Happy Birthday Elle Macpherson: Celebrities Turning 50 & 40 in 2014

Photo by Eva Rinaldi

High five-0 to Elle Macpherson! The former supermodel celebrated a milestone over the weekend by blowing out 50 candles on her birthday cake.

The Australian-born TV host, actress and businesswoman looks like an ageless wonder. Her long blonde hair, radiant complexion and statuesque slender frame remind us of the days when she made a splash as a Sports Illustrated swimwear model in the '80s. She broke a record by appearing on the cover five times, which earned her the nickname "The Body."

The mother of two sons recently revealed her secret to staying in great shape. "Wellness, beauty, strength, good moods and stability require constant maintenance and tweaking," Macpherson told Harper's Bazaar Australia last summer. "You have to constantly listen to your body. You're new and fresh, and different every day. It's about being present in your life."

Photo by Eva Rinaldi

March 29: Elle Macpherson turned 50.

She remains a strong presence in the philanthropic community, as well. As a European Ambassador for (RED), which was founded by Bono and Bobby Shriver, Macpherson helps get businesses and people involved in the fight against AIDS. She also serves as an ambassador for UNICEF and a patron for the National Association for the Children of Alcoholics.

In addition to Macpherson, we're spotlighting other fab at 50 and 40 celebrities who look a lot younger than their chronological age. They include Sandra Bullock, Courteney Cox, Eva Mendes, Penelopé Cruz and Amy Adams. Plus, we've assembled an assortment of age appropriate moisturizers, serums, patches and eye creams. They're designed to help you keep your youthful glow by easing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, fading age spots and revitalizing dull skin. 

Anti-aging skin care definitely takes the sting out of birthday cake candle fatigue!

TURNING 50

Photo by Joella Marano

Januray 23: Mariska Hargitay

Photo by Felicia C. Sullivan

June 15: Courteney Cox

Photo by Angela George

July 26: Sandra Bullock

Photo by Joella Marano

September 6: Rosie Perez

TURNING 40

Photo by David Shankbone

February 10: Elizabeth Banks

Photo by Nicolas Genin

March 5: Eva Mendes

Photo by Tabercil

April 28: Penelopé Cruz

Photo by Manfred Werner 

July 30: Hilary Swank

Photo by Chrisa Hickey

August 20: Amy Adams

SHINE: BioBliss Micro-Current Anti-Wrinkle Patch (Forehead Treatments). BEAUTY: Heighten moisture retention, and relax expression lines and wrinkles with vitamins B3 and C, hyaluronic acid and peptides. BEACON: Contains no parabens, sulfates, synthetic dyes, petrochemicals, phthalates, GMOs or triclosan.

SHINE: Gingi Anti-Pigmentation Cream. BEAUTY: Vitamin K, fennel extract and oil, peptides and hyaluronic acid aid in lightening age spots and small blotches of discoloration, which help make your skin appear younger looking. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Hada Labo Anti-Aging Hydrator and Skin Plumping Gel Cream. BEAUTY: Boost hydration levels, and plump and smooth fine lines and wrinkles with marine collagen and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: Free of fragrance, parabens, dyes and mineral oils.

SHINE: ilike Grape Stem Cell Solutions Moisturizer. BEAUTY: Grape stem cells, salicylic acid, and grape seed, orange and lemon oils revive dry, dehydrated skin to leave it looking more soft and supple. BEACON: No animal testing. Recyclable packaging.

SHINE: Intelligent Nutrients Renewal Complex Skin Serum. BEAUTY: Minimize expression lines and creases, and maximize cell renewal with plant stem cells and aloe vera leaf juice. BEACON: No animal testing, vegan and USDA Organic certified. Contains no gluten, phthalates, sulfates, artificial fragrances, parabens, petrochemicals or silicone.

SHINE: MyBody Neck-Cessity. BEAUTY: Peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and green tea leaf extract help tighten, tone and smooth the texture of your neck and decolletage. BEACON: Free of gluten, xenoestrogens, parabens, phthalates, sulfates and dyes.

