Fall Follower Giveaway: Hair Tools & Products

We're celebrating the fall season by raiding our product closet. Three prize packages are now up for grabs. 


Our latest follower giveaway showcases hair products and tools from Conair, Head Organics and N.4. The deadline to enter is Friday, October 28, 2011, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck! 


THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) BEAUTY: Conair Instant Heat Hot Sticks 1/2" Curling Iron, MiniPRO 1/2" Crimping Iron and MiniPRO 1/2" Ceramic Straightener. BEACON: Supports Breast Cancer Awareness. RETAIL VALUE: $55

BONUS: Conair Infiniti PRO 2 in. (50.8) Spin Air Brush. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $70.

UPDATE: Congrats to follower angelacisco79. She's our lucky winner!

(PRIZE #2) BEAUTY: Head Organics Natural Hair Serum, Extra Hold Hair Gel, Leave-In Conditioning Spray and Extra Hold Mousse. BEACON: No animal testing and packaged in recyclable containers. Also contains no sulfates, parabens, glycol, colorants or gluten. RETAIL VALUE: $50

BONUS: Head Organics Natural Styling Wax. RETAIL VALUE: About $14. 


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

(PRIZE #3) BEAUTY: N.4 Reconstructing Masque, Super Comb Prep & Protect, Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Condition. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Also contains no sulfates, gluten or parabens. RETAIL VALUE: $150

BONUS: N.4 Non Aerosol Hair Spray. RETAIL VALUE: $30

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

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 will be disqualified if you comment more than once.
3. Finally, please let us know if you posted this giveaway to any social media platforms (see Entry Key below), such as your blog (please provide link), blogroll (please provide link), Facebook page (please provide link), and/or Twitter page (please provide Twitter handle and link). 


Entry Key:
One Entry: 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.
Three Extra Entries: Post this giveaway on your Facebook page.
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, October 28, 2011, 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 Conair, Head Organics or N.4, 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.

Color Blocking Nail Art

Has color blocking jumped the shark? The retro fashion trend of mixing large chunks of pastels or bold color wheel shades may have recently crashed and burned. Katy Perry took the concept a little too literal at the VMAs by sporting a huge golden cube crown, prompting many style critics to dub her a cheese head. 

Inspired by the contemporary art world (hellooooo Mondrian), the trend first appeared on runways last spring. Marc Jacobs, Etro, Gucci and Diane von Furstenberg rocked the block in eye-popping palates of turquoise, purple and green; wine, purple and orange; and black, turquoise and green.

We're still working our way around the color wheel, so we're not ready to retire the trend. As summer gradually turns to fall, check out the following color blocking nail art combos.

ESSIE

Mani model: Rachael Maria Simon

BEAUTY: Apply two layers of Vermillionaire (orange) on top of a base coat. Using a flat watercolor brush, paint two coats of Pretty Edgy (green) over the top half of each nail. Clean the brush and then apply two layers of Velvet Voyeur (purple) to create a color block in the top right half corner. Complete the look with a top coat.  

BEACON: Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

OPI PRODUCTS

BEAUTY: Over a base coat, apply two layers of Need Sunglasses? (yellow). Paint two coats of Y'all Come Back Ya Hear? (orange) over the top half of each nail using a flat watercolor brush. Clean the brush and then apply two layers of Pamplona (purple) to create a color block in the top left half corner. Finish with a top coat. 

BEACON: Contains no formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate or toluene. Also supports the American Heart Association and Gilda’s Club Worldwide. 

SPARITUAL

BEAUTY: Apply two layers of Twig (sandstone) on top of a base coat. Using a flat watercolor brush, paint two coats of Knowledge Is Power (neon pink) over the top half of each nail. Clean the brush and then apply two layers of Street Smart (black) to create a color block in the top right half corner. Complete the look with a top coat.  

BEACON: Vegan, and contains no synthetic dyes, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde. 

ZOYA NAIL PRODUCTS

Mani model: Rachael Maria Simon

BEAUTY: Over a base coat, apply two layers of Raven (black) on the pinky finger, Tangy (apple green shimmer) on the ring finger, Creamy (yellow) on the middle finger, Sweet (pink) on the index finger and Purity (white) on the thumb. Finish with a top coat.

BEACON: Contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin or dibutyl phthalate.

Mind-Blowing Body Contouring Creams

Summer vacay season is winding down, but there's still time to enjoy a relaxing getaway. I just returned from an extended stay in the scenic mountain resort community of Lake Arrowhead, Calif., which is located about 90 miles east of Los Angeles. It's easy to be seduced by the area's alpine charm with the availability of boating, waterskiing, sunbathing and hiking activities.

Before I packed my sundresses, swimsuit and sunscreen, I made sure I brought along plenty of body contouring creams. Who doesn't want to look their bikini (tankini in my case) best? Plus, they help stimulate circulation, diminish dimpling and detoxify the body. Happy dance, indeed. 

