National Doughnut Day: Rainbow Sprinkles Nail Art Treats For Your Tips

Photos by Jackie Donut

Mmmmmm... Welcome to rainbow sprinkles heaven. National Doughnut Day has arrived!

The appeal of doughnuts goes far beyond a childhood obsession. Kids at heart enjoy them too. In fact, Americans consume approximately 10 billion doughnuts each year, according to estimates. Glazed, powdered or frosted, who can resist these ring-shaped, whimsical wonders?

Rainbow sprinkles turn doughnuts into a festive funhouse of flavor. The colorful confections provide a feast for your eyes, as well as your tummy. They kick up sweet doughy goodness to a whole new level.

In honor of this decadent day for doughnut lovers, we present a sweet treat for your tips--two beautiful rainbow sprinkles manis. These tasty tutorials have been created exclusively for SHINE Beauty Beacon by Jackie Donut, a gifted nail artist and designer. Please feel free to check out her amazing line of handmade accessories on Etsy and Tumblr.

Enjoy these delicious digits. Just make sure you get 'em while they're hot!

WHITE ICING DOUGHNUT WITH RAINBOW SPRINKLES & COFFEE MANI

STEP 1: Begin the mani with a base coat. Next, apply two coats of white lacquer on each nail except your ring finger to mimic the icing on the doughnut. Then layer two coats of pink polish on your accent nail.

STEP 2: Paint rainbow sprinkles over your white nails with shades of red, green, orange and pink. Before you begin, wipe the polish brush along the rim of the bottle to rid yourself of any excess lacquer. Then hold it at an angle by tilting it upward, so only a quarter of the bristles come into contact with your nail, and use short, quick strokes to create bold slivers of color. TIPS: Apply the lightest shades first and then work your way toward the darker ones. In addition, space out the colors to give them enough room to stand on their own.

STEP 3: Position your fingers in a claw pose with the nails pointing downward to begin creating the coffee cup on your ring finger. Paint a small white square with rounded corners using tiny circular motions. Then, for the handle, draw a thin half circle starting from the top and sweeping downward. Using the same technique as you did for the sprinkles, hold the polish brush at an angle by tilting it upward so only a quarter of the bristles come into contact with your nail. Barely touch the surface as you motion across, down and around to connect the handle back to the cup. TIP: You can also use a striper brush for this step.

STEP 4: Use black polish to design the look of coffee inside the cup. Lightly stroke the nail brush in a straight motion and then apply a small amount of pressure in the middle of the coffee line to create an oval shape. This gives the image more dimension.

STEP 5: To create the steam, paint three super thin lines with zig zag strokes using white lacquer. Just as you did when drawing the sprinkles and coffee cup handle, angle the polish brush upward so only a quarter of the bristles come into contact with your nail. Finish the mani with a top coat. 

Voila... the grand finale!

SHINE: Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer. BEAUTY (top to bottom): Midnight Express (black cream), Oasis (light green shimmer), Citrus Streak (tangerine cream), Linen Lace (white with a yellow undertone cream), Feed m’ Fantasy (bright pink-red cream) and Watermelon Slice (dark pink cream). BEACON: Vegan, and contains no formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, camphor or nitrocellulose. 

WHITE CAKE DOUGHNUT WITH CHOCOLATE ICING & RAINBOW SPRINKLES MANI

STEP 1: Begin the mani with a base coat. Then apply two coats of gold polish to each nail to create the effect of a white cake doughnut.

STEP 2: For the rainbow sprinkles, layer two coats of pink lacquer over the tips of each nail. Stroke the polish brush in a rounded “M” motion to create a puffy cloud look.

STEP 3: Continue the design of the rainbow sprinkles by using white and hot pink polishes. Before you begin, wipe the polish brush along the rim of the bottle to rid yourself of any excess lacquer. Then hold it at an angle by tilting it upward, so only a quarter of the bristles come into contact with your nail, and use short, quick strokes to create bold slivers of color. TIPS: Apply the white lacquer first on each nail before finishing with the hot pink shade. In addition, space out the colors to give them enough room to stand on their own. 

 

STEP 4: To mimic the chocolate icing, outline the rainbow sprinkles area with a wide black ribbon in the same rounded “M” motion. Finish the mani with a top coat. 

Voila... the grand finale!

