2014 VMAs Best Red Carpet Looks: Spread the Love with Matching Bright & Beautiful Nail Polish Shades

Photo by José Goulão

Love conquered all at the 2014 MTV Video Music Awards last Sunday. 

Beyoncé not only stole the show with her moves and vocals, but she also put on one of the most iconic performances in VMA history. Her 15-minute music medley included heartwarming home videos of her hubby Jay Z and 2-year-old daughter Blue Ivy. Both then joined her on stage to exchange lots of hugs and kisses, and present the Queen of Pop with the Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award. The show of support and affection served to shut down recent rumors that the couple's marriage may be on the rocks.

Lip Lock: The Carters stand united.

Miley Cyrus also spread the love by shedding light on homeless youths in America. After winning the coveted Video of the Year Award, she called on a young man named Jesse to take the stage while she looked on from the sidelines. Cyrus shed tears as he told the audience, "My name is Jesse, and I am accepting this award on behalf of the 1.6 million runaways and homeless youth in the United States who are starving, lost and scared for their lives right now. I know because I am one of these people." 

Miley Cyrus tears up when a homeless youth 
delivers a moving speech.

Cyrus met Jesse while visiting My Friend's Place in Los Angeles. She's supporting the organization's efforts to end youth homelessness by raising funds through a VIP concert contest. A small donation enters you to win a trip to her upcoming Bangerz Tour show in Rio de Janeiro with backstage access. 

The lovefest continued on social media for fierce red carpet looks. Here are some of our favorite Twitter comments:  

Jennifer Lopez' cutout dress--"Boss mama is killen em all!" 

Beyoncé's bejeweled bodysuit--"If I owned the bodysuit Beyonce is wearing I would feed it and walk it and take care of it and love it like a member of the family." 

Iggy Azalea's fitted Versace number--"Is there an Iggy Cam set up that just follows the back of Iggy Azalea's dress all night? Where's that feed?"

Demi Lovato's Lanvin ensemble--"Demi Lovato and that astonishing red dress just won best #imallgrownupnow award."

Are you feelin' the love? We're matching the following amazing red carpet looks with our favorite sparkling lacquer shades from Zoya Nail Polish and Color Club Nail Lacquer. Each manufacturer follows no animal testing and vegan practices. Let us know which one you like best! 

Jennifer Lopez heats up the red carpet in a shimmering silver peek-a-boo Charbel Zoe number with a thigh high slit.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Cosmo Magical PixieDust. BEAUTY: Restore radiance to your tips with this silver crystal sparkle featuring textured PixieDust with mega hex iridescent particles. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Beyoncé holds a mini concert by performing for 15 minutes 

in a bedazzled Tom Ford bodysuit.

SHINE: Color Club Nail Lacquer Surprise! BEAUTY: Create diva digits with this multi-colored confetti glitter polish. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde.

Katy Perry channels Britney Spears (circa 2001 American Music Awards) with a Versace denin-on-denim dress. 

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Rebel, Ling and Twila. BEAUTY: Rebel dazzles as a sky blue metallic with a silver shimmer, while Ling rocks as a vibrant royal blue cream and Twila sparkles as a unique bar glitter in a bright blue shade with hologram glitter accents. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Iggy Azalea stuns in a skin tight silver metallic 
Versace gown. 

SHINE: Color Club Nail Lacquer Platinum Record. BEAUTY: Add the wow factor to what you're wearing with this sparkling silver glitter shade. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde.

Taylor Swift flaunts her long legs in a teeny tiny, 

super short blue onesie by Mary Katrantzou.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Mosheen. BEAUTY: This astro ice blue topper can be worn alone for a sheer look or layered over other hues. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Demi Lovato joins the daring cleavage club with a 

deep plunging Lanvin dress.

SHINE: Color Club Nail Lacquer Art of Seduction. BEAUTY: Create your own red carpet moment with this shimmering scarlet shade. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde.

Patriotic Party Pedis: Light Up Your Fourth of July Celebration with Shimmering Fireworks Shades

© U.S. Army/Sgt. Michael J. MacLeod

Ready to start the Fourth of the July with a bang?

Independence Day allows us to celebrate America's birthday and freedom. Even better, since it falls on Friday this year, it also means we get to enjoy an extended weekend of fun, family, friends, food, flags and fireworks. 

Declare your patriotic spirit and individuality with a party pedicure in shimmering fireworks shades. Metallic and glitter hottie hues of red, white and blue--as well as bright and bold green, orange and purple--light up the night like the stunning sparklers in the sky.

Take a look-see at the following pretty pedi polishes from Zoya. You'll be the life of the party as you rock on with your bad self in chic summer style. Cause, as Katy Perry sings, "Baby you're a firework... Come on show 'em what you're worth... Make 'em go 'Oh, oh, oh!'... As you shoot across the sky-y-y."

Have a safe holiday!

Baby you're a firework: Red, white and blue 

glitter glory.

SHINE: Miranda PixieDust, Tomoko and Liberty PixieDust. BEAUTY: Boom, boom, boom--even brighter than the moon, moon, moon--with these rose, champagne silver and blue sparkle shades. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Photo by Neurovelho

SHINE: Twila, Mosheen and Liberty PixieDust. BEAUTY: Make 'em go "Oh, oh, oh!" in bright blue with hologram glitter accents, astro ice blue (which can be layered over other shades) and blue sugary sparkle. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.


