New CID i-blush 3110

Whilst summer make up trends naturally focus on bronzed skin, it can be hard to work a truly deep and tanned colour if your complexion pulls cool. I for one most certainly fall into this category, repeatedly sighing at coveted, gorgeous bronzers which seem to look absolutely stunning on everyone but me. Fear not though fellow pasty ladies, because I've found something which might just fit the bill...!

New CID i-blush in shade 3110 is a gorgeous pairing of pretty pink blush and glistening golden highlight. Packaged in a sturdy white plastic compact complete with light-up-mirror, this weighty 9.5 grams of product is ideal for adding a burst of colour and warmth to both cool AND warm skin tones. Simply swipe your make up brush across the dividing line of the palette before applying softly along the guide of your cheekbones for an instant sun kissed look.

Visually the blush smacks of Nars' cult shade Orgasm, yet actually, when swiped next to each other, New CID's powder applies sheerer, lighter and noticeably pinker than it's contemporary. Easily layered to increase it's intensity, this formula is smooth, pigmented and fairly long lasting in warmer temperatures. Worn alone this blush mightn't be particularly exciting, but there's no denying how unashamedly sweet and pretty it is.

New CID i-blush 3110 applied to cheeks

The golden highlight itself is quite glittery in its texture, yet when worn the sparkles sit relatively light on the skin. For me, the colour adds just enough warmth to my face to give a light bronzed effect, yet I can imagine on most skin tones - particularly those of you with darker complexions - it'll work amazingly as a reflective and up-lifting radiance enhancer. Again, the formula is smooth and soft, transferring beautifully onto the skin with just a light swipe of a brush.

Priced at a high £24, this product does offer a lot for it's money. The packaging is sturdy, the light up mirror is immensely useful, the blush is a nice, light summer coral, the highlighter adds the most gorgeous, radiant glow...truthfully, there is a lot going for it. Whilst those of you with warm skin tones might feel there are better options open to you (which, lets face it, there probably are), cooler toned ladies should definitely appreciate the idea of adding a hint of bronze to your face without looking at all tangoed. I know I do!

New CID i-blush is available from selected retailers worldwide and newcidcosmetics.co.uk for £24.

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

New CID i-Volumise Mascara

When it comes to lashes my views are simple; I want them bloomin' big.

Whilst others may search for curl or definition, I constantly find myself attracted to tubes emblazoned with the words "1000% MORE LENGTH!", "FOR LASHES SO LONG YOU'LL NEED A TAPE MEASURE!" OR "CRIKEY! THIS FORMULA WILL MAKE YOU LOOK SO GOOD YOU'LL ACTUALLY FANCY YOURSELF!" Which is why it comes as no surprise to learn I was a right eager beaver to check out this root boosting affair...

i-Volumise by New CID is a chunky little thing. Packaged in a futuristic pearly white tube, this mascara sells itself on it's "revolutionary 2-in-1 brush". If you struggle with the size of Benefit's Bad Gal wand then this product will definitely test you further, mainly because it's bloody HUGE!

Whilst one side of the genius wand loads your lashes generously with thick helpings of formula, a svelte and nifty separating comb pulls through the hairs to insure your application stays free from unsightly clumps. Whilst the texture of the mascara is quite wet to begin with, I found the product dried moderately quickly, leaving my lashes light and lifted with a faint flirty curl.

Before:

After:

Claiming to offer both "huge volume" and "exceptional definition", I do feel a tad let down by the overall results. Don't get me wrong, I actually really, really like this mascara - it wears like a complete pro and gives the most gorgeous framing to the eyes - it just perhaps isn't quite the product I was expecting it to be.

For day to night use i-Volumise is definitely a contender for the make up bag; the brush is fun to use, the results are super speedy (the above picture is just 1 coat of product), plus it holds up remarkably well under warmer weather conditions (though it will need topping up occasionally to keep the 'Oomph!'). I'm just a bit sad it doesn't add a tad more thickness to the tips, then I'd be a seriously smitten.

i-Volumise Mascara is available from selected retailers worldwide and newcidcosmetics.co.uk for £18.

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