Spring Follower Giveaway: Skin Care

Spring is in the air. As the flowers begin to bloom, we're opening our product closet as well. Three luxurious prize packages valued at almost $400 could be yours.


Our latest follower giveaway showcases skincare products from LATHER, Skyn Iceland and Weleda. The deadline to enter is Friday, June 8, 2012, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck! 


UPDATE: Congrats to follower Debbie C. She's the lucky winner of all three prize packages! 


THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: LATHER Yuku Bergamot Body Wash, Moisture Magnet and Honey Moisture Mask with Propolis Extract. BEAUTY: Healing bath and facial products for dehydrated and stressed skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of sulfates and parabens. RETAIL VALUE: About $80.

BONUS: Coconut Creme Body Whip and Manuka Body Butter with Grapefruit & Juniper. RETAIL VALUE: About $45. 

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: Skyn Iceland Antioxidant Calming Serum, Pure Cloud Cleanser and Arctic Face Mist. BEAUTY: Repair, restore and revitalize skin's natural radiance. BEACON: Cruelty free and vegan. Contains no parabens, petroleum, mineral oil and sulfates. Supports Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Gilda’s Club New York City. RETAIL VALUE: About $120.

BONUS: Icelandic Relief Eye Pen. RETAIL VALUE: $20.

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Weleda Pomegranate Firming Night Cream, Pomegranate Creamy Body Wash and Pomegranate Regenerating Hand Cream (with Moisturizing Gloves). BEAUTY: Rich in antioxidant and essential fatty acids, organic pomegranate seed oil actively aids skin renewal. BEACON: Contains no synthetic fragrances, colorants, preservatives or raw materials derived from mineral oils. Supports Conservation International. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $70.

BONUS: Birch Cellulite Oil and Pomegranate Regenerating Body Oil. RETAIL VALUE: About $55. 

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 Pinterest, 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, June 8, 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 LATHER, Skyn Iceland or Weleda, 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.

9 Soothing Ways to Treat Sensitive Skin

Photo by Jerry Friedman

Sensitive Plant

I'll admit it--I'm the sensitive sort. I'd rather solve someone else's problems than my own. I often get so engaged in conversations with other people that I finish their sentences--even if I'm not married to them. 


It's no surprise that I have sensitive skin as well. I'm super ticklish (pedicures can be problematic), and my body doesn't adapt well to extreme changes in temperature (no sauna for me at the spa). 


Occasionally, my face becomes slightly irritated after exercising and/or showering. During these times, I like to use moisturizers, serums, cleansers and masks that contain soothing ingredients such as honey, aloe vera or shea butter. 


April is National Stress Awareness Month. It gives us the opportunity to de-stress in all areas of our lives--including the facial products we use. The following formulations help restore calm to sensitive and delicate skin. They feel like yoga for your face--so relax and enjoy! 

 SHINE: VB Cosmetics Abrioné Honey Oatmeal Cleanser (for sensitive skin). BEAUTY: Oatmeal and honey not only moisturize and soften skin, but they also provide a comforting scent during the cleansing process. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Babor Baborganic Calm & Relax Cream. BEAUTY: Reduces redness and sensitivity with ingredients such as meadowfoam seed oil, which helps repair the skin, and Edelweiss extract, which protects and strengthens. BEACON: Supports Dolphin Aid. Contains no synthetic colorants/perfume substances, parabens or paraffins. 

SHINE: Ecco Bella Age Antidote Day Cream SPF 15 (preservative free for sensitive skin). BEAUTY: Aloe vera, jojoba oil, and vitamins E and C aid in minimizing fine lines and wrinkles. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of gluten, dyes, fragrances, emulsifiers and alcohol.

SHINE: Éminence Organic Skin Care Calm Skin Chamomile Moisturizer. BEAUTY: Comforts skin, reduces redness/inflammation and promotes healing with chamomile tea, aloe vera and shea butter. BEACON: Supports the California Clean Energy Fund and the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition.

SHINE: LATHER Honey Moisture Mask with Propolis Extract (a relief mask for environmentally stressed skin). BEAUTY: Soothes and moisturizes with honey extract, sweet almond oil and aloe vera extract. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no sulfates or parabens.

SHINE: Ren Clean Skincare Hydra-Calm Cleansing Milk and Hydra-Calm Youth Defence Serum (for sensitive skin). BEAUTY: To protect and replenish skin, the cleanser contains chamomile flower extract, sesame seed oil and shea butter, while the serum utilizes lingonberry seed oil, orange flower water and milk protein. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no synthetic fragrances/colors, petrochemicals, sulfates or parabens.

