Free With InStyle UK - L'Occitane Hand Cream

This month's magazines are once again jammed packed with some fabulous beauty freebies (check out the Ciate nail polishes...) and InStyle are leading the way with these rather delightful offerings from chic French brand L'Occitane...

With a standard retail value of £7 each, you can pick up one of these 30ml tubes for a more purse friendly £3.60. Available in Cherry Blossom, Shea Butter and Orange Blossom - we're definitely stocking up for the winter!

We've sworn by the original Shea Butter formula for years. Thick and creamy in it's texture, it dries relatively quickly to leave the skin instantly smooth to the touch - if you've never tried this lotion before, then most certainly pick one up!

InStyle UK is available from all newsagents across the country priced at £3.60

BaByliss Big Hair Giveaway!

If you're someone who literally spends hours spraying your hair with product after product in order to achieve a big and bouncy mane, then look no further - because we're giving away 1 product that will instantly bless you with the volume you crave...

The clever folks at Babyliss have not only unleashed a revolutionary new tool that creates gorgeous voluminous locks, but one that pretty much does so without any hassle. In fact, Big Hair is so unique in it's ways, that it could change your styling routine forever...

Let's take a look at the prize in action:

Clever, huh? The rotating hot air brush single handedly recreates the styling skills of a hairdresser armed with their trusty drier and barrel brush. So now there's really no reason why you can't step out of your own house with salon quality hair - amazing!

Retailing at £45 this is certainly a competition not to be missed - so if you fancy the chance of nabbing yourself the trade's secret tool for a faultless, glossy, bouncy barnet then simply leave a comment on this post stating your name and e-mail address. Good luck!

Terms and Conditions:

- Only 1 entry per person.

- If you have a blogger I-D then you must be a follower of the Beauty Bite to enter.

- This competition is only open to UK readers - sorry folks, the product's voltage is manufactured to British standards.

- The winner will be contacted privately via e-mail.

- Closing date for entries is Wednesday October 6th at 9pm GMT.

If you want to find out more about this innovative new product then simply click here!

The BaByliss Big Hair styling brush can be purchased from Boots, Amazon and Argos for £45

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

Chantecaille Future Skin Foundation

We all have a one major cosmetic weakness, and for us that vice is certainly foundation. We've obtained quite the collection over the years; desperately on the hunt for any new wonder products promising to propel our skin to new levels of unknown awesomeness. This month we've become rather fond of our latest find: Chantecaille's Future Skin.

'Unique' is probably the best way to describe this product; completely free of oils, this gel like texture is able to transfer water into the skin providing an adjustable, even coverage. Light Reflective Particles add that all important glow, and ingredients such as Rosemary and Green Tea not only help prevent oxidation, but also provide the most dreamy fragrance. Using this feels luxurious to say the least...

Close up of product inside jar

The Hygiene conscious amongst you will have no doubt clocked the dreaded germ spreading horror that is "foundation in a jar". Don't panic too much, though: Chantecaille have included a sturdy plastic lid to insure all nasties are kept at bay. Just make sure you don't go dipping greasy, dirty fingers in, obvs.

Swatched/blended

Future Skin's light texture means application is always swift and smooth. We love the dewy effect achieved by buffing it in with a bronzing brush - or the more fleshy appearance when massaged gently with the fingers.

Chanticaille Future Skin Foundation (in Porcelain) applied to bare skin

This formula is easily built up, so coverage can be comfortably taken from sheer to full. We found that 2 layers of product lasted a whole day without any streaking or patching, whilst 3 managed to survive a rather sweaty 30th birthday party. Plus, the hydration of the gel's water means the skin was spared looking or feel the slightest bit dry after wear - perfect!

Extreme close up of product on the skin (spot the rushed blending skills!)

This product is pricey and, to be honest, we only purchased it when offered a 25% discount. However, after wearing it daily for the last few weeks it's something that will definitely be repurchased. Available in a spectrum of 12 shades, there should be something to suit all skin tones, plus the sheerness means a shade darker would work faultlessly during the summer months.

