Call in the Marines: Sea-Based Ingredients Help Combat Lifeless Skin & Signs of Aging

I think I may have been a fish in a previous life. I learned to swim as soon as I was old enough to walk. Plus, I often favor vacation spots that involve a lake or ocean setting.

One of my fondest memories of marine life came from a scuba diving trip to the Cayman Islands. I couldn't believe my eyes as I explored the depths of the Caribbean Sea. The colors, creatures and corals took my breath away. I was truly awestruck by the endless beauty of this below-the-surface setting.

Photo courtesy Twilight Zone Expedition Team 2007, NOAA-OE

Underwater treasures rock our world above sea level as well. Algae, marine muds and clays, and seaweed contain vital nutrients from vitamins and minerals, which give them the ability to hydrate and heal the skin. These marine extracts also help increase the production of collagen, which leaves your complexion feeling and looking smoother, softer and younger. 

So let's call in the marines. The following face and body products feature the latest sea-based ingredients. They arm you with the ability to combat dull or dry skin, and keep fine lines and wrinkles at bay. Don't hesitate to dive in!

SHINE: 100% Pure Lavender Seafoam Facial Cleanser. BEAUTY: Remove impurities and restore radiant skin with kelp and green tea leaf extracts, green sea clay, lavender essential oil, and vitamins C and E. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Also contains no detergents, synthetic chemicals, or artificial fragrances or colors.

SHINE: Babor Algae Active Fluid. BEAUTY: Algae plankton, amino acids and hydrogenated castor oil seal in moisture to step up suppleness and softness. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Dolphin Aid.

SHINE: Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System with Anti-Aging Sea Serum. BEAUTY: This palm-sized sonic device uses gentle pulsating massage technology to deliver an Anti-Aging Sea Serum that contains algae, plankton, ginger root and red seaweed extracts, and hyaluronic acid to help reduce the severity and depth of fine lines and wrinkles in the eye area. BEACON: The Anti-Aging Sea Serum contains no parabens.

SHINE: Dermalogica Skin Hydrating Booster. BEAUTY: Perk up parched skin and maintain a younger looking appearance with algae extract, lavender oil and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: Contains no artificial fragrances or colors. Championed joinFITE (Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship), and the Dermalogica Foundation supports S.K.I.N. (Skincare for Kids in Need).

SHINE: Mineral Fusion Ultimate Moisture Facial Cleanser (for Dry/Sensitive Skin Types). BEAUTY: Marine clay, sea kelp, cucumber fruit extract, aloe vera leaf juice and vitamin E detoxify and deeply hydrate the skin's surface. BEACON: Free of gluten, parabens, SLS, phthalates, and synthetic colors and fragrances. Supports the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

SHINE: Nature Pure Labs Azulene Seaweed Masque. BEAUTY: Balance skin's moisture and boost cell renewal with hyaluronic acid, vitamins A and E, and sea algae. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no parabens, or artificial colors or fragrances.

SHINE: Phytocéane AQUASAPHIR Essential Renewal Cream. BEAUTY: Marine vegetal coral, blue microalgae extract, marine samphire oil, shea butter and vitamin E smooth signs of aging and shield the skin from free radical damage. BEACON: No animal testing. Preserves marine resources used in products with a program focused on seasonal algae harvesting and farming.

SHINE: Refineé Firming Mineral Moisture Cream. BEAUTY: Maximize moisture retention while minimizing fine lines and wrinkles with red algae, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A, C and E. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Ren Clean Bio Actie Skincare Seaweed and Sage Body Wash. BEAUTY: Fucus seaweed extract, and geranium, cypress, rosemary and sage oils help remove impurities and rejuvenate the skin during bath or shower time. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Contains no synthetic colors or fragrances, petrochemicals, sulfate detergents or parabens. 

SHINE: Skyn Iceland Arctic Hydrating Balm. BEAUTY: Repair skin, and restore its radiance and natural balance with hyaluronic acid, red algae, and strawberry and cranberry seed oils. BEACON: Cruelty free and vegan. Contains no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates or dye. Supports Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

SHINE: Swedish Skin Care Razor Burn Freedom for Women. BEAUTY: Gorgonian extract, a natural marine algae known to reduce irritation and redness, vitamin C and chamomile extract serve to calm and comfort tender skin after hair removal, including waxing, shaving and electrolysis. BEACON: Free of parabens, fragrances and synthetic dyes.

SHINE: Tatcha Luminous Dewy Skin Mist. BEAUTY: Replenish lost luminosity with olive extract, liquid silk, green tea leaf extract and red algae. BEACON: Contains no parabens, mineral oil, synthetic colors or fragrances, sulfate detergents, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates.

