MAC Viva Glam

This Wednesday don't forget to don your red ribbon and help support World Aids Day 2010.

MAC are once again backing the charity via their range of Viva Glam lipsticks, glosses, cards and accessories. Since 1998 the sale of these items alone have raised over £4.4 million in the UK; and with your help this year that figure can be made far, far higher.

Your purchases really do change lives, so please visit the MAC website (search 'Viva Glam') and help support this vitally important fund. Alternatively, check out worldaidsday.org this December 1st to donate straight to the cause.

Elemental Herbology Facial Detox Mask

All skin types are prone to periods of pore congestion. Whether it be down to hormones, pollution or varying temperatures; if you truthfully manage to get through an entire year without a single clog then you really ought to be put on display in the Museum Of Amazing Skin.

For the rest of us mere mortals though, we can always rely on products like this:

Elemental Herbology Facial Detox is an ideal stand-by mask for periods of spotty eruptions or sensitive skin. Apply a thin layer onto the face - allowing it to both dry and set - before gently washing away with warm water, leaving a visually instant pore perfect result. Whilst the Amazonian Clay eliminate toxins, lashings of Manuka Honey both soothe and calm any irritation to the skin.

Facial Detox heavily swatched

This is always a reliable product to have on hand, after all, many times it's saved me from small spot clusters becoming full blown break outs. If your skin reacts quite drastically around your time of the month then Facial Detox would be a great product to look into - plus, it also works fantastically well on male skin. With the ability to correct a multitude of problems, this is a firm favourite in the Beauty Bite household

Elemental Herbology Facial Detox can be purchased from spacenk.co.uk at 75ml for £25.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

The Beauty Bite - Skincare Routine Video

Here's a very bad video about my skincare routine. I do apologise - I plan to write a far more in depth post very soon!

Ren Mini Rose Set

Priced at just £15, I don't think there are many high end gift sets which are as beautiful and affordable as this delightful offering from Ren.

Containing their much lusted after Moroccan Rose Otto Bath Oil , this trio of beautifully fragranced skincare treats are an ideal gift for beating post Christmas stress. After all, why not enter 2011 literally smelling like roses?! Presented in travel friendly 50ml bottles, this also makes a great introduction to a gorgeously decedent range of products.

If you haven't had the opportunity to try out Ren before then their seasonal gift packs are a great way to bond with the brand. I've got my eye on the mini body set (also £15) which is an equally sweetly packed quartet of gels and creams. I can't imagine any beauty fans being miffed to find one of these under the tree...

Ren Mini Rose set is available from selected retailers worldwide and spacenk.co.uk for £15.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Boudreaux's Butt Paste

Yes, Butt Paste.

You'd be excused for thinking this product was nothing more than a throwaway gimmick, but I'd challenge anyone to find a quicker, more effective formula. Originally designed to soothe and beat even the most extreme cases of nappy rash, if you have eczema then you need this in your life.

Butt Paste swatched

Formulated by a US pharmacist and pediatrician, Butt Paste (Yes, I'm going to keep saying it) contains 16% Zinc Oxide, Peruvian Balsam, Citric Acid and Castor Oil. Blended to form a thick and heavy cream, the product absorbs slowly providing long term, effective relief from the painful effects of chapped skin. It's the only lotion I've ever used on my Eczema that has completely eradicated the problem - and for that, I'll always love it.

Since reading about the brand 7 years ago, Butt Paste has transformed the lives of many friends and family who suffer from the banes of excessive dry skin. I'll never forget the day my mother marched to a school friends house upon hearing he was suffering from Eczema - she calmly knocked on the door and whispered the words "I have Butt Paste for you" before slowly walking away. It's fair to say he was completely freaked out.

As you can imagine a product named Butt Paste doesn't smell particularly great, plus it stains like no one's business, but in relation to the results it gives a little whiff and mark are no battle. I could't recommend this formula highly enough - plus it's always fun leaving it on display when guests come over...

Boudreaux's Butt Paste is available from selected stores worldwide, amazon.com and buttpaste.com

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

FREE NUDE SAMPLE SET EXCLUSIVELY FOR BEAUTY BITE READERS

There are still a few sets remaining so if you haven't already picked one up now's your last chance...

Just e-mail your name and address to thebeautybite@hotmail.com and await the gift of gorgeous skin!

Don't forget, there is still a massive 20% Serum discount over at nudeskincare.com exclusively for Beauty Bite Readers. Just type in the code 'PERFECT SKIN' at checkout.

