Sexy Lip Gloss Shades For Valentine's Day

Photo by Shazeen Samad

Looking for the perfect pout on Valentine's Day? Well, pucker up!

Lip gloss adds shine, sparkle and style to any smile. Even better, many manufacturers now offer formulas containing unique blends of botanicals, peptides and antioxidants to not only plump your pout but protect it against environmental irritants. Ultimately, your lips appear more voluptuous for an alluring look.

Have a happy Valentine's Day--and get kissable close with the following sexy shades.

SHINE: Babor Cosmetics Ultra Shine Lip Gloss ("Crystal Pink," a sparkling sheer hot pink). BEAUTY: Sea fennel, lupine oil and vitamin E protect the lips from loss of moisture. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Dolphin Aid.

SHINE: Elf Studio Minty Lip Gloss ("New York City," a reddish-pink shade with silver shimmer). BEAUTY: Peppermint and spearmint oils condition lips and freshen breath. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Essence Stay With Me Longstanding Lipgloss ("Berry Me!," a raspberry/magenta hue). BEAUTY: Creamy yet durable texture leaves no sticky feeling. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Milani Haute Flash Full Coverage Shimmer Lipgloss ("In A Flash," a violet shade with purple and blush shimmer). BEAUTY: A flexible soft sponge tip provides easy application of this non-tacky, anti-feathering formula. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Smashbox Limitless Long Wear Lip Gloss SPF 15 ("Forever," a barely there pink hue). BEAUTY: Vitamins A, C and E, and sea kale revitalize and nourish lips with a silky texture. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Lip Thick Super Plumping Lip Gloss ("Empress," a mandarin orange sorbet shade). BEAUTY: Aloe vera prevents cracking, while peptides stimulate natural collagen to increase fullness. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Sue Devitt Lip Enhancing Gloss ("Costa Del Sol," a rich mocha hue). BEAUTY: Hyaluronic filling spheres smooth fine lines and wrinkles. BEACON: No animal testing. Paraben free.

SHINE: Vapour Organic Beauty Elixir Plumping Lip Gloss ("Vivid," a sheer fuchsia shade with a silver accent). BEAUTY: Jojoba seed oil, and acai and goji fruit extracts help hydrate for fuller lips. BEACON: Supports the Cleveland Clinic Lerner Research Institute.

Red Carpet Lips & Nails

Charlize Theron

Red alert! Red carpet season officially arrived last Sunday at the Golden Globe Awards. Veteran performers such as Meryl Streep, Michelle Williams and Madonna emerged as the evening's big winners. They'll have even more opportunities to make acceptance speeches at the SAG Awards later this month, and the Grammys and Oscars in February.

Crimson couture also made a comeback on the red carpet. Angelina Jolie looked stunning in a white Atelier Versace gown with red folded neckline, and matching clutch and lipstick. Reese Witherspoon posed in ruby nails and a strapless Zac Posen dress. Dianna Agron glided by the paparazzi in bright red lips and a Giles Deacon gown with laser-cut swans. 

The redder the better when creating your own red carpet look. The color signifies star-studded style, sizzle and sass. Take a look-see at the latest bold and beautiful trends in red lips and nails.  

© Glenn Francis, www.PacificProDigital.com

Selena Gomez

SHINE: Essence Stay With Me Longlasting Lipgloss (Kiss Kiss Kiss). BEAUTY: Creamy texture with no sticky residue. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Carmen. BEAUTY: Classic red with a glossy cream finish. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

Heidi Klum

SHINE: Milani Lip Flash Shimmer Gloss Pencil (Hot Flash 05). BEAUTY: Moisturizing formulation also provides anti-feathering and nontacky benefits. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Jade. BEAUTY: Bright red glitter metallic. BEACON: No animal testing. Also free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

Photo by Rachel Sklar

Kristen Wiig

SHINE: Smashbox Lip Enhancing Gloss (Siren). BEAUTY: Velour wand is designed to contour lips with pearlescent shine. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Kristi. BEAUTY: Medium red cream. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate. 

Amber Heard

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Lipstick (Glamour Red). BEAUTY: Contains vitamin E to help smooth, moisturize and minimize signs of aging. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Noreen Fraser Foundation.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Sooki. BEAUTY: Cherry red cream with a subtle jelly finish. BEACON: No animal testing. Also free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde and dibutyl phthalate.

Dita Von Teese

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Lipstick (Vixen). BEAUTY: A blend of natural oils, minerals and candelilla wax is formulated to moisturize lips and provide lasting wear. BEACON: No animal testing and cruelty free. Also contains no alcohol, artificial fragrances or dyes. 

