Nars Tzarine Duo Eyeshadow

One of the many pieces we've been lusting after from the new collection by the incredible Francois Nars is Tzarine: a stunning - if some what bizarrely matched - shadow twin set.

Compromising of a warm gold and cool gunmetal grey, these rich buttery powders are certainly of a high quality. Perhaps not as deeply pigmented as other shades available in the Nars eye range, the texture is a breeze to work with and is evenly transferred onto the lid whether you're using fingers or a brush. Simple to blend and smooth to apply, both shades are perfect for layering to increase the intensity and depth of the overall finish.

Nars Tzarine close up in pan

At first glance, these two shades may not seem like the most harmonious match, yet once applied they sit well as a team. Also, both powders can be quickly sheered down with repeated blending, so this palette is ideal for wear day and night. The gold is just dark enough to be used as a all over base on our lids, but for most skin tones it would no doubt work best as a decadent highlighter.

Nars Tzarine swatched

The cool grey shadow is packed full of large flecks of glitter - which to our happiness, don't seem to drop. After several hours wear, the shimmer still remained on our lids leaving our cheeks sparkle free. For this alone, we love Tzarine.

Nars Tzarine applied to eyelids and sheered down.

This is definitely the more subtle of the eyeshadow duos released in Nars' autumn collection - so for those of you who don't normally opt for bold or dramatic looks, this would be a great palette to pick. We love the texture and quality of the powders, but then for £23 a pop, we'd expect them to be as wonderful as they are.

Nars Tzarine eyeshadow duo is available from counters worldwide and narscosmetics.co.uk at £23 for 4g.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Bobbi Brown Rose Highlighter Pen

Hitting UK counters as of today, Bobbi Brown's new Denim & Rose Autumnal collection has produce what could easily be our favourite product of the year: the stunning radiant facial Highlighter Pen.

Launched in 3 shimmering shades (Opal, Rose and Bronze), this sleek clickable pen dispenses just the right amount of product to swiftly highlight both the cheeks and brow bones. Non sticky in texture, the formula is smooth to blend and is easily layered for a more intense glow.

We picked up Rose - a lightweight dusty pink with just the ideal amount of glimmer. When applied to the skin, the liquid formula creates a delicious dewy finish that - thanks to the product's small glitter particles - won't sink into your pores. If you're someone who is constantly searching for a highlighter than won't accentuate flaws on this skin, then this really could be a great candidate.

Rose Highligher Pen blended/swatched

For some of you the attached brush may be a hygiene issue, but we urge you not to let that stop you from exploring what really is a truly wonderful product. We have a rather vast collection of highlighters and this - on first impressions - is certainly one of the most subtle and natural we've come across. After swatching all three in store, there is a definitely a shade to suit every skintone (the bronze is STUNNING).

If you can, get yourself down to a BB counter and try it out. For us, it really was love at first sight.

Bobbi Brown Rose Highlighter Pen is available from stands worldwide and bobbibrown.co.uk at £24 for 6.3ml

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous

Way back in January we popped into our local Benefit boutique to pick up a fantastic gift set marked down with a hefty 70% discount. Amongst the blusher, mascara and eye pencils, we also received this: the worldwide best selling base from the kitsch Californian cosmetics company...

Advertised as the perfect match "foundation faker", Benefit's Some Kind-a Gorgeous is a sheer cream to powder base which - thanks to it's adaptable translucent shade - is designed to suit the vast majority of international skin tones. Presented in a light plastic compact complete with large mirror for application on the go, this creamy base can be easily applied with either with your fingers, a brush, or the ample circular sponge provided.

Some Kind-a Gorgeous swirled in pan

As the picture below shows, when swatched on our skin the colour lies far too warm on our cool complexion. Admittedly we're rather pale - in fact, we're not even on the MAC shade range - yet for a base that claims to adapt to the wearers' natural make up, it seems like Some Kind-a Gorgeous doesn't even want to have a go with ours.

