October: A Monthly Beauty Feast

I always think of October as a bit of a tease when it comes to the world of beauty. Whilst we pack away our summer essentials and prepare for colder months, October comes and dangles the most delicious products right in front of our eyes whilst cheekily chanting "You can't have this yet!" Seriously, roll on November - those Christmas collections are making me itch!

Anyway, cravings asides, here are just some of the goodies I've been enjoying these past 31 days:

Life NK Everlasting Lip Care

Space NK gave these out free to customers earlier this year to celebrate Valentines day. It's both light and non greasy, which makes it ideal for applying before matte lipstick.

Bobbi Brown Extra SPF 25 Tinted Moisturising Balm

I love this product so, so, so much! If you're prone to dry, flaky skin then definitely look into this ultra rich formula. Not only does it leave the skin looking unbelievably radiant, it also provides light to medium coverage.

L'Oreal Color Appeal Trio Pro in Grey Obsession

I only purchased this the other day but I'm already seriously loving this shade selection. Greys and silvers compliment my blue eyes perfectly - and the quirky dip tray packaging is pretty nifty too!

Rimmel Lash Accelerator

I've been using this since September and although I can't say if it's actually visibly lengthened my lashes, I do really love the bold effect it gives.

MAC Darkly My Dear Blush

I was so excited to attend MAC's first blogger event last month and this blush, unexpectedly, has turned out to be my favourite piece from the V.V collection. It's perfect for adding contour and warmth to cooler complexions - I'm seriously addicted!

Benefit High Beam

This highlighter is ideal for subtle daytime shimmer. I've been using it over Shu Uemura's Stage Glow to add a bit more gleam to the brow bone.

Bobbi Brown Buff Lipgloss

We all have one, right? That product that sits in the drawer for months whilst we ponder why on earth we bought it until, randomly, one day we stick it on and fall head over heels in love. This gloss is exactly that.

Becca Luminous Skin Colour Tinted Moisturiser SPF 25

Earlier this month I reviewed this vitamin packed base whilst guest blogging over at Zuneta.com, and as the year continues it's tumbling journey towards Winter, I find myself reaching more and more for this ultra hydrating fluid.

Often blogged about online, Becca is a frustratingly elusive brand to track down in person. I stumbled upon their range accidentally this summer whilst up in Edinburgh browsing an absolutely amazing apothecary called Dolly Leo (check out their website to shop for brands such as RMK, Suqqu, Butter and Strange Beautiful) After umm-ing and ahh-ing for years about whether to risk purchasing one of their bases online, it was a joy to finally swatch the products I'd spent so much time researching.

....and oh! What beautiful swatches they were!

Luminous Skin Colour in Porcelain swatches/ blended

Being what can be described as a complete and utter Foundation Whore, it was only natural that Becca's Luminous Skin Colour would find it's way into my bag. It's sheer watery texture makes it pretty unique compared to the majority of bases I've either tried and owned, simply due to the unbelievable thinness of the formula. If you're someone who likes your coverage to be thick then this product, even when layered, will no doubt struggle to match your wants.

Luminous Skin Colour applied to bare skin

Presented in a modest plastic tube, Luminous Skin Colour is the perfect candidate for those of you rocking this seasons 'natural' look. Available in a spectrum of 15 shades, if you're looking for the perfect mixture of sun protection, skin hydration and glowing coverage then it certainly can be found here. Plus, if you suffer from either sensitive or scarred skin then the soothing anti septic, anti inflammatory ingredients will gently calm and treat any damage to the skin's surface. If you live near a Becca counter (they're out there somewhere!) then most definitely check it out...

Becca Luminous Skin Colour is available from Zuneta.com and dollyleo.co.uk for £33.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Nude On The Go Skincare Set

You can run but you most certainly can't hide; the festive season is indeed well and truly upon us.

From this day forth all coffee suddenly tastes like gingerbread, all wardrobes bizarrely acquire sequins, all chocolate is inexplicably shaped like snowmen, and all cosmetics come in beautifully alluring gift packages. Yes, the spirit of a 2010 Christmas is most definitely in the air.

I hold my hands up and admit to being one of those boringly organised individuals who start buying presents in August - and this year is no exception, especially when it comes to stocking up on nicely priced beauty sets...

This nifty trio of travel sized treats is not only the perfect stocking filler, but also a fantastic introduction to some wonderfully exceptional products. If the idea of shelling out £22 on a cleanser you've never tried before leaves you feeling cold, then this £15 set is a great option for those of you curious to check out this brands dazzling credentials ...

Containing a 30ml Facial Oil, 30ml Hydrating water (toner), 5ml Age Defence Moisturiser and 3ml sachet of Miracle Mask (around 3 to 4 applications) this collection is perfectly suited for keeping skin both plump and hydrated in these harsh winter months. I picked up one of these kits for a work trip back in July and - to be honest - it left me feeling kind of smug when turning up for breakfast every morning with irrationally glowy skin. Even after 8 days use both day and night the bottles still remained reasonably full - so expect a decent 8 to 10 days trial period with this collection.

