Fab at 40: Has Cameron Diaz Discovered the Fountain of Youth?

Photo by Caroline Renouard

Cameron Diaz celebrates a milestone birthday today. The "Bad Teacher" and "Charlie's Angels" star turns 40 years old.

She doesn't look her age. Her bright blue eyes, silky hair and radiant smile make her appear 10 or more years younger. What's her secret?

Perhaps vitamin E plays a role. Known as the wonder antioxidant that maximizes heart health and minimizes cancer risk, it also offers a variety of skincare benefits as a topical application. Products containing vitamin E prevent premature aging, promote healing, and protect cells from UV, environmental and free radical damage. 

Wanna turn back the hands of time? We're celebrating Diaz's birthday with nature's natural fountain of youth--vitamin E. Enjoy the following healing and hydrating products.

SHINE: Ecco Bella Organic Facial Treatment Serum. BEAUTY: Jojoba oil, vitamin E, and essential oils of neroli, jasmine and sandalwood revitalize all skin types. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of fragrance, preservatives, synthetic oils, gluten, dyes and alcohol. Supports Friends of Animals.

SHINE: Kate Somerville DermalQuench Liquid Lift. BEAUTY: Minimize wrinkles, sagging skin, uneven tone and dryness with hyaluronic acid and vitamin E. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Pevonia Lumafirm Body Moisturizer. BEAUTY: Safflower seed oil and vitamin E help tone skin and make it look radiant. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Beauty Bus Foundation.

SHINE: ProBios Laboratories Transderma A Vitamin A Serum. BEAUTY: Vitamins A and E, squalane (derived from olives) and retinol help stimulate collagen production and skin cell renewal. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of preservatives, synthetic oil, alcohol and perfumes.

SHINE: Sanitas Natural Moisture Factor. BEAUTY: Soften fine lines and promote new cell growth with squalane (derived from olives), and vitamins E, D and A. BEACON: Supports the Cinderella Foundation. 

SHINE: Somme Institute A-Bomb and Serum. BEAUTY: Peptides, vitamin E, and orange, lime and lavender extracts strengthen skin's elasticity. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Systeme 41 Restorative Night Treatment. BEAUTY: Maximize suppleness and firmness while you sleep with sunflower and macadamia seed oils, apple stem cell extracts, and vitamins A, C and E. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no parabens, artificial colors or fragrances, mineral oils or gluten.

5 Fun Ways to Create Beautiful Braids

Photo by Adam Blelawski

Jennifer Hudson strikes a pose in a sexy side braid.

Move over ponytail, there's a new sheriff in town--the big, bold, beautiful braid. The look works well no matter what the occasion or your hair texture type. Plus, it's an easy, effortless style that goes from classic to casual, red carpet to recreational and simple to sophisticated in the snap of an elastic hair band. Here's how to get started.

CLASSIC BRAID

Divide your hair into three sections. Take the outer right strands and cross them over the center section. Then take the outer left strands and cross them over the center piece. Alternate between left and right sections until the process is complete. 

In one of her red-carpet-best moments, Charlize Theron sports a braided sideswept updo.

FRENCH BRAID

Separate your hair into three sections. Using the same method above, braid them together. Weave small portions of hair from the sides into each section as you cross them over the center piece. Incorporate all loose strands as you finish the braid. 

French braids steal the show at Paris Fashion Week Fall 2011.

MESSY SIDE BRAID

French braid your hair from the back to the side, and fasten the remaining ponytail with an elastic hair band. Tease the ponytail and then create a classic braid. Randomly loosen pieces of hair for a messy look. Cut the elastic hair band off, but be careful not to remove any hair.

Lea Michele and Lucy Hale parade messy side braids down the red carpet.

FISHTAIL BRAID

Divide your hair into two sections. Take a small piece from the outer part of the right section and cross it over the top. Then add it to the left section. Do the same thing with the left section, crossing over to the right. Repeat until complete. Lightly pull the edges of the braid if you'd like to create a fuller look.

