No7 Lift and Luminate Triple Action Serum*

Last Wednesday No7 launched a brand new product to their every expanding range of anti-ageing serums. Before it was even announced what the product was, eager lovers of skincare were signing up on the Boots website to hear first hand all about it. This serum is part of the Lift and Luminate range and clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, leaving skin with the feeling of being firm and evening out skin tone. The age guide is 45-60, but any age can use it. Like with the Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced serum which I talked about here, the new launch contains No7's breakthrough ingredient of Matrixyl 3000 Plus. This is crucial in supporting the skin's elastic fibres to help give it a more youthful 'bounce'. Hyaluronic Acid and Hibiscus Extract help to improve and support collagen to maintain your skin's firmness with Vitamin C to combat uneven pigmentation.
Ok, that's the leaflet and No7 advisor details, but what is it actually like? Well firstly it smells quite pleasant. A light fragrance that does fade once rubbed in, so not a lingering scent which I prefer. It's a light consistency and absorbs really quickly into the skin. I do tend to let it 'set' by then cleaning my teeth prior to applying my moisturiser, but that's just me. Practicality with my everyday make up, I haven't had a problem with it. In fact, I feel my foundation sits better than with the Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced, and my skin did feel smoother, which it claims to do after the first application.
Results are supposed to be noticed after 2 weeks of continual use, both day and night. It comes in two sizes 30ml (£27) and 50ml (£34.95) and is available right now on a 3 for 2. It's worth noting that if you spend more that £4 in Boots you get given a £5 voucher to spend on any the serums.
I will continue to use this, and I'm most looking forward to this time next year when it will be interesting to see what the long term results are.

Rachel xx

*PR Product - All opinions are my own

No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Serum*

Anti-ageing is big business. There isn't a month that goes by where there isn't a new miracle cream or treatment that has come onto the market. It's hard to find the right one that works and actually suits your skin type. One that I keep going back to is the Intense Advanced Serum from the Protect and Perfect line by No7 at Boots. The serum is the UK's first to be clinically proven to deliver anti-wrinkle results that improve over time, when used regularly. This was relaunched last May with a big campaign and a lot of coverage in the media. The serum has been around for the past decade but has now extended its formulation for the ages of 30-45. The consistency is very light and absorbs quickly into the skin. It tackles the 3 main problems of ageing; fine lines, deep lines and crows feet with target ingredients such as Matrixyl 3000 Plus that helps restore the skins' youthful appearance. Trials were conducted over 12 months on 182 women with positive results. I actually ran out a few months ago and didn't repurchase for a while and noticed the difference. I soon went back to it. 

Sizes come in 30ml (£24.95) and 50ml (£32.95) and is currently on offer with a 3 for 2.

The serum is also available for the 20-35 age group called Protect and Perfect Advanced.

Rachel xx

*PR sample

No7 Early Defence ~ #SlowMoYourSkin*

It's no secret that I have a love affair with all things No7 as my regular readers will know, so when their new skincare range landed on my desk, I was obviously quite excited.
The Early Defence range is targeted for the 20-35 age bracket to keep young skin looking younger for longer.  

With three products released, Early Defence skincare protects and boosts young skin's natural defences. With lightweight texture that is non pore clogging, it keeps skin free from breakouts. The day cream has unbeatable 5* UVA protection and an SPF of 15. Both the day and night creams are Hypo-Allergenic so even the sensitive of skin can use the range. The smell is lovely too which is a huge bonus as I hate facial products that smell clinical. The eye cream is for the delicate area under the eyes and contains Vitamin C to de-puff and reduce dark circles. This is great for targeting those first fine lines that appear in your late 20's. Use this day and night as part of the skincare routine. Even if you're over the age of 35, this would be ideal if you're not keen on using thick creams, as I find can sometimes make my skin look oily (depending on the brand).
Although not cheap (facial creams are £19.50 and the eye cream £13.50) you don't need to use a lot. With regular 3 for 2's and £5 off vouchers throughout the year, there are savings to be made, so why not give this range a go and #SlowMoYourSkin.

