Holiday Follower Giveaway: Festive Cosmetics

Huddle hug--the holiday season has arrived!

We're welcoming this magical time of the year with three prize packages valued at approximately $375. Our latest giveaway showcases makeup from Afterglow Cosmetics, La Bella Donna and Sue Devitt. 

The deadline to enter is Friday, December 14, 2012, at 9 p.m. (Pacific Standard Time). Good luck and happy holidays!

UPDATE: Congrats to follower msrodeobrat! She's the lucky winner of all three prize packages in our Festive Cosmetics Giveaway. 
THE PRIZES

(PRIZE #1) SHINE: Afterglow Cosmetics Vegan Kabuki Brush with Metallic Purse, Organic Infused Foundations (Camel and Bisque), Ultra Matte Eye Shadow (Bark) and Organic Infused Blushes (Tickle and Cozy). BEAUTY: Create magic underneath the mistletoe. BEACON: Contains no petrochemicals, parabens, or FD&C or Lake dyes. Supports Young Survival Coalition and Campaign for Safe Cosmetics. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $175

(PRIZE #2) SHINE: La Bella Donna Creme Fresh Mineral Blush Collection (Garnet), Mineral Light Lip Colour (Pink Sand), Compressed Mineral Eye Shadow (Petal Pink) and Baci-Baci Moisturizing Lip Sheer (Prism). BEAUTY: Be the jingle belle of the ball. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of FD&C dyes, oils, talc, alcohol and fragrance. RETAIL VALUE: About $115.

(PRIZE #3) SHINE: Sue Devitt Lip Enhancing Gloss (Golden Triangle), Gel-to-Powder Blush (Marion Reef), Luxury Lash Mascara (Black Lavender) and Lip Intensifier Pencil (Kirakira). BEAUTY: You'll be dreaming of a white Christmas with a pop of color. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Coral Reef Initiatives for the Pacific and Blue Planet Network. RETAIL VALUE: Approximately $85.

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, December 14, 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 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 Afterglow Cosmetics, La Bella Donna or Sue Devitt, 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.

Facial Toners: The Rock Stars of Skin Care

Photo by Christopher Dube

Wavves

I'm a proud resident of Eagle Rock, California--a diverse northeastern neighborhood of Los Angeles. It's named after a massive boulder located on the perimeter of the community that features a naturally carved indentation that casts a bird-shaped shadow. Over the years, several notable musicians have called this area their home--Zack de la Rocha of Rage Against the Machine, Zac Baird of Korn and Scott Shriner of Weezer. 

Our newest neighbor, Nathan Williams, plays guitar and fronts for indie rock group Wavves. He recently appeared on the July/August issue of Spin magazine with his girlfriend Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast. After meeting him, it got me thinking about rave reviews, groupies... and skin care.  

Wait, what? As odd as the connection may sound, I've always considered facial toners the rock stars of skin care. They don't have the look or feel of cleansers, serums/moisturizers or sunscreens, so screaming fans often allude them. However, you'll soon become a groupie after experiencing their healing benefits. Not only do they prepare your skin for better product penetration, but the also remove oil and dirt to reduce inflammation and acne breakouts, and revitalize the surface of your face for a more luminous appearance. 

We give the following toners rave reviews. With their help, you'll be rocking radiant skin in no time.

SHINE: Abrioné by VB Cosmetics Vanishing Point 5. BEAUTY: Beta and alpha hydroxy acids slough dead skin cells and keep the new ones hydrated. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Burt's Bees Natural Acne Solutions Clarifying Toner. BEAUTY: Penetrate pores and prevent the risk of future breakouts with salicylic acid, and witch hazel leaf and lemongrass extracts. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of sulfates, parabens, phthalates and petrochemicals. Supports Habitat for Humanity. 

SHINE: Elizabeth Grant The Socializer Daily Tone Gel Toner. BEAUTY: Aloe vera leaf juice and hyaluronic acid help remove subsurface dirt without over drying the skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Children's Diabetes Foundation, Hollyrod Foundation and World Wildlife Fund.

SHINE: June Jacobs Green Tea and Cucumber Toner. BEAUTY: Neutralize free radicals and soothe the skin with green tea, cucumber and goji berry extracts. BEACON: Contains no parabens, preservatives, petrochemicals, sulfates, or synthetic dyes and fragrances.

SHINE: L'Occitane Immortelle Essential Water. BEAUTY: Green tea extract and vitamin E help soften and smooth skin. BEACON: Supports L'Occitane Foundation.

