MAC Prep + Prime Radiant Rose Highlighter

The latest member of the ever increasing Prep + Prime family has finally arrived - and me being the eager highlighter hoarder I am simply couldn't wait to get my hands on it...

Available in a trio of tones (Light Boost - yellow cream, Bright Forecast - peachy coral), I picked up Radiant Rose, a light shell pink designed to give the skin a sheer wash of subtle colour. Presented in a black plastic casing decorated with playful flecks of glitter, these 3.6g brush pens currently retail at an equivalent price of £4.72 per gram.

Intended for a wide range of uses including priming, brightening and instant-on-the-go-top ups, these twist pens possess a rather generous flow, dispensing enough product to cover most, if not all areas desired. The liquid is both creamy and seamless, blending beautifully into the skin using just the warmth of the finger tips.

Although the product is advertised and labelled as a 'highlighter', the formula itself isn't particularly radiant or reflective. Instead the colour applies in a way not too dissimilar to that of Touche Eclat, providing moderately light coverage with a gentle, uplifting sheen. It's very subtle, so subtle in fact it's almost hard to tell if it's doing anything at all.

Radiant Rose Highlighter in Sunlight

Radiant Rose Highlighter in dim light

This morning I applied the liquid to my cheeks, brow bones and under eyes - adding more product to any areas containing either light blemishes or darker freckles. As you can see from the picture below the whole look is very fresh and wide awake; absolutely perfect for creating clean spring skin. The brush itself makes application an absolute doddle, lending this range to be the ideal candidate for anyone searching for a fuss free top up tool.

Radiant Rose Highlighter applied to under eyes, brow bone and cheeks

In practice I like this product. It applies flawlessly, cleans up my complexion and gives a decent days wear without any caking. I just think for the price - and finish - it's simply not unique enough to justify repurchasing, especially as it seems to do very similar things to several products I already own; a £7Bourjois Concealer being one...

As always MAC have made a fantastically high quality product, and whilst this is helpful for pulling together a more flaw-free look, I'm sure most of you will already have a cheaper alternative in your stash. Definitely one to road test in store first.

MAC Prep & Prime Radiant Rose Highlighter pen is currently available from maccosmetics.co.uk for £17. Stores worldwide will stock the range from April 7th onwards.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

A BEAUTY BITE GIVEAWAY: Barry M

As a massive thank you to all my lovely, lovely followers I've got a nifty little giveaway for y'all to sink your teeth into. Trust me when I say these shades are dusky, girly and very, very sexy....

One lucky winner will win the following trio of purple pretties, perfect for creating an edgy evening look. Prizes include:

Winter Berry Dazzle Dust (shade 88)

Packed full of sparkle and pigment, this deep purple powder is a pro for whipping up an alternative smokey eye.

Kohl Pencil (Shade 26)

The grey tones of this fine pencil are ideal for those who crave a lighter definition to the eye.

Dusky Mauve Nail Paint

Yes, THAT dupe could soon be yours...

You must be a follower of The Beauty Bite on either GFC or Twitter to enter this competition. This prize is just a small thank you to everyone who has supported me over the past 10 months, so no sneaky gatecrashers around here please! To enter is simple: just pop your name and e-mail in the comments box below, state what method you use to follow the site, and voila! Your entry is counted!

This competition is open to all readers EVERYWHERE and closes at 9pm GMT on Monday April 4th. Please note: the winner will be contacted privately.

Good luck!

The Beauty Bite

x

Jason Cocking @ Lisa Shepherd

There are two things you need to know about Jason Cocking:

1.) He doesn't like drinking water.

2.) He's a bloody amazing with hair.

Although he asked me very nicely not to include a picture of himself in this article, I decided I simply had to - after all, this man is like the Jimmy Saville of hair (don't worry, he doesn't shuffle around the salon wearing a shell suit and puffing cigars...) because if your cut and style just isn't working then Jason'll fix it. And then fix it some more. And then fix it a tad extra until your barnet starts looking like it belongs to a movie star. Do you hear me boys and girls, a movie star!

With over 15 years experience in the industry, his scissors have graced the locks of celebrities such as Cat Deeley and the Olsen twins to name but a few. I was fortunate enough to see him down at his London base - The Lisa Shepherd Salon in Mortimer Street - to get my very own cut and dye with the king of colour.