SHINE: Thalgo Micronized Marine Algae. BEAUTY: Use this fine powder of micronized algae in the bath to detox and remineralize the skin, and relax muscles and joints. BEACON: Vegan, and free of parabens, mineral oil, propylene glycol and GMOs.

2013 Spring Follower Giveaway: Fresh Start Cosmetics

The month of March represents renewal--spring arrives and flowers begin to bloom. Plus, our clocks advance forward for Daylight Savings Time on the 10th.

We'd like to embrace this season of fresh starts. Our latest giveaway showcases makeup from GloMinerals, Sormé Treatment Cosmetics and Smashbox valued at approximately $330. These eye shadows, lipsticks and blushes allow you to create your own new beginnings with captivating colors.

The deadline to enter is Friday, March 29, 2013, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to follower Vicki (Spartan Wife)! She's the lucky winner of all three prize packages in our Fresh Start Cosmetics Giveaway. 

THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: GloMinerals GloLip Plumper (Sheer Berry--light raspberry), GloLiquid Eye Liner (Coal--rich black), GloRoyal Lip Crayon (Countess Coral--glimmering apricot-coral) and Alloy Eye Collection (Silver Streak, Universe, Storm, Jet, Buff, Cappuccino, Enigma and Tuxedo). BEAUTY: A mesmerizing medley of mineral-based makeup. BEACON: Free of talc, perfumes and chemical dyes. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $95.

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: Smashbox Blush Rush Flush, Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, Photo Finish Lipsticks (Stunning and Splendid), Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio (Light Speed--Butter, Peacock and Azure) and Lip Enhancing Glosses (Pixel and Siren). BEAUTY: A crazy cool collection of cosmetics colors. BEACON: Cruelty free. Packaging is recyclable and made using Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified paper. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $130.

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Extreme Volumizing Mascara, Bio Natural Eye Shadows (Amethyst, Arena and Suspense), Long Lasting Blush (Pomegranate), Lipstick (Glamour Red) and Brow Lift Brow Highlighting Pencil. BEAUTY: Pop goes the color with these pretty pigments. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Look Good...Feel Better. RETAIL VALUE: About $100.

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, March 29, 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 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 GloMinerals, Sormé Treatment Cosmetics or Smashbox, 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.

2013 Oscars: The 5 Best Red Carpet Hair Looks

Glitz, glamour, action! The hot pursuit of Oscar gold brought out the best of red carpet style at this year's Academy Awards. Sleek silhouettes and sparkles set the stage for lots of drama and dazzle.

Trending trains and trinkets weren't the only memorable moments. Head-turning hairstyles also stole the spotlight. Who can forget the cascading curls of Reese Witherspoon, the highlighted streaks and swept-up do of lead actress Oscar winner Jennifer Lawrence, and the pretty pixie cut of Charlize Theron? Per-fec-tion!  

We're showcasing the five best hair looks of the Oscars, as well as a few shampoos, conditioners, finishing sprays, tools and accessories to help you achieve these styles. Please feel free to tell us which stunning strands you enjoyed most on the red carpet. 

CASCADING CURLS

Reese Witherspoon

Jessica Chastain

Zoe Saldana

Kerry Washington

SWEPT UP & TUCKED BACK

Jennifer Lawrence

Amanda Seyfried

Naomi Watts

CROPPED TOPS

Charlize Theron

Anne Hathaway

Halle Berry (go to 2:25)

TEASED TRESSES

Adele

Amy Adams

LONG & STRAIGHT

Jennifer Aniston

Sandra Bullock

SHINE: A.S.P. Kitoko Volume Enhance Leave-In Treatment (For Fine, Limp Hair). BEAUTY: Green tea leaf and date fruit extracts, shea butter and vitamin E maximize fullness and minimize static. BEACON: Contains no waxes, mineral oils, parabens or sulfates. 

SHINE: Belson Products Brazilian Heat After Dark Professional Titanium 1" Straightening Iron. BEAUTY: Safe for use on keratin treated hair, this flat iron's extra long titanium plates give you more glide and gloss. BEACON: The parent company, Helen of Troy, supports the American Cancer Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters and Cookies for Kids' Cancer.

SHINE: Conair Bun Maker. BEAUTY: Gather your hair into a ponytail and pull it through the hole in the bun maker. Slide the bun maker up to the ponytail base and spread your hair around it. Secure with pins. BEACON: Supports American Red Cross, American Ballet Theatre and National Dance Institute.

SHINE: Burt's Bees More Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner with Baobab. BEAUTY: Antioxidant-rich baobab oil replenishes and repairs lackluster hair. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of synthetic fragrances, sulfates, parabens, phthalates and petrochemicals. Supports Habitat for Humanity. 

SHINE: John Frieda Frizz-Ease Volume Curls Curling Iron. BEAUTY: Advanced ionic conditioning technology maximizes manageability by fighting frizz and flyaway hair. BEACON: Kao Brands, the parent company, supports the United Way and Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières.

