Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint SPF15

It's been a labour of love. Having spent over 3 years in the making, this Thursday (September 8th) sees the official launch of the much anticipated debut make up product from skincare goddess Liz Earle. Ladies, please welcome Sheer Skin Tint:

Containing ingredients such as avocado and vitamin E to name but a few, this rich base is somewhat thick in texture, rapidly setting against the skin making initial application tricky to blend. Best worked in with your finger tips, after a few days use I was able to get the clean, even finish I desire, but be warned - this thing can be hard to budge after 10 seconds on the skin so always work quickly.

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint in 01 Bare swatched/ lightly sheered out

Available in 3 sheer shades (01 Bare, 02 Beige and 03 Beach) I sit comfortably within the pale bracket of 01. When applied onto the face the slight yellow tone warms up the complexion whilst gently muting down any areas of excessive redness. Whilst its not enough to mask the rosy flush of my cheeks, it does a sterling job at pulling together my colouring, creating a fresher, brighter and healthier appearance to the skin.

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint 01 applied to bare skin (no other make up except mascara)

Providing what's essentially light to semi-medium coverage, Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint offers mineral UV protection of SPF 15. I find the finish is generally more dewy than overly reflective or greasy, adding a subtle trace of luminosity to the skin which I can't help but adore. The neutral, somewhat bland smell will either be a hit or miss depending on how you feel about scented foundations. Personally I like it. 5 minutes after application I can no longer feel, smell or see any trace of product - exactly what you want in any good foundation.

Extreme close up of product on skin

Priced at a rather reasonable £21 for 40ml, this is a superb addition to the Liz Earle line and something I can envision many women snapping up to trial. Due to the thickness in its texture I can see this working well for a majority of age ranges. Sliding onto the skin providing all day beautiful, glowing coverage that doesn't accentuate pores or dry patches, it also leaves the face feeling silky smooth after removal. In other words - I bloody love it!

Liz Earle Sheer Skin Tint launches on Thursday 8th September. Check out the website for details on how to pre-order.

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

Becca Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector

"YOU STUPID WOMAN!" were the scathing words I shouted at myself when I realised I'd yet to feature this product on The Beauty Bite. You see, this isn't just some tube I have lying about my make up stash - this is something I use on a weekly basis, sometimes daily if the mood takes me. This is one of my favourite products of all time.

Becca Shimmering Skin Perfector is a cult classic. Available in 6 easy to wear shades (the colours apply sheer, adding just a hint of warmth or coolness to the skin), this water based moisturiser is packed full of light diffusing particles that instantly reduce imperfections whilst providing the complexion with a healthy, natural glow. Suitable for use on its own or over make up, the added benefit of SPF 20 transforms this product into a one stop shop of sun care, hydration, light coverage and subtle radiance - perfect for those who adore the always-in-fashion-'barely there'-look.

Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector swatched/ lightly sheered out

With super fine mica particles helping to create an up lifting glow I'm addicted to mixing this in with my daily foundation, providing the skin with an extra dose of healthy looking sheen. With added ingredients such as vitamins A, B, D and E, the skincare benefits of this product stand pretty high too, helping to both aid tissue repair and stimulate collagen renewal. No, your skin won't look 10 years younger by slathering this onto your face, but it will appear fresher, brighter and wonderfully pampered.

Extreme close up of product on skin

Incredibly versatile in its usage, this product can be applied in a whole manner of ways: on its own as a blemish reducing base/ set with powder for a semi matte glow/ dotted along the cheek bone as a decadent highlight/ mixed with concealer to instantly lift the under eye/ layered over primer for an ultimate dewy finish - the options are endless. Priced at £32 for a 50ml tube, this product lasts a long time thanks to the small amount of cream needed to provide both radiance and coverage to the entire face. If you're a fan of clean, understated make up then a Shimmering Skin Perfector is a must. I'm already saving up for the Pearl to help me get through the winter months...

Becca Opal Shimmering Skin Perfector is available from selected stockists worldwide and zuneta.com for £32.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum Foundation

Launching in the UK this October, right now I have nothing but utter love for this fruity foundation.