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Dita. BEAUTY: Medium berry-red cream. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

Technicolor Makeup Trends

Special shout-out to Nicki Minaj. She lights 29 candles today. 

It's anyone's guess what the Trinidadian-born recording artist will wear for her birthday celebration. She's known for her platinum wigs, but there's nothing vanilla about her style sense. Her Crayola crazed neon outfits, shoes and accessories never fail to dazzle and delight.

Hot hues have happily gone Hollywood. Pop superstars, such as Lady Gaga, Rihanna and Katy Perry, embrace vibrant pinks, oranges, purples and greens. It's music to our ears and, most of all, our eyes. 

We're seeing the same kaleidoscope of colors in cosmetics. Take a look at the latest wild, whimsical and wonderful trends in Technicolor makeup.

ORANGE & PINK

Rihanna

Nicki Minaj

BEAUTY: Essence Lipsticks (Coralize Me! and Like A Lady). BEACON: No animal testing.

BEAUTY: Milani Lipsticks (Mandarina and Rose Hip). BEACON: Cruelty free.

 BEAUTY: Smashbox Eyeshadow (Torch). BEACON: Recyclable packaging made with Sustainable Forestry Initiative Certified paper and soy ink.

BEAUTY: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Lipstick (Confection) and Lip Thick Super Plumping Gloss (Empress). BEACON: No animal testing.

GREEN

Lady Gaga

 BEAUTY: Jordana Bright Eyes Retractable Eyeliner (Green) and Color Effects Eyeshadow Powder (Double Effect). BEACON: Cruelty free.

 BEAUTY: Palladio Beauty Group Baked Eyeshadow Trio (Pop Idol). BEACON: No animal testing.

BEAUTY: Milani Infinite Liquid Eyeliner (Eternal) and Crystal Eyez Sparkling Eyeshadow (Gorgeous & Glowing). BEACON: Cruelty free.

PURPLE

Katy Perry

BEAUTY: Essence Eyeshadows (Disco Diva and Ultra Violet) and XXXL Shine Lipgloss (Rock On). BEACON: No animal testing.

 BEAUTY: Jordana Color Effects Eyeshadow Powder (Twofold) and Bright Eyes Retractable Eye Liner (Purple). BEACON: Cruelty free.

BEAUTY: Milani 3D Glitzy Glamour Gloss (Fashion Diva), Runway Eyes Fashion Shadows (Haute Couture) and Lip Flash Full Coverage Shimmer Gloss Pencil (In A Flash). BEACON: Cruelty free.

BEAUTY: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Bio Natural Eyeshadow (Amethyst). BEACON: No animal testing.

Winter Follower Giveaway: Cosmetics

Winter's right around the corner. We're celebrating the arrival of this special season by unlocking our product closet. Three prize packages are now up for grabs.

Our latest follower giveaway showcases cosmetics products from Jane Iredale,  Smashbox and Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics. The deadline to enter is Friday, January 6, 2012, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck! 

THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: Jane Iredale Just For Me collection spotlights My Steppes Cool and Warm Makeup Kits (Bronzing Powder, PurePressed Blush and PureGloss for Lips), Mystikol Powdered Eyeliners/Highlighters, and Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain. BEAUTY: Multipurpose colors refine and define cheeks, lips and eyes. BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports the Berkshire Humane Society. RETAIL VALUE: $185

BONUS: Jane Iredale Bitty Brow Kit. RETAIL VALUE: $27

UPDATE: Congrats to follower Tabitha Michelle. She's the lucky winner of Prize Package #1!

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: Smashbox Studio Stash features a black roll bag packed with jet black mascara, eye shadow palette, lip enhancing gloss, cream eyeliner palette and blush/soft light duo. BEAUTY: Collection provides lots of possibilities for day and evening looks. BEACON: Cruelty and paraben free. RETAIL VALUE: $59

BONUS: Smashbox Eye Shadows (Clockwise: Honey, 24K, Fizz and Safari). RETAIL VALUE: $64

UPDATE: Congrats to follower Katherine. She's the lucky winner of Prize Package #2!

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Party Mix collection holds five full-size lipglosses in Coy (light pink), Guava (dark pink), Marrakech (dark red), Reflection (natural) and Mesmerize (brown). BEAUTY: Formulated to provide a natural lip-plumping effect. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no alcohol, artificial fragrances or dyes. RETAIL VALUE: $75

BONUS: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Lunar Dust (Dusk). RETAIL VALUE: $33

UPDATE: Congrats to follower Amber. She's the lucky winner of Prize Package #3! 

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 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, January 6, 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 Jane Iredale, Smashbox or Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics, 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.

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.