If you're comfortable spending this amount of money on a foundation, then Chantecaille's Future Skin is certainly one to check out...

Chantecaille's Future Skin is available from selected retailers worldwide and spacenk.co.uk for £52

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Lancome Hypnose Mascara

A short while ago we picked up a small sample tube of Lancome's customisable volume mascara Hypnose. Fitted with it's very own patented powerFULL brush, the product claims to visibly thicken lashes by up to 6 times their natural state. Promising a clump free, simple and smooth application, we wanted to see if these mighty statements could actually be matched by such a tiny tester...

The long thin brush easily hugged the majority of our lashes and certainly delivered a clean, even coat of mascara. However, although we didn't experience any clumping, the wetness of the formula did cause some of our lashes to cling whilst drying; though, it definitely wasn't anything that couldn't be fixed with a quick swipe of the brush...

Bare lashes

Lashes with 1 coat of Lancome Hypnose (black)

There's no denying Hypnose lengthens, thickens and emphasis, yet our favourite trait without a doubt is it's longevity. This formula really packs a punch and lasted a whole 12 hours wear without flaking, drooping, crumbling or smudging. We found that 3 coats instantly took our lashes to an enviable state of flutter and, during the course of an evening, were asked 8 times if they were in fact falsies!

If you're looking for 1 product to swiftly take you from day to night, then generous lashings of this would definitely do the job.

Lancome Hypnose mascara is available from selected retailers worldwide and lancome.co.uk for £20.

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

Topshop Nutmeg Cream Blush

Sometimes you just have to look at a product to know it's going to be a pain to photograph - and this blush was certainly no exception. Although the colour may vary in every snap we took, we can safely say that in the flesh Nutmeg is indeed the perfect candidate for a warm, autumn blush.

The colour in this picture best represents the product.

Smooth in the pan, the formula easily melts onto the fingers and can be applied, sheered out and blended with the greatest of ease. At only £6 for a 4g pot - complete with large mirror - we can't help but be majorly impressed at Topshop's efforts. The blush is neither drying or greasy and leaves absolutely no trace of stickiness to the cheek; problems we've encountered with products up to 3 times this price.

Nutmeg Swatched/Sheered

Nutmeg is best described as a brown based pink, and due to the colour's depth can be easily toned up or down in order to compliment all complexions. If you're someone who prefers bronzer to blush, then this would make a great stepping stone. After all, who doesn't love a little rosy cheek action come winter?

Nutmeg applied over foundation

Glitter free, when applied Nutmeg adds a gorgeous sheen to the skin and lasts around 5 hours wear when layered over foundation. If you fancy a cheap complexion lifting pick me up, then Topshop would certainly be a good place to start...

Topshop Nutmeg Cream Blush is available from stores nationwide and topshop.com at £6 for 4g.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Elemis Exotic Eau De Parfum

Following the hugely successful launch this spring of their debut fragrance, Elemis are back in the world of perfume with a somewhat more sensual affair.

Exotic is certainly luxurious to say the least - packed full of Cinnamon Bark, Pink Pepper, Clove Bud Oil, Ylang Ylang and Tuberose to name but a few - this warming scent lingers on the skin with the most deep and delicious woody bass notes.

We love the smell best around half an hour after application; it's very seasonal, very sultry and very easy to wear. It's definitely a night time fragrance and a tad mature in it's tones, so probably best to keep it away from teenage skin. However, we simply ADORE the fact it comes with a purple velvet travel case - ideal for throwing into your handbag and keeping the bottle scratch free, not to mention how painfully elegant it looks when you take it out for top ups.

If this doesn't sound like your kind of scent, then still most definitely check it out - it'll make a stunning birthday or christmas gift.

Elemis Exotic is available from Elemis counters worldwide and timetospa.co.uk at £35 for 28ml.

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

No7 Limited Edition Plum Rebellion Soft Matte Finish Lipstick

We don't know about you, but this autumn we've been craving berry bitten lips a whole heap more than usual. However, we've never quite worked out how to rock a rich red with the sultry confidence needed. That's why No7's limited edition offering - Plum Rebellion - has made one trend we usually shy away from far more accessible than ever...