SHINE: Nature Pure Labs Hippophae Botanical Shampoo with Collagen. BEAUTY: Aloe vera leaf juice, sunflower seed oil and vitamin B5 step up shine, softness and smoothness. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens. Recyclable packaging.

SHINE: Redken Quick Tease 15 Backcombing Finishing Spray. BEAUTY: This spray allows you to boost body and create lift at the roots. BEACON: L’Oréal, the parent company, partners with UNESCO to support For Women In Science.  

Academy Award Beauty: Best Porcelain Complexion Goes To Anne Hathaway

Photo by Jenn Deering Davis

And the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress goes to... Actually, we won't know who prevails until the Academy Awards show airs this weekend. However, the Odds On Favorite To Win Best Supporting Actress Award goes to Anne Hathaway for her portrayal of the tragic Fantine in "Les Miserables." 

Widely praised by critics and fans for the depth of her performance, she's predicted to be the belle of the ball on Sunday. In fact, her rendition of the musicals’ song, I Dreamed a Dream, has been called, "Raw, heartbreaking, haunting and beautiful."

Hathway's perfect porcelain skin also receives rave reviews from beautynistas. Her flawless face shows no signs of hyperpigmentation, pore congestion or premature aging. It's known as one of the clearest complexions in Hollywood.

We don't know what type of skincare products the 30-year-old Hathaway uses, but face primers often contribute to radiant skin. These glow-getters act as base coats when applied over your moisturizer and beneath your foundation. They also extend the wearability of makeup. 

To create a more finished look, some primers multitask. They provide a three-for-all for your skin with their tinting, moisturizing and sun shielding benefits. So get ready for your close-up with the following face and lash primers. You'll feel red carpet ready in no time.

SHINE: Dermalogica Skinperfect Primer SPF 30. BEAUTY: Shield skin against sun damage and prep it for makeup application with peptides, green tea leaf extract, hyaluronic acid and iron oxides. BEACON: Contains no artificial fragrances or colors. Championed joinFITE (Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship). The Dermalogica Foundation also supports S.K.I.N. (Skincare for Kids in Need).

SHINE: Elizabeth Grant Professional Tinted Primer & Pore Minimizer. BEAUTY: Vitamin E and iron oxides leave your skin with a smoother and more even toned surface. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Hollyrod Foundation, World Wildlife Fund and Sick Kids Foundation. 

SHINE: Inika Certified Organic Pure Primer. BEAUTY: Provide an even canvas for foundation application and improve the staying power of your makeup with aloe vera leaf juice, coconut and jojoba seed oils, and vitamin E. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Contains no petrochemicals, talc, artificial colors or fragrances, parabens, DEA or sulphates.

SHINE: RevitaLash Volumizing Primer. BEAUTY: Nettle extract and peptides prepare your lashes for a long-lasting mascara application. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Susan G. Komen Walk for the Cure and Cancer and Careers. 

SHINE: Sue Devitt Microquatic Fortifying Primer. BEAUTY: Heighten hydration and restore radiance with water lily extract, iron oxide, titanium dioxide and soy protein. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Africa Foundation and Blue Planet Network.

SHINE: Tarte BB Tinted Treatment 12-Hour Primer SPF 30 (Medium). BEAUTY: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, mica and diamond powder help brighten skin, minimize pores and shield harmful sun rays. BEACON: Cruelty free and vegan. Formulated without parabens, mineral oil, sodium lauryl sulfate, phthalates and synthetic fragrance. Supports the Sustainable Amazon Partnership.

Pucker Up: Pretty Pouts for Valentine's Day

Amor, amour, amore... No matter how you say it, love is in the air!

Valentine's Day allows Cupid's arrow to take precise aim. And as the son of Venus, the goddess of love, he's got a lot of street cred. So if you're lucky enough to get struck, be prepared to not only fall under a powerful spell but to pucker up as well.

This means it's time to have a heart-to-heart discussion about how to present a pretty pout. Today's lipsticks and glosses come in matte, shimmery, glossy and creamy varieties to help bring out your inner glam goddess--no relation to Cupid. Colors range from classic to contemporary and subtle to standout. Plus, ingredients such as fruit extracts, natural seed oils and vitamins benefit the overall health of your lips.

To achieve a fuller, flirty pout, take a look at the following love struck lipsticks and glosses. They might even make Cupid blush!

SHINE: Babor Ultra Performance Lip Colour. BEAUTY: Soften and smooth your smoochers with castor seed oil, sea fennel and vitamin E in Shiny Plum--which is a sparkling mauve shade. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Mirabella Colour Luxe Lip Gloss. BEAUTY: Step up shine and suppleness with pomegranate extract, jojoba oil and peptides in a shimmery shade of Beam, a pearlescent pink. BEACON: Free of lead and parabens.

