Festive Face, Body & Hair Product Gift Sets

'Tis the season to be jolly. If you haven't had a fa-la-la-la-la moment yet, time's running out. You've only got 10 days left until Christmas arrives. 

Shopping for beauty products always lifts our spirits. Face, body and hair gift sets are not only fun to give but even better to receive. The buyer usually gets a can't-pass-it-up deal when several products are packaged together, while loved ones, friends or colleagues enjoy sampling several items at once. Plus, the products often come in a special box or zippered pouch that can be reused over and over again. 

So... ready, gift set, go. Enjoy the following face, body and hair collections from leading beauty manufacturers. And have yourself a Merry Little Christmas!

 SHINE: B. Kamins, Chemist Dry to Normal Skin Starter Kit (Vegetable Cleanser, Bio Maple Eye Cream, Day Cream SPF 15 and Night Cream). BEAUTY: Nourishes skin with antioxidants, vitamins and essential nutrients to help diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports PJs For the Cure.

 SHINE: Dermalogica Clean Start Get Glowing Mini Skin Care Kit (Ready, Set, Scrub!, Brighten Up SPF 15 and Smart Mouth Lip Shine). BEAUTY: Polishes and brightens your skin to reveal its natural radiance. BEACON: No animal testing. Also free of artificial fragrances, dyes and mineral oils.

SHINE: Elemis Tranquil Touch Exotic Stars Kit (Creamy Body Wash, Indulgent Bath Elixir, Body Cream and Candle). BEAUTY: Calm your mind and soothe your soul during your next bathing ritual. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of animal-derived collagen, synthetic fragrances and coloring, mineral oil, alcohol and silicones.

SHINE: Éminence Organic Skin Care Very Berry Gift Collection (Blueberry Soy Exfoliating Cleanser, Soy Blueberry Body Wash, Blueberry Shimmer Body Lotion and Loofah Sponge). BEAUTY: Refreshes dull skin with nourishing antioxidants and vitamins to help protect against free radicals. BEACON: The company's ingredient farm in Hungary is powered by solar and wind energy. 

SHINE: Joico K-Pak Color Therapy (Color Therapy Shampoo, Color Therapy Conditioner and Revitaluxe: Bio-Advanced Restorative Treatment). BEAUTY: Strengthens damaged hair with a blend of peptides, arginine, dual-polymers and African Manketti Oil. BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports City of Hope, Beauty For a Cure and Reality Cares.

SHINE: Liz Earle Superskin Christmas Collection (Moisturizer, Concentrate, Eye & Lip Treatment and Body Cream). BEAUTY: Designed to smooth and plump more mature or dry skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of mineral oil, paraffin wax, petrolatum, and any fractions of crude oil or primary petrochemicals.

SHINE: Neal's Yard Remedies Frankincense Face & Body Care Collection (Frankincense & Mandarin Body Lotion, Frankincense Hydrating Cream and Frankincense & Mandarin Shower Cream). BEAUTY: Antioxidants and herbal extracts replenish and rejuvenate skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of synthetic fragrances, silicones, phthalates, mineral oils, petrochemicals, GMO ingredients, propylene glycol, EDTA and SLS. Also supports Friends of the Earth, Samaritans and Traid.

SHINE: Ren Clean Skincare Shower Trio Gift Set (Moroccan Rose Otto Body Wash, Neroli and Grapefruit Body Wash, and Seaweed and Sage Body Wash) packaged in a box inspired by Asian hand-painted wallpaper designs. BEAUTY: Harmonizing properties in these three body washes help make the bathing experience a transformative one. BEACON: No animal testing. Also free of synthetic colors and fragrances, petrochemicals, sulfates, animal ingredients and parabens.

SHINE: Sanitas Skincare Mask Sampler (Cranberry Enzyme, Vita-Rich, Re-Vita-Lize Anti-Aging, Tea Tree, Pumpkin Enzyme and Papaya Pineapple). BEAUTY: This six-piece set is designed to deliver healing and acne prevention skincare benefits. BEACON: Supports the Cinderella Foundation. 

