Miss Ballantyne's Organic Red Raspberry Face Cream

I have a lot of time for Miss Ballantyne's beautifully produced skincare. Handmade in Edinburgh, you won't find a single chemical or artificial scent in these natural, often fair trade and organically sourced lotions. My sister gifted me this incredible face cream for my birthday a few months ago and I'm literally obsessed; who knew cheeks could feel so soft?!

There's just 3 simple things you need to know about this product:

1: It smells amazing.

2: It absorbs amazing.

3: It is amazing.

Plus, it offers your face nature's very own UVA filter: raspberries! OK, so it's not officially certified sun protection but as far as natural, handmade products go, I think it's the bees knees in terms of quality, price and performance. Leaving the complexion looking outrageously smooth, it's an ideal base for make up application.

Organic Raspberry Face Cream Swatched/ lightly sheered out

If you fancy trying out a pot for yourself, simply request a personalised blend by contacting Miss Ballantyne through her etsy shop here. Offering reasonably priced world wide shipping, she can also conjure up your very own made to measure product, mixing ingredients picked especially to tackle any requests you put her way. A brilliant and wonderfully affordable present idea.

If you're into skincare, Miss Ballantyne is definitely a band wagon to jump on. She now even makes beautifully packaged organic lip tints and cheek highlighters - something I'm very eager to try out.

You can order a custom blend/ request product by Miss Ballantyne via her etsy shop. Alternatively, you can pick up anything from toners, to soap, to face creams via Curiouser & Curiouser. Prices run between £3.50 and £12.

Nude Skincare - The Best Products For Oily Skin

After receiving many messages requesting coverage of products designed specifically for oily skin (as opposed to my dry/combination needs) I headed straight for the e-mail and contacted my favourite skincare company, NUDE. A few days later a couple of oil busting beauties arrived in the safe hands of my lovely friend Ellie. I left her to play with them for a month before chatting about the formulas, textures - and most importantly - results. If you're prone to excess oil than this one's for you!

Moisture Balance - £48/40ml

"THANK YOU!" was the greeting I got when me and Ellie first checked in. She's a mum, in her late twenties and has suffered from break outs since she was a teen. "I genuinely can't remember the last moisturiser I tried that didn't cause my face to erupt into a mountain of spots." Containing calming ingredients such as seaweed and liquorice to help soothe the skin, this refreshing gel combats the signs of ageing whilst keeping the skin hydrated yet free from excess oils. "It's extremely sheer which helps a lot. I find thicker, richer textures are too much and will always make my skin feel weighed down and greasier. This is light and breathable without being at all drying. It's just nice to not feel self conscious about looking shiny when I'm wandering round the supermarket."

Moisture Balance swatched/ blended

The texture absorbs at a helpfully lively pace, allowing the gel to be liberally applied both morning and night to ensure the best possible results are achieved. A month later and Ellie is still a fan. "The very top of my forehead still gets the odd bout of grease, but it's nothing compared to what I used to have. Also, my pores aren't clogged which makes a huge difference to the overall look of my skin. It's a very easy gel to use and takes no time at all, which is good for me because I have more important things to do then faff about waiting for my face to dry. My t-zone isn't anywhere near as shiny as it was a few weeks ago, plus the surface feels a lot smoother. I've had a few spots but none on my cheeks, which is a very rare thing for me. I do feel awkward spending nearly fifty quid on my skin, but lord knows how much money I've spent on rubbish over the years. If this fixes things for me then I guess it's worth it, I'll just have to see how I feel when the bottle runs out! So far it's a big thumbs up!"

Cleansing Facial Wash - £14/ 100ml

Ideal for use on normal to combination skin, this delicate gel cleanser swiftly wipes away all traces of stubborn make up. Transforming into a gorgeous refreshing foam when massaged into a wet face, NUDE Cleansing Facial Wash will leave your complexion blissfully squeaky clean. Fantastic for use both morning and night, the gentle ingredients in this award winning formula - such as aloe vera and moringa - are perfect for calming down oily skin.

Cleansing Facial Wash pumped from bottle

Both myself and Ellie have fallen head over heels in love with this product - it performs beautifully, leaves the skin feeling remarkably soft, plus won't break the bank at only £14 for 100ml; enough to last up to a good 4 months.

"Whilst this didn't change my skin as dramatically as the Moisture Balance, I really did enjoy using it. It didn't leave my face feeling tight or stingy which can sometimes happen with cleansers. This is something I can see myself using a lot."