Some Kind-a Gorgeous swatched/blended

Thankfully, due to the decent sunshine we've experienced this year, the product is just about workable on our semi-tanned face. Although we did experience some streaking, the texture is a pleasure to work with and can be quickly blended into every nook and cranny for an all over polished appearance. Because the coverage is quite light, those of you who prefer any flaws on the skin to be camouflaged by foundation may want to skip this.

Some Kind-a Gorgeous applied to bare skin (no other make up applied except mascara)

There are many things we both like and dislike about this product. We love the silky finish it gives, we love the natural coverage it gives, we love the longevity it gives. However, we really dislike the smell it has and we're frankly frustrated by the one-shade-fits-all approach. We really wish this was a base we could wear all year round, but we just know come autumn we'll be too darn pale for it.

Extreme close up of product on face

All in all this is a good, lightweight foundation - particularly ideal for those of you with young or clear skin. It's just a real shame that Benefit have limited it's appeal by producing such a yellow based mix. If you have a medium skin tone then this could work well on you, but for those of you leaning more towards the pale side of things, it's VITAL you swatch in store.

If you're interested in this formula and have darker skin, then check of Some Kind-a Gorgeous Deep - exactly the same theory, but designed specifically for those of you with more depth to your complexion. Again - we highly recommend you swatch in store!

Benefit Some Kind-a Gorgeous is available worldwide and at benefitcosmetics for £21.50 (9.50g)

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Free With InStyle UK - Body Shop Lip & Cheek Stain

Yet another generous beauty freebie has hit the news stands this month in the form of the fashion-packed September issue of British InStyle:

Bronze Glimmer/Rose Pink

For just £3.60, you can take your pick from a full size version (8ml) of The Body Shop's long lasting lip & cheek stain in either the sheer Pink Rose, or the shimmering summery tones of Bronze Glimmer.

Bronze Glimmer/Rose Pink

Applied using a doe foot sponge applicator, these quick drying, easy to blend tints are long lasting to say the least. Literally leaving a stain on the skin when removed, not even facial scrub and cleansing oil has managed to shift the last remains of Pink Rose from our inner arm. If you're going on holiday, then this stubborn nature certainly makes them ideal candidates for beach make up.

Bronze Glimmer/Rose Pink swatched

Rose Pink is very similar in consistency to a lot of the lip and cheek tints already available on the market. If you've always wanted to try out the much talked about Benetint, but haven't felt the price is justified, then this really is a great alternative.

Bronze Glimmer applied to bare lips.

Bronze Glimmer is far creamier in texture than the sheer matte tone of it's sibling. Packed full of shimmer, we actually find the bronze element of this shade to be rather pink with very little - if not any - hints of orange. Awash with metallic golden particles, this stain turns a rather attractive shade of coral when flirting with the light - fantastic for those of you who've already picked up a summer tan.

With a RRP of £9.50 each - these really are a steal. If you're someone who enjoys the longevity of a stain then certainly cheek these out.

Instyle UK is available at newsagents nationwide for £3.60.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Free BodyForm Travel Tins

Alright, so it's not exactly beauty as such, but these might just be the prettiest element of your ever glorious time of the month:

Available in 10 feminine styles (including fabric pouches to hold tampons), these metallic marvels are hugely welcome in our life after we once - mistakenly - repeatedly tapped a sanitary towel against a london underground ticket barrier. With one of these knocking about in our bag, we'll never be embarrassed ever again. At least, not when it comes to unintentionally showing off our period products.

Bodyform pads are available at drug stores nationwide - including Superdrug, where all packs are currently £1.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Arbonne RE9 Advanced Skincare

GUEST REVIEWER - THE BEAUTY BITE'S MUM!

I was a bit sceptical when I was first asked to try Arbonne's RE9 Advanced skin care range. Mainly for two reasons: Firstly, having reached my 50s, I've already tried many anti-ageing/anti-wrinkle products with limited success and, secondly, I would have to institute a regime using 5 products in both the morning and evening. I wasn't sure if I would have the patience for that. The packaging promised "visible results in 24 hours", so on the Monday I buckled down and began my 16 day trial.

Arbonne RE9 system includes a renewal serum, corrective eye cream, smoothing cleanser, regenerating toner, day creme and night creme.

