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. 

Red Carpet Lips & Nails

Charlize Theron

Red alert! Red carpet season officially arrived last Sunday at the Golden Globe Awards. Veteran performers such as Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams and Madonna emerged as the evening's big winners. They'll have even more opportunities to make acceptance speeches at the SAG Awards later this month, and the Grammys and Oscars in February.

Crimson couture also made a comeback on the red carpet. Angelina Jolie looked stunning in a white Atelier Versace gown with red folded neckline, and matching clutch and lipstick. Reese Witherspoon posed in ruby nails and a strapless Zac Posen dress. Dianna Agron glided by the paparazzi in bright red lips and a Giles Deacon gown with laser-cut swans. 

The redder the better when creating your own red carpet look. The color signifies star-studded style, sizzle and sass. Take a look-see at the latest bold and beautiful trends in red lips and nails.  

© Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com

Selena Gomez

SHINE: Essence Stay With Me Longlasting Lipgloss (Kiss Kiss Kiss). BEAUTY: Creamy texture with no sticky residue. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Carmen. BEAUTY: Classic red with a glossy cream finish. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

Heidi Klum

SHINE: Milani Lip Flash Shimmer Gloss Pencil (Hot Flash 05). BEAUTY: Moisturizing formulation also provides anti-feathering and nontacky benefits. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Jade. BEAUTY: Bright red glitter metallic. BEACON: No animal testing. Also free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

Photo by Rachel Sklar

Kristen Wiig

SHINE: Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss (Siren). BEAUTY: Velour wand is designed to contour lips with pearlescent shine. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Kristi. BEAUTY: Medium red cream. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate. 

Amber Heard

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Lipstick (Glamour Red). BEAUTY: Contains vitamin E to help smooth, moisturize and minimize signs of aging. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Noreen Fraser Foundation.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Sooki. BEAUTY: Cherry red cream with a subtle jelly finish. BEACON: No animal testing. Also free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

Dita Von Teese

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Lipstick (Vixen). BEAUTY: A blend of natural oils, minerals and candelilla wax is formulated to moisturize lips and provide lasting wear. BEACON: No animal testing and cruelty free. Also contains no alcohol, artificial fragrances or dyes. 

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Dita. BEAUTY: Medium berry-red cream. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

Winter Follower Giveaway: Cosmetics

Winter's right around the corner. We're celebrating the arrival of this special season by unlocking our product closet. Three prize packages are now up for grabs.

Our latest follower giveaway showcases cosmetics products from Jane Iredale,  Smashbox and Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. The deadline to enter is Friday, January 6, 2012, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck! 

THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: Jane Iredale Just For Me collection spotlights My Steppes Cool and Warm Makeup Kits (Bronzing Powder, PurePressed Blush and PureGloss for Lips), Mystikol Powdered Eyeliners/Highlighters, and Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain. BEAUTY: Multipurpose colors refine and define cheeks, lips and eyes. BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports the Berkshire Humane Society. RETAIL VALUE: $185

BONUS: Jane Iredale Bitty Brow Kit. RETAIL VALUE: $27

UPDATE: Congrats to follower Tabitha Michelle. She's the lucky winner of Prize Package #1!

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: Smashbox Studio Stash features a black roll bag packed with jet black mascara, eye shadow palette, lip enhancing gloss, cream eyeliner palette and blush/soft light duo. BEAUTY: Collection provides lots of possibilities for day and evening looks. BEACON: Cruelty and paraben free. RETAIL VALUE: $59

BONUS: Smashbox Eye Shadows (Clockwise: Honey, 24K, Fizz and Safari). RETAIL VALUE: $64

UPDATE: Congrats to follower Katherine. She's the lucky winner of Prize Package #2!

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Party Mix collection holds five full-size lipglosses in Coy (light pink), Guava (dark pink), Marrakech (dark red), Reflection (natural) and Mesmerize (brown). BEAUTY: Formulated to provide a natural lip-plumping effect. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no alcohol, artificial fragrances or dyes. RETAIL VALUE: $75

BONUS: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Lunar Dust (Dusk). RETAIL VALUE: $33

UPDATE: Congrats to follower Amber. She's the lucky winner of Prize Package #3! 

THE RULES

Three Steps To Enter:

1. 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):

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

Two extra entries: Add SHINE Beauty Beacon to your blogroll.

Three extra entries: Follow SHINE Beauty Beacon on Twitter @shinebeautybcn and tweet (or retweet) a link to this giveaway.

Four extra entries: Post this giveaway on Tumblr or Facebook.

Five extra entries: Post this giveaway on your 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, January 6, 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, international or otherwise, 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 Jane Iredale, Smashbox or Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, 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.

Earth Day Mineral Makeup

One of the best cosmetics products for your skin comes directly from the earth. 


Used in foundations, blushes, mascaras, shadows and liners, mineral makeup contains a unique composition of natural ingredients. Mica creates color and luminosity, while bismuth oxychloride provides pearlescent pigment. Zinc oxide contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, and titanium dioxide offers protection from environmental factors, including UVA rays and wind.


Known for their pureness and ability to calm the skin, these finely ground minerals appeal to acne and rosacea sufferers--as well as eco-conscious consumers. The ingredients contain no fragrances, binders, synthetic dyes, talc or preservatives.


Many mineral makeup formulations also include anti-aging antioxidants such as green tea and pomegranate extracts, and vitamins A, C and E. In honor of Earth Day, take a look at the latest product innovations.

BEAUTY: Advanced Mineral Makeup Perfecting Concealer (Beige Cream) covers dark circles and Loose Mineral Foundation (Angelina) serves as an all-on-one concealer, SPF 30 and foundation. BEACON: Vegan and non-comedogenic.

BEAUTY: gloMinerals gloEye Shadow Trio (Champagne Rose) sports shades of pink, warm brown and cream as contour, highlighter and liner. BEACON: Non-comedogenic.

BEAUTY: Jane Iredale My Steppes (Cool and Warm) contains two lips glosses (featuring mint and ginger extracts), and blush and bronzer (featuring pine bark and pomegranate extracts). BEACON: Supports Global Green USA (the American arm of Green Cross International), which promotes sustainability.

BEAUTY: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Mineral Blush (Confidence) employs amino acids, which hydrate the skin and allow color to apply evenly. BEACON: Contains no talc or dyes.

BEAUTY: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Mineral Radiance Moisture Tint (Natural) hydrates and shields skin from environmental damage, and Mineral Radiance Creme Powder Foundation (Barely Beige) helps moisturize and soothe redness. BEACON: No animal testing, and contains no oils or alcohol.