If you've read about NUDE before but felt the products weren't suitable for your skin type then hopefully this will cover any gaps. Another friend with oily to combination skin is testing out a range of Liz Earle products as we speak, so expect a full review later next month.

Nude Moisture Balance and Cleansing Facial Wash are available from Space NK, John Lewis and nudeskincare.com

*these products were free samples obtained by the Beauty Bite*

Liz Earle Energising Body Scrub

When it comes to bathroom booty chances are my Mr will blissfully use any of the many lotions or potions found lying about regardless of scent, price or product claims. Whilst he's been known to spectacularly recoil in horror at the discovery of his torso violently reeking of chocolate, this subtle smelling unisex scrub has become a firm favourite for us both thanks to its refreshing aroma and ultra gentle exfoliation.

Containing ingredients such as peppermint, orange and pine essential oils, vitamin E and Jojoba beads, this invigorating scrub makes for an ideal morning pick me up thanks to its awakening fragrance and creamy softening lather. With ground olive stones gently working against the body to buff away dead skin cells, you'll be quickly left from top to toe with brighter, softer, smoother skin - not bad for 2 minutes work.

Energising Body Scrub before lathering

Available in either a generous 200ml bottle or dinky travel sized tube, Liz Earle Energising Body Scrub has deservedly won itself a permanent spot on The Beauty Bite households bathroom shelf thanks to it's natural ingredients and noticeable results. If you like your exfoliation to be more soothing than scratchy (who doesn't!?) this scrub will be right up your street.

Liz Earle Energising Body Scrub is available from lizearle.com (prices starting at £5.35)

UNTIL AUGUST 31ST RECEIVE A FREE 50ML ENERGISING BODY SCRUB AS PART OF THE LIZ EARLE SENSATIONAL SMOOTH SKIN OFFER. HURRY - PROMOTION ENDS NEXT WEEK!

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

Burt's Bees Radiance Day Lotion SPF15

Burt's Bees is one brand that continuously impresses me with it's wide range of affordable, high quality formulas. It seems almost every time I pop into Boots they have another beautifully packaged addition to add to their repertoire, focusing on soothing, natural ingredients to help both gently maintain and protect the condition of skin. One item that's found it's way firmly into my daily routine is the royal jelly based Radiance Day Lotion:

Made up from 98.2% natural product, this specially formulated cream uses the nourishing qualities of royal jelly to help boost the skins overall radiance. Each and every morning I automatically lean to my left, pump out a modest portion of lotion and lightly massage it over my face. The texture is thin and creamy, coating the skin with an instantly transparent layer of light sun protection - an easy solution for anyone whose favourite foundation might be lacking an added SPF. After several weeks use I feel my complexion is visually bright and clear, particularly on the cheeks where I tend to work the product in slightly deeper. Yet it's on a day to day basis, especially after I've applied a light layer of make up before work, that I really feel my skin is at it's most glowy.

Radiance Day Lotion pumped directly from the bottle

If you're someone who feels their complexion is perhaps looking a bit more lacklustre than usual, Radiance Day Lotion is an accessible product to try. Whilst the results I've had have been fairly modest, the formula itself feels comfortable and hydrating on the skin, leaving my face free from pesky flakes or irritating dry patches. As a morning moisturiser and light make up base this fits the bill perfectly, especially thanks to it's gorgeous scent and quick absorption speed. Hand on my heart I can safely say this will remain part of my routine for many years to come.

Burt's Bees Radiance Day Lotion SPF15 is available from selected stores worldwide and burtsbees.co.uk for £19.99 (55g)

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

Nude Replenishing Night Oil

Something weird is going on in the UK right now.

The sun has been shining.

Every day.

Whilst we're used to the odd burst of occasional rays, my skin has been thoroughly dumbstruck by the increased daily dose of vitamin D. Whilst my forehead gets sweatier and sweatier, I've been working hard to switch my focus from cosmetics to skincare. After all, nothing says refreshed less than a face full of melting make up applied over a dried out burnt up base.

And this, ladies and gentlemen, has been the product making the whole process effortlessly possible:

Nude Replenishing Night Oil is likely to have crept up on your beauty radar thanks to its astonishing score recently given by the Anti Aging Beauty Bible. Clocking up the highest rating ever rewarded to a single product, it would be fair to say this 15ml bottle comes packaged with a whole heap of high expectations; and you'll be pleased to know it doesn't once disappoint.