Eve Lom TLC Radiance Cream

2009 saw the woman behind "the world's greatest cleanser" release her first new product in over 5 years: the daily nourishing TLC Radiance Cream.

An extension of the iconic TLC day cream, this quick absorbing vitamin c enriched moisturiser contains Sepilift; a triple action lifting complex which claims to instantly smooth out fine lines. On application there is certainly a tightening sensation and - to my amazement - my Lindsay Lohan stylee forehead lines are visibly reduced within moments. If you're into anti-ageing tech then this is an ideal candidate for your morning moisturising routine; it smells divine and hydrates to perfection.

TLC Radiance Cream swatched

Added Silica Mica creates natural sheen to the skin providing a gorgeous radiant glow to areas that may otherwise be prone to dullness. Although the effects are only temporary, it's provides a fantastic base for either foundation or a light dusting of powder. If you like to see quick results, then those with fine lines or mature skin should be pretty thrilled with what this product has to offer.

Leaving skin feeling smooth to the touch - although this cream won't turn the clock back - with daily use it certainly visually improves both tone and texture. If cool winter weather, drying central heating and generous festive parties leave your complexion somewhat lagging, a thin layer of Radiance Cream will calmly help whip things into shape.

Eve Lom TLC Radiance Cream is available from Space NK and evelom.com at £40 for 50ml.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

MAC & Nicki Minaj - Pink Friday

This Friday sees the limited UK launch of MAC's latest collaboration with gorgeous US rapper and style icon Nicki Minaj. Available exclusively at selfridges.com and maccosmetics.co.uk, this creamy satin formula takes the name 'Pink Friday' in honour of the singer's latest album.

If you fancy a piece of the action then be quick; this lippy is only available to purchase for the following four Fridays: November 26th, December 3rd, December 10th and December 17th. After that - it's gone for good! To celebrate the newest addition to MAC's enviable collaboration repertoire, Nicki revealed the inspiration behind her custom made shade:

"This shade is similar to the one I've worn for years by M·A·C but with a little extra ZING! I wanted a color that represented female empowerment as well as euphoria! The color makes u feel free to rule the world. Its sexy, yet fun! It pops! Its theatrical! It turns heads! No matter your age, Pink Friday makes u feel like you're the life of the party!

I've been wearing M·A·C products since my High School prom. I actually got it done at a M·A·C counter. From that day on, I've been hooked! I've always felt like M·A·C represents women of all colors and shades. The make- up always feels like it was custom made for your skin, your shade, your beauty regimen. The day I sat down with them I was very nervous. This had been my dream for a very long time. Surprisingly, they made me feel right at home. They had researched my pictures, my music, my fans! The staff seemed more like family than co-workers. It was a great experience."

If you're a fan of Nicki's pop out style or just a sucker for full blown Barbie pinks, this lipstick will be the perfect start to your weekend.

Pink Friday is available exclusively at selfridges.com and maccosmetics.co.uk from November 26th.

Miss Ballantyne - Custom Made Skincare

Based in beautiful Edinburgh, Miss Ballantyne is a unique company run by Karen; a trained Medical Herbalist BSC (Hons). Using only organic fair trade produce - and with prices starting from an astonishing £2.74 - Miss Ballantyne creates herb infused skincare derived from 100% pure unprocessed raw ingredients.

Everything is mixed by hand, potted by hand and labelled by hand. I've been working my way through a gorgeous personalised 'Green' cream; which has kicked my more rebellious areas of dry skin into supreme tip top condition.

'Green' cream heavily applied

The best part is that with just one simple e-mail Miss Ballantyne will construct you a personal custom made blend designed specifically for your own skin's needs. Organic hand made unique skincare delivered straight to your door (she ships internationally for just $6)? We wish every beauty brand was as intimate as this.

Miss Ballantyne is sold directly through Etsy - prices start from $4 (about £2.74) - click here for more details.

If you fancy a custom made cream, click here to place a personal request (you must become an Etsy member to order).

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Elemis Enriching Body Treats

Kicking off The Beauty Bite's very first Skincare Week is this fantastic seasonal offering from Spa favourites Elemis.

Presented in a glossy turquoise box, this collection makes an ideal gift for all bath time addicts - after all, what could possibly beat a long hot soak on a cold winter's night? No matter your mood, all tastes are catered for amongst this pick and mix of luxurious, heavenly scented lotions. I'm hooked on the Wild Lavender Hand and Body Wash; gorgeously moisturising, this unbelievably calming fragrance makes the perfect choice for a post-work wash down. Contrasting nicely with Sharp Shower - an instantly refreshing gel ideal for duller mornings.

