The Review | Benefit PosieBalm

BENEFIT POSIEBALM £14.50

The summer calls for lighter formulas in all make up products, tinted moisturiser replaces foundations, cream blushes replace heavy powders and balms and tints replace glosses. I recently had a lovely little make over in Benefit and this was in the little hoard of products I ended up going home with. It was paired with it's matching tint and the colour was beautiful and lifted my skin tone so amazingly. I decided to choose between the two and I went for the balm.

So what's it like? Well, there has been a plethora of tinted balms on the high street over the past couple of years so in the long term I wasn't expecting it to be much different, I just really liked the colour. However, this is so ridiculously nourishing and keeps the lips supple for a long time. it's the first time I've come home and my lips felt better after just one day. In terms of colour, it's not as lovely without the tint (we know what I'll be getting on my next trip...) but still a lovely fresh summer colour and it's my go to.

What do you think of these new balms?

The Mani | Topshop Speckle Nails

TOPSHOP WHITE SPECKLE NAILS IN DANCING IN THE DARK & EVERYBODY GET UP £6

The Topshop next to where I work is evil. They keep things on the till that tempt me - my poor poor bank account. These were one of those purchases, what could I do? I was buying a top with the EXACT same colours in it so - you know. Whoops. 

I don't have any speckle polishes so these were definitely a novelty and the colours are beautiful. Dancing in the Dark looks like a pale grey, but it definitely has some nude tones to it which makes it that tab different and versatile. Everybody Get Up is a summer pale lilac, not mu usual colour but very pretty. I find that the white speckles are really easy to apply - you do need a couple of coats to get a good amount of colour but it is still quite sheer. Longevity wise after five days I've seen no chipping (apart from where I had a bendy nail) so I'm thoroughly impressed. I do find the formula a little thin which is a downside, but I do love the colours and the difference in pattern.

Have you ever tried speckle nails?

The Review | No7 Shade and Define

NO7 STAY PERFECT SHADE AND DEFINE £8.00

These were a drunken purchase one evening at Waterloo station, not going to lie. But I have to say - I should drunk buy more often. Everyone is raving about the By Terry Black Ombre shadow sticks so when a few people said there was a high street dupe I was intrigued.

No7 isn't usually a brand I go straight to when I pop into Boots, I have a love/hate relationship with their products. This is definitely on the love side. First off I picked up Cool Mink, a beautiful nude beige with a definite hint of lilac in it - I think it's definitely a great dupe for the Misty Rock high end product. I love this colour and its been donning my lids every day since its purchase. It's a beautiful all over lid shade. The second shade I picked up was Coffee Bean, a dark coffee brown perfect for contouring and creating a natural smoky eye. 

The thing that really sells these is their quality. Creamy consistency, they don't crease in the slightly and create a lovely natural sheen. They are incredibly easy to apply and equally as easy to blend. They really come into their own with longevity. They literally last all day and into the evening - which for just £8.00 is frigging amazing. Love it.

These have made me realise I really need to pay more attention to No7 products - and I definitely want to pick up more of these crayons in different colours. They are my new eyeshadow love.

Have you tried these high street dupes?

The Review | Bayliss & Harding Great Body Collection

I was very kindly sent the last three steps of Bayliss & Hardings new 5 step Great Body range. Basically, exactly what it says on the tin - 5 step routine to sort your bodies neglected skin out. When I say neglected, I'm talking about me. Step 1 and 2 are a polish and a wash, then there is steps 3, 4 and 5.

Step 3: Body Lotion for intense moisture £6*

This is quite possibly the first product from B&H whose scent I'm not a fan of. It's very herby. This is a very light moisturiser, as a lotion usually is, but it packs quite a punch in terms of quality. It has the lightness and the freshness of a lotion, which is perfect for summer, however it has the deep intense moisture as something like a body butter. Quick and easy to apply and absorb, nourishing and quite possibly my favourite lotion in terms of moisture yet. If only it didn't have the herby scent...

Step 4: Body Firming Cream for firming and sculpting the skin £6*

The same type of scent as the last one (boo) and a bit of an anonaly for me. Basically I'm incredibly wary of any cosmetic that claims to be firming or toning as I honestly think that they only way to tone is to get off your arse to sort it out (note to self). This is a nice moisturising balm, definitely more balm like than a cream. I wouldn't say I've noticed a difference in terms of firm skin around my targeted areas, moisturised and smooth yes, but firm? Nope.

Step 5: Body Mist for instant hydration £6*

This is definitely my favourite of the three steps I've been sent to try out. It refreshes the skin to no end, add a spritz and it's absorbed, it's incredibly light and just really nourishing. It's perfect for the warmer days as a quick nourishing spray. It reminds me of a toner in a way, since using it my skin has looked a lot clearer and just looks brighter as well. This has made such a big difference to my skin and I would highly recommend it out of all of the steps.

Which of these would you like to try?

The Life Post | My First Ascot

You may have seen on Instagram, or Twitter, you will know I went off to the first day of Ascot on Tuesday. I was kindly invited by Adams mum and I was super excited. I'd never been to horse racing before and I wasn't entierly sure what to expect - all I knew was I needed a hat!

Thankfully Adam's mum had one I could borrow so I donned my smart gear, popped on my hat, and off we went. We all went up on a coach, with me texting my older brother for betting tips, and had an M&S picnic with champagne before we went into the race course. We managed to get a table right in front of the course to view all the action and it was amazing. The atmosphere was incredible and the excitement during the races was unexpected. Helps to have some pennies invested! 

Afternoon tea (not actually worth it) and singing in the bandstand later I was shattered but happy. It was a really lovely day out and if you get the chance to go I would highly recommend it! 

Have you ever been to Ascot?