SHINE: Skyn Iceland Antidote Quenching Daily Lotion and Pure Cloud Cream (for stressed skin). BEAUTY: To detoxify and stabilize congested skin, the lotion utilizes aloe vera leaf juice, shea butter and jojoba seed oil, while the cream contains sweet almond oil, aloe vera leaf juice and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: Cruelty free and vegan. Contains no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, mineral oil, sulfates or dyes. Supports Making Strides Against Breast Cancer and Gilda’s Club New York City. 

Flirty Fringe: 9 Fun Ways to Wear Bangs

Photo by Geff Herrera

Jessie J: Precision cut.

Spring has sprung with a bang--literally. The latest trend sweeping Hollywood hair salons focuses on fringe that accentuates, sculpts and frames the face.

The chic silhouette of bangs enhances eyes and cheek bones. The versatile look can be worn as side swept, super short, lash tickling, geometric or wispy. It also helps hide perceived flaws, such as childhood scars, a high forehead or frown lines.

Make a style statement without saying a word. See how Angelina Jolie, Lea Michele and Emma Stone rock head-turning bangs. We've also included the best shampoos, conditioners, serums, thermal protectors and tools to help maintain the look.

Angelina Jolie: Parted and playful.

SHINE: Brazilian Supplements Bio Supplements Gloss Defrizante 2 in 1. BEAUTY: This anti-frizz and thermal protection formula contains a protein complex that straightens and shields hair from external heating agents. BEACON: Cruelty free and no animal testing.

Photo by Andre Luis

Jordana Brewster: Wispy and wonderful.

SHINE: Amika Pulse Action Styler System. BEAUTY: Micro-pulse and far-infrared heat technologies help hair gently glide between the plates without pulling or snagging. BEACON: No animal testing. 

Lea Michele: Long and lash tickling.

SHINE: Infiniti Pro by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Flat Iron. BEAUTY: Ceramic plates provide even heat to ensure straighter results, less frizz and no damaging hot spots. Also comes with a bottle of argan oil, which contains essential acids, vitamin E and omega-6, to help nourish hair. BEACON: Supports American Red Cross and The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. 

Photo courtesy MingleMediaTVNetwork

Anna Faris: Classic and clean.

SHINE: Pureology Colour Stylist Fortifying Heat Spray. BEAUTY: This protective primer for color-treated hair contains olive, coriander and orange oils to replenish moisture, and increase smoothness and manageability. BEACON: Cruelty free. Supports Global Green USA.

Photo by Jenn Deering Davis

Emma Stone: Soft and sensual. 

SHINE: Josie Maran Argan Oil Hair Serum. BEAUTY: Argan, avocado and jojoba oils, and vitamin E smooth, shield and strengthen strands. BEACON: Free of parabens, sulfates, synthetic fragrances and dyes, petrochemicals and phthalates. Supports The Campaign for Safe Cosmetics.

Photo by Eva Rinaldi

Rose Byrne: Full fringe.

SHINE: Joico Recovery Moisture Shampoo and Conditioner. BEAUTY: Repairs, reconstructs and restores with Hydramine Sea Complex (brown algae and sea kelp) and jojoba oil. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports City of Hope and Beauty for a Cure.  

Photo by Elen Nivrae

Rooney Mara: Short and sweet.

SHINE: Rare El'ements Pure Shampoo and Essential Conditioner. BEAUTY: Reclaims moisture loss, and removes color-dulling residue and product build-up with avocado, borage and macadamia nut oils, and shea butter. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no silicones, sulfates, parabens or synthetic fragrances.

Photo courtesy MingleMediaTVNetwork

Nia Long: Side Swept and sophisticated.

SHINE: Twisted Sista Straightening Thermal Perfector. BEAUTY: Argan oil and green tea extracts help smooth hair, while also eliminating frizz and locking in shine. BEACON: Free of sulfates, parabens, mineral oils and phthalates.

Celebrities Looking Fab at 40

Photo by Andrea Raffin

The political landscape stole national headlines in 1972. Watergate rocked Washington, and Gov. George C. Wallace of Alabama--known for physically barring black students from entering the University of Alabama in 1963--was shot and permanently paralyzed during his bid for the Democratic presidential nomination. The U.S. Supreme Court also ruled that the death penalty was unconstitutional.

Political scandals, issues and personalities have changed considerably in the last 40 years. Our views about growing older and skincare formulations have also come of age. Moisturizers, serums and exfoliating scrubs now utilize ingredients such as hyaluronic acid (the body's natural hydrator), peptides (natural skin plumping agents) and antioxidants (protective fruit extracts, vitamins and green tea extracts) to provide more smoothing and cell stimulating benefits.