Containing Omega 3, 6, 7, and 9, this decadently scented oil truly feels like skincare heaven. Using one or two pumps to cover the entire face, gently massage the golden nectar into your complexion using firm, upward movements to give a radiance boosting facial. I've been treating my skin to a nightly treatment for the past 6 weeks and so far the results have been utterly fabulous.

As far as nightly treatments go this one has become an invaluable part of my bedtime routine. It doesn't matter if I clock in with a tired, dull complexion, I know that come morning my skin will be firm, luminous, clear and soft. Whilst I'm perhaps too young to sit here fully preaching the effects of the anti-aging benefits, I can honestly stress that my wrinkles - however small - have visibly become softened, particularly on my forehead. Beautifully scented with the delicate perfume of rose and vanilla, I've become selfishly addicted to lying in bed, allowing the light oil to slowly sink into my skin whilst I breathe in the calming fragrance. Utter beauty bliss.

There are many reasons why this oil is constantly showered with high industry praise; the main being because it works. Amazingly. Suitable for use on all ages, this moisturising formula is ideal for those with dry to normal skin looking for an intense, nutrient rich product. Once again Nude have proved just why they're the brand to watch when it comes to active skincare.

Nude Replenishing Night Oil is available from Space Nk stores nationwide and nudeskincare.com for £44.

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

NIA 24 Sun Damage Prevention UVA/UVB Sunscreen SPF30

It would be foolish to try and dress sunscreen up as something it isn't. Whilst I'll happily sit online comparing coral lipsticks for hours upon end, sun cream has never been a product I've ever put much thought or effort into - which is a bit stupid really, considering not only am I very pale but I also break out with sunburn just by standing next to a window. However, this summer has seen me stumble upon one formula that takes damage prevention to a new level of fancy...

NIA 24 is possibly one of the most advanced - and interesting - sun protection products on the market. Containing Pro Niacin (which improves skin tone, texture and hyperpigmentation) , this non-greasy lotion quickly absorbs into the skin, decadently moisturising the surface with lashings of yummy yummy mango butter. Snazzy!

Nia 24 Swatched/ lightly rubbed in

I've been using this SPF 30 lotion for the past 3 weeks and have been hugely impressed with the results. Offering the highest PA level available, NIA 24 helps protect the skin from harsh elements that can cause both weakening and premature ageing. Light enough to be used under make up without adding shine or grease, I've been fortunate enough to experience no break outs since my trial began- surprising, considering the richness of this cream.

Priced at £37 you'd be right to wince. Whilst I don't think this is a must have for all (stick to the soltan!), those of you with mature or very pale skin might appreciate the technology packed inside this tube. As someone who can visibly see their skin become damaged during an afternoon in the sun, this formula has really helped not only reduce the pigmentation of my freckles but also the prominence of any wrinkles (yes, I know! I don't have many but they are there!).

Summer is a difficult time of year for my skin, yet I'm confident with NIA 24 this season will see a lot less redness and a bit more radiance; great for both my confidence and my health. If you want a bit more oomph to your sunscreen than this is a brand to definitely check out.

NIA 24 Sun Damage Prevention UVA/UVB Sunscreen SPF30 is available from spacenk.co.uk for £37

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

ESPA Lift & Firm

ESPA have most certainly set the bar high when it comes to anti-aging skincare. Unleashing a range of complex, hard working products onto the market containing ingredients such as Argan Oil, Micro Algae and Lupin Seed to help nourish, hydrate and tighten the skin, I passed on a selection of products to my dear mother to review in all her mature skinned glory. Take it away, mum!

"I was given the opportunity to try out the new ESPA Lift and Firm age-defying Collection because I am now at the age where - lets just say - some defying is needed. The products come in very attractive, nicely designed boxes. Inside, the pumps have clean, simple and sophisticated lines, spot on for looking good on the bathroom shelf. I was also pleased to see that the ingredients were made up of nearly 99% natural products with no synthetic colours or parabens to be found.

Twice a day, morning and night, I applied the Intensive Serum followed by the Moisturiser. They both have a fresh, pleasant fragrance, slightly reminiscent of the seaside, and absorb quickly. After a few days I noticed an improvement in the appearance of the skin on my neck, it looked firmer and less crinkly. There was also an improvement on my face; wrinkles were less obvious, my skin tone had evened out and I'd acquired a rather nice, healthy glow - someone at work even asked if I'd been on holiday....!

Face Serum/ Eye Serum swatched

Along with the face products I also trialled both the Intensive Eye Serum and Firm Eye Moisturiser (which contains a Nobel Prize Winning ingredient!). I was a bit sparing with them to begin with, but the benefit is really from applying them generously. The area under my eyes looked a lot better within a few days. The network of fine wrinkles was reduced and the general tone of the skin was much improved.

