Benefit Coralista Blusher

This summer has seen me go a bit bonkers over blusher. I've normally been a bit of a mascara whore (oh I say!) but I've started to 'invest' in building a bigger blusher collection. One of my most recent purchases is Coralista by Benefit (£23.50, Boots).
This is a lovely coral and pink colour with gold shimmer, that makes your cheeks have a beautiful glow. The powder applies easily and is quite pigmented. It looks great on its own, but also on the cheekbones over the top of another blusher, especially a pink based one.

It comes with a decent brush, but I haven't used as I prefer to apply with my MAC 116 blush brush. There is a lot of packaging which I think it not needed. Not great for travelling or keeping in your handbag, but this aside I just can't get enough of it.

Rachel xx

My Clinique Skincare Essentials

My skin was in a bit of a rut and needed help - badly. I had been using Estee Lauder products for quite a while which I blogged about here, and after reading other blogs about skincare products, I decided to go back to Clinique. I have been having more breakouts on my chin and although they are usually hormonal, these little blemishes (not spots, just redness) were constantly there.
I visited my local Clinique counter in Boots a few weeks ago, and after a good discussion with the 'Clinique Lady' about my skin type and my main concern at the time being the redness, I bought the Superprimer Colour Corrects Redness (£20). This was a life saver during the colder weather. Not only did it control the red blemishes but also smoothed the skin texture and made my foundation last a bit longer. It was then I was given a deluxe sample size of the 3 Step Skincare System and boy was I impressed. I purchased the two of the 3 Step (full sizes) two weeks later.
The last time I used the 3 Step was when cleansing was only available in soap format. The Liquid Facial Soap (£16, 200ml) is basically the soap but in a liquid format, which for me feels more hygienic.  I have shiny/oily skin so this targets these areas of my cheeks and sides of my nose. Love it. After cleansing I use the Clarifying Toner (£26, 400ml) to sweep away dead skin cells. My skin really feels brighter and smoother after using this. Apply to cotton wool and sweep once over the face.
To target and actively treat those pesky blemishes I bought the Anti Blemish Solutions Clinical Clearing Gel (£20, 30ml) to apply prior to moisturiser. This is clear and dries quickly. You can apply the gel all over the face if desired but I just rub it on to the target areas. This is an absolute god send and after three days of using it the blemishes had completely gone. The only thing I don't like about this product is the smell. It's very strong like Windowlene but the smell disappears once rubbed in.
The only product that I didn't repurchase was the Dramatically Different Moisturising Gel (£30, 125ml) but that was only because I still have a lot left of my usual moisturiser which is the No7 Protect and Perfect Day Cream which I blogged about here. Once that is finished though I think I will buy the Clinique one as it effortlessly sunk into my skin leaving a matte finish.
I decided to use my Boots Advantage Card Points to purchase the soap and cleanser. The prices I have mentioned are the deluxe sizes but there are other sizes to buy if you're low on funds or don't have enough points.

Have you tried switching your skincare products lately? I'm glad I did as the benefits are have been really rewarding for me, not only to improve my skin but to also give me my confidence back.

Rachel xx

Summer Brights ~ Pink Nail Colours

Summer weather brings bright colours and what better shade for this time of year than pink. Above is just a few of my favourite bright nail pinks that I like to wear to add some sunshine to my life.

Bubblegum by Models Own - This is a bright ice neon that looks great and looks even better with a tan. The ice neon range is to be kept in the fridge to keep the colour fluoro as bright as can be. Two coats is plenty.

Oh Cabana Boy by Orly - This is one of my favourite bright pinks, and I regular wear this on my toes. It's a hot pink with a slight blue undertone. Orly nail colours are amazing and stay chip free for up to four days. I apply three coats.

Elephantastic Pink by OPI - This is one that I've had in my collection for a long time. I only need to apply two coats, as with most OPI bold colours that I have. Pink with a coral undertone.

Heat Index by China Glaze - This is quite sheer, so you need to either apply a white base coat or you need at least five to six coats of the colour (who has time for that?) But overall, a really bright pink.

Surfin' For Boys by China Glaze - A really nice pink coral colour. Two to three coats needed to have complete coverage.

Flip Flop Fantasy by China Glaze - Another bright neon colour which was my very first China Glaze purchase. This one gets so many comments when I wear it. Pink orange colour with a matte finish and again, great with a tan, but sadly I find this one chips after about two days, so I would only apply apply the night before if I was wanting to wear it for a special occasion, and needed it to last.

Any bright colours that you love other than pink?

Rachel xx

No7 Purple Bouquet Nail Colour & Night Out Eye Shadow Duo*

Boots No7 launched their Gel Look Shine Nail Colours last year and have been extremely successful, and I am a huge fan of the range. So this season sees the launch of Purple Bouquet, and this will take you through to winter.
The formula as expected, is smooth and gives complete coverage in just one coat. I have always applied two for a more intense colour. The shine is amazing and I find the Gel Look range lasts at least four days without chipping. Easy to apply with the wide bristles, what's not to love?