Created in an uber trendy Matte Finish, although this colour may look heavy on the bullet, it applies only to transform into the most gorgeously sheer of shades. Non drying, this is definitely a lip friendly formula that doesn't require plenty of prep before hand...Who'd have thought it!?!

Plum Rebellion swatched

Super light to wear, this product is without a doubt a pleasure to possess in your seasonal make up bag. However, our only gripe is that the colour faded slightly on our heavily pigmented pout after just 30 minutes wear. We plan to try it again later with the aid of a lip primer, simply because we love this shade way too much to give up on it just yet...

Plum Rebellion applied to heavily pigmented lips (after 30 minutes wear)

If you like the look of this autumnal beauty then be quick! It's only gracing stores for a couple more weeks, alongside it's more neutral sibling Nude Rebel. We're not usually big fans of No7, but this lipstick is definitely a stand out piece to check out next time you're on the highstreet.

No7 Plum Rebellion is available from Boots stores nationwide and boots.com for £9.75

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

Beautifully Delicious Honey & Almond Scrublicious

Just thinking about this product makes our mouths water...

Packed full of hydrating honey and exfoliating walnut shells, this decedent body scrub is ideal for awakening the skin on a crisp autumn morning. Thick in texture, when massaged in Scrublicious leaves dry areas both instantly softer and smoother - ideal for any flaking around the elbows or knees. We've been using it daily for the last week and have literally been counting down the minutes until bathtime - at only £3.99 per 200ml, this is one sweet treat we won't be feeling guilty about.

Honey and Almond Body Scrub swatched/ sheered out

Honestly, skincare shouldn't be allowed to smell this good; it's tough walking around with an odor so insanely tasty you want to nibble your own arms!

Beautifully Delicious Honey & Almond Scrublicious is available from Boots, Sainsburys, beautifullydelicious.co.uk and kmiclub.com for £3.99.

*ORDER BEFORE MIDNIGHT TONIGHT AT KMICLUB.COM AND RECEIVE TWO FREE MINIS WITH ANY 500ML GEL OR CREAM PURCHASE*

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

Max Factor Xperience Weightless Foundation

This autumn's key make up look is natural, so what better way to play into the trend then by checking out Max Factor's latest offering; Xperience Weightless Foundation.

Offering to provide flawless coverage without blocking pores, this product is similar in both texture and finish to that of Armani's iconic Face Fabric. The thick, almost gel like liquid blends seamlessly into a soft, powdery finish that sits comfortably on the skin and, as the name would suggest, is pretty much weightless when worn.

Light Ivory swatched/blended

Unlike Face Fabric, Xperience Weightless stays somewhat tacky to the touch several hours after application. We found that even late this evening the product was still transferring onto our mobile phone screen - annoying, yet at the same time kind of impressive. In fact, after a whole days wear in wet weather we didn't encounter any patchiness, streaking or areas of dryness. For a light to medium coverage base, this really does have a great deal of stamina.

Xperience Weightless foundation (Light Ivory) applied to bare skin

The only downside we've found to this foundation is that it is prone to becoming a tad greasy. For those of you with oily skin, you may want to test this out in store simply to see how well it sits. Otherwise, we really think Max Factor have produced a great, unique product here. For those of you who haven't been able to get your hands on Face Fabric, this really makes a great, if slightly less luxe alternative.

Extreme close up of product applied to skin

Comfortable to wear, easy to apply, and damn right flawless to the eyes - this is definitely our favourite drug store base of the year. Plus, with a Weightless mascara and a trio of lip tints (these are stunning) set to be released within the forth coming weeks, Max Factor has certainly got some real gems hitting the shelves...

Max Factor Xperience Weightless Foundation is currently available at Superdrug with an RRP of £12.99 for 30ml.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Nude Advanced Cellular Renewal Serum

And here it is; what we think is quite possibly the greatest skincare product in the world...