SHINE: Pevonia Hydrating Toner. BEAUTY: Protect and nourish skin with hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and marine algae extracts. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports Beauty Bus Foundation.

SHINE: Refineé Soothing Floral Toner. BEAUTY: Vitamins A, C and E, and pomegranate, witch hazel leaf and green tea extracts minimize irritation and dryness. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens.

SHINE: SkinCeuticals Equalizing Toner. BEAUTY: Remove residue and restore the skin's protective pH mantle with glycolic acid, aloe vera gel and witch hazel extract. BEACON: Supports the Melanoma Research Alliance.

SHINE: Sumbody Facial Toner and Acne Toner. BEAUTY: The facial toner utilizes alpha lipoic acid to provide anti-bacterial benefits, while the acne toner features witch hazel and peppermint to refresh the skin. BEACON: Free of parabens, animal oils, sodium laurel/laureth sulfates and artificial preservatives. 

SHINE: Vitaphenol Anti-Aging Toiner. BEAUTY: Balance and brighten skin tone with glycolic acid, and green and white tea leaf and pomegranate extracts. BEACON: No animal testing. 

Pink Power: Support BCA Month with Light

SHINE: Glassybaby Evelyn Handmade Glass Votive Candle Holder. BEAUTY: Four artists and three layers of molten glass create a vibrant pink votive holder that shines with a lively glow when lit. BEACON: Partnering with Nordstrom, the company donates 10% of sales to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Halloween Nails: Candy Corn-Colored Polishes

Boo!-hoo... Too bad Halloween only comes once each year. Be that as it may, we're gonna supersize our sweet tooth craving with one of the most iconic treats of the annual celebration--candy corn. This classic confection not only screams Halloween, but also bursts with bold colors of the season (pumpkin orange, leaf changing yellow and ghostly white). 

Candy corn serves as a drop-dead template for a scary good mani. The devil's in the details, so begin with a base coat and two layers of yellow polish. Next, apply two coats of orange lacquer over two-thirds of the nail starting from slightly lower than mid-range to the top. Then, layer two coats of white polish on the tip of the nail. Finish with a top coat.

No matter "witch" polish you select, the following lacquers make your nails look more delightful than frightful. They may not raise the spirits, but they're guaranteed to lift yours. 

Happy Halloween Eve!

SHINE: Butter London. BEAUTY: Cream Tea (white), Cheeky Chops (yellow) and Jaffa (orange). BEACON: Free of formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate and parabens.

SHINE: Dazzle Dry Nail Lacquer. BEAUTY: Sheer Elegance (almond), Frozen Lemonade (pale yellow) and Orange Sorbet (orange). BEACON: Vegan, and contains no formaldehyde, toluene, dibutyl phthalate, camphor or nitrocellulose.

SHINE: Milani Nail Lacquer High Speed Fast Dry and NEON (right). BEAUTY: White on the Spot (white), Yellow Whiz (yellow) and Awesome Orange (orange). BEACON: Free of dibutyl phthalate, toluene and formaldehyde. 

SHINE: Sally Hansen Xtreme Wear Nail Color (middle) and Complete Salon Manicure. BEAUTY: 120 Polar Bare (white), 360 Mellow Yellow and 560 Kook-A-Mango (orange). BEACON: Contains no dibutyl phthalate, toluene or formaldehyde.

SHINE: Zoya Nail Polish. BEAUTY: Christinna (white), Pippa (yellow) and Pia (orange). BEACON: No animal testing. Free of toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and dibutyl phthalate.

Pink Power: Support BCA Month with Skin Care

SHINE: Murad Hydrate for Hope Set (Hydro-Dynamic Ultimate Moisture and Hydro-Dynamic Moisture for Eyes). BEAUTY: Restore and replenish dry, dehydrated skin with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and peptides. BEACON: No animal testing. Donates 10% of sales this month to the City of Hope in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Face Lift-Like Skin Care: Paradise on Mother-in-Law Day

The coastline of Kona, Hawaii.

My mother-in-law grew up on a coffee plantation in Kailua (Kona), Hawaii. The good news is she spent her entire childhood living in paradise. The bad news is her skin took a beating from overexposure to the sun, which prompted signs of environmental damage later in her life.

The latest tightening and brightening formulations rescue loose, lackluster skin typically suffered by more mature women. Many contain plumping peptides, healing antioxidants and hydrating hyaluronic acid, which are designed specifically to promote a smooth and supple appearance. They provide face lift-like results without the pain or expense.