As someone who has been unhappy with their barnet for years, I simply cannot stress enough how much of an improvement Jason made to my hair. Rocking up to his chair with a tangled brassy blonde mess of a mop, Mr. Cocking gave me the sun kissed, lifted colour I've longed for daily these past 3 years. Informing me that my hair was stripped of protein, not moisture, he was able to steer me towards the right products I need to insure my crowing glory remains just so. It was hugely refreshing talking to a professional who not only really knows their craft, but is able to explain it in such a humorous, friendly and extremely accessible manner.

That night I left Jason's capable hands feeling a million dollars. Even though it was pouring with rain outside and I'd forget to pack my umbrella, I strutted the whole walk home happy in the knowledge that my-now-soaking-locks were in their best condition for years. Several weeks on and my boyfriend still repeatedly tells me how great my tresses look, something which is obvious thanks to the cut maintaining its beautiful bounce and shape. Now that's what I call a Fix It!

If you're in London and having a bit of hair crisis then Jason is definitely your man. Trust me, he'll make you look so good you'll want to buy him a drink as a thank you - just make sure it's something a bit stronger than tap water...

If you fancy getting your hair seen to by Jason Cocking, you can get all rates and information here.

No7 & Poppy King: History Lipstick and Gloss

Be patient my dears...it's now just 3 days to go until the official launch of the highly anticipated collaboration between Boots No7 and the Lipstick Queen herself, Ms Poppy King. One of the boldest, most vivid shades on offer is History, a show stopping red fit for a hollywood siren...

Slightly chameleon in it's appearance, when swatched both the tones of the lipstick and gloss pull visibly more pink against the skin. However, when applied onto the lips, the pigments transform to produce a very accessible, very wearable, very flirty red - ideal for teaming with a classic neutral eye.

History Lipstick/ Gloss Swatched

Much the same as Intrigue, this formula really is a breeze to wear. Comfortable, non drying, reasonably long lasting - fans of Lipstick Queen definitely won't be dismayed at the quality of this partnership. Whilst it's not completely 100% on par with Poppy's personal line, I find these lipsticks - and glosses in particular - to be notably superior to the standard No7 mix.

History Lipstick applied to heavily pigmented lips

Worn alone, both products are toned down enough to be suitable for a day time lip. This red appears more playful than overtly sexy, which makes for a generally less self conscious make up experience. When layered up, History is outstanding for a evening face, not to mention bright enough to play into the bold summer lips trend as seen on the catwalks.

Free from shimmer, the non-sticky gloss is a gorgeous, semi sheer texture that instantly adds the appearance of fuller, thicker lips. I'm completely smitten with this shade.

History Gloss applied to heavily pigmented lips

For those of you who usually shy away from a bolder lip, History really is a fool proof way of easing yourself into unknown cosmetic territory. Whilst lipstick lovers may have several dupes of this shade already floating about in their collection, those with a more modest stash should definitely make way for this scarlet beauty.

History Lipstick and Gloss launch in Boots' stores nationwide on March 23rd, priced at £12 and £11 respectively.

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

Bite Size Beauty

Looking good on the go can be tricky at times, but travel needn't ever affect your beauty and skincare regime thanks to these purse friendly goodies...

Clinique Superbalm Moisturising Gloss: Grapefruit

This gorgeous tube of sheer pale pink perfection is the ideal handbag gloss. Possessing a subtle white shimmer, this comfortable formula can be currently snapped up for a mere £2 with Glamour magazine. Bargainous!

The Jersey Cow Company Unwind Bath Foam

Nothing beats a relaxing bath, and this rich blend of Jersey Lavender and Ylang Ylang essential oils is quite possibly one of the most stress busting foams on the market. This nifty 60ml travel size is perfect for adding instant luxury to weekends away, although, I'd be rather tempted to go the whole hog and grab a 300ml...

Nude Lips

Nicole Kidman, Keira Knightley, Claudia Schiffer...these are just some of the names who swear by this deliciously natural vanilla monoi balm. Priced at £10, the quirky cube packaging is simply another reason to love this hugely hydrating mix. Fantastic for pre-matte lipstick prep.

