2013 Summer Follower Giveaway: Lifeless to Luminous Skinsations

June Gloom recently arrived in Southern California. This unusual weather pattern occurs during early summer and creates overcast conditions in the morning with cooler temperatures. However, the gray gradually gives way to sunny skies at about mid-day. 

Our latest giveaway from Babor, Fleur's and Refineé emphasizes the blah to bright beauty of the June Gloom effect. Valued at approximately $700, these serums, eye creams and gels, moisturizers and masks allow you to turn lifeless skin into a more luminous complexion for a younger looking appearance. 

The deadline to enter is Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to follower ZESTYWONDERLAND! She's the lucky winner of all three prize packages. 

THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: Doctor Babor Derma Cellular Anti-Wrinkle Booster For Lips, Doctor Babor Biogen Cellular Ultimate Repair Mask, Babor Moist & Lipid Algae Active Fluid and Babor Body Line Thermal Vitamin A-C-E Body Cream. BEAUTY: These must-have moisturizers give your complexion and body a healthy and hydrated appearance. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Dolphin Aid. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $225.

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: Fleur's Eye Contour Expert Youth Eye Cream, Hand Cream Velvet Hand Care, First Wrinkle Cream, Intensive Wrinkle Firming Serum and Rose-Jasmine Shower Gel. BEAUTY: Prevent premature aging and preserve youthfulness with these powerhouse products. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of fragrances, dyes, sulfates, petrolatum, alcohol, mineral oil and parabens. RETAIL VALUE: About $225.

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Refineé Protective Day Lotion SPF 15, Anti-Puff Brightening Eye Gel, Line Stop with Pep-Syn Complex, Micro Derma-Peel with Vitamin C and Green Tea, and Firming Mineral Moisture Cream with Marine Peptides. BEAUTY: Soothe, soften and shield your skin to achieve radiant results. BEACON: No animal testing. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $250.

THE RULES

Three Steps To Enter:

1. If you're a legal resident of the continental USA, become a follower of SHINE Beauty Beacon via Google Friend Connect (GFC).

2. In the "Post a Comment" section below, tell us your email address and which prize or prizes you're interested in winning (i.e., Prize #1; Prizes #1 and #3; or Prizes #1, #2 and #3). NOTE: You'll be disqualified if you comment more than once.

3. Finally, please let us know which social media platforms you posted this giveaway (see "Entry Key" below). 

Entry Key

Please provide appropriate links for verification purposes.

--One entry: Become a GFC follower of SHINE Beauty Beacon.

--Two extra entries: Post this giveaway on Facebook.

--Three extra entries: Follow SHINE Beauty Beacon on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ShineBeautyBcn and/or tweet (or retweet) a link to this giveaway.

--Four extra entries: Follow SHINE Beauty Beacon on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/shinebeautybcn/ and/or pin a photo from this giveaway.

--Five extra entries: Post this giveaway on your own blog (must include our URL).

THE FINE PRINT

This giveaway is open only to legal residents of the continental USA. Winners must be able to supply a residential address, as merchandise cannot be delivered to a P.O Box. Must be 18 years of age or older to enter. The giveaway will end on Wednesday, July 31, 2013, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). More than 15 entries must be received by this date in order for a winner to be selected. A winner will then be chosen by Random.org and notified via the email address provided in the "Post a Comment" section of this post. Odds of winning depend upon the number of entries received (see "The Rules" above). No cash substitutions allowed. The winner must respond within 48 hours of being notified or a new one will be selected. Void where prohibited by law. Any tax is the sole responsibility of the winner. By entering the giveaway, you release SHINE Beauty Beacon from liability, and waive any and all causes of action, related to claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages arising out of or in connection with the giveaway or delivery, misdelivery or acceptance of any prize (including, without limitation, claims, costs, injuries, losses and damages related to personal injuries, death, damage to or destruction of property, rights of publicity or privacy, defamation or portrayal in a false light, whether intentional or unintentional), whether under a theory of contract, tort (including negligence), warranty or other theory. SHINE Beauty Beacon isn't affiliated with Babor, Fleur's or Refineé, but we purchased or received complimentary samples for review purposes.  

We look forward to your participation. If you have any questions, please feel free to email us at shinebeautybeacon(at)gmail(dot)com.

Eye Candy: Diminish Dark Circles, Crow's Feet & Puffiness with Healing & Hydrating Treatments

Photo by Esra

Eye creams hold a special place in my heart. First of all, what's not to like? These multitasking miracle workers not only moisturize, mend and minimize fine lines and wrinkles, but they also combat crow's feet, crepiness of the upper eyelid, dark circles and puffiness.

