Halloween Candy Manis

Photo by Evan Swigart

Do you know what you're wearing for Halloween yet? I recently attended a Happy Hour Friday Party at Dtox Day Spa in Los Angeles, where guests were encouraged to come in costume. Some dressed as a butterfly, black cat, swamp monster, pirate and witch, while others arrived as Little Bo Peep and Richard Simmons. 

Many shared their favorite childhood Halloween candies during the evening. Most remembered savoring the delights of candy corn, lollipops and licorice when they returned home from trick-or-treating. However, I've always been a chocoholic, so I usually ate the Hershey's Kisses first.

The discussion inspired us to create several colorful Halloween Candy Manis. So whether you choose to be a mummy, ghost or zombie, your tips will still be drop dead gorgeous.

What's your most beloved Halloween treat? Please tell us in the comments section below.

DAZZLE DRY

SHINE: Have a hoot and a howl while enjoying Tootsie Pops, and orange, purple and red tips. BEAUTY: Citrus Streak (orange), Grape Lollipop (grape) and Rapid Red (cherry).

BEACON: Vegan, and contains no formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, camphor or nitrocellulose. 

DEBORAH LIPPMANN

SHINE: Unmask the pleasures of candy corn, and yellow, white and orange digits. BEAUTY: Like a Virgin (white), Lara's Theme (orange) and Yellow Brick Road (yellow).

BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

ESSENCE

SHINE: R.I.P. stands for Reese's In Pieces, and serves as the inspiration for an orange, a brown and a yellow mani. BEAUTY: Wake Up! (orange), Date With the Night (brown) and Mellow Yellow (yellow).

BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

ESSIE

SHINE: Have a devilishly good time with Good & Plenty Licorice Candy, and pink and white tips. BEAUTY: Marshmallow (white) and Splash of Grenadine (pink).

BEACON: Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

OPI PRODUCTS

 SHINE: Cross over to the dark side with Hershey's Kisses, and shimmery purple and silver digits. BEAUTY: Grape...Set...Match (dark chocolate purple foil) and Your Royal Shineness (milk chocolate silver foil).   

BEACON: Supports Gilda's Club Worldwide through the Schaeffer Family Foundation.

SPARITUAL

SHINE: You'll always be in high spirits with some scary good Skittles and a rainbow mani. BEAUTY: Disco Inferno Shimmer (grape), Hot Blooded Creme (strawberry), Moss (lime), Revere Shimmer (orange) and Enlightened Soul Creme (lemon).

BEACON: Vegan, and contains no synthetic dyes, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

ZOYA NAIL POLISH

 SHINE: Trick and treat yourself to Starbursts, and red, yellow, orange and pink tips. BEAUTY: Sooki (cherry), Pippa (lemon), Jancyn (orange) and Sweet (strawberry).

BEACON: Contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin or dibutyl phthalate.

Honoring Breast Cancer Awareness Month

When you think about the color pink, different things come to mind. For many, it signifies the arrival of a baby girl. For others, it represents a rock star. This month, it stands for healing and hope. 


October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The designation gives us the opportunity to honor victims and survivors. More than 230,000 American women will be diagnosed with the disease this year, and almost 40,000 women will lose their lives to it, according to the American Cancer Society.


As we reflect on these humbling statistics, the beauty industry renews its commitment to help find a cure. The following manufacturers support the fight against breast cancer by donating all or a portion of proceeds from sales of their products. We're overwhelmed with their generosity.

SHINE: Infiniti by Conair You Curl is part of the 2011 Collection of Power of Pink products, which donates $1 per sale to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation. BEAUTY: Create curls in a single wrap with no clamp and tourmaline ceramic technology. BEACON: Also supports American Red Cross.