I was extremely surprised on Tuesday morning when there was already a definite reduction in the fine lines around my eyes. Encouraged, I carried on with the trial and was really pleased with what happened over the next two weeks. The skin around my eyes became much smoother, the bags under my eyes were significantly reduced, plus the dark rings disappeared. The general tone of my skin improved - I do tend towards redness but after a few days of using RE9 the redness was gone and my skin tone was beautifully even. The area above my upper lip where I have vertical wrinkles (the ones I consider the real sign of ageing) became full and plump - and after 7 days, the pesky lines had disappeared completely! Furthermore, the crepey skin on my neck improved considerably and, by the end of the trial, was hardly noticeable at all.

Before I started, my only concern had been having to use 5 products twice a day, but like all routines it became routine and, after the first few days, hardly took any time at all. In fact, I came to quite enjoy the process, finding it a soothing and relaxing way to start and end the day.

After I finished the trial of RE9 I was very eager to buy it, but this proved to be surprisingly difficult. I went on the website to order it and found that I would need an Arbonne ID and PIN number, which I could get from a Consultant. I entered my details to "find a Consultant near you", only to find out there wasn't one in my area but there was a number I could call. I phoned on Monday morning, explained the situation and was told that someone would call that evening. Well, no-one called that evening. Or on Tuesday or on Wednesday. I phoned again on Thursday and a Consultant did ring me that day. She said I had arrived by an "unusual route", which was why I was having difficulties. She wasn't in my area but said she would send me an e-mail with information about how to get onto the website and buy the products. The e-mail, which was auto-generated, invited me to become an Independent Consultant, which wasn't what I wanted. I rang the Consultant and after a bit of a chat, finally managed to get the situation sorted out.

RE9 is an excellent product but if my experience of it hadn't been so good I would probably have given up trying to buy it because the overall purchasing process wasn't easy. I hope someone at Arbonne takes note. As for you, if you were interested enough by my review to try and get hold of RE9 don't be put off by my difficulties. Maybe I was just really unlucky...

So, would I recommend Arbonne's RE9? Absolutely.

Will I go on using it? Most certainly.

I can honestly say that it has worked for me. The fine wrinkles have gone and the bigger ones are clearly reduced. My skin tone is more even, my face looks much younger and my skin feels much smoother. Arbonne RE9 is an excellent product and I'm delighted to have found it.

STAR PRODUCT: If you fancy buying just one product from this range, I would highly recommend the eye cream.It really does work.

Arbonne RE9 Advanced is available from your local Arbonne consultant and the Arbonne website (prices start at £26)

*this product was a free sample obtained by the Beauty Bite*

Giorgio Armani Light Master Make Up Primer

Last month the beautiful Ruth from amodelrecommends had a facial so amazingly brilliant it literally looked liked she'd just swallowed a candle. With logistics not allowing us to undertake in a daily £50 pampering session, her ultra glowing skin put us right on the hunt for a luminescent primer - a product that we hoped would capture just a hint of that illusive inner glow.

After a mere 15 minutes pondering in the Selfridges' beauty hall, this liquid temptress found her way not only into only our heart, but consequently, our make up bag. Ladies and Gentlemen, please say hello to Giorgio Armani Light Master Make Up Primer:

How sexy is she?!

Packed full of an exclusive Micro-Fil pearls technology, this formula possesses the power to literally change colour according to light levels. On the various occasions we've applied the formula to our face, we've been greeted with a wide spectrum of white, pearl, pink, gold or peach particles. This versatility means the illuminator has the ability to sit "naked" on the skin, leaving absolutely no trace of glitter chunks or childish sparkle.

Ultimately designed to give a mirror sheen to the skin whilst highlighting the wearer's cheekbones and contours, Light Master is a fluid primer that is almost watery to the touch. It's lack of thickness means it's probably best suited for those with already smooth skin. We found it doesn't work particularly well at filling in fine lines, yet it does tone down an uneven complexion with just a single pump of product. Plus - and most importantly to us - it radiates like a trooper.

Light Master Make Up Primer swatched/pumped from bottle/blended.

Once blended the product becomes extremely sheer, so it should work for most, if not all, skin tones.

