A Guide To: Your Best-Ever Red Lip

Its impossible to sport a red lip and not feel festive; with upcoming Christmas parties, dinner invitations and some very merry days - a simple slick of lippy works wonderfully.

If we're doing things properly, and by the book, we should start with a quick exfoliation with a lip scrub (or simply gently brush your lips with your toothbrush, apply your favourite lip balm and allow to sink in nicely before applying your lipstick.

I've rounded up some of the best red lipsticks before, but my all time favourite and fail-safe combination is a careful lining of the lips with Mac Lip Pencil in Cherry. Take a lip-brush and fill in your lips, following the shape you created with your pencil with the Mac Matte Lipstick in Ruby Woo, a highly pigmented and glamorous red that really will suit all skin tones. I love a matte red lip, but should you want to add a little gloss, Mac Pro Longwear Lipglass in Driven by Love complements Ruby Woo perfectly.

The Rachelle Edit: My Current Skincare Routine

I'm one of those skincare geeks. The annoying ones who spend ages researching what to buy, how it works and what ingredients will work with what I know about my skin. Its timely, often expensive - but worth it. I've never been blessed with a flawless, baby face - since I was about eleven. Teenage spots, dryness, flakiness, spot-scars, redness, and an oily t-zone are just some of the horrors I've encountered over the years.

As a beauty blogger, I've tried millions of skincare products claiming to cause miracles; some work, some don't. I've created a collection of the truly miraculous skincare products that really do what they claim on the tin which I rely on a daily basis..

Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish £14.25 | Each night, I take my makeup off with a pump of the famous cleaner, leave a moment and polish off with the cloth. I always double cleanse with a half pump of this massaged onto the face and rinsed off, I've used this stuff for years and never looked back. My skin is thoroughly cleaned, soft and gently exfoliated. Kiehl's Extremely Gentle Eye Makeup Remover £16 | I don't always use this, just whatever I find next in rotation, but I always prefer a swipe of this on cotton wool as opposed to removing eye makeup with a cleanser, never a pleasant experience I find! Garnier do an excellent one for about £3! Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair from £44 | This has become another staple in keeping my skin, clear, supple and fresh. It works wonders on all skin types while you sleep, I always apply this at night straight after cleansing. I'm only twenty and not worrying about ageing just yet, but I do love the sun and I'm hoping this will act as 'insurance' against that as promised within time... 

Insider Insight: Aerin Lauder

Aerin Lauder, Estee Lauder Heir & Businesswoman.

If you're here reading this, there's a strong chance you've tried, if at not least heard of the release of AERIN, the high-end, highly-anticipated release of Estee Lauder's granddaughter, Aerin Lauder's, own cosmetics line. AERIN is currently exclusive to Harrods and Selfridges London (also available at their online stores for the rest of us who don't live in the capital) and features simple and high-end, high-quality essentials with a few hints of seasonal shading thrown in. I've raved about the beauty that is Aerin before and her stunning office when the new collection was just news. I stumbled across an interview with site ITG  from September, which has just made me love her more; its refreshing to hear that her first experiences with makeup are similar to many of us ladies, even if her grandmother was Estee Lauder...

"I’ve always been fairly classic, fairly traditional. Everyone always asks, ‘Did you ever rebel? Did you dye your hair blue? Did you wear black nail polish?’ I mean, of course, there have been episodes when you wear weird-colored lipstick… But generally, I think I was pretty much the way I am now. I stick with what I know, makeup-wise. Just because something is on trend doesn’t mean you have to embrace it. You can look at it and admire it, but that doesn’t mean you have to wear black nail polish or red lipstick. If you feel comfortable in what you’re wearing, you’ll look your best, and I think that’s a really important idea. Sometimes, whether it’s fashion or beauty, things are on-trend and they look beautiful on the runway, but when I apply them to myself it doesn’t look the way it should.

Beauty was always a part of my life. I always joke that I’ve been in the beauty business for 42 years, because my earliest memories are of my grandmother [Estée] putting makeup on, or spraying perfume, or mixing foundation with cream. I always wanted to be a part of the family business—I always loved it. I remember seeing piles of magazines with red tags in them, marking all the Estée Lauder ads. I didn’t know anything different because everywhere, all over her house, would be red-tagged magazines, so I just assumed they came that way. The first time I saw a magazine without tags I was like, ‘Why does it look like that?’ [Laughs] The beauty industry was always a part of my life, and I think it’s something that I just innately love because if you don’t love it, you can’t do it.

The Rachelle Lust List: 8th October 2012

its been a while. a long while. such a while that I'm surprised that I was able to condense my ever-growing 'lust' folder to just 9 items in 550 pixels. 1. I've been desperate for a pair of feather-light, tight fitting yet pyjama comfortable leather leggings for a while, yet besides these horrifically expensive pair from The Olsens  horrifically expensive label, The Row. Cashing in at a scary £1,200, I may settle for these faux-leather Topshop version for a moderate £18. 2. These Valentino beauties (£695) have also been the object of my desire for some time, but as I'm (attempting) to save money and resist high-end pieces, I'll try my luck scouring Zara for a looky-likey over the next few weeks. 3. I have no words for this Illamasqua eye-shadow quad. Perfect autumnal smokey eye(£34). Coordinates incredibly with.. 6. - my newest lipstick addition, Diva by Mac (£14). The perfect matte dark lip. Should be a staple in every ladies makeup bag. A suit all dark lip in a perfect matte finish that lasts forever. 4. The Kooples is one of my favourite chic Parisienne brands, when browsing their online shop (it is bloody hard to find a shop outside of the French capital) and I've fallen in love with all of this seasons leather jackets, especially this one (£400).... 5. The only good thing about the darker nights is snuggling up tons of candles burning, I like one scented and a million tealights or vanilla escence ones lit. The Tom Ford Tuscan Leather candle was a total splurge at £50, but I love it. 7. The hype around Millie Mackintosh's new lash range has been pretty incredible, but I must say that after trying the 'Soho' lashes (£8.95) I can see why. Perfect for daytime, or for when you dont want a too full-on lash-look. 8. On holiday, I discovered that Essie may just fulfill the one-week manicure title. Whatever time of year I favour a dark, glossy nail and this shade, Wicked (£7.99), is right up my street. I applied this last Wednesday and its still wearing really, really well now. 9. I couldnt live without my Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Serum. Really. My love over the last few (sun soaked) weeks has been reaffirmed, I must do a full review soon, so wont keep you any longer. From £39.