SHINE: SpaRitual Three-Piece Natural Soy Massage Candles. BEAUTY: Hand-poured into recycled glass cylinders, each candle utilizes soy, coconut and apricot waxes infused with essential oils to provide fragrant illumination or a luxurious massage. BEACON: Vegan, and contains no synthetic dyes, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

Technicolor Makeup Trends

Special shout-out to Nicki Minaj. She lights 29 candles today. 

It's anyone's guess what the Trinidadian-born recording artist will wear for her birthday celebration. She's known for her platinum wigs, but there's nothing vanilla about her style sense. Her Crayola crazed neon outfits, shoes and accessories never fail to dazzle and delight.

Hot hues have happily gone Hollywood. Pop superstars, such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Katy Perry, embrace vibrant pinks, oranges, purples and greens. It's music to our ears and, most of all, our eyes. 

We're seeing the same kaleidoscope of colors in cosmetics. Take a look at the latest wild, whimsical and wonderful trends in Technicolor makeup.

ORANGE & PINK

Rihanna

Nicki Minaj

BEAUTY: Essence Lipsticks (Coralize Me! and Like A Lady). BEACON: No animal testing.

BEAUTY: Milani Lipsticks (Mandarina and Rose Hip). BEACON: Cruelty free.

 BEAUTY: Smashbox Eyeshadow (Torch). BEACON: Recyclable packaging made with Sustainable Forestry Initiative Certified paper and soy ink.

BEAUTY: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Lipstick (Confection) and Lip Thick Super Plumping Gloss (Empress). BEACON: No animal testing.

GREEN

Lady Gaga

 BEAUTY: Jordana Bright Eyes Retractable Eyeliner (Green) and Color Effects Eyeshadow Powder (Double Effect). BEACON: Cruelty free.

 BEAUTY: Palladio Beauty Group Baked Eyeshadow Trio (Pop Idol). BEACON: No animal testing.

BEAUTY: Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner (Eternal) and Crystal Eyez Sparkling Eyeshadow (Gorgeous & Glowing). BEACON: Cruelty free.

PURPLE

Katy Perry

BEAUTY: Essence Eyeshadows (Disco Diva and Ultra Violet) and XXXL Shine Lipgloss (Rock On). BEACON: No animal testing.

 BEAUTY: Jordana Color Effects Eyeshadow Powder (Twofold) and Bright Eyes Retractable Eye Liner (Purple). BEACON: Cruelty free.

BEAUTY: Milani 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss (Fashion Diva), Runway Eyes Fashion Shadows (Haute Couture) and Lip Flash Full Coverage Shimmer Gloss Pencil (In A Flash). BEACON: Cruelty free.

BEAUTY: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Bio Natural Eyeshadow (Amethyst). BEACON: No animal testing.

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.

Tropical Fruit Skin Care

Mangoes, papayas and pineapples--oh my!

Tropical fruit seduces the senses. It tastes and smells luscious, and the eye candy colors almost always lift the spirits.

Best of all, citrus provides lots of health benefits. Antioxidants, minerals and vitamins serve as powerful immune system boosters. Plus, when used in skin care, natural fruit enzymes help remove dead skin cells, prevent premature aging and restore a youthful complexion.

November marks National Healthy Skin Month. As we celebrate the bounty of the fall harvest, take a moment to nourish your skin with healing tropical fruit extracts.

SHINE: 100% Pure Pineapple Juice Facial Scrub utilizes pineapple and papaya enzymes, and vitamins C and E to exfoliate skin and provide antiaging benefits. BEAUTY: Blackberry, blueberry and strawberry extracts also help brighten dull looking skin. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Also contains no synthetic chemicals or artificial fragrances.

SHINE: Alba Botanica Pineapple Enzyme Facial Cleanser washes away impurities with pineapple, papaya and awapuhi enzymes. BEAUTY: Aloe and jojoba butter beads hydrate skin to give it a glowing complexion. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Also contains no sodium lauryl sulfate, parabens or phthalates.