Light Master mightn't be a great primer in the traditional sense of the word, but it's abilities as a radiance primer are phenomenal. Not only does it visibly lift the complexion, it adds a deliciously luxurious glow to your whole overall look. Suitable for use either under foundation or by itself, we think this might just be the closest we'll ever get to the that 'just-swallowed-a-candle' glow.

...that is, unless we accidentally eat one.

Giorgio Armani Light Master Make Up Primer is available from stands worldwide and selfridges.com for £32.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Specs Appeal

Like a large percentage of the UK population, we'd be pretty much stuck without our beloved glasses. Over the last 15 years we've rocked everything from Harry Potter frames to retro cat eyed sunnies - literally, there isn't a single look we haven't tried and deeply loved. Yet in our eyes, the best thing about being a spectacle wearer is the unique skills it's given us at applying make up. After all, prescription lenses can dramatically change your face - it's important to know just how to emphasize the right areas in order to obtain the look you want.

So, with the gorgeously sexy Kelly Brook setting a fine example, we've complied together our top tips for perfectly framed peepers:

Kelly Brook: this years spokeswoman for the Specsavers' annual Spectacle Wearer of the Year award.

- Make sure to always apply a richly pigmented creamy concealer to both lift and brighten the lids and under eyes. Light reflecting products - such as By Terry's Touche Veloutee - are ideal for adding instant radiance to dark circles.

- If you're short sighted load up your lashes with a dark, volumizing mascara - such as Max Factor Masterpiece Max. The prescription of your lenses can often make the eyes appear smaller, so define them further with a slick of liquid eyeliner.

- If you're long sighted gently sweep light, neutral colours across the lids before applying a dash of highlighter to the inner corners. Avoid overly clumpy mascaras as your lenses will magnify any product flaws.

- Make your eyes pop by applying a white eyeliner - such as Benefit's Eye Bright - to the water line. This is particularly effective if you wear dark framed spectacles

- Always curl your lashes.

- If your glasses are thick rimmed, keep your lip colour light and natural. If your glasses are thin, play about with bright reds and pinks.

- False lashes are the perfect weapon for spectacle wearers. Not only do they add punch and definition, but they look unbelievably sexy when fluttering behind frames.

- Keep your brows in tip top condition with regular tweezing - then either fix in place with a tinted gel, or shape with a fine tipped pencil; such as MAC's Eyebrow Crayon. This will not only help frame the face, but also prevent your arches being "weighed down".

- Style your hair to suit the width of your frames. A messy side fringe looks gorgeous with most rim designs and is ultra easy to maintain.

*ARE YOU BRITAIN'S SPECTACLE WEARER OF THE YEAR?*

If you think you look awesome in glasses and fancy strutting your stuff down the catwalk, then why not enter this years Specsavers' Spectacle Wearer Of The Year 2010? Fronted by gorgeous Kelly Brook and Gok Wan, you and your sexy specs could not only bag yourself a modelling contract with Storm - agency to the likes of Kate Moss, Lily Cole and Sophie Dahl - but also a holiday to Barbados, £250, and a years supply of SIMPLE skincare. If that's not enough, there's also runner up prizes including a trip to Paris, £200, and a weekend for 2 in London.

If you think you've got what it takes then enter via the website here. But hurry! Entries close next week.

Good luck!

*this post was written by the Beauty Bite and sponsored by Specsavers*

Max Factor Smoky Eye Effect Eyeshadow

When it comes to eyes, we'll eagerly welcome anything that offers to make application both quick and easy - so it'd be somewhat of an understatement to say we were just a little bit excited to try out these babies: Max Factor Smoky Eye Effect Eyeshadows in the luxurious Bronze Haze and ultra cool Silver Storm.

Max Factor Smoky Eye Effect in Bronze Haze and Silver Storm

Presented in a double ended plastic tube, each shade is made up of two individual steps designed to provide the wearer with an instant, fool proof smoky eye. Within a matter of seconds, the creamy formula can be applied, blended and dressed up with lashings of thick mascara - simply cover the lid with the base tone, swiftly define with the slanted liner, before finishing with a quick smudge to really "smoke" things up. Honestly, who knew shabby to sultry could be achieved with this little effort?

