Holiday Follower Giveaway: Festive Cosmetics

Huddle hug--the holiday season has arrived!

We're welcoming this magical time of the year with three prize packages valued at approximately $375. Our latest giveaway showcases makeup from Afterglow Cosmetics, La Bella Donna and Sue Devitt. 

The deadline to enter is Friday, December 14, 2012, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck and happy holidays!

UPDATE: Congrats to follower msrodeobrat! She's the lucky winner of all three prize packages in our Festive Cosmetics Giveaway. 
THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: Afterglow Cosmetics Vegan Kabuki Brush with Metallic Purse, Organic Infused Foundations (Camel and Bisque), Ultra Matte Eye Shadow (Bark) and Organic Infused Blushes (Tickle and Cozy). BEAUTY: Create magic underneath the mistletoe. BEACON: Contains no petrochemicals, parabens, or FD&C or Lake dyes. Supports Young Survival Coalition and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $175

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: La Bella Donna Creme Fresh Mineral Blush Collection (Garnet), Mineral Light Lip Colour (Pink Sand), Compressed Mineral Eye Shadow (Petal Pink) and Baci-Baci Moisturizing Lip Sheer (Prism). BEAUTY: Be the jingle belle of the ball. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of FD&C dyes, oils, talc, alcohol and fragrance. RETAIL VALUE: About $115.

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Sue Devitt Lip Enhancing Gloss (Golden Triangle), Gel-to-Powder Blush (Marion Reef), Luxury Lash Mascara (Black Lavender) and Lip Intensifier Pencil (Kirakira). BEAUTY: You'll be dreaming of a white Christmas with a pop of color. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Coral Reef Initiatives for the Pacific and Blue Planet Network. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $85.

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 Friday, December 14, 2012, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Winners will 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 any liability whatsoever, and waive any and all causes of action, related to any claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages of any kind 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 Afterglow Cosmetics, La Bella Donna or Sue Devitt, 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.

St. Patrick's Day Eyes & Nails

Photo by Courtney Murray Rhodes

Leaping leprechauns! This Saturday marks the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. While it's an official holiday in Ireland, many Americans mark the occasion by wearing green--or drinking an emerald-colored beverage.


Lucky for beautynistas, Irish eyes are smiling. Green shadows, mascaras and lacquers pop well with spring colors. You can also create looks that transition from day to evening with extreme ease.  


To help you get your green on this weekend, we've paired our favorite lacquers and eye makeup. May the luck of the Irish be with you!   

IRISH-SISTIBLE

SHINE: Essence Colour & Shine Eyeshadow (Joyride to Jupiter). BEAUTY: Pearl pigmentation highlights olive-toned marbling. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Shawn. BEAUTY: Warm, mossy yellow-toned medium green cream with olive undertones. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

SHAMROCKIN'

SHINE: Make-up designory Eye Color (Pacific). BEAUTY: Deep blue-green with subtle gold illuminating pigments. BEACON: Supports NextAid and Red Rhino Orphange Project.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Holly. BEAUTY: Holly green with subtle yellow tones in a metallic finish. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

POT O' GOLD GLAM

SHINE: Milani Marbleized Baked Eyeshadow (Green Fortune). BEAUTY: A golden green powder that features a multiple infusion of colors baked on Italian terracotta tiles. BEACON: Cruelty free.  

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Tangy. BEAUTY: A bright apple green shimmer with peachy-orange duochrome. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

CLOVER COUTURE

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Bio Natural Eye Shadow (Suspense). BEAUTY: Contains pomegranate and green tea extracts to help keep eyes looking youthful. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Noreen Fraser Foundation and Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Midori. BEAUTY: Medium apple green with yellow undertones and strong gold shimmer. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

GREEN PARTY

SHINE: Sue Devitt Lash Intensifier Treatment & Lengthening Mascara (Golden Triangle). BEAUTY: Dual-ended wand defines eyes with two-in-one Lengthening Mascara (shimmering forest green) and Lash Intensifier Treatment. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports CRISP (Coral Reefs in the South Pacific), African Foundation and Blue Planet Network.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Suvi. BEAUTY: Deep emerald shimmer. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

Leap Year Day Beauty: Amethyst Shadows & Liners

Photo by Rob Lavinsky

Happy February 29--or, as it's more commonly known, Leap Year Day! 

Every four years, we enjoy an extra day in February. It serves as a corrective measure, since the earth doesn't orbit around the sun in precisely 365 days.  

For us, Leap Year Day means Leap Year Day of Beauty. We get an extra 24 hours to marvel over new makeup products. The birthstone of February is amethyst, so we're celebrating this special day with the latest pretty-in-purple eye shadows and liners. 

SHINE: essence Smokey Eyes Set (Purple Maniac). BEAUTY: Use the customized brush to highlight your eyes with the liner and the sponge to apply the powder shadow. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: GloMinerals GloEye Shadow (Lilac). BEAUTY: Contour any eye shape with crease-free coverage. BEACON: Contains no talc, perfumes, chemical dyes, parabens or gluten.

SHINE: Milani Infinite Liquid Eye Liner (Endless). BEAUTY: Intense purple color lasts up to 24 hours with waterproof and smear-proof benefits. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Bio Natural Eye Shadow (Amethyst). BEAUTY: Pomegranate and green tea extracts help provide a long-lasting, rich purple color. BEACON: No animal testing, and talc and paraben free. Also supports Look Good...Feel Better. 