Included alongside the bottle quartet are two 50ml tubes comprising of body solutions Skin Nourishing Hand and Body Lotion, plus Exotic Frangipani Monoi Bath and Shower Cream.The latter is great for pre-party prep thanks to it's gentle fragrance and ultra hydrating formula. If you like your skin super soft then this has huge potential to be your newest bathroom addiction.

The 100ml sizes are great for weekends away and, when split up, would make perfect stocking fillers for both men and women (my boyfriend is repeatedly drawn to the citrus flavours of Exotics Lime and Ginger; lather this up and your bathroom will smell divine!) Elemis are an exceptional brand that repeatedly impress and this selection pack will certainly leave you lusting for more. High quality, beautifully packaged, enjoyable to use - what's not to love?

If you fancy a relaxing and indulgent way to beat the winter blues than this set will not only banish dry skin, but also de-stress and calm in the process. As far as beauty gifts go Elemis have a stellar range and this sextuplet selection will make a star item under any skincare lovers Christmas tree.

Elemis Enriching Body Treats is available from selected salons and stores worldwide, plus timetospa.co.uk for £29.

The Beauty Bite: Skincare Week

Nars Etrusque Eyeshadow

If eyes are the windows to the soul then this shadow must be the equivalent of pure gold threaded luxurious silk curtains.

Smooth and buttery, Etrusque has to be one of Nars' greatest shadows in terms of both pigmentation and texture. It's golden antique colour applies true to pan and, when primed, remains effortlessly crease free.

The warm tone works surprising well on cool skin tones making this the ideal shade for all complexions. If you're looking for a dramatic evening eye but are bored of the trusted smokey effect then this teamed with lashings of chocolate brown eyeliner will provide the perfect substitute.

Etrusque swatched

Free from large flecks of glitter and shimmer, if you're a fan of metallics then Etrusque is without a doubt a must have.

Etrusque applied to bare eyelids

Etrusque applied to bare eyelids

Nars Etrusque Eyshadow is available from selected stores worldwide and narscosmetics.co.ukfor £16

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Free Nude Sample Set For All Beauty Bite Readers

THIS OFFER IS NOW CLOSED!

Don't forget to e-mail your address to thebeautybite@hotmail.com in order to receive your very own free Nude Sample Set!

I've got a few left so if you fancy picking one up for friends or family let me know!

Top 10 Lip Balms

Chapped lips needn't be an issue this winter, especially if you're armed with one of these beauties:

Simmons 25g Paw Paw Salve - £3.79

Petroleum free, this works faultlessly as both a base for matte lipsticks and an intense cuticle cream.

Kiehl's Lip Balm 15g- £9

Complete with SPF 4, although this formula may be greasy, it works absolute wonders on ultra dry skin.

Vaseline - £1

The old classic. If it's good enough for Gran, then it's good enough for us...

Nude Lips 10ml - £10

Presented in a quirky cube, this smooth formula quickly melts into the skin providing visually plumped up, glossy lips. If your pout is starting to feel the effects of autumn's drying winds this balm will quickly whip things back into shape!

Max Factor Xperience Sheer Lip Gloss Balm - £6.99

If you like your products to multi task then this light weight, glitter packed lippy is the ideal winter party companion.

Marks and Spencer Lip Care - £1

Containing Lanolin, this product is best suited for prevention rather than cure when it comes to a chapped pout. Keep prepared this season by chucking one of these in your purse...

Nivea Lip Care Essential - £1.59

Especially formulated by Nivea's skincare experts, Essential helps both maintain and protect your lips natural softness.

MAC Tinted Lip Conditioner SPF 15 - £10.50

Available in 5 feminine shades, this sheer tint not only hydrates but also packs a gorgeous natural hint of colour. The perfect substitute for lipstick.

Korres Lip Butter - £6

Glossy, buttery and smooth; these nifty little pots of colour not only make a great treat for your lips but also second up as gorgeous Christmas gifts.

Eve Lom Kiss Mix - £12.50

If you like your kisses to be minty fresh, then this menthol, Zinc containing formula will definitely be your cup of tea! Who knew repairing chapped skin could taste so good?!

FREE NUDE SAMPLE SET & 20% DISCOUNT EXCLUSIVELY FOR ALL BEAUTY BITE READERS

THIS OFFER IS NOW CLOSED!

If you're a regular reader of this blog then you'll know just how much I love Nude Skincare, which is why I'm both thrilled and excited to exclusively offer all Beauty Bite readers this fantastic opportunity.