Aubrey O'Day flaunts a flirty fishtail braid.

WATERFALL BRAID

Separate your hair into three sections to begin a classic braid. After three weaves or so, drop a section. Gather a new strand that pulls the braid in the direction you'd like to go. Repeat until your desired look takes shape.

Nina Dobrev's recent red carpet look included a double waterfall braid.

Ashley Tisdale celebrated her 27th birthday with a summer waterfall braid and purple hair tips.

Thankfully you don't need a red carpet to rock beautiful braids. So we've compiled the latest shampoos, conditioners, tools and styling products to help create smooth, sleek and shiny strands.  

SHINE: Burt's Bees gud Orange Petalooza Nourishing Shampoo and Softening Conditioner. BEAUTY: Hydrates hair with sunflower seed oil and peppermint leaf extract. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no sulfates, parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals. Supports Habitat for Humanity.

SHINE: Infiniti PRO by Conair Tourmaline Ceramic 1" Straightener (fuchsia). BEAUTY: Ceramic-coated plates and far-infrared heat maximize manageability with 70% less frizz, according the manufacturer. BEACON: Supports the American Red Cross and National Dance Institute.

SHINE: Hamadi Organics Shea Spray De-Frizzing Sun Protector. BEAUTY: Shea butter, avocado oil and aloe vera leaf powder help protect, fortify and smooth strands. BEACON: Ecocert certified and no animal testing. Free of artificial fragrances and colorants.

SHINE: Kitoko Hydro-Revive Cleanser and Balm. BEAUTY: Remove impurities and maximize manageability with baobab, green tea extract, and vitamins A & E. BEACON: Contains no sodium laureth sulphate or sodium lauryl sulphate. 

SHINE: Number 4 Clarifying Shampoo. BEAUTY: Sunflower seed oil, and black currant leaf and yogurt extracts nourish hair and scalp. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Sulfate, gluten and paraben free.

SHINE: Peter Lamas Chinese Herbs Revitalizing Styling Cream. BEAUTY: Control frizz and fly-aways, add moisture and reduce breakage with jojoba seed, olive leaf and licorice root extracts. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Contains no parabens. 

SHINE: Pureology Precious Oil Shamp'Oil and Precious Oil Softening Condition. BEAUTY: Sunflower seed and coconut oils maximize elasticity, shine and softness. BEACON: No animal testing. Vegan and free of sulfates. Supports Global Green USA.

SHINE: Redken Smooth Lock Stay Sleek Leave-In Cream (for dry/unruly hair). BEAUTY: Protect and smooth strands with coconut, sweet almond and olive fruit oils. BEACON: Parent company L’Oréal partners with UNESCO to support For Women In Science.  

SHINE: Urban Therapy Twisted Sista Leave-In Conditioner. BEAUTY: Argan oil, lychee and vitamin E condition, calm and control for static-free hair. BEACON: Contains no sulfates, parabens, mineral oils or phthalates.

Fall Follower Giveaway: Super-Powered Skin Care

Summer is winding down, and autumn leaves will soon be turning. We're welcoming the arrival of fall with three luxurious prize packages valued at $725.

Our latest follower giveaway showcases skincare products from Goldfaden, Nature Pure Labs and June Jacobs. The deadline to enter is Friday, October 12, 2012, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to followers rosannepm (Prize #1), Michelle Hudak (Prize #2) and Wendy Kroy (Prize #3). They're the lucky winners of our Super-Powered Skin Care Giveaway! 

THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: Goldfaden Pure Power: Red Tea Antioxidant Complex, Daily Cleanser: Antioxidant Purifying Wash, Unify: Daily Complex For Redness Correction and Revolution Eyes: Active Solution Eye Serum. BEAUTY: Balances, protects and purifies skin, and prevents signs of aging. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of parabens, artificial colors, alcohol, mineral oils, petrochemicals and silicones. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $305

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: June Jacobs Vanda Orchid Shower Gel, Intensive Age-Defying Brightening Eye Cream, Vanda Orchid Dry Oil Body Spray and Lemon Sugar Body Polish. BEAUTY: Neutralizes free radicals, protects skin from environmental toxins and combats signs of premature aging. BEACON: Contains no parabens, preservatives, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes and fragrances, or sulfates.

