Bobbi Brown Natural Brow Shaper

OK. So on paper this might look like the most boring piece of make up ever made, but before you nod off to sleep just hear me out for a minute or two...

Bobbi Brown Natural Brow shaper is a creamy gel formula available in 4 universal shades. Whilst I'm not a huge fan of the coloured versions (the chances of getting an exact tonal match are pretty slim) the clear mix is an ideal tool for taming and smoothing mischievous brows. I used this at the weekend for my sister's wedding and partied into the night with a beautifully clean and controlled shape thanks to this hugely handy fixing gel. Priced at £13.50, this is one of the cheaper items on the Bobbi stand but by no means any lesser in quality.

Bobbi Brown Natural Brow Shaper is available from Bobbi Brown counters worldwide and bobbibrown.co.uk for £13.50

*this item was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Bobbi Brown SPF15 Tinted Moisturizer - Alabaster Tint

Several years ago I remember eagerly curling up on the couch, working my way through a full 2 hour Bobbi Brown QVC show; desperate to see just how much coverage the concealers gave, how bright the blush applied, how full the lips could get. The next day I sat on the bus crawling through central London traffic, patiently waiting to get to Brent Cross in order to physically see and touch these wonderful tools for myself. I can remember the SA offering me a make over, sitting me down on a tall leather stall, buffing on powder, telling me that I needn't bother with lipstick because my natural colour was so pretty. As a teenager being bullied at school over my appearance it made me feel calm hearing someone tell me I was alright. She didn't push me to purchase anything; instead she sent me home with a little tester of foundation to try out next time I "went to a party". From that moment on Bobbi Brown instantly became my favourite.

Since this love affair began my most used Bobbi product has always been the SPF15 tinted moisturiser. I relied on the old formula for years even though the lightest base wasn't exactly a perfect match for my porcelain skin (you can see a swatch here). When news hit the product was not only being relaunched with new packaging but also additional shades , I was curious to see exactly what choices were to be put on the table - after all, Bobbi is internationally famous for her wide spectrum of foundation tones. Earlier this month I picked up a bottle of 'Alabaster Tint' and I couldn't be more pleased. Pale ladies, this is for you!

Alabaster Tint swatched/ blended

Containing the likes of Jojaba oil, this richly hydrating formula glides onto the skin effortlessly, providing light, natural looking coverage that instantly leaves your complexion looking smooth, luminous and bright. Whilst the smell still isn't my favourite in the world (cucumber sandwiches, anyone?), the texture is an absolute dream to work with, masking the face with sheer, seamless coverage that swiftly evens out skin tone. This has become my ultimate go-to base in the mornings, with the added SPF becoming highly appreciated on those scatty days when I forget to apply sunscreen.

Alabaster Tint applied to bare skin (photo taken around 5 minutes after application)

Available in an oil free version too, the new shade range is a massive step up from the old selection. Whilst the choice is still relatively low compared to other Bobbi bases (7 colours instead of the normal 15), if you match any of her existing foundations shades you should sit comfortably within one of the new tinted moisturiser brackets. For me, Alabaster Tint is a far superior match to what was previously on offer, taking it from a shade I was only able to wear 6 months of the year to something I can use in my routine even during winter.

Extreme close up of product on skin.

Whilst the face might appear a tad greasy after initial application (5 to 15 minutes after blending onto skin with my fingers), the finish does soften and become more subtle than sweaty. Lasting around 8 hours in moderate heat, once removed my skin feels super soft, making this a great candidate for those of you who suffer from slight dry patches on your cheeks. Priced at £27 for 50ml, this is a pricey option and something that I would strongly suggest trying out before opening your wallet, if only to see how it sits on your skin. For me, it's the perfect light weight base and something I know I'll be repurchasing for years to come - after all, no one does 'my skin but better' like Bobbi.

Bobbi Brown Tinted Moisturizer is available from BB counters worldwide and bobbibrown.co.uk for £27. It is also available in an oil free version.

*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*

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadow - Bone

We love many things about working in TV ( particularly swooning at George Lamb on a daily basis), but it seems our make up isn't such a big fan. No matter how hard we try the dreaded combination of stuffy studios and intense lighting often means we're constantly cleaning our cheeks of runny creams, dropped powders and smudged shadows.

That is until now.

Bobbi Brown Long Wear Cream Shadows are without a doubt our favourite eye bases of all time. Beautifully easy to apply, these pots not only posses the most gorgeous pigmentation, but literally stay put for hours. We fell in love after a single swipe of colour survived an entire 16 hour shoot day way back in December. When we eventually returned home with our features frozen from the snow, all we could see with a glistening golden veil confidently making our blue eyes pop. No creases. No smudges. No patches. We were blown away.

Bone Cream Shadow swatched

This summer we've been repeatedly rocking shade number 1; Bone - a creamy beige, matte finish shadow ideal for wear both day and night. Against pale skin it creates a wonderfully fresh up-lifted appearance, giving the entire eye area a deliciously youthful 'wide-awake' effect. When applied to darker skin it makes the most versatile base for applying sheer, subtle washes of shimmer. Our friend - who is a MAC NW43 - simply can't get enough of it.