Nuxe Lotion Tonique Aux 3 Roses

With 91% of it's ingredients sourced from natural origins, this floral scented alcohol free toner will instantly whip your skin into tip top shape. Bringing a lovely fresh glow to the complexion, these travel sized bottles can be picked up for free from most Space NK stores generous sample drawers.

EcoTools Mini Bamboo Brushes

Retailing at £5.10 for a cute pack of six, these soft bristle, bamboo handle brushes are great for application of the go. Suitable for use with eyeshadows, lipsticks, blushes and liners, these vegan friendly tools are great quality for such tiny instruments.

Space NK Eau De Toilette 15ml

If you're looking for a travel scent then search no more! These generously sized 15ml glass bottles have been reduced to a fantastic £4.50. Small to carry and small in cost, if you're looking for a sweet smelling mother's day gift then these really are a great investment. (Although, if you can, do buy this toilette in store, delivery costs will set you back a whopping £5 - more than the product itself!)

Arezoo Kaviani: Queen Of Wax

If you want to get waxed then there's only one lady for the job - celeb favourite Arezoo Kaviani. Working with A-list clients such as Gwyneth, Claudia and Reese (to name but a few), this hair removing master is certainly one of London's most prestigious and respected salon owners. Adored by beauty journalists worldwide, I was lucky enough to be given the chance to have my own appointment with the queen of waxing herself. Unfortunately, a nasty case of eczema stopped me dead in my tracks, so I sent my sister (and her specially unshaved legs) to be given the hair removal experience of a life time...

Photo source

"Arezoo's beauty room is hidden in a discrete flat in the heart of London's bustling Knightsbridge. Possessing only one treatment room, you're guaranteed undivided attention - or for the extremely time pressed client, there's even the option of having several beauticians working on you at once!

The room is spacious and warm, with relaxing music and soothing lighting. Arezoo herself is vibrant, chatty and extremely friendly, not to mention deeply passionate about her craft. She is also a bit of a whizz at astrology, so you might find yourself having your stars read as she works her folic busting magic...

Whilst no waxing will ever be 100% pain free, Arezoo's techniques drastically minimise the discomfort. My bikini line was merely slightly sore, rather than the usual full blown agony. Normally I find the front of the shins to be eyewateringly painful, but this time they were just a bit tender. At the end of the treatment Arezoo offers you an ice cube to rub against the skin - a cooling ritual which I imagine would be particularly welcome after a Brazilian.

However, what made Arezoo's service really stand out from the crowd was her immaculate attention to detail. I often end up having to finish waxes off at home as other salons rarely manage to tackle every hair. I found a single strand on my ankle after a rather thorough inspection, so expect absolutely no messy and time consuming tidy ups after visiting this amazingly talented woman.

Looking at the prices on Arezoo's website, it's only marginally more expensive than the standard city salon. The actual experience was a world away from the norm, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to book my next wax there."

Find out more details about booking with Arezoo at www.arezoo.co.uk - prices start from £15

No7 & Poppy King: Intrigue Lipstick and Gloss

As far as collaborations go it would be a huge understatement to say I was excited to hear Lipstick Queen was collaborating with one of Britain's biggest high street brands, after all, in my eyes the woman can do no wrong...

Inspired by the No 7 brand name, Poppy King has developed and created a compact collection of colours to reflect the 7 reasons she truly believes women love to wear lip colour: Power, Glamour, Seduction, Intrigue, Confidence, History and Allure.

Intrigue Lipstick/ Gloss Swatched

One of the most versatile shades in the range is Intrigue - a pink nude intended to give the eternally desired my-lips-but-better finish. Weighing in at 3.5g (the same as L.Q Medieval), these lippies are smaller in height but equal in width to Poppy's own range; packaged in a very similar but slightly thinner tin case.

I absolutely adore this lipstick. The colour is beautiful, elegant and faultless for pulling together a natural and chic day time look. I found the formula to be relatively loyal to Poppy's usual high standards, except the overall longevity was slightly poorer when compared to the likes of the Butterfly Ball range, for example.