RETAIL VALUE: About $230

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Nature Pure Labs Strawberry Kiwi Gel Masque, LipoMelt: Self-Heating Contouring Cream, Moisture-C Recovery Complex and Cell Revival Serum. BEAUTY: Maximizes moisture, a youthful-looking sheen and a smoother appearance while minimizing fine lines, facial laxity and dryness. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, and artificial colors and fragrances. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $190

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, October 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 Goldfaden, June Jacobs or Nature Pure Labs, 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.

Celebrity Splits: How To Refresh & Rebound

Photo courtesy http://www.lukeford.net/Images/photos4/071209/124.htm

Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson become the latest breakup bombshell to hit Hollywood.

Finished, kaput, over and out! Breaking up is hard to do for most of us, but not for celebrities. They change partners about as often as they walk the red carpet.

The most recent split to rock Tinseltown involves Kristen Stewart and Robert Pattinson. It occurred after photos surfaced showing Stewart in a torrid tryst with her "Snow White and the Huntsman" director Rupert Sanders, who's married to British model Liberty Ross. 

Ross portrayed Stewart's mom in the film, but a tweet revealed that she doesn't plan to play the victim in this high-profile cheating scandal. "Bad things come apart, so that good things can come together," she told her followers. 

A clean break usually means a clean start. So we'd like to present the best face and body cleansers on the market. They may not help you forgive or forget, but they refresh, revitalize and, most of all, rebound your skin. Plus, check out the latest crop of celebs looking to make a clean start.

Photo by Jay Tamboli

Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes agreed to a divorce settlement last month in record time by Hollywood standards.

Photo by Eva Rinaldi
 After finalizing her divorce with Russell Brand earlier this year, Katy Perry has was spotted around town with John Mayer. However, recent reports say the pair are no longer an item.

Kim Kardashian may have filed for divorce after 72 days of marriage to Kris Humphries, but she quickly found comfort in the arms of Kanye West.

Ashton Kutcher and Demi Moore called it quits, but both have moved on--Moore with Aussie TV star Martin Henderson and Kutcher with Mila Kunis.

Following an alleged head-butting incident during a domestic dispute this month, Evelyn Lozada filed for divorce from Chad Johnson.

FACE

SHINE: Atzen Gentle Exfoliating Scrub. BEAUTY: Green tea leaf extract, coconut fatty acids and sunflower seed oil unclog pores to increase absorption of skincare products. BEACON: Free of parabens.

SHINE: Pevonia Power Repair Hydrating Cleanser. BEAUTY: Removes impurities with marine collagen and elastin. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Beauty Bus Foundation.

SHINE: Skyn Iceland Glacial Face Wash. BEAUTY: Icelandic kelp, white willow bark, and cranberry and jojoba seed oils soothe and purify stressed skin. BEACON: Cruelty free and vegan. Contains no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, mineral oil or sulfates.

SHINE: Somme Institute Nourishing Cleanser. BEAUTY: Dissolves dirt and oils with peptides, vitamin E, and orange and lime extracts. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

SHINE: Sumbody Go Jojo Face Cleanser Gentle Exfoliant For Men. BEAUTY: Aloe vera leaf juice, jojoba oil and vitamin E deep clean skin. BEACON: Free of parabens, animal oils, sodium laurel/laureth sulfates, artificial preservatives and synthetic chemicals. 

SHINE: Tammy Fender Purifying Cleansing Gel. BEAUTY: Detoxify and balance the skin with extracts of licorice, alfalfa and spearmint, and tangerine essential oil. BEACON: Contains no parabens, mineral oils, petrochemicals, synthetic emulsifiers, toxic preservatives, or artificial colors and fragrances.