Although not as beautifully packaged as some skincare sets on the high street, as far as travel kits go - this really is a cracker.

Nude On The Go Skincare Set can be purchased from spacenk.co.uk for £15

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Nars Rouge Basque Lipstick

OK, so we know Nars' Winter collection has just hit the shelves but we're still seriously digging this delicious deep red from September's autumn range...

With a luminous satin finish texture, Rouge Basque possesses both a comfortable and conditioning formula that sits beautifully pigmented on the lips for up to 2 hours wear.

Rouge Basque swatched

Deep in colour, this shade is an absolutely stunning alternative to the more traditional pillar box tones. If you're somewhat timid when it comes to rocking a red lip then this is a great choice - especially if you're thinking of introducing it into your day look.

Rouge Basque applied to heavily pigmented lips

Working well on both warm and cool skin tones, you could do a lot worse then checking this beauty out...we're seriously smitten!

Nars Rouge Basque Lipstick is available from counters worldwide and narscosmetics.co.uk for £17

*this item was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Shu Uemura Instant Glow Cream

"What do women want? Glossy hair? Deep red lips? A mascara so lengthening it'll actually tip you over when you walk?"

"No. We want a cream. A magical cream that'll give us the skin of a fresh faced care free temptress when we are, in fact, an over worked tired mess."

"Wonderful. We'll get to work on it straight away!"

I'm 99% sure these words were spoken during the research that resulted in the creation on Instant Glow - and if they weren't, then I sure as hell don't care - because this is one unbelievable piece of cosmetic creation.

Essentially used in the same way as a daily moisturiser, Instant Glow also works as a prolonged radiance treatment with expected results of smaller pores, healthier skin and a renewed complexion in just 4 weeks. Inspired by the glow of the stage, the formula is developed around the latest technology in combating fatigued skin, including the use of Meadow Foam Seed Oil to beat surface roughness.

Already loved by make up artists worldwide, this cream literally has "cult status" stamped all over it.

Product sheered out on skin

I've been using this every morning for the last 3 weeks and have become well and truly hooked. Not only does it leave my skin soft, hydrated and supple but I've also seen a real change in the overall luminosity of my complexion. An application of Instant Glow followed by a few lashing of mascara has now become my work staple, and even in the harsher weather of Autumn I haven't found my skin becoming patchy or uneven when exposed to the elements.

Containing what looks like tiny exfoliating beads, when sheered out Instant Glow visually awakens the skin and leaves a noticeable all over radiance. Although this highlighting effect does disappear after an hour or so of wear, the face itself continues to catch the light better due to the tiny particles (that can be vaguely seen in the picture above) contained within the formula.

Close up view of skin around 10 minutes after product application

If you're interested then be warned: this product sells out quickly - and by quickly, I mean QUICKLY. If you live by a SpaceNK then consider that your first stop of call (although their website is, once again, out of stock) yet quieter Shu Uemura counters should have a few bottles hidden away. Although it took me nearly a fortnight to finally get my hands on a tube, it was most certainly worth the extra effort.

Quick absorbing, beautifully scented and true to it's claims - this really is a glowing beacon amongst a whole storm of skin care.

Shu Uemura Instant Glow is available from selected retailers worldwide and spacenk.co.uk for £35

*This product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

OPI Katy Perry, Serena Williams and Black Shatter

Uploaded on You Tube yesterday afternoon, this video gives a sneaky peak at O.P.I's 2011 collaborations with both Katy Perry and Serena Williams. Plus, if you're digging Barry M's latest hard to find nail effects polish, then you might be very interested to see Black Shatter in action...

Korres Soft Eyeliner Pencil

Firstly, our camera issue has now been solved and this week The Beauty Bite will be finally back up and blogging - hurrah! Thank you all so much for baring with us.

Secondly, we're back over at Zuneta today talking about one item you definitely don't want to miss out on in their fantastic two week sale:

Check it out here!

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Jurlique Balancing Foaming Cleanser

We're over at Zuneta today talking about this very lovely, oil busting cleanser:

Click here to check it out!

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This Works Helping Hands Christmas Collection

Since 2008 beauty consumers and This Works has raised nearly £80,000 for London based charity Kids Company - and 2010 is guaranteed to pull that figure even higher thanks to the release of Helping Hands;

a duo of products designed to give back to the community.

With £1.80 from each sale being donated straight to Kids Company, your purchase will help thousands of vulnerable children see their christmas wishes come true. Whether you opt for the skin tightening properties of Perfect Hands (an ultra hydrating cream intended to reduce the appearance of dark spots) or the refreshing actions of Wish (a trio of skincare solutions including Tired Eye Serum, Turbo Balm and Quick Spritz: a refreshing rosewood oil facial spray) make sure your gifts this year are even more giving.

Perfect Hands (£18) and Wish (£14) can be purchased exclusively from thisworks.com

Donate straight to the Kids Company by clicking here.

*This post was written by the Beauty Bite and sponsored by This Works*