Available in a range of 6 shades, this base follows in the footsteps of the original Healthy Mix formula with the added flourish of vitamins, antioxidants and fruits - such as pomegranate and lychee - to help promote longer lasting natural radiance. Whilst being relatively sheer in it's coverage, this base offers a light and dewy complexion that both looks and feels refreshingly natural against the skin. If you're someone who doesn't like the sensation of feeling heavy product on your face, Healthy Mix Serum's ultra light texture is a fantastic alternative to thicker radiance foundations.

Shade 52 Swatched/ lightly sheered out

I picked up a bottle last month during a trip to Belgium, and whilst at the time I believed I was purchasing the lightest shade on offer, I actually grabbed the second tone on the 6 colour scale:Vanille 52. Grouped into 3 brackets of 2 (Fair, Medium and Matte), 52 is a yellow based option that sits closely to the likes of Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua B10. Thanks to the sheerness of this formula it's pretty easy to buff down any of the colours to find a suitable match. I've been using a large bronzing brush to apply 52 and am able to lighten it just enough to work against my cool, pink complexion - a bit of effort but worth it.

Healthy Mix Serum applied to bare skin

Lasting around 8 hours wear without feeling at all greasy or dull, Healthy Mix Serum leaves the skin looking beautifully soft and radiant even after removal. The smooth, light texture of this base makes it a great choice for all skin types - it won't clog pores, it won't sit on dry patches, it won't slip on oily areas. In fact, as long as you're happy with a light to medium coverage, I can see this working beautifully for the majority thanks to it's comfortable formula and gorgeous scent.

Extreme close up of product on skin

This is without a doubt my favourite high street base of the year: it performs well, feels delicate against the skin, sits weightlessly on the face and gives an immediate natural glow. Already available to buy in selected European countries, those of you who aren't able to pick up a bottle just yet, do trust me when I say it'll be worth the wait.

Bourjois Healthy Mix Serum is available in the UK from October 2011 priced at £10.99.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm SPF 35

It's official. In the world of make up 2011 has become the summer of the BB cream. Whilst brands such as Garnier and Clinique launch their very own takes on Asia's biggest cosmetic sensation, make up giants MAC have approached the trend from a slightly different angle by producing a single toned balm designed primarily for use as a primer. I, being the complete foundation fanatic I am, was simply desperate to learn more...

Sold as part of the ever growing Prep + Prime range, BB Beauty Balm promises to work on an array on complexions, instantly re-texturizing the skin whilst offering a high level of built in sun protection. Unlike most BB creams it sells itself as simply a foundation base, something to help even out skin tone before fuller, thicker coverage is later applied. In all honesty I wasn't particularly blown away with this product's primer skills - after all, at £21 it sits near the likes of Laura Mercier - yet as a light tint to instantly perk up my sleepy morning skin, I've been pretty impressed with the results.

MAC BB Beauty Balm swatched/ slightly sheered out

Creamy and smooth in texture, the balm dispenses fluidly from the finely tipped nozzle, providing around 1 to 2 layers of delicate coverage with a firm squeeze of the tube. When applied the colour is easy to sheer down, making it an accessible choice for those with fair to light medium toned skin. Over on Temptalia, Christine who is an NC30 needed to apply a tinted moisturiser over the top to darken the colour, it's best to bare this in mind if you are considering purchasing this as more of a facial tint than a primer. On me it's absolutely fine (so go ahead pale ladies) but I can imagine for a fair percentage of you this limited beige shade will automatically make this product a complete no go; which is utterly ridiculous when you consider just how big the MAC foundation range is

MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm applied to bare skin (no other make up applied except mascara/tinted lip balm)

The finish is divine. My skin looks smooth and radiant, whilst light blemishes and larger pores are softly diminished under a layer or two of product. Application with my fingers repeatedly gave the best results, allowing me to really work the balm into any areas I felt needed extra attention. Throughout the day the effect held up pretty well, yet believe me when I say the coverage provided is extremely sheer - if you want to hide red spots or dark patches then you'll need a lot more than a light dab of this stuff.