BODY

SHINE: Babor Cosmetics Body Line Thermal Refreshing Shower Gel. BEAUTY: Camphor, menthol and peppermint leaf extracts reawaken skin to leave it soft and supple. BEACON: Supports Dolphin Aid.

SHINE: Elemis Skin Nourishing Shower Cream. BEAUTY: Promotes supple skin with sunflower, jojoba and macadamia oils, and oat kernel extracts. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of animal-derived collagen, synthetic perfumes and coloring, mineral oil, alcohol and silicones.

SHINE: The Socializer Daily Cleanse by Elizabeth Grant. BEAUTY: Aloe vera leaf juice and hyaluronic acid purify the skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Children's Diabetes Foundation and the Hollyrod Foundation.

SHINE: Jason Pure Natural Body Wash (Lavender). BEAUTY: Aloe vera leaf juice, vitamin E, avocado oil, and lavender and marigold extracts relax the senses and soften the skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no animal by-products, or synthetic colors and fragrances.

SHINE: June Jacobs Vanda Orchid Shower Gel. BEAUTY: Remove dead skin cells and revitalize skin with red, white and green tea, goji berry and pomegranate extract. BEACON: Free of parabens, preservatives, petrochemicals, synthetic dyes, fragrances and sulfates.

SHINE: LATHER Sea Kelp Body Wash. BEAUTY: Aloe vera extract, seaweed oil and vitamin E help hydrate and gently remove impurities. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no sulfates or parabens.

SHINE: Mama Mio O-Mega Shower Cream. BEAUTY: Calm and condition skin with aloe vera leaf extract, and avocado and sweet almond oils. BEACON: Free of parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulphate, and synthetic colorants and fragrances. Supports Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Nature Pure Labs Black Currant Anti-Aging Body Wash. BEAUTY: Aloe vera, black currant and acai berry extracts leave skin feeling healthy and radiant. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no parabens, artificial colors or fragrances. 

SHINE: Pacifica Kona Coffee & Sugar Detox. BEAUTY: Feed, replenish and moisturize the skin with arabica seed powder, coconut and avocado oils, and vitamin E. BEACON: Donates products to local women’s shelters. Recycles and uses post-consumer materials.

Bikini Best: Summer Cellulite Solutions

Summer means a lot of things--cooling off and doing cool things with your friends. For me, it represents an opportunity to make my yearly trek to Lake Arrowhead, Calif., where I seek peace and solitude in mountain resort living.

It's an amazing place to shed your cares while participating in hiking, boating and swimming activities. However, I still get a little shy about showing more skin during this time of the year. Dimpling on the thighs or backside can fizzle my sizzle, so I pack plenty of products that help stifle cellulite. They improve circulation, tone and firmness with ingredients such as caffeine, fruit enzymes, capsaicin, camphor and cocoa seed extract.

Sun, surf and sand--here we come! Be your bikini best with the following body contouring products. Note: If you're pregnant or suffer from high blood pressure, make sure you consult a physician before use. 

SHINE: Bio-Therapeutic SLIM. BEAUTY: Detoxifies problem areas and stimulates blood circulation with eucalyptus oil, menthol and camphor. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the South Sound Alzheimer’s Association.

SHINE: Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Lipo-Conquer Body Toning Cream. BEAUTY: Caffeine, gingko biloba and papain (papaya proteinase) boosts elasticity and promotes the reduction of fatty deposits. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Nature Pure Labs LipoMelt Self-Heating Contouring Cream. BEAUTY: Minimizes the appearance of cellulite with caffeine, cocoa extract and capsaicin. BEACON: Contains no parabens, or artificial colors and fragrances. No animal testing.

SHINE: Shea Terra Organics Anti-Cellulite Deep Tissue Massage Oil. BEAUTY: Pomegranate seed oil, green coffee oil and black pepper essential oil help detoxify, stimulate and decrease areas of cellulite collection. BEACON: No animal testing.