This Sunday, October 28, marks Mother-in-Law Day. Give your significant other's mom the gift of lift in a jar with the following firming formulations. These moisturizers, serums, gels and peels seek to repair and renew, which are benefits that may extend to your relationship with her after she experiences their transformative powers.

SHINE: Abrioné by VB Cosmetics Face Lifting Serum. BEAUTY: Minimize sagging and wrinkled skin with green tea and marine extracts, peptides and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: No animal testing.

SHINE: Elizabeth Grant Collagen Re-Inforce Intensive Face Lift. BEAUTY: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E and aloe vera leaf juice promote suppleness and firmer skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the HollyRod Foundation and World Society for the Protection of Animals.

SHINE: Éminence Organic Skin Care Bamboo Firming Fluid (for normal to dry skin types). BEAUTY: Soften wrinkles and crow's feet, and strengthen skin with bamboo, apple plant stem cells, and coconut and neroli oils. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the National Breast Cancer Foundation, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition and American Cancer Society.

SHINE: Garnier Ultra-Lift 2-in-1 Wrinkle Reducer Serum + Moisturizer. BEAUTY: Shea butter and vitamin E provide healthy hydration to smooth wrinkles and boost firming benefits. BEACON: Supports TerraCycle. Carries the Forest Stewardship Council logo.

SHINE: HydroPeptide Anti-Wrinkle Polish & Plump Peel System. BEAUTY: Experience microdermabrasion-like results without irritating crystals with orange peel and lime oils, peptides, alpha hydroxy acid and green tea extract, which enhance elasticity and smooth skin. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens, synthetic fragrances and phthalates. Supports American Cancer Society.

SHINE: Innovative Skincare Instant Smoothing Gel. BEAUTY: Apple and watermelon fruit extracts, peptides, and vitamins A and E help tighten skin, and strengthen and repair the dermal structure. BEACON: Contains no parabens. Supports Washington Cancer Institute, Revlon/UCLA Breast Center and Stars For Stripes. 

SHINE: Lily Herbceuticals Goji Berry Youth Restore Complex Firming Serum. BEAUTY: Accelerate skin cell turnover and restore a youthful looking appearance with goji berry, green tea extract, peptides, hydrolyzed silk and vitamin E. BEACON: Free of petrochemicals and parabens.

SHINE: Luzern Laboratories Serum Absolut Clinical Collagen Booster RX. BEAUTY: Aloe vera leaf juice, peptides and hyaluronic acid help hydrate skin and stimulate new collagen. BEACON: No animal testing. Contains no parabens, preservatives, fragrances, dyes, glycols or petrochemicals.

SHINE: Murad Rejuvenating Lift for Neck and Décolleté and Time Release Retinol Concentrate for Deep Wrinkles. BEAUTY: Restore suppleness of skin, and minimize crepiness and sagging with peptides, vitamin E and pomegranate extract. BEACON: No animal testing. 

SHINE: Pevonia Ligne Esthébuste Restore Neck and Bust Concentrate and Cream. BEAUTY: Chamomile flower extract and kigelia africana fruit extract smooth skin's texture and renew youthful elasticity. BEACON: No animal testing. Supports the Beauty Bus Foundation.

SHINE: Somme Institute Neckline. BEAUTY: Promote tone, texture and clarity of the skin with marine extracts, peptides, and vitamins A and C. BEACON: No animal testing. Free of parabens. 

SHINE: Sumbody Antioxidant Lifter. BEAUTY: Argan, carrot and jojoba oils, black, white and red teas, and coenzyme Q10 act as hydration boosters and anti-wrinkle actives. BEACON: Contains no parabens, animal oils, sodium laurel/laureth sulfates, artificial preservatives or synthetic chemicals. 

SHINE: VENeffect Anti-Aging Intensive Moisturizer. BEAUTY: Reduce fine lines and wrinkles caused by hormonal aging with resveratrol, grapefruit seed extract, peptides and hyaluronic acid. BEACON: Free of parabens.

Pink Power: Support BCA Month with Lip Gloss

SHINE: Afterglow Cosmetics Organic Infused Hydra Gloss Cirque (lustrous cool pink). BEAUTY: For a pretty-in-pink pout, moisturize and nourish your lips with vitamin E, and jojoba seed, avocado and sesame seed oils. BEACON: Donates $2 of every purchase this month to the Young Survival Coalition in honor of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Also contains no parabens, nanos, bismuth oxychloride, gluten or talc.