To accompany the nail colour, No7 have a beautiful and fairly pigmented Stay Perfect Duo Eye Shadow in Night Out. I have a few of these duos and they never disappoint. Each shadow compliments the other, and these colours would create the perfect smokey eye. Easy to blend and removes easily with the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water, which is what I'm using at present.
The duo eye shadow is available now priced at £8.50 and the Purple Bouquet is available in stores from Wednesday 9th July priced at £7.

Rachel xx

*PR sample kindly given to me by Melina & Lisa from Boots No7 Beauty Counter in Carmarthen.

All opinions are my own.

June Favourite ~ Soap and Glory Off Your Face 3 in 1 Daily Purifying Cloths

These Soap and Glory wipes are something that I use mostly everyday and repurchase again and again, so it was an obvious choice to feature them as my June favourite. There's always a big debate in the beauty community about using wipes and the potential to strip your skin using harsh chemicals, but personally I really like them. They're quick and convenient and these ones really help control my shine. I use them of an evening prior going to bed and by the morning my skin is soft and non-greasy.
With seaweed, glycerin, peach and goji berry extracts the smell is amazing, and the cloth is large enough to completely remove a full face of make up.
These are usually on offer in Boots (3 for 2) and this is when I stock up as they're £4.50 for a pack of 25. A bit pricey but I think they're worth it.

Rachel xx

Check out my May favourite here which was the Simple Kind to Eyes Eye Make Up Corrector Pen.

Blog Sale

Hi everyone. I have decided to have a bit of a clear out with the make up items I no longer use. Some are brand new and some only used no more than four or five times. I have taken pictures as best as I can.

Conditions and Information
This is only open to UK residents only (sorry).
You must be signed up to PayPal.
If you are interested in any of the items, please email me at heartoceansecrets@gmail.com, via twitter @rachel80jones with the item number/s or in the comment section below.
If you wish to proceed after we make contact then I will send an invoice to your email address that is registered with PayPal in order for you to make the payment to me.
I expect payment with 24 hours please. If not, the item will be back for sale on the blog.
No returns.
I will not be held responsible for items lost/damaged by Royal Mail.
Please research the item/s you want to buy for swatches, product info etc. I will not be held responsible if something doesn't suit you, or live up to expectations.
All items include p&p which will be 2nd class recorded delivery, just in case you think some prices are too high for what they are. (Remember, some online stores will charge £3.50 p&p!)
Thank you.

Happy Shopping

1. OPI Save Me £5.50 - Used three times

2. OPI Gold Shatter £6 - Used once

3. OPI Sparrow Me The Drama £5.50 - Used twice

4. Nicole by OPI Stand By Your Manny £6 - Brand new, not used

5. Topshop Glimmer £4.50 - Used once

6. Topshop Dust Storm £4 - Used three times

7. GOSH Dusty Rose £3 - Used once

8. GOSH Wild Lilac £3 - Used once 

9. Leighton Denny Show Off! £6 - Used once

10. Leighton Denny Tiffany's £5.50 - Used twice

11. Leighton Denny Attention! £6 - Brand new, not used

12. Barry M Red Black £2 - Used three times

13. Barry M Hologram £3 - Used once

14. Ciate Bon Bon - £5 - Used three times

15. No7 Poolside Blue £5 - Used once

16. MUA Black Waterproof Eyeliner £2 - Brand new but seal taken off

17. ELF Nearly Nude Matte Lip Colour £3 - Only swatched on my clean hand

18. NYX Vixen Mega Shine Lip Gloss £4 - Only swatched on clean hand

19. NYX Maroon Mega Shine Lip Gloss £4 - Only swatched on clean hand

20. NYX The Caribbean Collection 'I Dream Of Barbados' Eye Shadow Palette £7 - Used twice, still in great condition. The only major visable marks are from swatching.

21. Clinique True Black Brush On Cream Liner £12 - Used twice and brush has been sanitized, paid £18. Plenty left in the pot as you can see.

22. Urban Decay Naked Skin Beauty Balm £15- Used five times and still plenty left, paid £23.

There you go everyone; that's all I have for now. I hope to hear from you real soon.

Rachel xx

Love Letters Coin Purse by Disaster Designs

In an attempt to declutter my life and home, I have decided to try and get a bit more organised. I have already taken a load of clothes and household items to the charity shop and the next step was to carry less in my handbag. Do I really need six lipsticks, two glosses and two pairs of sunglasses, not to mention eight of my daughters' hair clips and Peppa Pig stickers...?
This coin purse by Disaster Designs is great for keeping together not only loose coins, but also those said lipsticks (maybe not all six) from rolling around in my handbag so that when I need a lippy top up or change for the car park, it's in one place. I might even keep keys in it as they always disappear when I have heavy shopping bags.

The purse has a magnetic clasp and it is made from very soft material. The appearance of old parchment is a lovely touch and really looks like an old love letter. The floral cloth lining is super cute. The whole Love Letters range is amazing and would make wonderful gifts.
This normally retails at around £11, but I found this on eBay at a good price as it was an unwanted present. Temptation Gifts currently have 20% off the whole Disaster Designs so this purse is now £8.40.

What would you keep in here?

Rachel xx