Bronze Haze (steps 1 & 2) and Silver Storm (steps 1 & 2) swatched

This is certainly not the most mature way to apply make up - after all, with it's waxy texture and rounded bullet, Step 1 does feel un-nervingly like using a Crayola Crayon as a shadow. However, once applied the product is easily manipulated and - with foundation as a primer - sits comfortably on the lids for several hours. Alright, we did experience creasing, but considering it only took us 42 seconds (Yes! we timed it!) to achieve a respectable result, we're not holding any grudges.

Bronze Haze applied to eye area.

Silver Storm applied to eye area.

Bordering on the more gimmicky side of cosmetics, this product is definitely going to be a bit of a marmite affair. If you're someone who is confident and comfortable with creating dramatic, sultry looks then you're best off sticking to your trusty brushes and powders. Yet if you're new to make up, short on time, or timid when it comes to more intense eye effects: we couldn't recommend an easier product. It really is a breeze to use. We're totally besotted with the icy grey hues of Silver Storm, and at £7.99 a pop, it makes the perfect introduction for those who mightn't be as familiar with the overall smoky technique: just be sure to prime the lid before hand- otherwise the grease from the formula will cause the product to move.

EDIT: This product is known as Covergirl Smoky Shadow blast in the States. After some research we found a lot of people complaining about the sticks snapping after several uses. We will let you know if this happens to us.

Also, if you have oily lids - this product will probably not work for you.

We can't stress enough: this really is more of a convenience cosmetic and is best designed for those who are new to make up.

Max Factor Smoky Eye Effect Eyeshadows are currently available at Superdrug for £7.99.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Illamasqua Brink Lipstick

Oh dear, sweet Brink lipstick; why do you do this to us? On one hand you are the most beautifully alluring matte coral we have found, on another, you turn our lips into London's driest pout. For months we have prayed to find a happy medium for which you to flourish and sparkle, but yet no balm or exfoliant seems to be able to stand up to the job.

Just looking at your orange and pink hues make us want to smoother you all over our face. How can something so beautiful be so hard to understand?

Brink swatched

We had visions, Brink. Visions of us as a team recreating the graceful elegance of a 1950's prom queen. You know, all matte make up and nipped in dresses. It sounds good, hey?

Well, we can have that. We can still achieve that goal. If only you just let us into your gorgeous, enigma of a world - we really could become great friends.

Brink applied to lips (extreme close up)

We wonder if anyone else out there can help? Any useful tips or tricks? We're not giving up on you yet, Brinky Baby. Not until we've tried everything...

Illamasqua Lipstick in Brink can be purchased from counters internationally and asos.com for £15.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Le Metier De Beaute Creme Fresh Tint - Poppy

This summer has most certainly been crazy about coral. From MAC's elusive Marine Life, to Chanel's much lusted after Genial - the beauty industry just can't seem to get enough of it's ultra attractive tones.

Which is why we're head over heels in love with Le Metier De Beaute's Poppy Creme Fresh Tint; a product pitched as "a cool coral to brighten cheeks and lips for a radiant glow." Upon first hearing those words, our summer skin has been literally waiting arms wide open...

With a consistency that most resembles a lip gloss (as oppose to a balm), you only need a light touch of product to achieve a fresh faced, glimmering glow. Easy to blend on the cheeks, we found the colour had a tendency to become a tad over-powering on ultra pale skin, yet this error is easily corrected with just a simple dusting of setting powder. Due to it's semi-sheer formula, we tried this Creme on a whole spectrum of skin tones and it looks positively stunning on every shade.

Poppy Creme Fresh Tint heavily swatched/blended

In terms of wear, this tint is most definitely in it for the long haul. Naturally, the colour will sit a lot longer on the cheeks than it does on the lips, but in both areas we felt extremely chuffed with the results. The delicate reflective particles within the Creme create the most healthy, fresh, natural gleam and instantly illuminate the areas applied - to have this effect lasting all day is a pretty lovely thing.