SHINE: Burt's Bees Mango & Orange Sugar Scrub exfoliates dead skin cells with sugar crystals and orange peel powder. BEAUTY: Mango seed and coconut oils soften skin to help it look radiant. BEACON: No animal testing, and contains no sulfates, parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals. Also supports The Greater Good Foundation.

SHINE: Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Thermaj Self-Heating Total Body Polish reduces inflammation and removes dead skin cells with pineapple and papaya enzymes. BEAUTY: Jojoba butter beads and vitamin E help keep skin supple. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Lavanila The Healthy Body Wash 2-in-1 Shower & Shave hydrates the skin with coconut oil, hyaluronic acid and noni juice. BEAUTY: Soothing aloe, calendula and white tea extract help prevent irritation as you shave. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no mineral oils, parabens, petrochemicals, phthalates, synthetics dyes, sulfates or silicone.

SHINE: Pacifica Coconut Crushed Pearl Luminizing Body Butter deeply moisturizes with coconut oil, shea butter, and passion fruit, papaya and pineapple extracts. BEAUTY: Pearl powder, and vitamins A, C and E add shimmer and glow. BEACON: Donates products to local women’s shelters. 

Fresh Fall Look: Pixie Hair

Lake Arrowhead, California: November 1, 2011

This is my favorite time of the year--the period between Halloween and Thanksgiving. The leaves start showing their true colors and temperatures begin cooling down. It's an invigorating reminder that the holidays will soon be here.

Change is in the air. So it usually gets me thinking about turning a new leaf in my own life, such as getting a new hairstyle. My long tresses currently fall well below my bra line, but I'm seriously considering a radically different look--a pixie 'do.

Several celebrities and supermodels have rocked super short locks at one point or another in their careers. Here are a few faves: 

Agyness Deyn

Mia Wasikowska

Tilda Swinton

Nia Long

Known for its versatility, the pixie hairstyle adapts well to any personality. It can be perky (tousled with spunky fringes), practical (simple yet sophisticated) or playful (light ends with dark roots). To maintain the look, you need the right shampoos, conditioners, styling creams, hair sprays and tools. Check out the following products, and let us know if you have a new fall 'do.

SHINE: Avalon Organics Clarifying Lemon Shampoo and Conditioner cleanses without stripping and hydrates without adding excess weight. BEAUTY: Lemon peel extract and shea butter remove dulling residues and restore natural highlights. BEACON: Contains no synthetic fragrances, artificial colors, phthalates, parabens, mineral oil, propylene glycol or sulfates.

SHINE: Conair travel size MiniPRO 2-in-1 Ceramic Styler and 1/2 inch Ceramic Crimping Iron feature handy storage pouches and ceramic plates for even heat distribution. BEAUTY: Both add smoothness and shine while reducing frizz. Crimping iron allows you to create a few stylish wavy strands or a dramatic headful. BEACON: Supports The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

SHINE: John Frieda Flat Finish 1 inch Straightener with ceramic titanium coated plates and Frizz-Ease Hair Serum with hydrolyzed silk control flyaway hair. BEAUTY: The serum helps repel humidity to prevent weather-related frizz. BEACON: Kao Brands, the parent company, supports United Way and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières.

SHINE: Short Sexy Hair Play Dirty Dry Wax Texturizing Hair Spray (medium hold) allows you to style with no sticky build up. BEAUTY: Spray lightly for a pieced, separated look. BEACON: Supports Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: UNITE Eurotherapy Creamy Paste Styling Cream contains castor oil and pine tree sap, which provides texture without stickiness or extra weight. BEAUTY: Adds separation and definition, but washes out easily. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no sulfates, parabens or sodium chloride.

SHINE: Voya Silky By Nature Shampoo and Forget Me Knot Conditioner utilizes seaweed and vitamins B5 and E to help add moisture and protect hair from environmental damage. BEAUTY: Organic lemon peel, lime and almond oils repair and replenish locks. BEACON: Contains certified organic ingredients and hand harvested seaweed.