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish. BEAUTY (top to bottom): Sweet (bubblegum pink cream), Purity (pure white with a glossy cream finish), Brooklyn (white-gold shimmer metallic), Ali (neon pink cream) and Raven (satiny black with a subtle silver shimmer). BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Magnificent Maleficent: Angelina Jolie's Wicked Good Smoky Eyes, Bold Lip Color & Ageless Beauty

Photo courtesy Walt Disney Studios

Angelina Jolie has a lot in common with her deliciously dark Maleficent character. They both enjoy an iconic status and fearlessly follow their instincts. 

In the film of the same name, which opens in theaters today, Jolie portrays the larger-than-life villainess from the Disney animated classic "Sleeping Beauty." The fantasy adventure begins with Maleficent suffering a ruthless betrayal and then placing a curse upon the infant daughter of the kingdom's ruler. 

Although she plays the misunderstood Mistress of All Evil, Jolie brings a majestic beauty to the character. Blessed with high cheekbones, full lips, wide-set eyes and a creamy complexion, she possesses the ability to cast a spell with her looks on and off screen. 

Jolie also serves as an inspiration for women over the age of 35. The mother of six, humanitarian and fiancée of Brad Pitt turns 39 on June 4. So, in honor of her magnificent performance as Maleficent, upcoming birthday and ageless beauty, we'd like to spotlight five of her best looks--smoky eyes, bold lip color, contoured cheeks, long lashes and youthful skin. We also present ways to achieve them with beautiful blushes, stunning shadows, must-have mascaras, luscious lipsticks and glosses, and the latest anti-aging skincare products. 

May you live happily ever after!

SMOKY EYES

SHINE: Glam Cosmetics Walk of Fame Eyeshadow Quad. BEAUTY: Create a wickedly chic look with this LED lit collection of four shadow shades that promote on-the-go application with a handy magnification mirror. BEACON: Free of parabens.

SHINE: LORAC Cosmetics PRO Palette Kit Shimmer and Matte Eyeshadows with Mini Behind the Scenes Eye Primer. BEAUTY: Wet or dry, this fairy tale collection gives you the ability to shade, shadow, line and define your eyes with an eye primer, and 16 matte and shimmery hues that provide a seamless application. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Artiste Palette. BEAUTY: Where there's smoke there's fire with this shader brush and three sultry shadow refill colors--Merlot (matte rose), Concord (matte grape) and Bordeaux (satin wine). BEACON: No animal testing and free of parabens.

CONTOURED CHEEKS

Photo by Georges Biard

SHINE: 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Blush Powder (Raspberry). BEAUTY: You don't need to possess supernatural powers to bring shimmery shading to your cheeks without the use of synthetic dyes, as this contour utilizes plum, pomegranate and raspberry fruit pigment extracts. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Contains no detergents, or artificial fragrances and colors.

SHINE: Essence Silky Touch Blush (Life's A Cherry). BEAUTY: You'll feel like you're living in a fantasy world when you freshen up your look and complexion with a pinch of color that easily takes you from day to evening. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Julie Hewett Couture Palette For Cheeks & Lips (Peachie and Rosie). BEAUTY: Fairy tales come true with this duo, as it allows you to create a natural looking, flushed effect with easily blendable cranberry and coral shades that also double as cream pigments for your lips. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens and talc.

BOLD LIP COLOR

Photo by Mikhail Popov

SHINE: Kevyn Aucoin The Expert Lip Color (Roserin). BEAUTY: Plump your pout with this moisturizing formula in the spellbinding shade of rose plum. BEACON: Free of parabens.

SHINE: Mirabella Beauty Colour Vinyl Lipstick (Metallic Blush). BEAUTY: Create chaos in the kingdom with this shade of red with silver undertones, which utilizes argan oil and raspberry extract to aid in giving your lips a high gloss finish for up to 10 hours. BEACON: Free of parabens.

SHINE: Youngblood Mineral Cosmetics Lipgloss (Siren). BEAUTY: Perk up your pout with this bewitching burgundy shimmer shade. BEACON: No animal testing and free of parabens.

LONG LASHES

Photo by Chris Natt

SHINE: 100% Pure Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Mascara (Black Tea). BEAUTY: Colored with black tea and fruit berry pigments, this fairy tale-like formula aids in lengthening, separating and thickening your lashes. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Contains no detergents, synthetic chemicals, or artificial fragrances or colors.

SHINE: DeVita Absolute Lengths Natural Long Lash Mascara (Absolute Black). BEAUTY: Break the curse of clumping and smudging as you define, strengthen and elongate your lashes with this carrot oil enriched formula. BEACON: Vegetarian and cruelty free. Contains no FD&C colors, lead, carmine, cochineal, gluten and parabens.