Up for grabs are 200 sample sets containing four of Nude's most popular formulas; Advanced Eye Complex , Age Defence Moisturiser, Miracle Mask and the cult classic Cleansing Facial Oil. Presented in a sleek purple box complete with a detailed glossy product guide, this is the ultimate chance to test out a truly impressive brand.

If you fancy a box either for yourself, a friend, a loved one - or even as a cheeky stocking filler - then simply e-mail your name and address to thebeautybite@hotmail.com. Easy!

This offer is open to ALL readers internationally, so if you don't live near a store that stocks the range this is the perfect way of vigorously testing the products before committing to any online buys.

Nude formulas are 100% free of parabens, sulphates, mineral oils and silicones - so absolutely no nasty stuff can be found in any of these sachets! Plus, with the party season about to kick into full swing, you'll be eternally grateful for Miracle Mask - a wonder product that can make even the most tired and hungover skins look radiant with health!

And thats not all...

The wonderful people at Nude are also offering you guys a second exclusive involving my number one product of 2010:

For one week only, Beauty Bite readers will receive a massive 20% off Nude's Advanced Cellular renewal serum. Simply head over to nudeskincare.com and enter the promo code PERFECT SKIN at the checkout.

Phew! So get e-mailing and let the natural skincare revolution begin!

Enjoy!

The Beauty Bite

x

Topshop Skin Tint

For a new launch, Topshop cosmetics are certainly doing well for themselves. With glossy magazines praising their ever so simple yet painfully in vogue collections, to a certain degree I can't understand why on earth this idea wasn't developed years ago; it's genius!

Amongst the blushers and bronzers lies a duo of bases - the medium coverage matte finish powder foundation, and the sheer dewy goodness of the long lasting skin tint:

Available in 4 shades, I picked up a tube of 'Fair' way back in July. Like most people, my overall skin tone darkens during the summer, so I pretty much dismissed the formula's yellow based colourings as a seasonal product I'd have to give up on come Autumn.

How wrong was I?

Fair Skin Tint swatched/ sheered out

All 4 tones of the Skin Tint pump out heavily pigmented, but don't let the instant contrast against your own skin tone put you off. The texture is almost that of a liquid and blends down to an incredible level of sheerness. If you're looking for coverage, then this blend won't do anymore then the most subtle evening out.

Fair Skin Tint applied to bare skin

Alright, so it's by no means a 'perfect match', yet the ultra dewy, radiant, glowing finish certainly makes up for any grumbles on the tonal front. Suitable for blending either by hand, sponge or brush, the sheerness of Topshop Skin Tint means pretty much all skin tones should be covered across the range.

Extreme close up of the product on the skin

Not the most delightful smelling of foundations, I do find the general texture on application to be somewhat greasy. That being said though, the product dries both quickly and evenly on the skin without feeling at all oily.

If you're someone who likes your bases sheer, then this is a hard working product (around 9 hours wear) at a purse friendly price. Hello Topshop Make up, we could become very fond of you...

Topshop Skin Tint is available from selected Topshop stores and topshop.com for £10.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Chanel Holiday 2010

Oh mama. It's finally landed on UK soil...

Does anyone else feel slightly weak at the knees?

Magnolia Rouge Coco

Magnolia Rouge Coco swatched

Pulsion Nail Le Vernis

Blush Duo Effect in Tweed Fuchsia

There are already literally hundreds of reviews for this collection online so I'm not entirely sure I can bring anything new to the table here. If you're a Chanel Junkie then most definitely get your hands on the Tweed Blush - not only is it absolutely stunning in the pan, but the powder is pigmented enough to provide you with a whole array of looks depending on what kind of brush you use. I've been trying it out with the Benefit Fan brush and the subtle result is perfect for those who favour the natural English rose look.

Magnolia is easily another stand out from the range but do note that the formula does contain quite a lot of glitter particles, albeit them very, very small.

Did anyone else stop by their local stand today? Which product are you most loving?

Chanel Holiday 2010 is available from Chanel counters across the UK.

Max Factor Xperience Volumising Mascara

Max Factor's lastest range of weightless-to-wear products have taken chemists across the country by storm. Originally launching with the pore busting Xperience Foundation way back in September, the collection has since extended to include a series of glossy lip balms plus an innovative volume inducing mascara.

Using a brand new mousse effect formula which doesn't weigh the hair down, Xperience Mascara allows the lashes to feel both light and lifted; a nifty trick which helps instantly add fluttery volume to the natural curl. If you dig the minimal look yet hate the idea of facing the world mascara free, then this does a great job of enhancing what nature already gave you.