SHINE: Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sales of Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Resurface Stem Cell Reconstructing Serum will be donated to the Young Survival Coalition this month. BEAUTY: Stem cell extracts from the Swiss Alpine Rose help stimulate protein production and neutralize environmental free radicals. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Twenty percent of the proceeds from the sales of Dixie Bits Triple Treat Gift Set will be donated to the American Cancer Society this month. BEAUTY: Indulge the senses with Rave in Beauty Soothing Body Wash, Whippa Peel Exquisitely Rich Moisturizing Body Lotion, Sweet Sugar Darlin Skintoxicating Brown Sugar Scrub, Ramie Wash Cloth and Bathin Beauty Body Brush. BEACON: Vegan and cruelty free. Also free of parabens, phthalates and petrolatum, and utilizes recyclable containers.

SHINE: A portion of sales from the limited edition Elemis Think Pink Beauty Kit will be donated to Breast Cancer Care. BEAUTY: Reduce the depth of wrinkles and increase hydration with Pro-Collagen Marine Cream, Pro-Collagen Lifting Treatment Neck and Bust, and Skin Nourishing Shower Cream. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no animal-derived collagen, synthetic fragrances or colorants, mineral oil or alcohol.

SHINE: Twenty percent of online sales from Elizabeth Grant Light Up Your Lips Sweet Pink (top) will be donated to breast cancer awareness programs this month. Also pictured: Light Up Your Lips Baby Pink. BEAUTY: An LED light and small gold mirror help refresh lips in any situation. BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports the Children's Diabetes Foundation and Hollyrod Foundation. 

SHINE: A portion of proceeds from the sales of limited edition Essie Raise Awareness will be donated to Living Beyond Breast Cancer. BEAUTY: Feel empowered and pretty in pink from tips to toes. BEACON: Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

SHINE: All profits from the sales of iS CLINICAL Poly-Vitamin Serum will be donated to the National Breast Cancer Coalition this month. BEAUTY: Improves skin tone and elasticity with hyaluronic acid, bilberry extract, and vitamins A, B3, B5 and E. BEACON: Also supports the Revlon/UCLA Breast Center.

SHINE: For each purchase of Mama Mio Skincare Boob Tube Bust & Neck Firmer this month, $1 will be donated to Look Good...Feel Better. BEAUTY: CoQ10, shea butter and avocado oil help minimize sagging and wrinkles on the neck and chest. BEACON: Contains no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sodium laureth, sodium lauryl sulphate, colorants, synthetic fragrances or xenoestrogens.

SHINE: Twenty percent of proceeds from SpaRitual In Pink 2011 will be donated to Cancer Schmancer Movement. BEAUTY: Formulated with diamond powder, In Pink 2011 shades include Strength (shimmering pink), Knowledge (golden pink) and Clarity (sheer glittering pink). BEACON: Contains no toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Monday Morning Blues Buster Manis

I live near the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif. The landmark stadium not only attracts major sports events, but it also serves as a gathering ground for local fitness enthusiasts who like to jog, cycle or speed walk around its perimeter and an adjacent golf course.

During a recent Monday morning workout, I met a woman exercising with her dog. She introduced me to Sonny, whose energetic canine personality instantly won me over. Sonny also impressed me with her style sense by sporting a cobalt blue pedicure (paw-dicure in this case). It lifted my spirits and gave new meaning to banishing the Monday morning blues. 

Sonny's tips inspired me to create several cheerful blue manis. Here's hoping they brighten your Monday morning--and week. Enjoy!

ESSIE

SHINE: Sparkle from the inside out with this gorgeous gradient. BEAUTY: After applying a base coat, start from the center with the middle finger by painting two layers of Mesmerize (medium blue creme). Then work your way out to the index and ring fingers with two coats of Lapis of Luxury (ocean blue), and pinky and thumb with two layers of Borrowed & Blue (pastel blue). Finish with a top coat.

BEACON: Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

OPI PRODUCTS

SHINE: Put this mani together in a snap, and watch it crackle and pop. BEAUTY: Apply a base coat, two layers of Road House Blues (indigo creme) and one coat of Blue Shatter (cobalt) over each nail. Complete the look with a top coat.

BEACON: Supports the Leukemia Research Foundation through the Schaeffer Family Foundation.

SPARITUAL

SHINE: Checkmate--you win! BEAUTY: Create a checkerboard look by applying a base coat on each nail and two layers of Circle of Life (electric blue) on the index and ring fingers. Then paint two coats of It's Raining Men (sky blue shimmer) on the thumb, and middle and pinky fingers. Finish with a top coat.