SHINE: Kevyn Aucoin The Essential Mascara (Rich Black). BEAUTY: Once upon a time you needed two coats of mascara to glam your gaze, but not anymore as this formula defines, lengthens and curls your lashes with one coat. BEACON: Free of parabens.

YOUTHFUL SKIN

Photo by Georges Biard

SHINE: Desert Essence Age Reversal Revitalizing Eye Serum and Rejuvenating Face Serum. BEAUTY: Promote elasticity of the skin, and magically reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with peptides, apple fruit extract and aloe vera leaf juice. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of parabens, phthalates and artificial fragrances.

SHINE: L'Oreal Revitalizing Miracle Blur Instant Eye Smoother. BEAUTY: Peptides and vitamin A cast a spell on your skin as they minimize early signs of aging in the orbital area, including crows' feet, dark circles and under-eye puffiness. BEACON: Free of parabens.

SHINE: ProBios Transderma M. BEAUTY: Loose, sagging skin doesn't need to be a necessary evil, as this serum allows you to tone and tighten with ceramides and vitamin E. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, fragrances, oil and alcohol. 

SHINE: Yonka Paris Hydra No 1 Serum and Creme. BEAUTY: Vitamins A, C and E, hyaluronic acid and aloe vera leaf juice unleash their powers to heal and hydrate, and provide a refreshing and restorative treat to dry and sensitive skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

Kim Kardashian Wedding Countdown: Will Her Bridal Style Include Something Blue Pedis & Peeps?

Photo ©Glenn Francis www.PacificProDigital.com

The countdown to the spring wedding of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West has begun. The reality TV star celebrated a Paris themed bridal shower at The Peninsula in Beverly Hills, Calif., last Saturday. The couple now prepares to tie the knot in Florence, Italy on May 24, debunking earlier reports that the two were planning a ceremony in the City of Light.

Is there anything more magical than a spring wedding? As day lengths get longer and flowers begin to bloom, the season celebrates renewal and rejuvenation. The future seems as bright as the post-winter sunlight.

Bride and groom: Kim Kardashian and Kanye West.

In addition to Kardashian and West taking the plunge, other superstars may soon follow in their footsteps. Will engaged couples such as Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie, Adam Levine and Behati Prinsloo, and Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher also exchange vows? Only time will tell! 

In the meantime, we'd like to celebrate the spirit of spring weddings with something blue pedis and peeps. These bright and bold lacquers and eye makeup place a unique spin on the traditional belief that brides should wear "something new, something old, something borrowed, something blue" on The Big Day. Plus, the calming color represents trustworthiness, dependability and commitment--traits required for a successful marriage.

Photo by Bev Sykes

You don't need to be a bride to pair blue polishes with eyeliners and shadows. This look works for guests and bridesmaids too. Thus, we'd like to extend an invitation to you to try them--no RSVP required. In addition, let us know your predictions for which celebrity couples will walk down the aisle next. 

Behati Prinsloo and Adam Levine

Mila Kunis and Ashton Kutcher

Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt

Justin Theroux and Jennifer Aniston

George Clooney and Amal Alamuddin

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp

SOMETHING BLUE PEDI POLISHES

Matrimonial metallic: Create a glamorous glitter effect with holographic pixie particles in Vega by Zoya Nail Polish.

SHINE: Azature Nail Lacquer (Blue). BEAUTY: This shimmering deep shade symbolizes the balance and inner strength of a blue diamond. BEACON: Cruelty free. Contains no toluene, formaldehyde or dibutyl phthalate.

SHINE: Color Club Nail Lacquer. BEAUTY (top to bottom): Make your May day marriage memorable with In De-Nile (baby blue), Trippie Hippie (bright electric blue), Sexy Siren (teal blue glitter), Baldwin Blues (dusty navy blue) and Williamsburg (dark blue glitter). BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde. 

SHINE: Essence Colour & Go (Miss Universe). BEAUTY: Say "I do" to this deep blue glitter polish. BEACON: Free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde. 

SHINE: Jesse's Girl Cosmetics Julie G Textured Nail Color (Sleigh Ride). BEAUTY: Vow to brighten your bridal style with this blue shimmer shade. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Pure Ice Nail Enamel. BEAUTY (top to bottom): Take the plunge with this on trend trio--Bikini (sky blue), French Kiss (dark blue cream) and Splash (cool blue metallic). BEACON: Free of toluene, dibutyl phthalate and formaldehyde. 

SHINE: Ruby Wing (Wanted Dead or Alive). BEAUTY: Get two for one, as this lacquer shade goes from turquoise when you wear it indoors to deep blue when you go outdoors. BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Supports GLAAD, Autism Speaks and the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund.