SHINE: Purely Pro Cosmetics Hi Gloss Lipstick. BEAUTY: Out your pout with a pop of bright hot pink pigment called Saucy, which also contains a hint of a warm vanilla fragrance. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Dress for Success. 

SHINE: Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss. BEAUTY: Nonstop, a soft raspberry shade, helps make lips feel super silky with vitamin E and a contoured wand. BEACON: Cruelty free. Packaging is made using Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified paper and soy ink.

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Perfect Performance Lip Color, and Mineral Botanicals Lip Color and Vitamin E Lip Conditioner. BEAUTY: Glamour Red, a classic crimson, and Confection, a pinky coral, provide pigment, protection and pizzazz. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Sue Devitt Balanced Sheer Lipstick and Balanced Matte Lipstick. BEAUTY: Villefranche, a sheer pink, and Phuket, a matte rust, maximize color, coverage and your kissability quotient. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Africa Foundation and Blue Planet Network.

SHINE: Susan Posnick ColorEssential Lipstick. BEAUTY: Keep caps secure with a unique magnetic closure, and create a lush lip look with Rio, a bright berry shade, and Milan, a deep red. BEACON: Supports Big Thought.

SHINE: VMV Hypoallergenics Glitz Lipstick. BEAUTY: Moisturize your lips and mesmerize your significant other with World Peace, a glimmer coral tone. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of fragrances, phthalates, dyes and parabens. 

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Lipstick. BEAUTY: Experience rich color and conditioning with Vixen, a matte red shade with blue undertones, and Spicy, a fiery golden red. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no oils, chemicals, alcohol, artificial fragrances or dyes.

Mardi Gras Masques: How to Brighten and Beautify Your Fat Tuesday Celebration

Bring on the parades and parties--it's Fat Tuesday. Mardi Gras, as it's more commonly called, takes place in the French Quarter of New Orleans on the day before Ash Wednesday. Raucous revelers forego polite society in favor of fun, frivolity, fancy floats, face painting, bead tossing and wild costume creations.

People also like to adorn their faces with a variety of masks--the more outrageous the better. It's believed that the custom dates back to the 18th century, where the wealthy wore them to hide their identities while the working-class used them as their admission ticket into the prestigious parties of the time.

Today, these guises serve as a way for revelers to help release their inhibitions. But before you rock your favorite Mardi Gras mask, make sure you give your skin a party of its own with a refreshing facial masque. This nourishing treatment addresses common concerns such as acne, aging and dull skin by providing moisturizing, calming, detoxifying or deep-cleansing benefits.  

So jump start your Fat Tuesday festivities with the following cream, gel and lifting masques. They're designed to brighten and beautify all types of complexions, as well as any Mardi Gras celebration. 

SHINE: Ecco Bella Dark Chocolate Mask. BEAUTY: Soften and smooth skin as you clear away dead skin cells with aloe vera, organic cocoa powder, and vitamins C and E. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of gluten, talc, synthetic oils and fragrances, alcohol and FD&C dyes. Supports Friends of Animals.

SHINE: Nature Pure Labs Strawberry Kiwi Gel Masque. BEAUTY: Aloe gel, ginkgo biloba extract, vitamins A, C and E, and hyaluronic acid cool, calm and nourish the skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no parabens, or artificial colors or fragrances. 

SHINE: Naturopathica White Tea Antioxidant Mask. BEAUTY: Firm and fortify skin for glow on the go with aloe vera leaf juice, white tea leaf extract and sunflower seed oil. BEACON: Free of sulfate detergents, PEGs, DEA, TEA, parabens, glycols and urea. Supports the American Botanical Council and The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

SHINE: Sjal Skincare Kashmir Saphir Perfecting Mask. BEAUTY: Sapphire powder, silk proteins, tamanu seed oil, and ginseng and ginger root extracts help minimize pores and maximize cell regeneration. BEACON: Free of parabens.

SHINE: Somme Institute Boost. BEAUTY: Purify, plump and protect skin with peptides, vitamin E and pumpkin fruit extract. BEACON: Contains no parabens.

SHINE: Systeme 41 Rejuvenating Masque. BEAUTY: White clay, sunflower seed oil, pomegranate and papaya fruit extracts, and hyaluronic acid help to decongest pores and restore radiance. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, artificial colors and fragrances, surfactants, detergents, mineral oils and glutens.

SHINE: Tatcha Luminous Deep Hydration Lifting Mask. BEAUTY: Replenish the skin and lock in luminosity with green tea leaf extract, hyaluronic acid and red algae extract. BEACON: Contains no parabens, mineral oil, synthetic colors or fragrances, sulfate detergents, urea, DEA, TEA or phthalates.