After sunbathing on our deck, my chi/dach Rudy is ready to engage in a high-altitude hiking adventure (and maybe a snack or two).

Check out the latest body firming formulations below. And let us know which beauty products you never leave home without.

BEAUTY: Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Lipo-Conquer Body Toning Cream reinforces skin's collagen fibers, smoothes the appearance of dimpling and promotes the reduction of fatty deposits with vitamins A and E, ginkgo biloba and caffeine. BEACON: No animal testing.

BEAUTY: Elizabeth Grant Collagen Firming & Toning Body Kit contains Collagen Extra Firming Body Cream, Massage Tool and Collagen Firming & Toning Body Serum to help reduce the look of skin imperfections. BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Look Good...Feel Better and Hollyrod Foundation. 

BEAUTY: Glowology Aqua Firming Body Lotion utilizes vitamins C and E, sea kelp and white tea extract to nourish and soften skin. BEACON: No animal testing, fair trade and 100% biodegradable. Also contains no dyes, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals or synthetic preservatives.

BEAUTY: HydroPeptide Moisturize Anti-Wrinkle Skin Firming Hydrator reduces the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks and wrinkles with peptides, acai berry, green tea extracts and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no parabens, synthetic fragrances or phthalates.

BEAUTY: Mama Mio Shrink to Fit Hip & Thigh Cream utilizes Adiposlim, Adipoless, caffeine, horsetail and seaweed extract to help improve circulation, reduce water retention and flush toxins. BEACON: Contains no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulphate, synthetic fragrances or xenoestrogens. Also supports Look Good...Feel Better.

BEAUTY: Ren Wild Yam Omega 7 Firming Body Repair Cream utilizes West African wild yam and seabuckthorn berry oil to help repair and regenerate skin. BEACON: No animal testing, and contains no synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, sulfate detergents or parabens. Also donates a minimum of 2.5% of its profits to campaigns that promote a better environment and improve the lives of the less fortunate.

BEAUTY: Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil improves skin tone and appearance with apricot kernel, jojoba and wheat germ oils. BEACON: Contains no synthetic fragrances, colorants, preservatives or raw materials derived from mineral oils. Also supports Conservation International.  

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.

Kim Kardashian Bridal Manis

© Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com

If you're a fan of epic I dos, the wedding day countdown begins. In T-minus 24 hours, Kim Kardashian plans to walk down the aisle with New Jersey Nets basketball player Kris Humphries in Montecito, Calif.

The Saturday shindig has style watchers on high alert. What will the reality TV star have or have not, as she exchanges vows and wows at the altar? A tiara or train, or both? Based on her 20.5-carat, $2 million engagement ring, fans expect to see lots of bridal bling. 


Let's hope she nails it with her mani choice. We offer the following suggestions as Humphries takes her hand in marriage.

ESSIE

BEAUTY: Here's hoping the memories of the wedding won't fade, but perhaps the mani should. Design a radiant gradient with Show Me the Ring (pinky), Rock Candy (ring finger), Petal Pink (middle finger), No Prenup (index finger) and Eternal Optimist (thumb). 

BEACON: Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

OPI PRODUCTS

BEAUTY: After the ring bearer delivers the goods, all that's left is a band of gold and the dreams they hold. Apply a top coat and two layers of Pearl of Wisdom (pink opalescent). Next, paint a band of Bring On the Bling (gold glitter) around the edges of the entire nail. Finish with a top coat.  

BEACON: Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.


SPARITUAL

BEAUTY: The groom proposed by spelling out "Will You Marry Me?" in red rose petals. Create more flower power with It's Raining Men (pearlescent blue), Love Is In the Air (pink) and Water Lily (pinkish-white). Design petals by using a dotting tool, toothpick tip or the end of a bobby pin to place five small drops of polish in a circle. Before they dry, pull a clean toothpick tip through each dot to the center of the petal. Place a fresh drop of polish in the center of each petal to complete the look.

BEACON: Vegan, and contains no synthetic dyes, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde. 

ZOYA NAIL POLISH

BEAUTY: The black and white wedding invitations hint that the bride might create a similarly themed mani. Apply a base coat and two layers of Christinna (grayish off-white). Next, paint two coats of Raven (black) on each tip. Then apply a thin strand of Luna (silver glitter) on the seam, and finish with a top coat.

BEACON: Contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin or dibutyl phthalate.

Travel-Size Skincare Fix

Have you booked your summer vacay yet? If you're planning a trip this month, there's a good chance you'll be boarding a flight to the enchanted land of mouse ears and make-believe--Walt Disney World Resort.