SHINE: Phytomer Ogénage Toning Cleansing Emulsion for Mature Skin and Initial Youth Multi-Action Early Wrinkle Fluid. BEAUTY: Tone, refresh and smooth the skin to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and prevent new ones from forming with sea salt, vitamin E and sunflower seed oil. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: ProBios Transderma C Vitamin C Serum, Transderma R Resveratrol Serum and Transderma A Vitamin A Serum. BEAUTY: Resveratrol, and vitamins A, C and E stimulate collagen production, step up the shedding of dead skin cells and stymie dark spots. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of preservatives, fragrances, oil and alcohol. 

SHINE: Refineé Firming Mineral Moisture Cream. BEAUTY: Restore moisture loss and luster to dull, dry skin with red marine algae, hyaluronic acid, and vitamins A, C and E. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

SHINE: Swedish Skin Care Rejuven-A Anti-Wrinkle Facial Firming Cream. BEAUTY: Vitamins B5, C and E, peptides and green tea leaf extract help tighten your pores, smooth your skin tone, and diminish the appearance of folds, furrows and crow's feet. BEACON: Free of parabens, fragrances, synthetic dyes, sulfates and steroids. Supports the National Psoriasis Foundation.

SHINE: Veria ID Innerdosha Eye Gel. BEAUTY: Combat dark circles and puffiness with aloe vera leaf juice, hyaluronic acid and cucumber fruit extract. BEACON: Vegan and cruelty free. Contains no parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances, sulfates, artificial colors or GMOs.

SHINE: Weleda Pomegranate Firming Eye Cream. BEAUTY: Pomegranate, sesame and jojoba seed oils, and shea butter aid in stimulating skin renewal, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and protecting the sensitive areas around the eyes against environmental elements. BEACON: Free of synthetic fragrances, colorants, preservatives and raw materials derived from mineral oils. Supports Conservation International.

SHINE: Yonka Paris Fruitelia Anti-Wrinkle Renewer, Stimulastine Jour and Advanced Optimizer Gel Lift. BEAUTY: Fruitelia renews radiance with bilberry, orange and lemon fruit extracts, while Stimulastine Jour repairs the deterioration of elastin fibers with grape and sunflower seed oils and Advanced Optimizer Gel Lift firms the skin tone on your neck, bust and décolleté with hibiscus peptides and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

Spring Sparkle Spectacular Giveaway: Shimmering Polishes, Puckers & Pigments for Lids, Lips & Tips

Spring has sprung! The sun shines longer, birds sing louder and flowers bloom bigger and brighter. Overall, life has more luster to it.

Our latest giveaway from Milani Cosmetics and Milani Nail Lacquer sparkles, too. Valued at approximately $150, these polishes, puckers and pigments not only give your eyes, nails and lips more shimmer and shine, but they also brighten your day. You even get a handy carrying case to store your swag.

Ready to add lots of luminosity to your look? Enter our Spring Sparkle Spectacular Giveaway. The deadline is Friday, April 25, 2014, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck!

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

POLISHES

SHINE: Milani Nail Lacquer. BEAUTY: Lavender Fizz (fine and medium lavender glitter) One Coat Glitter, Orchidia (lavender shimmer), Mint Candy (mint green pearl), Beach Front (sky blue shimmer), Pink Flare One Coat Glitter (fine and medium light pink and silver holographic glitters), Purple Gleam One Coat Glitter (purple glitter) and HD 3D Holographic (silver). BEACON: Cruelty free. Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $35.

PIGMENTS

SHINE: Milani Cosmetics. BEAUTY: Crystal Eyez Sparkling Eye Shadow (Delightfully Dazzling, Lovely Luminous, Glamorously Glittering and Beautifully Brilliant) and Runway Eyes Eye Shadows with Shimmer Overspray (Antigua, Golden Touch and Peaches & Cream). BEACON: Cruelty free. RETAIL VALUE: About $30.

PUCKERS

SHINE: Milani Cosmetics. BEAUTY: 3D Glitzy Glamour Glosses (Designer Label, High Status, In Vogue, Starshine and Leading Lady) and Haute Flash Lip Glosses (Star Flash and Quick Flash). BEACON: Cruelty free. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $50.

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, leave us your email address. 

3. Finally, please let us know which social media platforms you posted this giveaway (see "Entry Key" below). NOTE: You'll be disqualified if you comment more than once.