Extreme close up of product on skin

On a personal level I like this product. It leaves my skin both feeling and looking good, plus the added SPF 35 is hugely appreciated on a day to day basis. As the above picture shows a single application of this balm gently mutes down my freckles and gives a good indication of the level of coverage it can give in terms of blemishes and sun damage. If you have fair toned, relatively clear skin then this will work beautifully as a tint - but otherwise it'd be best to approach this as merely an illuminating primer. I'm disappointed at the one-shade-fits-all approach and for that reason alone I can imagine many of you struggling to fit this into your routine. If MAC expand the range then I'd definitely recommend you go for it, but for now, go find a shade that works for you. After all, make up should be made to fit us all.

MAC Prep + Prime BB Beauty Balm is available from MAC counters worldwide and maccosmetics.co.uk for £21

*this product was a free sample obtained 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*

Max Factor Smooth Effect Foundation

Lately, Max Factor seem to be hitting a bit of a winning streak when it comes to coveted affordable foundations. After the roaring success of Second Skin and Xperience Weightless, it's fair to say there's most certainly a buzz surrounding any new M.F bases. I was lucky enough to be sent a sample of their latest formula, Smooth Effect in the lightest shade 045.

Advertised as being both oil free and suitable for use on sensitive skins, this creamy formula possesses an interesting texture offering the qualities of both a gel and liquid. Gliding effortlessly onto the skin it applies smoothly, diminishing pores whilst providing a bright and even medium coverage - perfect for fresh daytime skin.

Smooth Effect Foundation Creamy Ivory swatched/ sheered out

Like a lot of chemist cosmetics Smooth Effect offers a somewhat chemical smell upon application. In all honesty it's not a particularly pleasant aroma but luckily it doesn't tend to linger on the skin for long. Giving around 5 to 7 hours wear depending on the temperature, in general I found the foundation sat on my skin relatively trace free; even if it did feel a tad greasy to initially begin with.

Smooth Effect Foundation Creamy Ivory applied to bare skin (blusher applied to cheeks over base)

With a slight tendency to appear somewhat cakey when heavily layered, if you're someone who wants a thick, full on base than this probably isn't the right option for you. If you're a fan of the overall finish Xperience Weightless gives than Smooth Effect should probably float your boat - it's creamy, good for hiding pores and relatively comfortable to wear.

Extreme close up of product on cheeks

The above picture shows Smooth Effect foundation applied to my cheeks but not the tip of my nose. As you can see, the skin is visibly more porous around the nostrils, which gives a good example of the finish this base gives. Priced at £7.99 for 30ml (although at present you can pick it up on offer for a mere £5.99 at Superdrug) I think Smooth Effect is a worthy addition to the Max Factor make up range. Whilst I can imagine some people finding this formula a tad heavy on the skin, those of you with enlarged pores should consider checking out this base for its smoothing credentials.

Not a must have but definitely worth a swatch in store.

Max Factor Smooth Effect Foundation is available from superdrug.com for £5.99

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

MAC Prep + Prime Skin

What can I say; MAC's Prep + Prime Skin is quite the minx. Whilst I picked it up expecting a smoothing facial primer I found repeatedly this product flirting towards the credentials of a radiance booster. Undeniably lovely, but not necessarily what I had mind...

Formulated with special effect silicones to give a calm and soft appearance to the skin, this sheer fluid is designed to blot away oil, tone down facial redness and improve the overall longevity of your base. Whilst I found my foundation sat cleaner on the skin, I didn't necessarily feel it pro-longed the general wear. However, on my dry to combination skin the texture felt both light and subtle, two factors I always look for in a primer.

Prep + Prime Skin swatched/ sheered out

Bizarrely though I seem to get much better use from this product as an overall radiance cream. Filled with tiny particles of white shimmer, this reflective formula instantly brightens the complexion catching the light in an understated yet beautiful manner. Lately I've been massaging this into the face and skipping foundation all together, allowing the luminous qualities of the cream to add a healthy sheen to the skin.

Priced at £18 I'm not quite sure how to recommend this product. Overall I think it performs OK as a primer, but I truthfully get better use out of it as a reflective cream. It doesn't clog the pores or feel overly greasy - which is always a good thing - yet I would still highly recommend testing this out in store before committing to any purchase, simply to see how best it works for you. Ah, the riddles of make up...!