Intrigue Lipstick applied to heavily pigmented lips

For me the gloss is the real star of the show. Although this isn't perhaps the best colour for my pigmented features, the formula itself is long lasting, non sticky and extremely comfortable to wear. Lipstick Queen is my go to for glosses and I truly think this collaboration has successfully transported the brands incredible credentials for shine and pigment. Perhaps not as nicely scented as Poppy's personal range, these would be ideal for women who aren't typical gloss fans.

Intrigue Lipgloss applied to heavily pigmented Lips

Poppy King and No7 have done a stellar job at merging together a mass high street chain with a small quirky brand. Customers who have never stumbled upon Lipstick Queen before will definitely be impressed with the high quality and wearable shades released in this collection. For me though, I'm perhaps not as excited as I was at first - mainly due to the pricing. If these goodies were slightly cheaper I'd be ecstatic, but retailing at only a few pounds less than Lipstick Queen's original line, I think the temptation of a slightly more innovative range will always draw me in.

If you've never tried any of Poppy King's lovely lippies before than definitely check these out - after all, they don't call her Lipstick Queen for nothing!

Intrigue Lipstick (£12) and Lipgloss (£11) will be available from Boots Stores nationwide from Wednesday 23rd March.

*this product was free samples obtained by the Beauty Bite*

The Jersey Cow Company Soothe Lip Balm

As the season transforms into a climate of warmth and sun, for many the harsh factors of winter can be gleefully tossed aside as spring skincare steps up to take centre stage. One area that no longer needs to be drenched in full blown, cold beating grease is the lips; with more forgiving wind temperatures allowing lighter, brighter and softer balms to keep the chapping at bay.

The Jersey Cow Company's Soothing Lip Balm is just the product for the job. Presented in a sweet metal tin, this petroleum free blend is made from a mixture containing the likes of Jersey Honey, Jersey Beeswax and Geranium essential oil. With ingredients sourced from the island itself, this is without a doubt one of the greenest, most environmentally friendly lip treatments on the market.

Feeling beautifully light against the skin, this handbag essential is ideal for placing under lipstick to keep your pout perfectly silky, hydrated and nourished. If you're looking for something that smells gorgeous, feels gorgeous, and leaves your lips looking down right gorgeous, than this is certainly 15g of natural skincare goodness worth investing in. Roll on Spring...!

The Jersey Cow Company Soothing Lip Balm is available from thejerseycowcompany.com for £5.

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

By Terry Eclat De Rose Tinted Moisturiser

"Bonjour, Beauty Bite!"

"Oi! Oi! Eclat De Rose!"

Believe it or not but this is the exact conversation I have every morning when I pick up this delicious tube of tinted magnificence. 1.) Because I'm weird, and 2.) Because this is without a doubt one of my favourite bases for creating pure, dewy fresh skin.

Claiming to minimise the look of both pores and imperfections, this light weight watery formula is advertised as the ideal base for evening out skin tone whilst adding a hint of subtle, natural radiance. Containing mineral colour and plant pigment, this blend is ideal for those of you with super sensitive skin craving the appearance of a hydrated glow. Armed with a luxury rose scent, this truly feels glorious when applied to the face thanks to it's easily manipulated texture and heavenly floral tones.

Eclat De Rose 'Light' swatched/ blended

Yet this is where for most of you the love affair will start to crack...whilst there's no doubt my skin looks ultra hydrated and glowy once applied, absolutely no effort is made in terms of covering dark circles or patches of redness on the cheeks. This really is no more than a tint; a bloody lovely, gorgeous smelling tint.

Eclat De Rose applied to bare skin

And then comes the major sting - this 40ml tube of rose scented radiance will set you back £59.50. Yep. £59.50. I for one am not in a position where I could ever justify spending this amount of a tint, however much I love the finish. Celebs such as Sienna Miller are huge fans of this base - and with their incomes it's completely understandable as to why - but for most women the results will be far too little when married to a price tag so, so high.

In general I love this as a tinted moisturiser; it shrinks my pores, it lifts my complexion, it lasts from dusk to dawn, yet once my bottle runs out I won't be able to repurchase, regardless of how much I'd like to. Would I recommend it? It depends. If you're got cash to burn and fancy splurging on a luxury blend than this is a great way to go, but realistically this isn't worth the money, especially when you consider the amount of far cheaper (and in some cases superior) alternatives swamping the market.

I think I'll leave this one to Sienna...

