Blushing Brides: Summer Cheek Chic

Southern bells will soon be ringing for North Carolina native Emily Maynard. The 26-year-old single mom finally found the man of her dreams after appearing a second time on the sappy-ever-after reality TV show "The Bachelorette." During the season finale, 27-year-old Jef Holm knelt down and asked for her hand in marriage.

It's been a nonstop patella party this year with several celebs getting down on bended knee. Brad Pitt, Olivier Martinez and Liam Hemsworth put on ring on it with partners Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry and Miley Cyrus. Plus, Drew Barrymore and Alec Baldwin recently sealed the deal when they respectively exchanged "I dos" with Will Kopelman and Hilaria Thomas.

Since summer's the season for blushing brides, we've assembled the best brighteners and highlighters for your cheeks. These pinks, reds and corals will color your world on The Big Day and beyond. In addition, check out the celebs who have the most potential to walk down the aisle this summer. Which ones will make it to their golden anniversary? 

Photo by Georges Biard
Brad Pitt put a ring on the finger of Angelina Jolie, the mother of his children, last April.

Photo by Marie-Joelle Parent at http://www.flickr.com/photos/45619196@N02/

 Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez announced their engagement last March.

Photo by Maggie Jumps

After four years together, Justin Timberlake proposed to Jessica Biel last December. 

Photo by Sgt. Michael Connors - 302nd Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

"The Hunger Games" star Liam Hemsworth popped the question to Miley Cyrus last May with a 3.5-carat diamond ring.

Photo by Romina060693

Britney Spears accepted a 3-carat diamond ring from her former agent Jason Trawick last December. 

Earlier this year, Snooki announced her engagement to Jionni LaValle--and the impending birth of their first child.

SHINE: Julie Hewett Powder Blush (Bud of Rose; pale pink). BEAUTY: Create forever memories with this silky powder that comes in a sleek mirrored compact. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: La Bella Donna Creme Fresh Mineral Blush Compact Colour (Garnet Collection). BEAUTY: Say "I Do" to a bold burst of ruddy flush. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no FD&C dyes, oils, talc, alcohol or fragrance.

SHINE: Milani Cosmetics Baked Powder Blush (Corallina; top) and Fantastico (Mauve; bottom). BEAUTY: Shapes, contours and highlights for the wedding, reception, honeymoon and ever after. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Mirabella Blush Colour Duo (Glowing; warm peach and bronze). BEAUTY: Invigorate cheeks with matte shades that create a healthy glow the groom won't easily forget. BEACON: Free of oils, parabens and talc.

SHINE: Smashbox Blush (Rush Flush; shimmery cool pink). BEAUTY: This powder blush brightens your complexion and features an innovative swivel mirror compact for tie-the-knot touch-ups. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Bio-Natural Blush (Excitement). BEAUTY: Enriched with nourishing jojoba oils, this matte mineral formula glides over cheeks for a natural finish--which is no small feat for The Big Day. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no talc or parabens. Supports Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Sue Devitt Gel-to-Powder Blush (Marion Reef; sun-kissed pink). BEAUTY: Marine Collagen Filling Spheres smooth the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, creating a natural glow as you glide down the aisle. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports African Foundation and the Blue Planet Network.

SHINE: Susan Posnick Colorme Mineral Color Cheeks and Eyes (Orchid; mulberry wash). BEAUTY: Be the wedding belle of the ball with this self-dispensing pot that comes with an attached powder puff and mirror. BEACON: Supports Big Thought.

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Luminous Creme Blush (Plum Satin; rose berry shade with a hint of shimmer). BEAUTY: Secure the wow factor for your wedding album with this picture-perfect cheek color or highlighter. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of oils, chemicals, alcohol, and artificial fragrances or dyes.

Blockbuster Beauty: Make Your Eyes the Cat's Meow

Photo by Anthony Citrano at http://www.zigzaglens.com

Anne Hathaway portrays Catwoman with her purrfect peeps in "The Dark Knight Rises."

Na, na, na, na, na, na, na, na... Batman! Summer movie mania reaches a fever pitch today with the release of "The Dark Knight Rises." It's the final chapter of director Christopher Nolan's Batman trilogy. 

Anne Hathaway's portrayal of Catwoman is probably the most anticipated. She has a lot to live up to based on past performances from Michelle Pfeiffer, Eartha Kitt and Julie Newmar, but her big brown eyes drive fans batty (in a good way). Ultimately, they should bring a more alluring quality to her role as the feline fatale.   