Rachel xx

*PR Samples

Boots

Collective Beauty Haul ~ Autumn 2014

This is a little round up of some recent beauty items that I have purchased over the last few shopping trips that I thought I would share with you. Even though I have this blog and I try to post regularly, I don't all that often buy lots of beauty items together.
I'll start with my most recent lipstick which is by MAC in Naked Bud.  This was part of the Fantasy of Flowers collection and I purchased this as new from Depop. It's a lovely nude shade with buildable colour application. A very natural lipstick which I'm wearing mostly everyday.
When it comes to mascara I'm a bit of a whore. I have so many that I often forget what I have if I don't keep them in once place. My newest addition is the Wonder'full by Rimmel London. This formula contains Argan Oil for smooth clump free lashes and this is exactly what it does as I use this daily at present.
I haven't bought any single eye shadows for a while, as I tend to use my palettes but at two recent stops at The Body Shop I picked up these; Steel My heart which is a silver pearlescent and Melt My Heart a gold/brown pearlescent, both I've yet to use. The colours looked quite pigmented when I swatted them in store, so we'll have to see.
The other eye shadow is from Lancome which I bought from a sale shelf in Debenhams. I wasn't able to swatch it but I thought I would take a chance at £4.20. It looks a smokey green/grey shade. It says G20 underneath so this could have been a display only one, but was in new condition.
I was going to purchase the Clinique cleansing brush, but at almost £80 I thought this was way overpriced when I looked at it. As I'm a huge fan of the No7 range at Boots, I decided to purchase their version at £24.95. I'm using it everyday so I'll you know later on how I'm getting on with it.
Lastly is a product I've been wanting to get for quite a while as I've read/watched many beauty bloggers talk about how good the Becca Ever-Matte Poreless Priming Perfector is. This was an online purchase from Space:NK. As with the cleansing brush, I'm using this daily so will let you know my thoughts on it.
Please feel free to leave your comments on my recent haul and if you have any questions about any of the products I've bought.

Rachel xx

No7 Instant Radiance Under Eye & Match Made Concealers*

My regular readers will know how much I adore the No7 range by Boots, especially the Match Made Service and when I was asked to review their concealer range for my blog I already new that I wouldn't be disappointed.
My skin colour is Calico in the foundation shades which I blogged about here, so having already knew that, it was fool proof that the concealers would match.
The Instant Radiance Under Eye Concealer is quite creamy when applied and I feel it's the same formulation as YSL Touche Éclat and even has the same brush applicator, but way less in price at £13.50. This aims to disguise dark circles as does the YSL. The Match Made Concealer is thicker in texture and dries quickly when blended and is shine free to cover pesky blemishes and age spots. £7.50 in 17 shades. Both are available to buy now and currently on a 3 for 2.

Rachel xx

*PR Sample

Thanks to Melina and Lisa at Boots, Carmarthen

No7 Match Made Lipstick Service Plus Bonus Gift*

As my regular readers would know, I absolutely love the No7 range by Boots, so when I was asked by the lovely ladies at my local counter to come in and try the new Match Made Lipstick Service, I jumped at the chance.
Let me begin by explaining what the service is. Boots are the first with the innovative device that reads your skin colour precisely and then matches it to one of their skin true shade foundations and concealers. From your skin true shade it is now possible that a range lipstick shades can be recommended to suit your skin tone.

My skin true shade is Calico which I previously blogged about here. I use the Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation. There are 17 skin true shades and once you have been matched you are given the corresponding card with the various lipstick shades.

My colour Calico has 11 Moisture Drench shades and 8 Stay Perfect shades in the lipsticks

  

I decided to try Pink Hint in the Moisture Drench range. It's a dusky pink colour and probably one that I wouldn't have picked up and tried on. The sales assistant also applied a Precision Lips Pencil prior to the lipstick in the colour Pink.

I was very pleased the colour and the staying power was pretty good of about two hours. Now that I have been given the Match Made card I can now choose some other shades now that Autumn has arrived.

Currently running until 30th September, No7 are offering the Exquisite Eyes Gift Box worth £26 when you buy any two No7 cosmetic products. 

Contains:

Eye Colour Brush

Lovely Lashes Mascara

Stay Perfect Eye Shadow - Top shade in the Forest Fruits Trio

Stay Perfect Metallic Eyes Pencil in Purple.

A great gift box that you can either keep yourself or give to someone special, the choice is yours!

Rachel

xx

*PR Sample

Thanks to Melina and Lisa at Boots, Carmarthen

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