In the spirit of spring renewal, we're taking a look at celebrities who turn 40 this year. Most maintain the youthful glow of women in their 20s. Although we don't know what types of treatments they use, we've compiled some of the best anti-aging products on the market for dehydrated, dull and maturing skin. They're guaranteed to renew, restructure and revitalize.

Leslie Mann: March 26

SHINE: VB Cosmetics Abrioné Face Lifting Serum. BEAUTY: Tibetan goji berry extracts, orange oil, palmitoyl-pentapeptide and vitamin E help firm skin, and reduce sagging and wrinkling. BEACON: No animal testing.

Jennie Garth: April 3

SHINE: Vitaphenol Oil-Free Anti-Aging Serum. BEAUTY: Pomegranate extract, green and white tea leaf extract, hyaluronic acid and cucumber extract combat loss of volume and elasticity. BEACON: Cruelty free and no animal testing.

Photo by Toby Forage

Carmen Electra: April 20

SHINE: Atzen Renew Glyco 5. BEAUTY: Glycolic acid, stem cells from grapes, green tea extracts, hyaluronic acid and vitamin E promote a smooth complexion and an even skin tone. BEACON: Contains no parabens.

Photo by Keith Hinkle

Sofia Vergara: July 10

SHINE: Doctor Babor Derma Cellular Hyaluronic Collagen Booster Fluid. BEAUTY: Hyaluronic acid and Collagen Booster Protein plump and restructure skin from the inside to improve skin density and firmness. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Dolphin Aid.

Photo by Robert Sebree

Elizabeth Berkley: July 28

SHINE: Dermalogica Gentle Cream Exfoliant. BEAUTY: Apricot kernel oil, aloe vera leaf extract, bromelain, papain and lemon fruit extract help remove surface debris to stimulate cell renewal. BEACON: Contains no artificial fragrance or color. Supports joinFITE (Financial Independence Through Entrepreneurship).

Photo by Caroline Bonarde Ucci

Cameron Diaz: August 30

SHINE: Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Resilient Stem Cell Regenerating Treatment. BEAUTY: Alp rose plant stem cell, aloe vera leaf juice and mushroom extract promote the skin's regeneration process. BEACON: No animal testing.

Photo courtesy MingleMediaTVNetwork

Gwyneth Paltrow: September 27

SHINE: gloTherapeutics Pure Hydration. BEAUTY: Boosts suppleness for dehydrated and mature skin with pomegranate bark extract, hyaluronic acid, acai fruit extract. BEACON: Contains no parabens.

Photo by Manfred Werner

Dita von Teese: September 28

SHINE: Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment. BEAUTY: Fruit enzymes, such as pectin, papain and bromelain, polish and renew skin to provide a glowing complexion. BEACON: No animal testing.

Jenny McCarthy: November 1

SHINE: Lather Moisture Magnet. BEAUTY: Plumps and revitalizes dry, delicate and dull skin with provitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: Contains no sulfates or parabens.

Thandie Newton: November 6

SHINE: Nature Pure Labs Moisture-C Recovery Complex and Cell Revival Serum. BEAUTY: Hyaluronic acid, green tea leaf extract, vitamin C and pomegranate extract in the complex minimize the appearance of fine lines, while the serum also contains hyaluronic acid to help boost moisture. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no petrolatum, mineral oil, parabens or propylene glycols. 

Photo by Manfred Werner 

Rebecca Romijn: November 6

SHINE: Naturopathica Plant Stem Cell Serum. BEAUTY: Sunflower seed oil, pomegranate seed extract and acai pulp oil help plump and firm the skin. BEACON: ECOCERT certified, and free of sulfate detergents, PEGs, DEA, TEA, parabens, glycols and urea. Supports The Nature Conservancy.

Photo by Porter Hovey

Gretchen Mol: November 8

SHINE: SkinCeuticals Hydrating B5 Gel. BEAUTY: Utilizes vitamin B5 and hyaluronic acid to bind moisture to the skin. BEACON: No parabens.

Vanessa Paradis: December 22

SHINE: Sumbody Full Infusion Face Serum. BEAUTY: Goat milk, hyaluronic acid, and green tea and cucumber fruit extracts rehydrate dry skin and help fight free radicals that cause signs of aging. BEACON: Contains no parabens, animal oils, sodium laurel/laureth sulfates, artificial preservatives or synthetic chemicals.