BEACON: Vegan, and contains no synthetic dyes, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde. 

ZOYA NAIL POLISH

SHINE: Fade to matte. BEAUTY: Show your style spectrum by applying a base coat, two layers of Tart (blue metallic shimmer) on the thumb, Tallulah (aqua shimmer) on the index finger, Breezi (cerulean blue creme) on the middle finger, Yummy (sky blue creme) on the ring finger and Phoebe Matte (electric blue with violet shimmer) on the pinky. Complete the look with a top coat (use a matte top coat for the pinky finger). 

BEACON: Contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin or dibutyl phthalate.

Fall Follower Giveaway: Hair Tools & Products

We're celebrating the fall season by raiding our product closet. Three prize packages are now up for grabs. 


Our latest follower giveaway showcases hair products and tools from Conair, Head Organics and N.4. The deadline to enter is Friday, October 28, 2011, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck! 


THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) BEAUTY: Conair Instant Heat Hot Sticks 1/2" Curling Iron, MiniPRO 1/2" Crimping Iron and MiniPRO 1/2" Ceramic Straightener. BEACON: Supports Breast Cancer Awareness. RETAIL VALUE: $55

BONUS: Conair Infiniti PRO 2 in. (50.8) Spin Air Brush. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $70.

UPDATE: Congrats to follower angelacisco79. She's our lucky winner!

(PRIZE #2) BEAUTY: Head Organics Natural Hair Serum, Extra Hold Hair Gel, Leave-In Conditioning Spray and Extra Hold Mousse. BEACON: No animal testing and packaged in recyclable containers. Also contains no sulfates, parabens, glycol, colorants or gluten. RETAIL VALUE: $50

BONUS: Head Organics Natural Styling Wax. RETAIL VALUE: About $14. 


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

(PRIZE #3) BEAUTY: N.4 Reconstructing Masque, Super Comb Prep & Protect, Hydrating Shampoo and Hydrating Condition. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Also contains no sulfates, gluten or parabens. RETAIL VALUE: $150

BONUS: N.4 Non Aerosol Hair Spray. RETAIL VALUE: $30

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

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 will be disqualified if you comment more than once.
3. Finally, please let us know if you posted this giveaway to any social media platforms (see Entry Key below), such as your blog (please provide link), blogroll (please provide link), Facebook page (please provide link), and/or Twitter page (please provide Twitter handle and link). 


Entry Key:
One Entry: 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.
Three Extra Entries: Post this giveaway on your Facebook page.
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, October 28, 2011, 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 Conair, Head Organics or N.4, 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.

Color Blocking Nail Art

Has color blocking jumped the shark? The retro fashion trend of mixing large chunks of pastels or bold color wheel shades may have recently crashed and burned. Katy Perry took the concept a little too literal at the VMAs by sporting a huge golden cube crown, prompting many style critics to dub her a cheese head. 

Inspired by the contemporary art world (hellooooo Mondrian), the trend first appeared on runways last spring. Marc Jacobs, Etro, Gucci and Diane von Furstenberg rocked the block in eye-popping palates of turquoise, purple and green; wine, purple and orange; and black, turquoise and green.

We're still working our way around the color wheel, so we're not ready to retire the trend. As summer gradually turns to fall, check out the following color blocking nail art combos.

ESSIE

Mani model: Rachael Maria Simon

BEAUTY: Apply two layers of Vermillionaire (orange) on top of a base coat. Using a flat watercolor brush, paint two coats of Pretty Edgy (green) over the top half of each nail. Clean the brush and then apply two layers of Velvet Voyeur (purple) to create a color block in the top right half corner. Complete the look with a top coat.  

BEACON: Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

OPI PRODUCTS

BEAUTY: Over a base coat, apply two layers of Need Sunglasses? (yellow). Paint two coats of Y'all Come Back Ya Hear? (orange) over the top half of each nail using a flat watercolor brush. Clean the brush and then apply two layers of Pamplona (purple) to create a color block in the top left half corner. Finish with a top coat. 