Lift and Firm Mask

Finally, there was the Lift and Firm Mask; a twice weekly treatment I decadently applied during episodes of "Desperate Housewives" or "Mad Men". What can I say - it worked a treat! The mask left my skin feeling extremely soft, radiant and smooth - honestly, I felt I could have given any woman on Wisteria Lane a run for her money.

I thoroughly enjoyed testing these ESPA products. Not only were they an absolute pleasure to use but, more importantly, they really did work. Which, lets face it, is what we really want in any 'age defying' collection."

ESPA Lift and Firm Collection is available from espaonline.com. Prices start at £38.

*this is a sponsored post, written and reviewed by the Beauty Bite's Mother*

The Jersey Cow Company Uplift Body Lotion

It's fair to say that the start of warmer weather can sometimes come as a bit of a shock. Whilst some days tights and boots are essential wear, the next can be whirl of bare legs and painted toe nails; lets face it, the UK is never predictable when it comes to temperature. That's why it's always nifty to prepare your bathroom with an arsenal of lotions and potions transcending the seasons - leaving your skin in tip top condition whatever the weather.

The Jersey Cow Company Uplift Body Lotion is just that: a thick and creamy formula designed to stimulate the circulation whilst adding a burst of hydration. Free from the likes of parabens, silicones and synthetic fragrances to name but a few, this rich and luxurious blend of Eucalyptus, Lime and Lavender essential oils is simply heaven to use.

Lately I've become somewhat obsessed with massaging this decadent lotion into my arms and legs daily. Whilst the natural ingredients provide the most delicious fragrance to the skin, the formula itself absorbs deeply, leaving the body both smooth and soft to the touch. Hydrating enough to get you through colder months whilst light enough to prep you for summer skin, this really is a year round product that will keep your body in stellar shape from head to toe. For anyone daring to bare this holiday season then this lotion is the perfect candidate for beach body prep - especially as it's also available in a very covetable travel kit.

If you're looking for a natural skincare range that's beautifully packaged, ultra hard working and an absolute pleasure to use, then your search is most definitely over...

The Jersey Cow Company Uplift Body Lotion is available from thejerseycowcompany.com priced at £12.50 for 300ml

*this product was a free sample obtained by the beauty bite*

Elemis Fresh Skin - Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash

Back in the day my entire knowledge of skincare was Simple moisturiser. I picked up my first bottle when I was about 12 years old after reading an interview in Top Of The Pops Magazine about Pop Star Beauty Secrets. The girls in Steps kept harping on about the importance of hydrating your skin, so me - being an uneducated child - started covering my face in water every 10 minutes. It wasn't until I saw an advert during SM:TV live a few weeks later for Simple (in which they repeatedly used the word "hydrating") that I finally latched on to what I was meant to be doing...

Which is why I'd have given anything to have had this range back then: Elemis Fresh Skin.

Aimed at consumers in their teenage years, this collection of cleansers, masks and moisturisers is without a doubt the perfect introduction to the world of skincare. I've been working my way through the entire ensemble and have been repeatedly blown away by the textures, scents and ingredients used. One item that has really caught my eye is the pore busting Skin Glow Exfoliating Wash - a radiance boosting scrub packed full of Jojoba beans, Mandarin and Cherry powder.

Skin Glow squeezed from tube/ blended out

Gentle enough to be used on a daily basis, this light textured gel is absolutely fool proof to apply. The particles within the mixture are neither too large or scratchy, meaning even exfoliator amateurs won't risk any surface damage to the skin. It removes easily with just a splash of warm water, instantly revealing a brighter and more radiant complexion - results I can't help but love.

Personally I think this product is too good to be left to the teens. Priced at £12 for a 100ml bottle, I think for a piece of Elemis' professional know-how this is great value for money. I know I'll definitely be repurchasing.

Elemis Fresh Skin - Skin Glow Exfoliating Face Wash is available from feelunique.com for £12.

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

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

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*

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*

The Jersey Cow Company Jersey Milk Soaps

It's always a pleasure discovering new brands. Asides from the obvious joys of trying out fresh products and stumbling upon hidden gems, I absolutely adore getting to learn more about a company and it's overall personality. One launch that has really caught my eye is The Jersey Cow Company; a family run business who escaped the mayhem of London life to embrace all things natural in the gorgeous, gorgeous Channel Islands (if you've never been - GO!).