Second, they feel good. Cooling and calming creams provide a rejuvenating rush of refreshment. They're also formulated to smooth and soften without any sticky residue.

Finally, a little dab will do you. You don't need several layers of product to experience the benefits of these luxurious lotions. In fact, most manufacturers recommend using your ring finger to apply a pea-size amount to the eye contour and above the crease of the lid twice each day (morning and evening).

April marks Women's Eye Health and Safety Month. In honor of this special occasion, we'd like to remind you to schedule your annual eye exam. Plus, take a look-see at our fave gels, creams, serums and treatments. They're designed to help you transform your overworked orbs into pretty peepers. 

Beauty is now in the eyes of the beholder!

SHINE: Apothederm Hydrating Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Calm, soothe and nourish tired eyes with vitamin E, peptides and shea butter. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, phthalates and fragrances. 

SHINE: Éminence Organic Skin Care Lavender Age Corrective Night Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Shea butter, marigold oil, lactic acid and vitamin E restore radiance and diminish the appearance of crow's feet. BEACON: No animal testing. Company plants one tree for each product sold.

SHINE: Clarisonic Opal Sonic Skin Infusion System with Anti-Aging Sea Serum. BEAUTY: Gentle micro-massage technology helps the eye serum, which contains a blend of hyaluronic acid and marine extracts, reach beneath the skin's surface to refresh and revitalize the delicate orbital area. BEACON: No animal testing. Paraben free.

SHINE: Fleur's Eye Contour Expert. BEAUTY: Gold peptides, edelweiss stem cells, shea butter and passion flower oil help stimulate cellular renewal and step up suppleness. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of fragrances, dyes, sulfates, petrolatum, alcohol, mineral oil and parabens.

SHINE: LATHER Licorice Root Eye Treatment. BEAUTY: Anti-inflammatory extracts, such as licorice root, and hydrating ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and avocado seed extract, reduce puffiness and ease fine lines and wrinkles. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of sulfates or parabens. 

SHINE: LashEm 3 in 1 Eye Bright. BEAUTY: Tighten and brighten lackluster skin around the eyes with a variety of peptides. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, fragrances and prostaglandins. 

SHINE: Mineral Fusion Revitalizing Eye Treatment. BEAUTY: Aloe vera leaf juice, hyaluronic acid and peptides maximize new cell production and minimize dark circles. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, artificial colors and synthetic fragrances. Supports the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. 

SHINE: MoonEssence Contour Eye Gel. BEAUTY: Relieve puffiness and dryness around the eyes with aloe vera leaf juice, cucumber fruit extract, cranberry seed oil and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: Vegan, and free of parabens, mineral oils, petroleum and sodium lauryl sulphate. Supports the Carousel Fund.

SHINE: Murad Renewing Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Mango seed butter, wild yam root extract and peptides repair under-eye damage and restore radiance. BEACON: No animal testing. 

SHINE: Pevonia Botanica Ligne Veux C Evolutive Eye Gel and Evolutive Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Soften and smooth skin's texture, and firm and fortify the eye contour, with hyaluronic acid, hazel and carrot seed oils, and vitamins A and E. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Beauty Bus Foundation.

SHINE: Prana SpaCeuticals ReVital Eyes. BEAUTY: Energize exhausted eyes and increase suppleness with reishi mushroom extract, seabuckthorn oil and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens and SLS.

SHINE: Sanitas PeptiDerm Eye Treatment. BEAUTY: Red algae provides anti-inflammatory properties to help reduce puffiness, while peptides and hyaluronic acid soften skin and reduce the effects of aging. BEACON: Paraben free.

Blockbuster Beauty: Make Your Eyes the Cat's Meow

Photo by Anthony Citrano at http://www.zigzaglens.com

Anne Hathaway portrays Catwoman with her purrfect peeps in "The Dark Knight Rises."

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na... Batman! Summer movie mania reaches a fever pitch today with the release of "The Dark Knight Rises." It's the final chapter of director Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. 

Anne Hathaway's portrayal of Catwoman is probably the most anticipated. She has a lot to live up to based on past performances from Michelle Pfeiffer, Eartha Kitt and Julie Newmar, but her big brown eyes drive fans batty (in a good way). Ultimately, they should bring a more alluring quality to her role as the feline fatale.   