BEACON: Contains no formaldehyde, dibutyl phthalate or toluene. Also supports the American Heart Association and Gilda’s Club Worldwide. 

SPARITUAL

BEAUTY: Apply two layers of Twig (sandstone) on top of a base coat. Using a flat watercolor brush, paint two coats of Knowledge Is Power (neon pink) over the top half of each nail. Clean the brush and then apply two layers of Street Smart (black) to create a color block in the top right half corner. Complete the look with a top coat.  

BEACON: Vegan, and contains no synthetic dyes, dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde. 

ZOYA NAIL PRODUCTS

Mani model: Rachael Maria Simon

BEAUTY: Over a base coat, apply two layers of Raven (black) on the pinky finger, Tangy (apple green shimmer) on the ring finger, Creamy (yellow) on the middle finger, Sweet (pink) on the index finger and Purity (white) on the thumb. Finish with a top coat.

BEACON: Contains no toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin or dibutyl phthalate.

Mind-Blowing Body Contouring Creams

Summer vacay season is winding down, but there's still time to enjoy a relaxing getaway. I just returned from an extended stay in the scenic mountain resort community of Lake Arrowhead, Calif., which is located about 90 miles east of Los Angeles. It's easy to be seduced by the area's alpine charm with the availability of boating, waterskiing, sunbathing and hiking activities.

Before I packed my sundresses, swimsuit and sunscreen, I made sure I brought along plenty of body contouring creams. Who doesn't want to look their bikini (tankini in my case) best? Plus, they help stimulate circulation, diminish dimpling and detoxify the body. Happy dance, indeed. 

After sunbathing on our deck, my chi/dach Rudy is ready to engage in a high-altitude hiking adventure (and maybe a snack or two).

Check out the latest body firming formulations below. And let us know which beauty products you never leave home without.

BEAUTY: Dermelect Cosmeceuticals Lipo-Conquer Body Toning Cream reinforces skin's collagen fibers, smoothes the appearance of dimpling and promotes the reduction of fatty deposits with vitamins A and E, ginkgo biloba and caffeine. BEACON: No animal testing.

BEAUTY: Elizabeth Grant Collagen Firming & Toning Body Kit contains Collagen Extra Firming Body Cream, Massage Tool and Collagen Firming & Toning Body Serum to help reduce the look of skin imperfections. BEACON: No animal testing. Also supports Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation, Look Good...Feel Better and Hollyrod Foundation. 

BEAUTY: Glowology Aqua Firming Body Lotion utilizes vitamins C and E, sea kelp and white tea extract to nourish and soften skin. BEACON: No animal testing, fair trade and 100% biodegradable. Also contains no dyes, parabens, phthalates, sulfates, petrochemicals or synthetic preservatives.

BEAUTY: HydroPeptide Moisturize Anti-Wrinkle Skin Firming Hydrator reduces the appearance of cellulite, stretch marks and wrinkles with peptides, acai berry, green tea extracts and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: No animal testing. Also contains no parabens, synthetic fragrances or phthalates.

BEAUTY: Mama Mio Shrink to Fit Hip & Thigh Cream utilizes Adiposlim, Adipoless, caffeine, horsetail and seaweed extract to help improve circulation, reduce water retention and flush toxins. BEACON: Contains no parabens, petroleum, phthalates, sodium laureth and sodium lauryl sulphate, synthetic fragrances or xenoestrogens. Also supports Look Good...Feel Better.

BEAUTY: Ren Wild Yam Omega 7 Firming Body Repair Cream utilizes West African wild yam and seabuckthorn berry oil to help repair and regenerate skin. BEACON: No animal testing, and contains no synthetic fragrances, petrochemicals, sulfate detergents or parabens. Also donates a minimum of 2.5% of its profits to campaigns that promote a better environment and improve the lives of the less fortunate.

BEAUTY: Weleda Birch Cellulite Oil improves skin tone and appearance with apricot kernel, jojoba and wheat germ oils. BEACON: Contains no synthetic fragrances, colorants, preservatives or raw materials derived from mineral oils. Also supports Conservation International.