By Terry Eclat De Rose is available in 4 shades from selected retailers worldwide and spacenk.co.uk for £59.50

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

A Few Of My Favourite Things...

Today I'm chatting all things beauty with the gorgeous Charlie from the wonderful ladyofthelane.com. I've never done one of these before, so please leave a comment if you love it (or hate it...!) Click here to check it out!

Deal Of The Day: Clinique Moisture Surge

I trust most U.K readers will have no doubt already stocked up on the generous Clinique/Glamour Giveaway - but when it comes to grabbing a bargain, there's one you REALLY don't want to miss...

Whilst some of the freebies don't work out too well (For instance, The Liquid Facial Soap actually costs MORE per 100ml in this deal) the main star of the show is without a doubt Moisture Surge, a multi purpose hydrating lotion that can be used as a nifty make up base or refreshing gel mask. In the shops this retails for the equivalent of £60 per 100ml. With Glamour magazine you can pick up 120ml for £8.

NEED I SAY MORE?!

If you're looking to make the most savvy savings by stocking up on mags then this is definitely the way to go. I mix it in daily with my foundation to help minimise my pores and add extra, subtle hydration. Suitable for all skin types, this is definitely a freebie not to be missed!

What Clinique goodies have you all stocked up on? That Lipgloss is just a little bit amazing...

Glamour Magazine is available from selected retailers nationwide priced at £2.

Win £250 Worth Of Nude Skincare

This winter I was given the rather awesome opportunity of quizzing Nude Skincare founder Bryan Meehan over the company's plans for the next 12 months. Covering topics such as devising natural SPF day creams, to the struggles faced when creating a truly chemical free product line - you can read the full write up simply by clicking here!

And that's not all...

To celebrate the launch of Nude Skincare's very first Facebook page, the enviromentally friendly brand are giving away a luxury bundle of goodies worth £250! To enter is simple - just head over to the link here and click 'like.' Voila! You have until midnight on March 13th to enter - good luck!

Forest Secrets Skincare

It's fair to say that since discovering my beloved Nude Advanced Cellular Renewal formula last summer, when it comes down to skincare I've very much become a serum girl. One company that are offering a truly innovative and personalised take on the genre is Forest Secrets - a natural skincare company created by Dr. Barbara Olioso.

Working as a two step routine, the flexible system allows you to pick and mix your very own blends of serum and oil in order to cater for your skin's current needs - a heaven sent idea if ever I saw one. I've been playing around with these gorgeously presented glass bottles for the last few months and have quite literally fallen head over heels...

Step One of the iRejuvenate duo is Lifting Pro Youth Face Oil - a quick absorbing, lightly textured oil designed to firm the skin and stimulate collagen production. Suitable for use on all skin types, the Forest Secrets Website itself features a rather in-depth guide to usage depending on your complexions overall needs and wants.

Step Two is the work of Regenerating Skin Serum - a cooling and refreshing blend intended to hydrate the skin, calm facial redness and minimise dark circles. This is without a doubt my favourite of the two stages. Whilst those of you in search of anti-aging properties may want to favour Youth Pro in your personalised mix, I often opt for 3 parts Serum to 1 part oil - a combination that keeps my complexion effortlessly fresh and radiant.

1 drop oil and 1 drop serum

So has it made a difference? Yes. Throughout these winter months being able to quickly whip up new formulas in order to target my skin's daily problems has been eye openly refreshing. It took a while to get my personalised oil to serum ratio spot on, but after a few days usage I was able to visually see which mixes were reacting best with my skin. In general both products are relatively quick absorbing and don't feel at all clogging on the pores; a problem I've encountered many times before with the use of facial oils.

Overall I've been hugely impressed with this range and highly praise the idea of personalised skincare. The bottles themselves are beautifully presented and would make ideal gifts for very special female friends and family. Although the system is pricey (each 30ml bottle cost £37.70 individually, or £68 when purchased as a pair) Forest Secrets sells a far more purse friendly Try Me Range consisting of two 3ml samples for £8. I would recommend this before any bigger purchases in order to get a feel of the formulas. 3mls might not sound like a lot but they should last you at least a week of twice -daily use.

Forest Secrets skincare is available from forestsecretsskincare.com - which also features in depth guides to the products usage and ingredients.

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