Soap is a bathroom staple and something that usually gets forgotten about in the fast paced world of beauty blogging. Whilst most of us research for hours over the latest cleansers or hair care, I know personally that I never think twice about what I wash my hands with. Which is silly really, especially when you consider there are such beautifully packaged, high quality products like these on the market.

Available in a trio of scents - Soothe (Geranium), Unwind (Jersey Lavender) and Refresh (Lemongrass, Grapefruit and Jersey Honey), each range contains natural essential oils designed to both balance and restore the skin. Sourcing the majority of ingredients from the Island itself, not a single paraben, silicone or sodium sulphate can be found in any of these luxurious goodies.

I don't know much about soap, after all, who does? But I can tell you now these milky bars are an absolute pleasure to use. They smell gorgeous, produce a deliciously creamy lather, are generously sized (110g), and each come engraved with their very own Jersey cow design. Priced at a reasonable £5 a bar, these gorgeously presented soaps also double up as fantastic presents. If you're into discovering new brands than this is a great, likeable company to explore.

The Jersey Cow Company Jersey Milk Soaps can be purchased for £5 each at thejerseycowcompany.com or a mixed gift set for £15.

These products were a free sample obtained by the Beauty Bite

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Cream Mask

"Hey, what's that on your face?"

"Caudalie's Vinosource cream mask. It feels pretty good."

"Sounds nice. What's the deal?"

"Quite simple. You just apply a thick layer onto the skin twice a week and leave it to work it's magic for around 15 minutes. When washed away the face is instantly softer, brighter and more even in tone. Although, those of you with really dry skin can use it as a daily repairing balm too."

"Nifty! How does it all work?"

"It's something to do with grape seeds and Omega vitamins - I don't really know, to be honest. I never listened in Science class because my teacher Clive was always too busy cracking up. He looked like Doctor Wheeto"

"Right."

"Right."

"So is it worth the money?"

"It's priced at £21.50 for 50ml which is fairly reasonable for a more high end brand. It's lovely to use, smells great, and certainly delivers what it sets out to do. From my experiences this winter I would most definitely repurchase again next year."

"So what's the point?"

"The point is to soothe and regnerate dry skin, which is very handy considering the cold weather we've been having lately."

"Thanks for the review, Michael Fish."

"My pleasure."

Caudalie Vinosource Moisturizing Cream Mask is available from selected retailers worldwide and spacenk.co.uk for £21.50

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Tattoo Brite

OK, so perhaps this isn't entirely the most "beauty" related of products, but those of you with tattoos will no doubt appreciate the properties of this ink enhancing lotion.

Tattoo Brite is an anti ageing SPF 20 cream that promises to both protect and brighten all types of skin art. Suitable for use all over the body, the technology works by sinking down to the skin's dermal level and hydrating the ink; this instantly causes greater clarity to the pigmentation leaving your tats looking both brighter and bolder.

Tattoo Brite swatched

The lotion itself is quite watery and quickly absorbs into the skin. When applied to a large black arm tattoo (around 13 years old) the colour intensity immediately became more prominent, resulting in several areas of sun damage to visibly darken. If you've got tattoos that are fading then this formula is a great fix. It won't provide a permanent result but when applied daily works fantastically well as both a sunscreen and protective measure against further discolouration. Available in original or sensitive skin, Tattoo Brite is ideal for summer body prep - after all, why gets tats if you're not going to show them off?!

*Several Beauty Bite readers have experienced problems ordering through the tattoobrite website, because of this we recommend purchasing your cream through Urban Outfitters.*

Tattoo Brite is available from Urban Outfitters (USA), Colette (Paris) and tattoobrite.com for $24.99

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Nude Detox Supplement

It's hard to make detox capsules seem exciting - after all, they're not the most charismatic of items. However, whilst a vibrant varnish or glistening gloss sits beautifully on the skin, dietary supplements promise to work a little deeper, cleansing the body in order to promote fresher skin and longer lasting energy. What these things lack in cosmetic excitement is most definitely balanced out via their toxin busting moves...

On January 1st I began taking Nude's Detox supplements; a probiotic, biocompatible treatment intended for use over 10 consecutive days. Taking 2 in the morning (on an empty stomach) followed by a further double at night (before your evening meal), I'm currently on day 9 of my capsule regime. I'm by no means a health freak - in fact, I would happily live off Pizza and Ice Cream if my body allowed it to - so I was somewhat anxious about what exactly to expect.

So far, I've been hugely impressed.