Photo by Vojta Jahoda

SHINE: Stassi. BEAUTY: You're an original that cannot be replaced with this brilliant citron green that features a gold metallic glaze and holographic finish. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Photo by Kropsoq

SHINE: Alma, Beatrix PixieDust and Jesy. BEAUTY: Own the night with golden peach metallic, sparkling tangerine and coral orange metallic. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Photo by Florian Rommerskirchen

SHINE: Miranda PixieDust. BEAUTY: Ignite the light with shimmering rose. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Photo by Alessio Sbarbaro

SHINE: Binx, Stevie PixieDust and Arlo Magical PixieDust. BEAUTY: Let your colors burst with spicy orchid purple, sparkling violet and glittering violet amethyst. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Photo by Rhonda J. Wilson

SHINE: Cosmo Magical PixieDust. BEAUTY: You're gonna leave 'em all in awe, awe, awe with this silver crystal sparkle shade textured with mega hex iridescent particles. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Spring Sparkle Spectacular Giveaway: Shimmering Polishes, Puckers & Pigments for Lids, Lips & Tips

Spring has sprung! The sun shines longer, birds sing louder and flowers bloom bigger and brighter. Overall, life has more luster to it.

Our latest giveaway from Milani Cosmetics and Milani Nail Lacquer sparkles, too. Valued at approximately $150, these polishes, puckers and pigments not only give your eyes, nails and lips more shimmer and shine, but they also brighten your day. You even get a handy carrying case to store your swag.

Ready to add lots of luminosity to your look? Enter our Spring Sparkle Spectacular Giveaway. The deadline is Friday, April 25, 2014, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to follower Misty Lunceford. She's our lucky winner!

POLISHES

SHINE: Milani Nail Lacquer. BEAUTY: Lavender Fizz (fine and medium lavender glitter) One Coat Glitter, Orchidia (lavender shimmer), Mint Candy (mint green pearl), Beach Front (sky blue shimmer), Pink Flare One Coat Glitter (fine and medium light pink and silver holographic glitters), Purple Gleam One Coat Glitter (purple glitter) and HD 3D Holographic (silver). BEACON: Cruelty free. Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $35.

PIGMENTS

SHINE: Milani Cosmetics. BEAUTY: Crystal Eyez Sparkling Eye Shadow (Delightfully Dazzling, Lovely Luminous, Glamorously Glittering and Beautifully Brilliant) and Runway Eyes Eye Shadows with Shimmer Overspray (Antigua, Golden Touch and Peaches & Cream). BEACON: Cruelty free. RETAIL VALUE: About $30.

PUCKERS

SHINE: Milani Cosmetics. BEAUTY: 3D Glitzy Glamour Glosses (Designer Label, High Status, In Vogue, Starshine and Leading Lady) and Haute Flash Lip Glosses (Star Flash and Quick Flash). BEACON: Cruelty free. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $50.

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, leave us your email address. 

3. Finally, please let us know which social media platforms you posted this giveaway (see "Entry Key" below). NOTE: You'll be disqualified if you comment more than once.

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 retweet a link to this giveaway at https://twitter.com/ShineBeautyBcn/status/448737897911308288

--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) or YouTube channel.

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 Friday, April 25, 2014, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). More than 15 entries must be received by this date 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 Milani Cosmetics or Milani Nail Lacquer, 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.

Bling in a Bottle: Summer Send-Off Sparkle Manis

The glowing glitter mani of the receptionist 

at the vet's office.

As a beauty blogger, I get most of my ideas from people, places and pop culture. I've learned to keep my camera close at hand, since I never know when inspiration may strike next.

This summer, I couldn't help but notice the growing popularity of sparkle mani tips. Glitter, shimmer and metallic polishes have rocked red carpets and runways for years, but partially pairing them with a solid color has taken the trend to a whole new level. 

The stunning style statement of sparkle manis can only be described in three syllables: Ah-maz-ing. Their jewel-like, carat-cut quality brightens your look--as well as your outlook--and promotes a runway-ready radiance. Plus, they can be worn by women of all ages and skin tones, and serve as an inexpensive indulgence. Call them bargain bling in a bottle.

As summer comes to a close, paint the town and your tips with the latest looks and lacquers. They're guaranteed to dazzle your digits this Labor Day holiday weekend, and bid farewell to the season in a big, beautiful way. 

The stunning silver shimmer tips of an assistant 

at the dentist's office.

The mesmerizing metallic mani of a friend 

at a wine tasting party.

SHINE: Butter London Disco Biscuit and Knackered. BEAUTY: Iridescent hot pink and oyster/purple/teal with micro glitter particles. BEACON: Formulated without formaldehyde, toluene and dibutyl phthalate.

SHINE: Dazzle Dry Extreme Glitters Caught Red Handed, Cold As Ice and Gold Digger. BEAUTY: Holographic red with gold glitter, iridescent clear glitter and holographic gold glitter. BEACON: Vegan, and contains no formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, camphor or nitrocellulose. 

SHINE: Deborah Lippmann Dream A Little Dream of Me and Bring on the Bling. BEAUTY: Sheer shimmer cupcake frosting pink and shimmer diamond (contains virgin diamond powder). BEACON: No animal testing, and free of toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

SHINE: Keeki Pure & Simple Nail Polish Grasshopper Pie, Grape Soda and Blue Frosting. BEAUTY: Shimmery mint green, sparkly purple and silvery blue. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of gluten, parabens, phthalates, toluene, formaldehyde, acetone and sulfates. 

SHINE: Bari Cosmetics Pure Ice Keep Walking, Over You and Darkside. BEAUTY: Fuschia glitter, metallic lilac/turquoise and lavender confetti glitter. BEACON: Contains no formaldehyde, toluene or dibutyl phthalate.

SHINE: SpaRitual Burst and Ha...Ha... BEAUTY: Pink and silver glitters shades. BEACON: Vegan, and free of synthetic dyes, dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Solange, Stevie and Destiny (Pixie Dust collection). BEAUTY: Gold metal foil sparkle, lilac purple with silver shimmers and coral metal sparkle. BEACON: Vegan friendly. No animal testing. Contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin or dibutyl phthalate.