2013 Spring Follower Giveaway: Fresh Start Cosmetics

The month of March represents renewal--spring arrives and flowers begin to bloom. Plus, our clocks advance forward for Daylight Savings Time on the 10th.

We'd like to embrace this season of fresh starts. Our latest giveaway showcases makeup from GloMinerals, Sormé Treatment Cosmetics and Smashbox valued at approximately $330. These eye shadows, lipsticks and blushes allow you to create your own new beginnings with captivating colors.

The deadline to enter is Friday, March 29, 2013, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck!

UPDATE: Congrats to follower Vicki (Spartan Wife)! She's the lucky winner of all three prize packages in our Fresh Start Cosmetics Giveaway. 

THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: GloMinerals GloLip Plumper (Sheer Berry--light raspberry), GloLiquid Eye Liner (Coal--rich black), GloRoyal Lip Crayon (Countess Coral--glimmering apricot-coral) and Alloy Eye Collection (Silver Streak, Universe, Storm, Jet, Buff, Cappuccino, Enigma and Tuxedo). BEAUTY: A mesmerizing medley of mineral-based makeup. BEACON: Free of talc, perfumes and chemical dyes. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $95.

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: Smashbox Blush Rush Flush, Photo Op Under Eye Brightener, Photo Finish Lipsticks (Stunning and Splendid), Photo Op Eye Shadow Trio (Light Speed--Butter, Peacock and Azure) and Lip Enhancing Glosses (Pixel and Siren). BEAUTY: A crazy cool collection of cosmetics colors. BEACON: Cruelty free. Packaging is recyclable and made using Sustainable Forestry Initiative certified paper. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $130.

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Extreme Volumizing Mascara, Bio Natural Eye Shadows (Amethyst, Arena and Suspense), Long Lasting Blush (Pomegranate), Lipstick (Glamour Red) and Brow Lift Brow Highlighting Pencil. BEAUTY: Pop goes the color with these pretty pigments. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Look Good...Feel Better. 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/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, March 29, 2013, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). More than 15 entries must be received by this date in order 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 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 GloMinerals, Sormé Treatment Cosmetics or Smashbox, 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.

St. Patrick's Day Eyes & Nails

Photo by Courtney Murray Rhodes

Leaping leprechauns! This Saturday marks the celebration of St. Patrick's Day. While it's an official holiday in Ireland, many Americans mark the occasion by wearing green--or drinking an emerald-colored beverage.


Lucky for beautynistas, Irish eyes are smiling. Green shadows, mascaras and lacquers pop well with spring colors. You can also create looks that transition from day to evening with extreme ease.  


To help you get your green on this weekend, we've paired our favorite lacquers and eye makeup. May the luck of the Irish be with you!   

IRISH-SISTIBLE

SHINE: Essence Colour & Shine Eyeshadow (Joyride to Jupiter). BEAUTY: Pearl pigmentation highlights olive-toned marbling. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Shawn. BEAUTY: Warm, mossy yellow-toned medium green cream with olive undertones. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

SHAMROCKIN'

SHINE: Make-up designory Eye Color (Pacific). BEAUTY: Deep blue-green with subtle gold illuminating pigments. BEACON: Supports NextAid and Red Rhino Orphange Project.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Holly. BEAUTY: Holly green with subtle yellow tones in a metallic finish. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

POT O' GOLD GLAM

SHINE: Milani Marbleized Baked Eyeshadow (Green Fortune). BEAUTY: A golden green powder that features a multiple infusion of colors baked on Italian terracotta tiles. BEACON: Cruelty free.  

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Tangy. BEAUTY: A bright apple green shimmer with peachy-orange duochrome. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

CLOVER COUTURE

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Bio Natural Eye Shadow (Suspense). BEAUTY: Contains pomegranate and green tea extracts to help keep eyes looking youthful. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Noreen Fraser Foundation and Look Good...Feel Better.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Midori. BEAUTY: Medium apple green with yellow undertones and strong gold shimmer. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

GREEN PARTY

SHINE: Sue Devitt Lash Intensifier Treatment & Lengthening Mascara (Golden Triangle). BEAUTY: Dual-ended wand defines eyes with two-in-one Lengthening Mascara (shimmering forest green) and Lash Intensifier Treatment. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports CRISP (Coral Reefs in the South Pacific), African Foundation and Blue Planet Network.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish Suvi. BEAUTY: Deep emerald shimmer. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

Leap Year Day Beauty: Amethyst Shadows & Liners

Photo by Rob Lavinsky

Happy February 29--or, as it's more commonly known, Leap Year Day! 