Orlando tops the list as the most booked summer travel destination in 2011,

according to Orbiz.com. If theme parks cramp your style, consider Vegas, Seattle, Los Angeles, Denver, New York City, San Francisco, Chicago, Cancun and Boston--which round out the top 10 vacation cities in order of popularity. 

Whether you plan to go camping, clubbing or catamaraning, don't forget to pack your skin care. Check out the following suitcase-friendly, mini must-haves.

BEAUTY: Tote tiny treasures on your trip with B. Kamins, Chemist Dry to Normal Skin Starter Kit (Day Cream SPF 15, Vegetable Skin Cleanser, Night Cream and Eye Cream). BEACON: No animal testing.

BEAUTY: Pack your flip-flops alongside flight-friendly sizes with Bioelements Travel Light Kit for Combination Skin (Decongestant Cleanser, Equalizer, Pumice Peel, Absolute Moisture and Oil Control Sleepwear). BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no artificial colorants or synthetic fragrances.

BEAUTY: Get your glow-on-the-go with Luzern Laboratories Organic Trip Kit (Purifying Cleansing Gelée, Vita O2 Hydra-Refining Mist, Force De Vie Créme Luxe, Serum Absolut, Pure Molecular Oxygen Treatment Mask and La Défense SPF 30). BEACON: Contains no parabens, petrochemicals, formaldehyde, synthetic preservatives or fragrances.

BEAUTY: R&R stands for revitalize and refresh with Sanítas Normal Skin System Kit (Glycolic Citrus Cleanser, Moisturizing Cleanser, Glycotoner 5%, Moisture Mist, Vita-Rich Serum and Topical C). BEACON: Supports the Cinderella Foundation. 

BEAUTY: No need to suffer breakouts during your summer break with sukí To-Go Complete Care For Clear Skin Kit (Sensitive Cleansing Bar, Transformative Cleansing Clay, Concentrated Balancing Toner and Pure Facial Moisture-Balancing). Also includes free samples of Exfoliate Foaming Cleanser and Balancing Day Lotion (not pictured below). BEACON: Cruelty free. Also supports fair trade, biodynamic processing and local sourcing.

BEAUTY: Travel light but promote potent skin renewal with Weleda Pomegranate Regenerating Body Care Kit (Regenerating Body Oil, Regenerating Hand Cream and Creamy Body Wash). BEACON: Contains no synthetic fragrances, colorants, preservatives or raw materials derived from mineral oils. Also supports Conservation International. 

Summer Cocktail Party Manis

The heat is on. Triple-digit temperatures now plague many parts of the country. 

What's a girl to do to cool off? Two words: Cocktail party! 

Call your BFFs, find a pool and bring your favorite nail polish. We're getting this party started with five refreshing manis inspired by classic cocktails. 

ZOYA NAIL POLISH

SANGRIA: Zinfandel, brandy, orange liqueur, orange juice, lemon juice, sugar, ice cubes, slices of fresh oranges, lemons and limes, and chilled club soda.

BEAUTY: Enjoy a festive fruit punch with Juicy (red wine), Paz (orange), Tangy (lime) and Creamy (lemon). Apply fresh fruit slices on your ring finger nail with the tip of the polish brush.

BEACON: Contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin or dibutyl phthalate.

OPI

FRESH LIME MARGARITA: Tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, sugar, crushed ice, salt rim and garnish with a lime wedge.

BEAUTY: Create south-of-the-border style with Stranger Tides (margarita) and Glow Up Already! (salt rim).

BEACON: Contains no formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate or toluene.

ESSIE

CLASSIC MARTINI: Cracked ice, dry gin, dry vermouth and garnish with pimento-stuffed green olives.

BEAUTY: Revisit Rat Pack glam with Playa del Platinum (martini), Sew Psyched (olive) and Too Too Hot (pimento). 

BEACON: Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

SPARITUAL

TEQUILA SUNRISE: Tequila, fresh orange juice, grenadine (fruit syrup), ice cubes and garnish with an orange slice. 

BEAUTY: Bask in the glow of Last Tango (grenadine) and Enlightened Soul (orange juice). Over a base coat, apply two layers of Last Tango. Then paint two coats of Enlightened Soul on each top half with a flat watercolor brush. Finish with a top coat.

BEACON: Vegan, and contains no synthetic dyes, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.


DAZZLE DRY

PINA COLADA: Pineapple juice, canned sweetened cream of coconut, white rum, ice cubes, dark rum and garnish with fresh pineapple.

BEAUTY: Enjoy a taste of tropical paradise with Frozen Lemonade (pineapple) and White Lightning (coconut). Over a base coat, apply two layers of Frozen Lemonade. Before the second coat dries, draw diagonal lines of White Lightning across each nail with a watercolor brush (fine tip). Make "s" patterns with a toothpick. No top coat needed.

BEACON: Vegan, and contains no formaldehyde, toluene or camphor.