Pencilled in to launch on Wednesday (September 15th), this miracle serum has already picked up a devoted following within the likes of Uma Thurman, Erin O'Connor, Kim Cattrall and international supermodel Helena Christensen. Clinically proven to increase cellular renewal by a minimum of 70%, this product is not only free from nasty chemicals, but - quite frankly - bloody amazing at it's job.

After just four days of use our skin was instantly fresher and firmer, our Lindsay Lohan style forehead lines were drastically reduced, and our pores had pretty much decided to pack up and leave. Admittedly, we have young skin, so we trialled it on a relative in her 60's and she couldn't believe just how soft and dewy her complexion became. In fact, in all our cases, we've been waking up with skin so radiant, the need for any form of foundation or base has been completely dismissed.

Sweet smelling and thick to touch, just a few drops of serum are needed in order to cover the entire face. Quick drying, a moisturiser can then be applied straight afterwards - so this really doesn't cause any disruption to your regular routine. We've been using this daily for just under two weeks and can safely say we've experienced no break outs, sensitivity or redness. In fact, this serum is proven to reduce irritation by 35%, so it should work well for even the most delicate of skins.

Our cheek after 4 days of use

Of course this product - and it's results - will work differently on different people. For us, Nude is certainly the holy grail of skincare and it's lack of parabens, sulphates, mineral oils, silicones, TEA, DEA, PEGs, propylene glycol and phthalates means it doesn't batter the skin with unnecessary chemicals.

Our skin after 4 days of use

As far as wonder creams go we don't think this is too crazy priced. Yes - £68 is expensive - but at the same time this product really works.We can't even begin to count the amount of money we've spent over the years on lotions and potions that fail to match their claims - and with some miracle formulas charging up to £400 a bottle, this RRP suddenly doesn't look so bad. We're certainly glad we saved up for it...

So, if you want the fresh, dewy, smooth skin you've always craved, then most certainly check this out. It really is a mighty little thing.

If you want to know more about the scientific side of things check out the Nude website here for a full break down of the product's claims and it's ingredients.

Nude Advanced Cellular Renewal Serum is available to pre-order now from nudeskincare.com and spacenk.co.uk or pick it up in stores worldwide from September 15th.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Eve Lom Kiss Mix

We literally cannot wait until Autumn. After all, what's not to love? Crunchy leaves, warm drinks, fluffy hats? To get us into the mood we've been adding in some seasonal favourites to our make up stash, including the rather decadent Kiss Mix by the ever reliable Eve Lom.

Containing Zinc Oxide (which acts as a natural sunscreen), this ultra hydrating treatment is ideal for comforting sore lips, giving shine to product free pouts, or applying under lipstick for a glossy moisturising base. Super fresh and super minty, this is certainly lip balm at it's most snazzy.

Plus, packed in a uber chic white and gold box, this winter weather wonder makes a rather natty little gift...

Eve Lom Kiss Mix is available at selected retailers worldwide and evelom.com at £12.50 for 7ml.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Bourjois Volumizer Mascara

Most of you will no doubt have seen MAC's very own take on the 2-in-1 mascara brush, yet high street favourites Bourjois are the first drug store brand to bring this innovative concept to the masses. So, does double the brush mean double the impact? Let's have a look...

First things first - to state the obvious - Volumizer mascara is in fact just ONE brush. Attached to an ultra skinny wand, the 2-in-1 effect is achieved by pushing the slim wand through a thicker wand that removes a whole heap of excess mascara in the process. This allows for the more subtle and natural look that makes up Step 1, and the more dramatic, 3-d effect of Step 2 - clever, huh?

Step One Brush

The brush itself is BIG. Close in size to that of Benefit's Bad Gal, if you've got smaller eyes or hooded lids you may find this application leaning towards the more messy side of things. The bristles effortlessly coated the lashes well, yet the sheer wetness of the product's formula resulted in the majority of our lashes sticking together.

Step Two Brush

As for Step 2? It was a pretty hit and miss affair. On the initial application we found the brush collected far too much product, which, inevitably, resulted in some pretty hefty clumping. However, once we'd left the lashes to dry for a few minutes the formula became pretty easy to manipulate, and with the aid of a lash comb managed to present us with some gorgeously fluttery eye curtains. It's all swings and roundabouts in the world of mascara, hey?