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 retweet a link to this giveaway at https://twitter.com/ShineBeautyBcn/status/448737897911308288

--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) or YouTube channel.

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, April 25, 2014, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). More than 15 entries must be received by this date 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 liability, and waive any and all causes of action, related to claims, costs, injuries, losses or damages 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 Cosmetics or Milani Nail Lacquer, 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.

Green with Envy: Eye-Popping Lids, Lacquers & Celebrity Looks for St. Patrick's Day

Photo by David Shankbone

Drew Barrymore

Lucky you--it's St. Patrick's Day!

Faster than you can say "leaping leprechauns," everything turns green today in the best possible way. You'll see bling, clothing, lacquers and eye shadows--as well as beers and margaritas--in you-can't-pinch-me shades of emerald, safari, mint, moss, lime, teal, olive, sea foam and honeydew.

We all know that an LBD can make a style statement, but a little green dress creates a lasting impression. Who can forget the plunging jungle tone silk chiffon Versace gown that Jennifer Lopez wore to the Grammy Awards in 2000? It became so iconic due to its skin-baring silhouette that it eventually went on permanent display at The Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. She created a similar look with a green jumpsuit in this year's release of her "I Luh Ya Papi" music video.

Jennifer Lopez creates a wow moment at the 2000 Grammy Awards in a see-through green gown (fast forward to 1:32).

If you wanna get your green on for St. Patrick's Day, you don't need to wear a low-cut dress with a neckline that extends several inches below your navel. You can still stun with simple yet striking styles that pair well with captivating colors for your eyes and nails. The latest lid and lacquer shades range from muted to metallic and polished to playful.

The leprechauns have landed, so join the green dream team. It's your turn to become a glam slam hit in the following silhouettes, shadows and lacquer shades. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Photo by Eva Rinaldi

Katy Perry

Photo by gdcgraphics

Evan Rachel Wood

Photo by David Shankbone

Leighton Meester

Photo by Nicolas Genin

Julianne Moore

Photo by Pinguino K

Rose McGowan

LACQUERS

SHINE (top to bottom, left to right): Color Club Metamorphosis, Feelin' Groovy, Object of Envy and Wild Cactus. BEAUTY: Glittery, glossy and glowy--gotta-have-it glam. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde. 

SHINE (top to bottom, left to right): Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer Oasis, Pixie Green with Envy, Dragonfly, Emerald and Pea Pod. BEAUTY: Shiny and shimmery--shamrock shade heaven! BEACON: Vegan, and contains no formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, camphor or nitrocellulose. 

SHINE: essence colour & go Deep Sea, Baby. BEAUTY: Create decadent digits with this dark and daring hue. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde. 

SHINE (top to bottom, left to right): Karma Organic Dandelion Bouquet, Central Park West, Pistachio Ice Cream, Femme Fatale, Sunday Night at the Palm and Green Velvet. BEAUTY: Creamy, classic and colorful--crazy cool! BEACON: No animal testing. Free of toluene, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate. 

SHINE: Sally Hansen Triple Shine Kelp Out and Sugar Shimmer Mint Tint. BEAUTY: Bright and light--such a sight! BEACON: Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

 SHINE (top to bottom, left to right): Zoya Nail Polish Gemma, Ivanka, Dillon (from the latest Awaken collection), Irene, Josie and Envy. BEAUTY: Muted, metallic, mossy and minty mani must-haves. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

LIDS

SHINE: essence stays no matter what eyepencil & shadow (green garden). BEAUTY: This two-in-one tool helps create gorge green looks. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE (top to bottom): Milani Powder Eyeshadow (Just Perfect), Shadow Eyez (Green Safari) and Glitter Easyliner for Eyes (Emerald Stone). BEAUTY: Highly pigmented hues for high style. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: NYC New York Color Sparkle Eye Dust (Aquamarine Sparkle) and Waterproof Eyeliner Pencil (Teal). BEAUTY: Add life and luster to your lids with this dynamic duo. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE (clockwise): Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Mineral Botanicals Eye Color (Suspence), Smearproof Eyeliner (Black Jade) and Long Lasting Eye Shadow Wet/Dry (Safari). BEAUTY: Create soft, smudged and smoky looks with this mesmer-eyes-zing trio. BEACON: No animal testing.