Poppy Creme Fresh Tint applied to cheeks

All in all this is probably our favourite take on the coral trend this summer, purely because it's so unbelievably versatile to use. Foolproof to blend and super quick drying, if you're a fan of tints but want a bit more "glow" to your finish - then Le Metier De Beaute's Poppy Creme is a rather awesome way to go. Defying the seasons, we'll most certainly be using this pot all year round.

Le Metier De Beaute Creme Fresh Tint is available from neimanmarcus.com ($28) and liberty (call the store directly 0207 734 1234 to order) for £22.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

01:56am Face Of The Day

The other night we had the joys of performing a hefty stand up gig to a bunch of rowdy punters in a drunken London club. It's hard to feel freshed faced and raring to go at 2am, but thanks to a nifty pack of products, we were able to easily fake a much more "wide awake" approach:

Primer: Arbonne Make Up Primer

Base: Le Metier De Beaute Flawless Finish Foundation in Shade 1

Powder: NO7 Perfect Light Loose Powder

Highlighter: Armani Fluid Sheer in Shade 0

Eyebrows: Max Factor Supernova Pearls Duo

Eyeshadow: L'Oreal Color Appeal Trio Pro for Blue Eyes

Mascara: Avon Astonishing Lengths

Lips: MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 in Petting Pink

As you can see in the picture above, our cheeks became naturally flushed due to the sheer fear we were feeling at the side of the stage. We needn't have worried though; not only did it go fantastically well, but our make up didn't collapse AT ALL under the stage lights. Who doesn't love a hard working base?

How is everyone? Did you all have a good weekend? So excited to see we're nearly up to 100 followers - Woo Hoo! Thank you all so much for your awesome support. You must all be exhausted from being so amazing!

xxx

P.S - These are just some of the fantastic blogs we love reading everyday. If you haven't already, then most definitely check them out!

My Lips But Better

London Beauty Queen

Don't Call Me Jessie

Rocaille Writes

Visionary Beauty

Marks & Spencer Lip Care

"Hey Beauty Bite, what's that?"

"It's Marks & Spencer Lip Care."

"NO WAY! ARE YOU SERIOUS?!"

"Yes."

"WOW. Did you just hear that bang? It was the sound of our minds literally blowing."

"So is it any good?"

"Very much so - and look - no greasy petroleum."

"WHAT THE WHAT?!"

"We're going off to get some right now."

"Awesome. We're terribly excited for you."

"Thanks."

Marks and Spencer Lip Care is available at stores nationwide for £1.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Bumble & Bumble (really) Thickening Serum

Mmm...lovely, lovely volume. How we crave your super thick strands and gorgeously uplifted roots. But alas, the power of genetics decided instead to hand us the delicate package of fine, fragile hair. Ain't that always the way?

Luckily this spring we stumbled upon this bad boy: Bumble & Bumble (really) Thickening Serum.

Containing both Algae Extract and Cholesterol (to strengthen and thicken each strand), this nightly, leave-in treatment fattens and fortifies the hair straight from root to tip. Simply apply two pumps of the water like serum to wet or dry hair, massage in, and patiently wait for volume like you've never known before. It took around 3 weeks of daily use for us to see noticeable results, yet - 4 months in - our hair is looking fuller, healthier and a whole heap thicker.

Two pumps of serum applied to hands.

Friends repeatedly keep noticing how much our barnet has changed, and even the Boyfriend is astonished by just how much hair we seem to have developed. Obviously, this won't give you volume like Beyonce or Cheryl Cole - but if you're anti extensions and want something a bit more "permanent" than a boosting mousse; then this serum can certainly help move things along.

Bumble and Bumble (really) Thickening Serum is available internationally and at windlehair.com for £20.95

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Barry M Boots Limited Edition

Today saw the launch of a brand new, ultra limited edition Barry M nail paint designed exclusively for Boots. A gorgeous vibrant purple with pink undertones, this thick formula not only applies like a dream, but also comes complete with it's very own slick, snazzy gold lid. Ooh err!

(Please excuse the state of our fingers. We think our nails hate us.)

Turning out to be a real pain to photograph, in natural light the colour is a lot less pink than our photo shows. We can only describe the shade as more of a lavender/grape mixture - and it's absolutely packed full of pigmentation.