Every four years, we enjoy an extra day in February. It serves as a corrective measure, since the earth doesn't orbit around the sun in precisely 365 days.  

For us, Leap Year Day means Leap Year Day of Beauty. We get an extra 24 hours to marvel over new makeup products. The birthstone of February is amethyst, so we're celebrating this special day with the latest pretty-in-purple eye shadows and liners. 

SHINE: essence Smokey Eyes Set (Purple Maniac). BEAUTY: Use the customized brush to highlight your eyes with the liner and the sponge to apply the powder shadow. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: GloMinerals GloEye Shadow (Lilac). BEAUTY: Contour any eye shape with crease-free coverage. BEACON: Contains no talc, perfumes, chemical dyes, parabens or gluten.

SHINE: Milani Infinite Liquid Eye Liner (Endless). BEAUTY: Intense purple color lasts up to 24 hours with waterproof and smear-proof benefits. BEACON: Cruelty free.

SHINE: Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Bio Natural Eye Shadow (Amethyst). BEAUTY: Pomegranate and green tea extracts help provide a long-lasting, rich purple color. BEACON: No animal testing, and talc and paraben free. Also supports Look Good...Feel Better. 

SHINE: Sue Devitt Electric Sheen Eye Shadow (Hopetown). BEAUTY: Creates a gem-like amethyst shimmer color. BEACON: No animal testing. Paraben free. 

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Pressed Mineral Eyeshadow Quad (Purple Majesty). BEAUTY: Contains four eye-popping shades, including Moonstone, Lilac Bouquet, Wild Orchid and Heather Smoke. BEACON: No animal testing and cruelty free. Also free of alcohol, artificial fragrances and dyes. 

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.

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.

Marilyn Monroe's Legendary Look

It's difficult to imagine Marilyn Monroe as an octagenarian. However, if she were alive today, the sultry screen siren would've turned 85 this month.


Monroe's rendition of "Diamonds Are a Girl's Best Friend" in the '50s flick Gentlemen Prefer Blondes showcased her superstar style. She dazzled the world as one of the biggest beauty icons of the 20th century with her carat-cut smile, deep-set eyes, platinum blonde hair and heart-shaped lips.

Just like a diamond, her flaws created many facets to her personality. She suffered from depression and an addiction to sleeping pills, but the compassionate side of Monroe used her star power to shed light on worthy endeavors. She entertained American troops stationed in Korea in 1954 and lifted the spirits of injured soldiers by visiting military hospitals (see video above).


To help release your inner Marilyn Monroe, we've assembled several lip and eye products. Enjoy!

BEAUTY: Create your own Monkey Business with DermaQuest Skin Therapy C-Lipoic Lip Enhancer. BEACON: Cruelty free.

BEAUTY: Some Like it Hot with Essence Gel Eyeliner (Midnight in Paris), Colour & Shine Eye Shadow (Trip to Venus) and XXXL Shine Lipgloss (Bubble Babe). BEACON: No animal testing.

BEAUTY: If you've got The Seven Year Itch, try Jane Iredale PureGloss Lip Gloss (Hazelnut), PurePressed Eye Shadow (Silver Lining), Liquid Eyeliner (Silver) and Eye Pencil (Midnight Blue). BEACON: Member of the People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals and supporter of the Berkshire Humane Society.

BEAUTY: Make it all about you rather than All About Eve with Palladio Beauty Group Baked Eye Shadow Trios (Blue Lagoon, Lovely Lilac and Pop Idol). BEACON: No animal testing.

BEAUTY: Cure The Asphalt Jungle blues with Sormé Treatment Cosmetics Extreme Volumizing Mascara (Black), Lipstick (Glamour Red) and Eyeliner (Jet). BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports the Noreen Fraser Foundation and Look Good...Feel Good.

BEAUTY: There's No Business Like Show Business as long as you're using Peacekeeper Cause-metics Yum Glaze Lip Gloss (Strawberry). BEACON: USDA Organic seal.