SHINE: SpaRitual Lacquer. BEAUTY: Wedding bells will ring and the sun will shine with Undercurrent (dark navy blue cream), It's Raining Men (sky blue shimmer with a hint of pink) and Intellect (blue shimmer). BEACON: Vegan, and free of toluene, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin, dibutyl phthalate and camphor. 

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish. BEAUTY (top to bottom): You will love, honor and cherish these lovely lacquers--Vega (blue opal sparkle), Tart (medium blue metallic shimmer), Ling (vibrant royal blue cream), Muse (blue raspberry holographic fizz with gold undertones) and Robyn (turquoise cream). BEACON: Vegan and no animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

SOMETHING BLUE EYE MAKEUP

Photo by Deborah Austin

SHINE: Essence Cosmetics. BEAUTY: Create a big look for your big day with Metal Glam Pressed Powder Eyeshadow (Jewel Up the Ocean in shimmering sky blue) and Pressed Powder Eyeshadows (My Baby Blue! in powder blue and Miss Atlantis in royal blue). BEACON: No animal testing. 

SHINE: Kevyn Aucoin The Eye Shadow Duo. BEAUTY: Your significant other will do a double take with this pretty palette of Taupe Shimmer and Blackened Blue Shimmer. BEACON: Free of parabens.

SHINE: Milani Cosmetics. BEAUTY: Wow as you exchange your vows with a pop of color of Liquid Eye Liner (Infinite, electric blue). BEACON: Cruelty free.

Mother's Day Gift Set Guide: Get the New Mom Glow of Kate Middleton

Photo by AshleyMott

Three cheers for new mom Kate Middleton. She looks better than ever after giving birth to Prince George last summer. 

During her recent visit to Australia with Prince William and their baby heir to the throne, the Duchess of Cambridge got rave reviews for her radiant glow and sense of style. She wowed in fashion choices by designers such as Tory Burch and Diane Von Furstenberg. In fact, after she wore a bright, fitted, "banana" frock by Roksanda Ilincic, sales of yellow dresses increased by 95% on ebay.

She's also known for her natural effortless look--minimal makeup and full, healthy long locks. So no need to dust off the crown jewels, as her bright smile and flawless face sparkle more than any royal diamond or sapphire. Her balanced skin tone and creamy complexion look as velvety smooth as an English rose.

On Sunday, the duchess will celebrate her first Mother's Day with Prince George. In honor of her fresh-faced, new mom glow, we've compiled the latest skincare gift sets and kits that create lift and/or luminosity. They contain anti-aging facial cleansers and creams, eye treatments and body moisturizers that address dry, damaged and uneven skin pigmentation. 

Take a look-see! These products make great gifts for your mom or to keep for yourself. No matter what your age, they'll help your skin feel as soft as a baby's you-know-what in no time. Happy Mother's Day!

SHINE: Gingi Eye Treatment Gift Set (Emmy's Official Presenter's Gift Box). BEAUTY: Instant Eye Lift Masks and Instant Eye Lift Cream minimize age lines, puffiness and dark circles to give the skin in your orbital area a more youthful appearance. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Murad Youthful Skin Renewal Kit. BEAUTY: Counteract the symptoms of hormonal aging and restore radiance with Renewing Cleansing Cream, Age-Diffusing Serum, Age-Balancing Night Cream and Renewing Eye Cream. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Pacifica Good Karma Skincare Set. BEAUTY: Purify your skin, protect your lips from the elements and prevent premature aging with Sea Foam Complete Face Wash, Dreamy Youth Day and Night Face Cream, Alight Multi-Mineral BB Cream and Natural Color Quench Lip Tint (Guava Berry). BEACON: Vegan and cruelty free. Contains no parabens, mineral and peanut oils, petroleum, carmine or FD&C colors.

SHINE: Pevonia Lumafirm Face and Body Gift Set. BEAUTY: LumaFirm Repair Cream Lift & Glow, Freeze-Dried Intensifier and Body Moisturizer help lock in moisture and maximize suppleness. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, alcohol, lanolin, mineral oil, PABA, urea, formaldehyde, artificial colors and sulfates.


SHINE: 100% Pure Red Wine Resveratrol Skin Care Gift Set. BEAUTY: Prevent signs of aging, environmental damage and loss of elasticity with Red Wine Resveratrol Scrub + Mask, Antioxidant Serum, Nourishing Cream and Eye Cream. BEACON: Vegan, and gluten and cruelty free. Contains no detergents, synthetic chemicals, or artificial fragrances or colors.