Wanna turn your eyes into the Cat's Meow? Check out how other blockbuster beauties, such as Mila Kunis ("Ted"), Emma Stone ("The Amazing Spider-Man") and Katy Perry ("Part of Me"), do it. Plus, we've assembled pretty palettes for your peepers, and eye creams and gels to create your own superstar saucers. 

© Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com

"Ted" star Mila Kunis rocks the red carpet with two eye colors--one green and one blue.

Photo by Georges Biard

Green-eyed goddess Emma Stone spins a star-powered web in "The Amazing Spider-Man."

Photo by Eva Rinaldi

Katy Perry often changes the color of her hair, but her eyes remain a gorgeous shade of green in her 3D biopic "Katy Perry: Part of Me."

PRETTY PALETTES

SHINE: e.l.f. Brightening Eye Color Day 2 Night. BEAUTY: Four coordinating shades in this quad allow for natural and dramatic looks. Built-in mirror is located underneath the applicator brush. BEACON: Cruelty free. 

SHINE: Glominerals Alloy Eye Collection. BEAUTY: Travel-friendly, mineral-based eyeshadows spotlight four shimmering shades and four complementary matte colors. BEACON: Free of talc, perfumes, parabens, gluten-derived ingredients and chemical dyes.

SHINE: Jesse's Girl The Eyes Have It. BEAUTY: Nine pan eye shadow compact includes shades of shimmery mint, silver, chocolate, olive and forest green. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Josie Maran Beautiful Eyes Beautiful Purples. BEAUTY: Four eye shadows and one shadow liner create iridescent, matte and satin finishes. BEACON: Vegan, cruelty free and recyclable. Also contains no parabens, fragrances or petrochemicals. Supports Global Green USA and the Natural Resources Defense Council.

 SHINE: Milani Runway Eyes Fashion Shadows--Primary (top) and Complementary (bottom). BEAUTY: Six eye color bars in each palette allow you to use the lighter tones to highlight, and the medium and dark tones to contour. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Palladio Beauty Group Herbal Eyeshadow Quads--Copper 'n' Chic (top) and Blue Suede (bottom). BEAUTY: Matte and shimmery shades suit day or evening looks. BEACON: No animal testing.

EYE CREAMS & GELS

SHINE: Auspect EyeLift Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Reduce dark circles and puffiness with soy and rice peptides, vitamin E and wasabi extract. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of artificial colors and fragrances. 

SHINE: Babor HSR Lifting Extra Firming Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Shea butter, peptides, and mango and macadamia seed oils help firm facial contours. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Dolphin Aid.

SHINE: Dermelect Line Correction Eye Gel. BEAUTY: Moisturize and tone eyelids with aloe vera leaf juice, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A and E. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: June Jacobs Intensive Age Defying Brightening Eye Cream. BEAUTY: White, red and green tea extracts, goji berry and pomegranate seed extracts help combat visible signs of premature aging. BEACON: Free of parabens, preservatives, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes or fragrance, and sulfates.

SHINE: Kate Somerville Line Release Under Eye Repair Cream. BEAUTY: Firm and lift the delicate eye area with peptides, hyaluronic acid and cucumber fruit extract. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: LATHER Toning Eye Gel with Vitamin K and Licorice Root Eye Treatment. BEAUTY: The gel restores elasticity and firmness with hyaluronic acid, royal jelly, peptides, vitamins K and C, and green tea extract, while the treatment softens and smoothes with jojoba seed oil, licorice root extract and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no sulfates or parabens. 

SHINE: RevitaLash FineLine Primer. BEAUTY: Hydrogenated vegetable oil and vitamin E leave skin feeling smooth and supple. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Susan G. Komen for the Cure, Relay For Life and Cancer and Careers.

SHINE: SkinCeuticals AOX Eye Gel. BEAUTY: Combat signs of puffiness and fatigue with ferulic acid, vitamin C and caffeine. BEACON: Contains no parabens.

SHINE: Somme Institute Eye. BEAUTY: Sunflower seed oil, mango seed butter, peptides and hyaluronic acid improve skin's tone, texture and clarity. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

SHINE: VENeffect Anti-Aging Eye Treatment. BEAUTY: Minimize the appearance of crow's feet caused by hormonal aging with plant-based phytoestrogens, aloe vera leaf juice and peptides. BEACON: Contains no parabens. Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic. 