SHINE: Sue Devitt Electric Sheen Eye Shadow (Hopetown). BEAUTY: Creates a gem-like amethyst shimmer color. BEACON: No animal testing. Paraben free. 

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Quad (Purple Majesty). BEAUTY: Contains four eye-popping shades, including Moonstone, Lilac Bouquet, Wild Orchid and Heather Smoke. BEACON: No animal testing and cruelty free. Also free of alcohol, artificial fragrances and dyes. 

Sexy Lip Gloss Shades For Valentine's Day

Photo by Shazeen Samad

Looking for the perfect pout on Valentine's Day? Well, pucker up!

Lip gloss adds shine, sparkle and style to any smile. Even better, many manufacturers now offer formulas containing unique blends of botanicals, peptides and antioxidants to not only plump your pout but protect it against environmental irritants. Ultimately, your lips appear more voluptuous for an alluring look.

Have a happy Valentine's Day--and get kissable close with the following sexy shades.

SHINE: Babor Cosmetics Ultra Shine Lip Gloss ("Crystal Pink," a sparkling sheer hot pink). BEAUTY: Sea fennel, lupine oil and vitamin E protect the lips from loss of moisture. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Dolphin Aid.

SHINE: Elf Studio Minty Lip Gloss ("New York City," a reddish-pink shade with silver shimmer). BEAUTY: Peppermint and spearmint oils condition lips and freshen breath. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Essence Stay With Me Longstanding Lipgloss ("Berry Me!," a raspberry/magenta hue). BEAUTY: Creamy yet durable texture leaves no sticky feeling. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Milani Haute Flash Full Coverage Shimmer Lipgloss ("In A Flash," a violet shade with purple and blush shimmer). BEAUTY: A flexible soft sponge tip provides easy application of this non-tacky, anti-feathering formula. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF 15 ("Forever," a barely there pink hue). BEAUTY: Vitamins A, C and E, and sea kale revitalize and nourish lips with a silky texture. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Lip Thick Super Plumping Lip Gloss ("Empress," a mandarin orange sorbet shade). BEAUTY: Aloe vera prevents cracking, while peptides stimulate natural collagen to increase fullness. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Sue Devitt Lip Enhancing Gloss ("Costa Del Sol," a rich mocha hue). BEAUTY: Hyaluronic filling spheres smooth fine lines and wrinkles. BEACON: No animal testing. Paraben free.

SHINE: Vapour Organic Beauty Elixir Plumping Lip Gloss ("Vivid," a sheer fuchsia shade with a silver accent). BEAUTY: Jojoba seed oil, and acai and goji fruit extracts help hydrate for fuller lips. BEACON: Supports the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute.

Kissable Colors

Love means never having to say you're sorry, right? Wrong, love bird breath--unless your husband, boyfriend or significant other wants to spend the night in the doghouse.


If someone special in your life needs to make amends for past digressions, today's the day to do it. It's Kiss and Make Up Day. 


For a presentable pout, we've assembled an assortment of summery lip balms, glosses, crayons, tints and sticks. So pucker up and enjoy the day--it only comes once each year. 

BEAUTY (clockwise from top left): Enjoy Kay-Eye-Ess-Ess-Eye-En-Gee with essence Candy Bar (pinkish coral) Stay With Me Longlasting Lipgloss, Prom Night (pink) Lipstick, Wanted! (shimmery silver) XXXL Shine Lipgloss, Hoping (creamy pink) Caring Lipbalm and Super Girl (shimmery hot pink) XXXL Shine Lipgloss. BEACON: No animal testing.

BEAUTY: Love and kisses go much better together with Glo Minerals Countess Coral (peach) Glo Royal Lip Crayon. BEACON: Talc-free, non-comedogenic, and contains no perfumes or chemical dyes.

BEAUTY (clockwise from top left): Show pucker PDA with Palladio Beauty Group Coral Punch (deep lobster shell) Herbal Lipstick, Cotton Candy (pinkish nude) Herbal Tinted Lip Balm, Bubble Gum (pink) Herbal Lip Gloss, Creamy Pink Plump 'n' Shine Herbal Plumping Lip Gloss and Pink Pearl Herbal Lip Gloss. BEACON: No animal testing policy.

BEAUTY: Feel free to kiss and tell with Smashbox Aura (shimmery pink nude) Lip Enhancing Gloss and Sublime (classic berry) Photo Finish Lipstick. BEACON: Cruelty free. Recyclable packaging is made using Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified paper and soy ink.

BEAUTY (clockwise from top left): Start a kissing contest by using Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Tango (watermelon) Glosse Lip Gloss, Delicious (pinkish gold) Natural Organic Lip Color, Diva (peach) Lip Thick Gloss Lip Plumper, Smile (coralish nude) Perfect Performance Lip Color, Doll (deep pink) Lip Thick Gloss Lip Plumper and Stop (goldish peach) Perfect Performance Lip Color. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Look Good...Feel Better.

BEAUTY (clockwise from top left): Kiss me you fool with Sue Devitt Suva (beige) Balanced Matte Lipstick, Northern Lights (shimmery rose) Balanced Sheer Lipstick, Kirakira (nude) Lip Intensifier Pencil and Golden Triangle (gold) Lip Enhancing Gloss. BEACON: No animal testing.