is far more important to me and as women we should celebrate the fact that we're all different.
If you could change one thing to help improve women's lives in the UK, what would it be?
To feel comfortable in their own skin – difference is beautiful. Also to have the strength to walk away from situations like domestic violence.
Alesha, you seem like one busy lady! What have you been up to lately?
I've been being a judge on Strictly Come Dancing – it's great fun but hard work. I've been working on my music and of course, working with Avon so life is busy but I like it that way!
Do you have time for a social life?!
As every working woman out there knows, there never seems to be enough time in the day! I always make time for my friends and family though because they are so important to me and I love spending time with them. I'm just a normal girl who loves having a drink with friends and chilling out and I will never let that go.
So what attracted you to working with Avon when you're already super busy?
I've always been an Avon fan and have always used the products but I think what Avon offers women is amazing and I'm really proud to be a part of that. I love how Avon empowers women with a way to make their own money and their own choices, not to mention all their charity work. Avon has a real heart and it's really important to me to work with brands that care. "I'm proud to be part of a company that helps women all around the country and caters for a wide variety of skin tones to suit our multicultural society."
Have you met any Avon Representatives?
I have yes - it was so much fun to meet them and I can't wait to meet more Representatives! I also remember my Avon Representative that used to come to my house when I was younger and she was just THE loveliest lady. I have such a big respect for all Avon Representatives because I know how hard you work and that juggling everything isn't easy but the fact that you've all decided to take control of your life, earn extra money and be independent is amazing – such strong women. "I know you Avon Representatives do a great job and have to work really hard, so I hope that these great new shades will help you to get even more customers and build your business."
What's your favourite Avon product?
I have to say that ever since I did the photo shoot for the brochure, I LOVE the new Ideal Flawless Foundation. I was stunned initially that the shade range is so big because it's so hard to find products to suit darker skin. It gives a really nice coverage and feels great too so it's my new make-up bag staple and I wear it every day! Loads of my friends and family use it now too after I've told them about it so I think it will be a huge hit for all of you Representatives!
Did you enjoy the photo shoot?
I've done a couple now and they are really good fun. They are long days and hard work but totally worth it when you see the pictures at the end. In fact, the first photo shoot I did with Avon was filmed so Avon Representatives and customers can take a sneaky peak at what it's like so make sure you watch it.
Your role as Avon's Beauty and Empowerment Ambassador includes supporting the domestic violence cause. Is that something close to your heart?
As most people will know, I have seen domestic violence first hand and know how traumatic and horrible it can be so I've been trying to raise awareness and help people that need it for a long time now. I'm honoured that Avon have chosen me to be their ambassador for this cause because I really believe that Avon, as such a big caring community of women, really has the power to reach out and make a difference. I hope that I can help drive Avon Speak Out programme forward and help people get out of those horrible situations and re-build their lives.
You also climbed Mount Kilimanjaro with a host of other celebs for Comic Relief back in 2009? We all watched you on TV but how hard was it really?It was physically really tough but also mentally hard too. I was so proud when we got to the top and when I think of how much money we raised it's all worth it. I love to take on a challenge!
So, now we just have a few little questions so we can get to know you a bit better...!
OK go!
What's your favourite TV programme?
I am obsessed with Friends! I have 3 box sets!
What's your favourite food?
Mmmmm food – I love everything! No, seriously I do! But I would have to say jamaican food.
Do you have any hobbies?
Obviously singing and dancing but I also love writing, playing the guitar and painting.
You mastered all of the dances when you were a contestant on Strictly but which was your favourite?
I love the Cha Cha Cha! It's so fun and flirty – I find myself doing it all the time – even round the house! But more than anything I loved ballroom dancing, it was graceful, romantic and ladylike.
Last but not least, what's your philosophy for life? Life is a gift so you really should enjoy the present moment. Be grateful and always strive to help others in need. Love and laughter is all you need!