MAC Prep + Prime Skin can be purchased from MAC counters worldwide and maccosmetics.co.uk for £18.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

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*

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*

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.

Clinique Super City Block

The weirdest thing happened this morning.

I woke up. Went to the bathroom. Washed my Face. Whacked in my contacts and then BANG! It hit me.

There it was pouring down from the sky - the glorious, much missed golden glow of the sunshine. I couldn't believe it. That great big firey ball of flames had finally decided to let little ol' London in on it's beauty again. I stood motionless, bathing in it's light. I tell you now, I felt those vitamin D levels rising within my body like a super charged yo-yo.

However, with sunlight comes sun damage, and being a Pale Patsy myself I need to make sure to arm my skin with the most useful protection around. One product that's worked it's way into my make up bag for the past few years has been Clinique's Super City Block - a creamy SPF base designed to be worn either alone or under make up.

Super City Block swatched/ lightly blended

Available in the varying strengths of 25 or 40, Super City Block helps protect against environmental irritants that can cause problems to the skin. I'll admit, I was somewhat lapse with this primer last year, a decision which resulted in my face becoming a fabulous field of freckles. Whilst it looked cute, I've since noticed a lot of damage to the skin's surface, plus my complexion has definitely become more sensitive to strong UV rays.

In general I think this product is a clever thing to have in your kit. Whilst some of you love nothing more than soaking up the sun, this quick absorbing formula is perfect for adding instant protection either when desired or needed - a must if you want to prevent against premature ageing and potentially harmful nasties.

Clinique Super City Block is available from Clinique stands worldwide and clinique.co.uk for £15

*this product was purchased by The Beauty Bite*

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua SPF 15 Foundation

Ah Chanel.

I've literally lost count of the number of times you've sat there looking tempting with your interlocking Cs, taunting me with your gorgeous fluid foundations. As someone with very pale skin I've often walked away with nothing but an orange swatch and a heavy heart. However, I'm glad to say that's finally all changed...

Vitalumiere Aqua is a sheer and delicate watery base that feels truly weightless when applied against the skin. Packaged in a plastic squeeze bottle, the product must be shaken thoroughly before each use to insure the fluid is dispensed with both a thick texture and even colour.

Vitalumiere Aqua B10 swatched/ sheered out

I genuinely love this base. Offering a radiant, buildable finish that lasts all day, this formula instantly lifts my skin tone making my overall appearance noticeably more polished and glowy. The colour applies incredibly sheer and builds up quickly to reveal a more intense medium coverage, however this is the part where I always seem to get a bit stuck...

Vitalumiere Aqua B10 applied to bare skin

Chanel have limited their release of the rose toned shades and are currently only stocking the beige collection in UK retailers. B10 - the palest shade - possesses dramatic yellow tones, and for this reason alone I am unable to build the coverage up beyond two layers. If you can get a perfect colour match with one of the five shades available then you're definitely onto a good thing - this foundation looks INCREDIBLE when built up. However, if like me the shades run too warm for your complexion, you'll simply have to make do with a lighter and sheerer application. Great for young skin, but perhaps not ideal for those of you who like a bit more oomph and coverage to your base.

Extreme close up of product applied to skin

I've no doubt the rose toned version of Vitalumiere Aqua would provide me with my holy grail base. The formula applies smoothy, dries quickly, looks healthy, leaves no residue, feels weightless...literally, the list of plus points is as long as my arm; I adore the way it blurs out my pores providing an almost airbrushed effect. I love the way it looks like my skin but better. I bizarrely enjoy using the squeezy bottle. I just wish it wasn't so darn yellow.

If you're interested definitely head down to your local Chanel counter and swatch away. This is honestly a fantastic product and one that I highly recommend - just be cautious of the rather limited tonal choice for those of us with pale or dark skin. Seriously, when will brands realise all the women of the world don't fit into their lack lustre efforts of 5 shades? If you're a fan of light weight, natural looking breathable bases than this will be right up your street; the perfect choice for delicate spring skin.

Chanel Vitalumiere Aqua is available from Chanel stands worldwide and boots.com for £31.