Photo by Sherry Zhang
Oh, snap--the leprechauns have landed!

Daylight Saving Time: Spring Forward to Protect Your Skin Against Overexposure to the Sun

Did you oversleep this week? Are you having trouble keeping an alert state of mind? 

No doubt about it. Daylight Saving Time (DST), which began last weekend, can make you feel out of sorts--especially if you're not sure to what to do. Take Toronto Mayor Rob Ford, who gained international fame last year after admitting to smoking crack cocaine and media reports of public intoxication. He wrongly advised his 130,000 Twitter followers to "turn your clocks back." The guru of gaffes soon deleted the tweet without explanation and then posted a correct one stating, "Daylight saving time starts this evening, turn your clocks forward and change batteries in smoke alarms."

DST disaster: Toronto Mayor Rob Ford

DST gives evenings one more hour of sunlight, while mornings now have one hour less. It begins on the second Sunday in March and ends on the first Sunday in November--except in Hawaii and Arizona, which observe standard time year-round. And, if you can remember the phrase "spring forward, fall back," you'll have no problem resetting your clocks to the proper time.

The seasonal adjustment serves as a reminder to address important safety concerns. While fire departments and politicians such as Ford prompt people to change the batteries in their smoke alarms, it's also a good time of the year to reassess your sunscreen needs. Do you require a higher formulation of sun protection factor (SPF)? Should you carry a tube or container around in your purse, so you don't forget to use it? Do you need to use it more than once each day?

Overexposure to the sun can cause uneven pigmentation, dark spots and premature aging. Now that we have more waking hours of daylight, skincare products containing SPF need to be top of mind--which should happen during any season. So take a look-see at the latest creams, sticks and balms. They will help you avoid any DST disasters, and your skin will glow as bright as the spring season.

Change smoke alarm batteries. Check! Rotate throw pillows. Done! Wear sunscreen. Always!

SHINE: 100% Pure Everywhere Sun Stick SPF 30. BEAUTY: Cloak your skin in broad spectrum UVA/UVA protection and keep your pores unclogged with titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, vitamin E, and sunflower and castor seed oils. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Also contains no detergents, synthetic chemicals, or artificial fragrances or colors.

SHINE: Alba Botanica Even Advanced CC Cream Tinted Mineral Perfector SPF 15 (Fair to Light). BEAUTY: Algae extract, aloe vera leaf juice, shea butter and titanium dioxide not only shield your skin from the harmful effects of the sun, but they also aid in giving it a smooth, even and airbrushed look. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates, synthetic fragrances and artificial colors. Supports Furry Friends Rescue and Farm Sanctuary.

SHINE: Coola Organic Suncare Face Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 (Unscented Matte Tint), Body Classic Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF 30 (Plumeria) and Face Classic Sunscreen SPF 30 (Cucumber). BEAUTY: Promote elasticity, while also protecting and pampering your skin, with avobenzone, titanium dioxide, cucumber fruit extract and linseed seed oil. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of paba, parabens, petroleum and phthalates. Supports Save Our Seas.

SHINE: Éminence Organic Skin Care Red Currant Protective Moisturizer SPF 30. BEAUTY: Red currant extract, zinc oxide, elderflower tea and vitamin E prevent sunburn and early skin aging. BEACON: No animal testing and vegan. The company plants one tree for each product sold through its Forests For the Future program.

SHINE: LATHER Citrus Lip Balm SPF 15 and Unscented Lip Balm SPF 15. BEAUTY: Hydrate and heal chapped lips with avobenzone, vitamin E, sunflower and hemp seed oils, and aloe vera extract. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of sulfates and parabens. 

SHINE: Refineé Daily Defense Cream SPF 30. BEAUTY: Titanium dioxide, aloe vera leaf juice powder and vitamin E help nourish your skin and prevent sun damage. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no parabens.

SHINE: Yonka Paris Solar Care Sunscreen Cream SPF 50. BEAUTY: Minimize overexposure to the sun, while you deeply moisturize your face and sensitive areas of your body with oxybenzone, apricot kernel oil, vitamins B5 and E, and green tea, white tea and rooibos leaf extracts. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no parabens.