Two of beauty's biggest and most charitable brands -- Avon and The Body Shop -- helped raise funds for women's causes in New York City last night, with red carpets that lured in such A-list hosts as Reese Witherspoon and Susan Sarandon.

At Cipriani 42nd Street, the 10th Annual Avon Foundation for Women Gala honored leaders who have championed the fights against breast cancer and domestic violence. Witherspoon stole the arrival show in a nude strapless dress, sexy tousled waves and a cherry red manicure. "I love a smoky eye and glossy pink lip, it's my go-to look," said Witherspoon.

A dashing Patrick Dempsey accompanied wife and Avon global creative color director Jillian Dempsey down the red carpet, who named matte lips and "louder makeup colors" the key emerging beauty trends for this winter. Yet, a personal connection to the cause made it a more serious night for the pair. "My mom was diagnosed with ovarian cancer...a lot of women all over the world are suffering. There's so much that has to be done on the government level so we can really find a cure," said Dempsey. "It's always an emotional night for us, we pack the Kleenex," added Jillian.

Model Christy Turlington Burns stole many a second glance in a black Alice Temperley maxi dress that she accentuated with a dramatic smoky eye and light milk chocolate-colored pedicure that peeped out from her sandals. The 41-year-old model just signed on as the face of Avon's Slip Into fragrance, which will debut next fall.

Over 550 guests attended the dinner and fundraiser, which also featured a performance by breast cancer survivor and singer Melissa Etheridge. Through 2010, Avon has raised and donated over 800 million dollars to breast cancer, domestic violence and emergency disaster relief organizations.

Later that evening downtown at Capitale, the Somaly Mam Foundation Gala raised funds for Cambodian women's centers that rescue, rehabilitate and nurture girls who have been sex trafficking victims. "They teach me to stand up and speak, and they teach me love," Mam told the touched audience, against the backdrop of five girls she had rescued and healed.

Mam's mentor and "mom," Susan Sarandon, took the stage in a low-cut floral frock that had cameras flashing and many lips moving about how the actress looks better than ever at the age of 64. Sarandon has been a longtime supporter of the charity, ever since meeting Mam at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Torino, Italy, where both women were helping to kick off the sports festivities. "Not only are these girls rescued by Somaly's foundation, but they're giving them a future, with an education so they can support themselves," said Sarandon.

While Mam was the belle of the ball in a purple gown with an Indian sari-like sash, we also spotted model Petra Nemcova in a flowing jade green number that added glamour to side swept hair and a natural but polished makeup look. Since launching the Soft Hands Kind Heart hand cream and Bag for Life late last year, The Body Shop has raised over $700,000 for Mam's centers, as well as raised awareness with its Stop Sex Trafficking of Children and Young People campaign and petition -- which you can still sign as well as click to donate to the cause.

And in more feel-good beauty news, check out the unique way Lancôme recently raised funds for St. Jude Children's Hospital.