Currently retailing at £2.95 for 10ml - you can also pick up a bottle for free if you spend £6 or more on any Barry M products.

We're besotted. This is totally a bottle we can see ourselves actually using up.

Barry M Nail Paint in shade number 024 is available exclusively at boots for £2.95.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Elemental Herbology Cell Food Serum

We've been desperately trying to write a review for this product over the last 6 weeks, but words always seem to fail us. Reluctantly we decided to do a brief summary via the method of video. Sorry I keep saying "we" - it makes me sound like the Queen.

Honestly, we cannot harp on enough about how amazing this stuff is. Packed full of natural ingredients and refreshing vitamins, if you want to take your skin to an ultimate level of smoothness and softness, then this is most certainly the way to go.

Elemental Herbology Cell Food Serum is available exclusively at spacenk.com for £38.50

Avon Astonishing Lengths Mascara

First things first, we have to give it to Avon for having the guts to stick the word "astonishing" on what is otherwise a rather ordinary product. This has been gracing our lashes for the last 5 days, and although we're generally quite pleased with it's ability, it certainly isn't the formula the name would lead you to believe.

Claiming to lengthen lashes by up to 65%, the reasonably sized brush evenly grabs and coats every hair from root to tip. However, due to the products wet and thin consistency, we're yet to experience an application completely free of smudges or smears. If you don't have a cotton bud handy then this mascara is certainly best left alone.

Before:

After:

Plus:

Although it states to be clump free, from our experience we've encountered several repeat cases of sticky lashes - yet once brushed out this mascara does hold up exceptionally well. At the weekend we rocked it for 16 hours straight

and not once did it slip, slide or smudge. All in all we've thoroughly enjoyed wearing this as a subtle day look, but as far as "astonishing" goes? Perhaps another word should have been picked from the thesaurus.

Avon Astonishing Lengths mascara is available from local representatives and avon.com for $2.99 (currently on sale from $8.50.)

*this product was a free sample obtained by the Beauty Bite*

A Question...

For the last few days we've been thoroughly reviewing a delightfully gorgeous mineral powder foundation. However, we can't quite work out if it's just a tad too glittery or not...

What do you think? Wearable or borderline disco ball?

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss

Hands up who fancies plumped up, gorgeously glossy lips this summer? Well, this week sees the launch of the brand new Rimmel Vinyl Gloss - a magnifying formula claiming to give up to 80% more shine. Seriously, with potential like that who are we to resist?

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss in Be Famous and Pin Up

Available in a range of 14 shimmering shades, we picked up the peachy 'Be Famous' and full on fuschia 'Pin Up'. Practically brimming with subtle shimmer, both glosses possess a smell not too dissimilar to sherbet. In all honesty, we kind of like it. The sugary colours swirled with the sweet scent make for an all over pleasurable experience. Not the most sophisticated of traits, but sometimes we like our lippie resembling a pick'n'mix counter. Is that so wrong?

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss Be Famous and Pin Up swatched

Without a doubt our favourite element of Vinyl Gloss is it's superb non-sticky formula. Once applied, the consistency feels almost velvety against the lips and sits happily - shift free - for up to two hours. During wear we didn't notice any dryness, yet the heavy pigmentation of our natural lip colour did cause the brightness of 'Pin Up' to streak.

Be Famous applied to heavily pigmented lips

'Be Famous' is a fantastic versatile colour. An absolute breeze to apply, if you're thinking of picking up just one shade, make it this. We love it!

Pin Up applied to heavily pigmented lips

'Pin Up' - when not streaking - really is vibrant pink at it's best; we love layering it over lipstick to add longevity to it's tone. Easy to dress up or down, we can see this easily becoming a favourite in our routine.

Overall we're hugely impressed with Rimmel's newest addition to the family. Upon application our lips felt both smooth and hydrated, plus instantly appeared more plumped and curved. At only £3.99 a pop, we're seriously tempted to stock up on the whole lot. A summer handbag essential for sure.

Rimmel Vinyl Gloss is currently available exclusively at Superdrug for £3.99 (rrp £4.99).

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*