SHINE: Weleda Pomegranate Firming Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Shea butter, and pomegranate and jojoba seed oils help reduce fine lines and wrinkles. BEACON: Contains no synthetic fragrances, colorants, preservatives or raw materials derived from mineral oils. Supports Conservation International. 

Summer Oranges: Gorgeous Glosses & Lipsticks

Photo by Rachael Ashe

I can't get enough of summer oranges. They're sweet, sumptuous and satisfying--especially when the mercury starts rising.  

I feel the same way about a hot makeup trend--orange lipsticks and glosses. Not only do they pay props to a citrus superstar, but they also allow you to perk up your pout for dramatic day or evening looks.

Orange lips scream sophistication and sass. They provide a pop of captivating color with undertones of red and gold, and make a bold style statement. Plus, a variety of shades can be utilized to complement all types of complexions:

SKIN TYPE                  SHADE OF ORANGE

Light                          Salmon

Medium light               Warm

Olive                          Neutral

Medium dark               Coral

Dark                          Bright 

Create your own summer sizzle. Check out the following pout-pleasing orange crushes.

SHINE: Milani Color Perfect Lipstick (Mandarina) and 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss (Stylish). BEAUTY: The lipstick creates creamy smoothness, while the gloss provides the illusion of 3D depth for a fuller pout. BEACON: Cruelty free.

 SHINE: Mirabella Lip Colour (Missed Opportunity). BEAUTY: Castor, safflower and jojoba seed oils help pamper your pucker with high pigment and bleed-free benefits. BEACON: Contains no parabens or lead.

SHINE: Palladio Beauty Group Herbal Lipstick (Toasted Orange). BEAUTY: Take your lips to the next level with creamy, full-coverage color. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Glosse Lip Glosses (Spark; top) and (Fantasy; bottom). BEAUTY: Aloe vera, and vitamins A, D, and E keep lips looking luscious by adding moisture and fullness. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Noreen Fraser Foundation and Look Good...Feel Better. 

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Mighty Shiny Gel (Displayed) and Lipstick (Tangelo). BEAUTY: For a sultry smile, the gel offers high shine with a light vanilla scent, while the lanolin-free lipstick is designed to stay fresh for longer periods. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no synthetic oils, talc, parabens, artificial fragrances or dyes.

Photo by Jan Rehschuh

Summer Giveaway: Red, White & Blue Nail Polishes

Photo by Sxenko 

Fireworks, flags and followers! We're kicking off our next giveaway with a bang. In celebration of the Summer Olympic Games, which begin in London on July 27, and Team USA, we've put together three crazy colorful nail polish prize packages valued at almost $300.

Our latest swag bag showcases red, white and blue lacquers from Milani Nail Lacquer, OPI and Zoya Nail Polish. They sparkle, shimmer and shine, which is exactly what our athletes will be doing when they bring home the gold. 

The deadline to enter is the same day as the Summer Olympic Games Closing Ceremony--Sunday, August 12, 2012, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck, and go Team USA! 

UPDATE: Congrats to followers Kathy Pease (Prize #1), April Gevedon (Prize #2) and pinkyjolie (Prize #3). They're the lucky winners of our Red, White & Blue Nail Polish Giveaway! 

THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: Milani Nail Lacquer Neon Dude Blue, Jewel FX Red, Red To Tango, Nail Art White Canvas, One Coat Glitter Blue Flash, Nail Art Blue Print, Neon Techno Red, One Coat Glitter Red Sparkle, White and High Speed Fast Dry Rapid Cherry. BEAUTY: Patriotic pulchritude. BEACON: Free of dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde. RETAIL VALUE: About $50.

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: OPI Red Hot Gift, Suzi Says Feng Shui, Nicole By OPI Red Texture, Turquoise Shatter, Rosy Mistletoes-sies, She's Golden, Ali's Big Break, Nicole By OPI Turquoise Texture, Nicole By OPI I Love You Cherry Much, Red Shatter, Gone Gonzo!, Nicole By OPI It's All About The Glam, Red My Fortune Cookie, Gettin' Miss Piggy With It and Dear Santa. BEAUTY: Stars and stripes inspired style. BEACON: Contains no formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate or toluene. Supports the Leukemia Research Foundation. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $130.