Before:

After:

Application is a breeze: the long wand comfortably grabs each strand and delivers both a quick and even result completely free of stickiness. I wouldn't say this mascara was any more pleasurable to wear, simply because I'v never felt heavy lashes to be an issue, yet I would note that the curl definitely stayed perkier for longer. Even after 10 hours wear there was not a single smudge, flake or patch of stiffness to be found.

Available in either black or brown, this product certainly lives up to Max Factor's already impressive CV of mascaras. If you're a fan of Masterpiece then this will probably be your cup of tea, although those of you hooked on Masterpiece Max may crave a little more depth.

Max Factor Xperience Mascara is available from Max Factor stands, boots.com for £10.99, and Superdrug for £7.99.

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

Build A Bag With Vichy Normaderm!

To celebrate the launch of Normaderm, a fantastic new range for acne prone skin, they lovely people at Vichy are not only giving YOU the chance to design your own handbag, but also see it come to life via the skills of a top bag designer!

And that's not all - every entrant who submits a design will automatically receive a sample from Normaderm Tri Active; a product collection created to help beat blemishes, blackheads, clogged pores and shine.

If you're feeling creative then head on over to Vichy's facebook page to let your bag imagination run wild! Good luck!

To learn more about Vichy's Normaderm range click here.

Bumble & Bumble Go In Style Travel Bag

Hands up who loves awesome products presented in quirky, travel friendly purses; because if you do, then today is certainly your lucky day...

Bumble & Bumble Go In Style Travel Bag is an simple yet aesthetically pleasing zip case containing a trio of formulas designed to transport your hair from flat to fab in just one quick wash. Containing 50ml versions of their thickening shampoo, conditioner and hair spray - this is an ideal introduction to a wonderful range of volume products.

It's always nifty to check out these tester sets before committing to bigger buys - particularly if you suffer from a sensitive scalp. Bumble and Bumble's thickening formula is awesome to say the least, and the hairspray will make a great party handbag essential. If you're someone who is always searching for a bit more oomph to your hair then this kit is a definitely a great solution to your woes.

Bumble and Bumble Go In Style Travel Bag is available from selected retailers and spacenk.co.uk for £15

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

No7 Delight Sheer Temptation Lipstick

They're back!

If like me your purse is literally bulging with Boots' £5 off No7 vouchers, then you could certainly do a lot worse than picking up one of these stunning gloss meets lipstick hybrids.

Sheer Temptation is available in a range of 12 shades developing from subtle natural nudes to full on racy reds. I picked up Delight - possibly the lightest colour of the bunch once applied - this glistening pink has not only the characteristics of a conditioning balm, but also the moist appearance of a super sticky gloss.

Delight Lipstick swatched

Enriched with both natural waxes and Theobroma Oil, this formula is extremely comfortable to wear. It noticeably feels luxuriously hydrating and is perfect for anyone who regular suffers from dried out lips. Non sticky to touch, the colour effortlessly applies to the skin and instantly adds the illusion of both volume and plumpness.

Delight Lipstick applied to heavily pigmented lips

Priced at £9.50, these are an absolute steal when purchased with the voucher. Although not long lasting in any sense (I managed around 45 minutes before reapplying) it's best to treat this product as if it was a gloss, simply due to the lightness of the formula. If you fancy a money saving, moisturising treat then Sheer Temptation will definitely have a colour to suit.

No 7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick in Delight is available from Boots and boots.com for £9.50.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Benefit Gilded Highlighting Pencil

This season why not make this swift little beauty your time saving high light (ho! ho! ho!) of an overall more radiant routine...

Benefit Gilded is a multi functional soft pencil (somewhat similar in texture to that of It Stick) designed to add a deep golden glow to areas of the eyes, lips, cheeks and nose. Suitable for all skin tones, it can be quickly manipulated into a creamy texture by applying moisturiser directly on top - ideal for adding warmth to cooler winter complexions.

Gilded swatched (not blended)

Long wearing, it also doubles up as a vibrant eye shadow which is easily blended using the warmth of the fingertips. Priced at £14, although it's certainly pricey for it's size, it definitely delivers a vast array of uses. I find Benefit usually quite hit and miss in it's products, yet for me, Gilded is probably one of their more stronger creations to date. It's been a permanent staple in my make up bag for several years and I love it just as much now as I did way back in the day.

If you love having a warmer glow to the skin then Gilded is a great product for consideration.

Benefit Gilded is available from benefit counters worldwide and boots.com for £14.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*