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Arbonne Natural Radiance Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15

Mineral foundations are a relatively new find in the Beauty Bite household. Recently I've become hooked on Bare Escentuals after hearing my sister rave wonders about their latest matte foundation, yet this summer I tried (and spectacularly failed) at getting this powder based beauty to work it's magic on me...

Arbonne's Natural Radiance Mineral Foundation is a rather generous portion of product weighing in at 8.5g. Designed to give the face a soft focused airbrushed effect, I was sent a pot of 'light' to try out for review.

Presented in a sturdy plastic jar, the product is dispensed via a series of vents that are secured after use using a thin see-through lid. Application is a tad messy - there's no doubt this design would benefit from a built in sifter - but when applied with a generously fluffy brush the powder itself transfers onto the skin effortlessly, filling each and every nook and cranny with sheer and subtle coverage.

Natural Radiance Mineral Powder Foundation sheered out

And here's for me where the main issues starts. Whilst this foundation is undeniably great at evening out skin tone and lifting a dull complexion, the radiance side of things sway far more towards glitter than glow. For night time wear I would happily load this powder onto my face, but for day time? I feel a bit like a walking mirror ball.

Natural Radiance Mineral Powder Foundation in shade 'light' applied to bare skin

I do enjoy wearing this base; it's comfortable, allows my skin to breathe and lasts a whole day's wear and tear - plus the added SPF 15 is a real bonus. Yet I just can't shake off the amount of shimmer. Radiance in products should be about creating a natural illumination to the skin, not simply dusting it with sparkle.

Extreme close up of product on the skin

Lately I've been trialling this as a body powder; something to dust liberally over my arms and legs before a big night out. It works fantastically well at providing a generous sheen to the skin and feels ultra smooth when buffed down. I think this works wonderfully as a night time cosmetic - and I can't fault it's skills at all in terms of the coverage I expect from a good foundation - but at £26 a jar I was honestly expecting a bit more than a glitzy coating of sparkle.

Arbonne Natural Radiance Mineral Powder Foundation SPF 15 is available from Arbonne directly priced at £26.

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

The Beauty Bite: Top 5 Primers

For some it's a step too far, but for most make up junkies primer is the vital difference between a good finish and a great finish. Here are just some of the best the market has to offer:

Best For Price - L'Oreal Paris Studio Secrets Smoothing Resurfacing Primer (£13.29)

This little jar has certainly propelled the world of chemist cosmetics into a more respected light. Offering professional quality products to the masses, Studio Secrets is the ideal introduction to foundation bases. Picking up editorial awards left, right and centre, this velvety, non greasy formula is fantastic at banishing pores. If you want something to extend your party face then definitely check this out.

Best For Banishing Lines - Arbonne Make Up Primer (£24)

Arbonne's newly revamped primer is an astonishing force at combating the pains of fine lines and wrinkles. With just a few quick pumps of the clear liquid gel, the entire face can be prepped and set helping you create an all over flawless soft finish; great for those who desire a little more oomph from their foundation.

Best For Radiance - Giorgio Armani Light Master Make Up Primer (£32)

Developed around an exclusive Micro-Fil pearl technology, this formula possesses the power to literally change colour according to surrounding light levels. Offering a spectrum of white, pearl, pink, gold or peach particles, this versatility means the illuminator has the ability to sit "naked" on the skin leaving absolutely no trace of glittery chunks or childish sparkle. I found it didn't work particularly well at filling in fine lines, yet it does quickly tone down uneven complexions.

Best for Moisture - Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base (£33.50)

Skincare fanatics will absolutely adore the glowing credentials of this luxury face base. Packed full of Shea Butter, Vitamins A, C and E, plus Grapefruit and Geranium to provide the most delicious of scents, this thick cream is perfect for maintaining moisture. Non greasy and quick absorbing, this formula adds both radiance and smoothness to the complexion - expensive but divine.

Best In The Business - Nars Make Up Primer (£25)

Pore busting, wrinkle reducing, make up extending - Francois Nars certainly knows how to solve it all. This light and airy gel feels heavenly on the skin and instantly offers visible results. Packed full of soothing botanicals to calm and protect the skin, if you're looking for goodies to add to your christmas list then this definitely deserves a mention.