Bone Cream Shadow applied to bare lids

Although we don't suffer from oily lids ourselves, when we heard a colleague at work complain about her greasy skin causing havoc with shadows, we couldn't wait to recommend this formula. That very afternoon she nipped out, grabbed a glass pot and hasn't looked back since. If you're someone who constantly finds your eye make up slipping and sliding, these bases just might be the answer to your woes.

And if that's not enough - just to really show off - the above photo was taken at the end of a 10 hour shift at work. Yes. That's how hardcore this product is. We love it.

Bobbi Brown cream shadows are available internationally and at bobbibrown.co.uk at £16 for 3.5g.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Bobbi Brown Beach Shimmer Brick

Ah, the sea side! Bearded Sailors, fish and chips, watching your nan take a donkey ride...these are probably just some of the things Bobbi Brown was no doubt envisioning when she dreamt up this coastal beauty:

As part of the highly sought after summer collection, Beach's 5 pearlised bars swirl together to produce the most deliciously deep, sparkling bronze. The same size, weight and formula as it's predecessors, this limited edition block is certainly one for all you ladies chasing that much lusted after sun kissed glow.

Beach Shimmer Brick individually swatched

Transcending from a peachy yellow to a rusty burnt red - for most skin tones this palette would probably be best used as a collection of shadows. We blended it against our cheeks using a large fluffy brush and found the initial colour pay off quite harsh. Buffed down it becomes more wearable, but for those with light to medium skin tones, this is certainly one to swatch in store.

Beach Shimmer Brick applied to bare skin and buffed down

The golden tones packed into the powder make this one very shimmery shimmer brick. If you're self conscious about pores or acne then this is best left on the shelf. However, if you feel confident with your skin then go for it - we absolutely adore the radiant up-light this creates on the cheekbones.

If you're a big fan of Bobbi's then it probably won't take much to tempt you towards this summery special. It's limited edition status may draw the crowds in, but if you already own the shimmer brick in Beige then control the urge: it's basically different but the same.

Beach Shimmer Brick is available for a limited time at all Bobbi Brown counters and bobbibrown.co.uk for £29.50.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Bobbi Brown Nectar Shimmer Brick

New York, January 2nd 2008 - the day we popped our shimmer brick cherry. He was called Beige. We kept in touch for sometime but then he disappeared in Pickering, North Yorkshire. We think he met someone new. Possibly the lady from the butchers. She makes amazing pork pies.

It's OK, though. We're over it. We've got a new guy called Nectar and we get on a lot better than we and Beige ever did. He's sheer and pink and full of shimmer. Every time we look at him we smile. Here's a photo from his birthday party - we keep it in our wallet.

Pretty cute, hey?

individual colours heavily swatched

Blended together he creates an absolutely gorgeous coral glow - ideal for special evenings or not-so-special days. With the help of a fluffy brush he's easy to manipulate, and can be swiftly toned up or down. He's not cheap - £29.50 to be exact - but we think we're in it for the long haul. We have a good feeling about this one.

Blended onto cheeks (no other make up applied except Mascara)

If you love shimmer then he's certainly your kind of guy. If you don't, then he might just sway you. It doesn't take much for him to bring out your best features no matter your complexion. We honestly think he's a real catch.

Nectar shimmer brick is available from bobbibrown.co.uk at £29.50 for 10.3g

*this product was purchased by The Beauty Bite*

Bobbi Brown SPF15 Tinted Moisturizer

Like the gawky kid who bloomed into the Facebook stud ("Tim?! I remember when he used to wet himself.") , the dreary British weather has decided to proudly let it's natural beauty shine. It may be 93 million miles away, but that big old ball of fire sure loves to cause havoc with our skin; with sun comes heat, and with heat comes sweat, and with sweat comes slippery make up. Woo hoo!

So dear friends, please meet Bobbi Brown SPF15: a tinted moisturizer packed with 50ml of sheer sun protection in an array of 8 glorious shades.

Presented in a glossy plastic tube, the product is dispensed via a black raised nozzle. The smell is a strange mixture of what appears to be sunscreen and cucumber. At first the whiff is a bit overwhelming, yet with each use it falls slowly into tolerable territory. Let's just say, if this smell was a person we wouldn't mind them sitting next to us on the bus. Just not for the whole journey.

Smells aside though, the application of the product is truly faultless. No streaks. No patches. No dryness. We blended it in using our fingers and were suitably pleased with the sheer natural finish it gave - ideal for showing off freckles!

Swatched/ Blended

We tried out the second shade; 'extra light tint.' As you can see above, against our complexion it appears a tad orange. There is a lighter shade available for those with very pale tones, as well as a decent choice of medium, dark and deep tints. Bobbi is great at making sure as many customers as possible are covered in her range, so this should be a general crowd pleaser.

At £26 this isn't the cheapest choice. However, at 50ml, the bottle will last you ages. With the added advantage of SPF, this base offers sheer, gentle coverage to even out skin tone and add that must lusted after 'sun kissed glow.' It stays put for around 8 hours in cooler conditions, yet expect wear of 4-5 in sweatier climates.

If you like your foundation thick - then this is a no go. But if you're comfortable with the natural look then this is a fantastic base that will work beautifully all year round. Not a true knock out, but certainly worth a look in. Highly recommended.

Bobbi Brown SPF15 is available internationally at Bobbi Brown counters and bobbibrown.co.uk for £26.

*this product was purchased by The Beauty Bite*