Notes on what's new in fashion

London-based hairstylist and product developer Charles Worthington has added another hat to his rack: author. The former British Hairdresser of the Year (twice) has put out the "Dream Hair" series of four books (all published by Carlton Books and sold for $15 apiece), which explains how to get specific styles of salon hair at home. Here's the rundown:

"City Hair" -- Tricks of the trade for chic, sophisticated looks.

"Big Date Hair" -- Inside tips on how to look gorgeous when it really counts.

"Vacation Hair" -- Advice about how to deal with sun and sand and getting a pulled-together look while letting it all hang out.

"Big Day Hair" -- Worry-free wedding and event 'dos.

Each book features lots of photos, salon secrets and a silly foursome of made-up main characters in search of their perfect 'dos. Available online at Amazon.com and Barnesandnoble.com or at Walgreen's.

GOING FOR THE GLOW: Some makeup looks on the fall runways came straight from the '80s, particularly cheeks -- sunken in by darkly painted slashes of color. But fortunately the trend that actually took was the flushed and flesh-tone look.

Five new blushes from Bourjois capture the healthy glow in round pots of pale hues: beige pink, rose pink, peach, coral and true beige. The Pastel Joues blushes sell for $13 at select Macy's stores and online at www.sephora.com.

A KNOTTY TOPIC, ALL TIED UP: There's a lot of pressure on neckties. They're the one bit of flair a man gets to add to his suit (unless he's a handkerchief kind of guy), the only statement of individuality (unless he's a neon-purple-suit kind of guy), and an absolute necessity for the professional look (unless he's a dot-com kind of guy, in which case jeans will do).

A new book, "The Little Book of Ties" (Flammarion; $13), gives this hard-working slip of cloth its due through 119 pages of encyclopedia-like entries all about its evolution -- from the ascot to the string tie. Sections on different styles, materials, purposes and symbolism make up the bulk of the book, which also has a buyers' guide, timeline and guide to various knots.

So, this year, instead of getting your dad a tie for his birthday, you can get him a book about ties. Maybe it will change his opinion about all the unworn ones he's got hanging in his closet.

MOODS AND MOISTURIZERS: In order to look good, you've got to feel good, and what makes you feel better than a little something new? How about a little something new with an aromatherapy edge? Physicians Formula has introduced Mood Swirls, mood-setting moisturizers that help you put your best face forward using some common scents:

--Zen (yellow): Chamomile and ylang-ylang extracts calm and ease stress.

--Globe-trotter (green): Grapefruit and lemongrass extracts invigorate with an outdoorsy scent.

--Cyber (blue): Spearmint and ginseng add a little zip.

--Seducer (pink): Gingko and orchid exude self-confidence and femininity.

Mood Swirls sell for $9 at CVS, Target and Wal-Mart.

Distributed by the Los Angeles Times-Washington Post News Service