Smelling and tasting like tea, ingredients such as liquorice and ginger work together in order to support the digestive function and reduce water retention. I suffer hugely from built up H20 and often find my stomach bloated up to the size of a deluxe Winnebago. These tablets have definitely helped in this department, and for that I am hugely grateful; it makes a nice change to walk down the street without feeling like I'm carrying some sort of Evian baby.

My skin has also developed a rather fetching "inner glow" - something which I solely put down to Nude and Elemis' astonishing detox regimes. As for any other notable differences (ie: are there any crazy side effects)? My weights dropped 3lbs and I've honestly had more energy than I can remember. Seriously, I've never been one for dietary supplements before but I actually feel really good - something that's thoroughly surprised me.

Nude's Detox Supplements are sadly soon to be discontinued (the company are cutting their body range to focus 100% on face based products), which means you can pick up a tub of 80 capsules for a nifty £9.50. Plus, as a special deal for Beauty Bite readers, all orders placed before January 17th will come with a free travel sized (15ml) Cleansing Facial Oil. Bargain!

If you're currently riding a New Year health trip then these tablets are definitely something to look into. I'm certainly going to be rocking this regime again in a few months.

Nude Detox Supplements are available for a limited time at nudeskincare.com for £9.50

*this product was purchased by the Beauty Bite*

Elemis Anti-Ageing Detox Regime

Whilst new year sees many focus on their body in terms of detoxification, Elemis have launched their own 14 day set designed exclusively for skin. Containing 5 anti ageing products intended to replenish and repair all complexions, I've been trialling the range for the past week in order to keep my make up free face positively glowing...

Containing cleanser, eye cream, moisturiser, brightening scrub and a duo of facial oils, this quintet is skincare made simple. Presented neatly in a cardboard box, I've thoroughly enjoyed having a routine laid out for me - after all, who loves faffing around in the bathroom when you've already over slept for work?

Pro Radiance Cream Cleanser is, quite simply, a delight to use. It pumps out of the bottle with a airy foam consistency and lathers beautifully against the face. Containing high levels of both Moringa Seed Peptide and anti-oxidants, this formula is ideal for dehydrated skin. Not once has it left my face feeling tight or oily after use - I highly recommend this to anyone whose skin is prone to feeling stripped of moisture.

Intended to be used two times a week, Papaya Enzyme Peel is a non abrasive exfoliation cream designed specifically for sensitive and mature skin. It most certainly gave my complexion added radiance after each use, yet I wouldn't say I noticed any added benefits when compared to my current scrub. I've handed over the remaining product to my mother to test out how it works on older skin - I'll keep you updated!

Without a doubt my favourite products featured within this kit are the AM and PM Cellular Recovery Skin Bliss Capsules. Pink Rose for morning and Lavender for night, I adore everything about these beautifully scented oils. Simply tear off the capsule's tip, warm the product up between your palms and gently massage into the face. They soak in at a relatively speedy pace meaning you can leave the house with a delicate gentle sheen as opposed to a full on greasy aura. These were hands down my skin saviour throughout the Beauty Bite detox; instantly adding glow and radiance to my somewhat lacklustre complexion.

The moisturising Pro Collagen Marine Cream is the one item I feel slightly cautious reviewing. It felt incredible when dried, leaving my cheeks unbelievably silky to the touch - yet the rich formula is perhaps a little too strong for my young skin. It claims to reduce wrinkle depth by up to 78% in just 14 days, however my lack of lines mean I couldn't comment on whether on not that statement is true. As a moisturiser I loved it, I just wish I was able to discuss it's anti ageing credentials in greater depth - sorry!

Pro-intense Eye and Lip Contour Cream is most definitely one of the real gems included within this pack. Over the past 7 days my under eye area has visually appeared both smoother and brighter, something I hugely appreciate more due to my overwhelming lack of mascara. Again, this formula comes with stunning anti ageing claims which I don't feel suitable to comment on - however I would most certainly repurchase this cream, quite simply because it doesn't irritate my hyper sensitive skin.

I think this set is genuinely a great idea; the products work in harmony with one another and promise to offer visible results over a relatively short period of time. As someone in their twenties I feel a lot of these formulas true selling points may be lost on me, yet as far as a week of skin detoxing goes I am positively thrilled with the final result. If you're someone who is looking for more advanced anti ageing skincare, this regime is a fantastic way of trialling some of Elemis' most raved about products at a mere fraction of the price.

Elemis Anti Ageing Detox Regime is available from timetospa.co.uk for £35

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