Wanna turn your eyes into the Cat's Meow? Check out how other blockbuster beauties, such as Mila Kunis ("Ted"), Emma Stone ("The Amazing Spider-Man") and Katy Perry ("Part of Me"), do it. Plus, we've assembled pretty palettes for your peepers, and eye creams and gels to create your own superstar saucers. 

© Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com

"Ted" star Mila Kunis rocks the red carpet with two eye colors--one green and one blue.

Photo by Georges Biard

Green-eyed goddess Emma Stone spins a star-powered web in "The Amazing Spider-Man."

Photo by Eva Rinaldi

Katy Perry often changes the color of her hair, but her eyes remain a gorgeous shade of green in her 3D biopic "Katy Perry: Part of Me."

PRETTY PALETTES

SHINE: e.l.f. Brightening Eye Color Day 2 Night. BEAUTY: Four coordinating shades in this quad allow for natural and dramatic looks. Built-in mirror is located underneath the applicator brush. BEACON: Cruelty free. 

SHINE: Glominerals Alloy Eye Collection. BEAUTY: Travel-friendly, mineral-based eyeshadows spotlight four shimmering shades and four complementary matte colors. BEACON: Free of talc, perfumes, parabens, gluten-derived ingredients and chemical dyes.

SHINE: Jesse's Girl The Eyes Have It. BEAUTY: Nine pan eye shadow compact includes shades of shimmery mint, silver, chocolate, olive and forest green. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Josie Maran Beautiful Eyes Beautiful Purples. BEAUTY: Four eye shadows and one shadow liner create iridescent, matte and satin finishes. BEACON: Vegan, cruelty free and recyclable. Also contains no parabens, fragrances or petrochemicals. Supports Global Green USA and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

 SHINE: Milani Runway Eyes Fashion Shadows--Primary (top) and Complementary (bottom). BEAUTY: Six eye color bars in each palette allow you to use the lighter tones to highlight, and the medium and dark tones to contour. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Palladio Beauty Group Herbal Eyeshadow Quads--Copper 'n' Chic (top) and Blue Suede (bottom). BEAUTY: Matte and shimmery shades suit day or evening looks. BEACON: No animal testing.

EYE CREAMS & GELS

SHINE: Auspect EyeLift Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Reduce dark circles and puffiness with soy and rice peptides, vitamin E and wasabi extract. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of artificial colors and fragrances. 

SHINE: Babor HSR Lifting Extra Firming Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Shea butter, peptides, and mango and macadamia seed oils help firm facial contours. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Dolphin Aid.

SHINE: Dermelect Line Correction Eye Gel. BEAUTY: Moisturize and tone eyelids with aloe vera leaf juice, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A and E. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: June Jacobs Intensive Age Defying Brightening Eye Cream. BEAUTY: White, red and green tea extracts, goji berry and pomegranate seed extracts help combat visible signs of premature aging. BEACON: Free of parabens, preservatives, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes or fragrance, and sulfates.

SHINE: Kate Somerville Line Release Under Eye Repair Cream. BEAUTY: Firm and lift the delicate eye area with peptides, hyaluronic acid and cucumber fruit extract. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: LATHER Toning Eye Gel with Vitamin K and Licorice Root Eye Treatment. BEAUTY: The gel restores elasticity and firmness with hyaluronic acid, royal jelly, peptides, vitamins K and C, and green tea extract, while the treatment softens and smoothes with jojoba seed oil, licorice root extract and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no sulfates or parabens. 

SHINE: RevitaLash FineLine Primer. BEAUTY: Hydrogenated vegetable oil and vitamin E leave skin feeling smooth and supple. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Relay For Life and Cancer and Careers.

SHINE: SkinCeuticals AOX Eye Gel. BEAUTY: Combat signs of puffiness and fatigue with ferulic acid, vitamin C and caffeine. BEACON: Contains no parabens.

SHINE: Somme Institute Eye. BEAUTY: Sunflower seed oil, mango seed butter, peptides and hyaluronic acid improve skin's tone, texture and clarity. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

SHINE: VENeffect Anti-Aging Eye Treatment. BEAUTY: Minimize the appearance of crow's feet caused by hormonal aging with plant-based phytoestrogens, aloe vera leaf juice and peptides. BEACON: Contains no parabens. Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. 

SHINE: Weleda Pomegranate Firming Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Shea butter, and pomegranate and jojoba seed oils help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. BEACON: Contains no synthetic fragrances, colorants, preservatives or raw materials derived from mineral oils. Supports Conservation International.