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.