Brush mid "transformation"

Throughout the day the Volumizer confidently holds up well. Not only does it keep the curl of the lashes nice and soft, it also doesn't drop or flake like some thicker mascaras. If you're someone who likes your lashes big and bold then you might enjoy the dense effect that Step 2 has to offer.

Excess mascara after brush "transformation"

At £9.99, we struggle to accept the price of this product. It seems that every year drug store mascaras are getting closer and closer in cost to that of mid brand companies - and with MAC's Haute & Naughty only costing $18 (£11.69 in today's exchange rate) - it does make us long for the days when you could pop into Boots and pick up a tube for a fiver.

Step One applied to lashes

Bourjois no doubt have some truly fantastic mascaras in their repertoire, yet we can't help but feel Volumizer has somewhat of a way to go in order to match up to it's contemporaries. It's certainly a quick weapon to have in your handbag to swiftly take you throughout the day - and Step 2 really does pack some punch when fanned out - we just wish the formula wasn't so darn wet.

Step Two applied to lashes (Photo taken before lashes were combed out)

If you like your lashes thick, black and bold then Volumizer might just be up your alley (we can see this becoming a real favourite with young teenage girls) Yet if you prefer the more natural look, then the 2-in-1 treatment might just be a step too far...

Bourjois Volumizer Mascara is currently available from Boots priced at £9.99 *GET A FREE BOURJOIS EYE LINER WORTH UP TO £5.99 WITH EACH PURCHASE UNTIL OCTOBER*

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

At Our Most Beautiful...

It's thought that everyone has a prime - a time in their life where their features peak and reach their most beautiful. For some that age is young, for other's it's not until they reach the more self assured confidence of their 40's, 50's - even 60's - when their true beauty fully shines through.

This idea got us thinking about how other's perceive this issue. Are you someone who truly believes that beauty lies within the freshness of youth, or do you live by the idea that with age grows wisdom, thus grows beauty? For me, personally, I don't think I've reached mine yet. Right now my life isn't exactly in the place I'd like it to be, and I think that general dis-ease reflects in my appearance. After all, I don't think I've ever looked as glowy as I did back when I was 18 and falling in love...if only someone could bottle that and sell if for a tenner; they'd be a freakin millionaire.

So, do you feel that you've reached your beauty threshold, or are you someone who is literally counting down the days until you're so radiant with natural gorgeousness that the sun takes a fortnight's break to the Milky Way? Mmmm...milky way...

Lipstick Queen - Invisible Liner

Lipstick Queen is certainly one of our favourite beauty brands, so we were extremely miffed with ourselves when we realised we'd featured just ONE of Poppy King's cult offerings.

To make up for our piss poor efforts, we've decided to go through the whole range in order to show off what are some truly stunning products. The first thing we wanted to rave about is the long lasting, problem solving Invisible Liner: A.K.A our most used lip product of all time.

Presented in a sleek black plastic pen, this wind up silicone liner applies invisibly onto the skin and creates a waxy layer preventing any bleeding from glosses, pencils or lipsticks. Not only will it keep the shape of your pout defined, but it will also allow the applied colour to stay vibrant for longer. Honestly - this product increases the wear of our YSL Rouge Vulopte by around 90 minutes - a feat we never thought possible.

This liner is by no means cheap - at £16.50/$18 a pop it certainly has a lot to prove, but we can safely say - hand on our beauty blogging heart - this baby has never once let us down. If you're someone who's frustrated with your wondering lippy, then this magic marker is definitely an item to check out.

Lipstick Queen Invisible Liner is available from lipstickqueen.com at $18 and Spacenk.co.uk for £16.50

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

The Most Amazing Skin Care Product Ever...?

Ladies, start saving, because there's a new wonder product in town...

100% make up/product free

We'll be revealing all later this week, but trust us when we say this REALLY is a product that will work on all ages and skin types. Honestly, we haven't been this excited about skincare since...well, forever!