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Crystal, America, Asia, Nidhi, Tart, Noel, Andi, Jade, Robyn, Carrie Ann, Twila and Snow White. BEAUTY: All American allure. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate. 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 tweet (or retweet) a link to this giveaway.
--Four extra entries: Follow SHINE Beauty Beacon on Pinterest at http://pinterest.com/shinebeautybcn/ and pin a photo from this giveaway.
--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 Sunday, August 12, 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 Milani Nail Lacquer, OPI or Zoya Nail Polish, 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.

Kim Kardashian Feel Pretty Lash & Lip Look

Photo by Glenn Francis

"I feel pretty--oh so pretty. I feel pretty and witty and bright, and I pity any girl who isn't me tonight." 

She didn't exactly say it that way, but Kim Kardashian came--ahem--pretty close. She recently revealed in an interview with Oprah Winfrey that she's a true girly-girl who loves dressing up, and experimenting with her makeup and hair. "I'm so critical [about my looks], but I do feel pretty," she confessed. 

She wouldn't admit to being beautiful, but her legions of fans would probably disagree. Kardashian, who has more than 15 million followers on Twitter, is known for her heart-shaped face, flawless complexion and voluptuous body. Plus, don't forget about her glossy cascading locks.

However, beautynistas praise the reality TV star most for her pout and peeps. Those almond-shaped eyes and pleasingly plump lips have almost single-handedly redefined Hollywood glamour as we know it.

Kardashian knows exactly how to emphasize her best facial features. She favors flirty, spider lashes, and soft--almost colorless--super shiny lip shades. To mimic this look, we've assembled products that help awaken the inner Kim Kardashian in you. Bible!

LIPS

Photo by Tim Lundin/TDLphoto@gmail.com

SHINE: Butter London Lippy Yummy Mummy (medium beige) and Teddy Girl (pale retro bubblegum pink) Lip Glosses. BEAUTY: Shea butter and vitamin E help lock in luster. BEACON: No parabens.

SHINE: HydroPeptide Lip. BEAUTY: Lemon fruit extract and peptides smooth and plump your pout. BEACON: Cruelty free. Also contains no parabens or phthalates.

SHINE: Elizabeth Grant Light Up Your Lips Baby Pink Lip Gloss. BEAUTY: Use the gentle glow of a LED light and handy gold mirror attached to the tube to refresh and hydrate your lips. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Look Good...Feel Better, Children's Diabetes Foundation and HollyRod Foundation.

SHINE: Milani Cosmetics Crystal Gloss For Lips Cotton Candy and Precious. BEAUTY: Jojoba seed oil leaves lips feeling soft and supple. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Nvey Eco Advanced Care Lip Color 368 (soft tangerine gold). BEAUTY: Boosts shine by utilizing beeswax and vitamin E. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of petroleum-based ingredients, talc, parabens, preservatives, SLS and propylene glycol.

SHINE: Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss Pixel. BEAUTY: Vitamin E and sunflower seed oil nourish lips and provide a pearlescent glow. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Perfect Performance Lip Color Cheerful and Lip Thick Plumping Lip Gloss Cosmic. BEAUTY: The lipstick moisturizes with vitamin E, while the gloss stimulates collagen production to keep your pout looking fuller. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Lipgloss Champagne Ice (sheer apricot-pink). BEAUTY: Sunflower, castor and jojoba seed oils add shine and suppleness to your lips. BEACON: Cruelty free. Also contains no parabens.

LASHES

Photo by Eva Rinaldi

SHINE: Josie Maran Cosmetics GOGO Instant Natural Volume Argan Mascara Pitch Black. BEAUTY: Evenly builds thickness and smoothness. BEACON: Vegan, cruelty free and recyclable. For each GOGO mascara purchased, the company will donate one to a City of Hope cancer patient/survivor (up to 5,000 units).

SHINE: La Bella Donna Linea Minerale Black Mascara. BEAUTY: Tubular polymers help extend volume and lift lashes. BEACON: Free of FD&C dyes, oils, talc, alcohol and fragrance.

SHINE: Milani Cosmetics Runway Lashes Instant Volume Mascara Black. BEAUTY: The soft bristle brush maximizes length and curl. BEACON: Cruelty and paraben free.

SHINE: Sue Devitt Black Widow Mascara Black Lavender. BEAUTY: Formulated with beeswax to keep lashes moist and malleable, while hydrolyzed keratin protein helps them appear longer and fuller. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Blue Planet Network.