What are you lusting after this week? rachelle xo

Inside her Handbag: Hannah Warner

After a stint in NYC studying Gemology and Diamond Grading at The Gemological Institute of America, jewellery designer Hannah Warner has moved back home and set up studio on Hackney Road in London. Inspired by her surroundings and the darker side of nature Hannah works with gold, silver, black rhodium and a range of precious stones. Most recently Hannah has launched a new label of 3D metal nails, H&H with make-up artist Holly Silius. Her handbag is filled with both highly acclaimed and cult beauty products, all within the luxurious studded leather of the Alexander Wang tote. Mmmmmm...

 i n s i d e  l y n ' s  h a n d b a g  . . .

Armani Eyes to Kill Mascara (£24.50) - I have quite long lashes naturally, but this is amazing at enhancing them even more. I love the full-bodied finish it gives and it doesn’t clump!

Estee Lauder Ideal Light Brush-On Illuminator (£22.50) - This is great for covering up bags or redder areas of the face. It works really well with my skin tone and is a must underneath my foundation and powder.

Benefit Bronzing Powder in Hoola (£23.50) - I love wearing this in the evenings it covers any imperfections and gives my skin an all-over glow. A matte bronzer that blends easily, perfect for transforming my look in an instant.

L'occitane Shea Butter Hand Cream (£8) - I’m always working with my hands so this cream is a must-have. It sinks in quickly so doesn’t stop me from working and smells amazing – I go through a tube far too quickly.

Benefit 'Hello Flawless!' (£24.50) - This is perfect for hiding blemishes and bags. I often work or play very late so this is great for covering up that slightly ‘worn-out’ look!

Yves Saint Laurent Long Lasting Waterproof Eye Pencil (£19) - I couldn’t live without eyeliner…even if I’m not wearing any other make-up I'll always wear it. This is great to sling in my bag because it works for both a full-on smoky eye and the more appropriate daytime swipe.

p r e v i o u s  h a n d b a g s  . . .

lyn harris  |  wendy rowe  |  alice ripman  |  sophie qureshi  |  liz hambleton  |  alison elwin  |  aly hazelwood 

rachel xo

Lust List - 10th September 2012

1. After an unfortunate mishap with Scandinavian fashion site, Nelly, a half-out-of-stock-bikini I was finally notified of a week post-order, a last minute Topshop dash led me to this retro style high waisted bikini (£32). The waffle-textured pants finish at just the right point on the waist to give me a figure rivaling that of Audrey Hepburn and they roll down comfortably to allow optimim tanning! 2. How stunning are both covers of the UK Harper's Bazaar this month? Would it be wrong to buy both?... 3. I'm on the hunt in a big way for the perfect leather legging for winter. As much as I love these Helmut Lang troos, I'm sort of hoping to find a better prices version than the hefty £530 pricetag that comes with. If you know of any high street alternatives, please do point me in the right direction! 4. Everyones favourite street style blogger, Scott Schuman of The Sartorialist has launches his second book, 'Closer', celebrates the diversity of subjects that has made his photography so unique. Following his lens from the streets of New York to Rio de Janeiro, London, Paris and beyond, this book documents the intriguing intricacies of how we dress, creating a "rich tapestry of global style" in the process. Buy it for £20 at Net a Porter. 5. In case I havent mentioned it enough times, I'm off to Phuket tomorrow! This NARS bronzing body glow (£44) is essential to enhance my soon-to-have Asian tan. 6. How Prada are these Topshop 'Shackles' heels? Yours for a mere £68, they hit stores on Friday and are instantly selling out - get them before they go! 7. Another week, another Tom Ford beauty purchase. This time it was the high gloss Ultra Shine Lip Gloss in Naivete, one slick (and a hefty £32 price tag) to dark yet wearable, super glamorous lips. 8. One of my all time favourite eyeshadows, Satin Taupe (£12), by MAC. If you havent got it, you need it. Beyond versatile. 9. I know cheap shoes are always a killer, but I cant stop contemplating this 'Gwinea' studded platform from the site Missguided. Anyone know what the shoe quality is like? For £32.99, they've got to be worth trying? 10. Ten minutes to facial-fresh skin at home, I swear by this Estee Lauder Idealist Dual Action Skin Refinisher (£36), as soon as I hit the hotel room in Thailand this will be generously applied to save my long-haul-haggered skin. rachel xo

Five Favourites: Face Masks

You don’t use it everyday like face wash or toothpaste but like your weekly at-home file and paint job, it’s a necessary part of your beauty regime. Why? It holds the key to revealing better skin. A mask can rejuvenate your complexion after a night of heavy partying; slough away dead skin and unclog pores from too much sunscreen/hormones/make-up (delete as applicable); or offer up a dewy look during the change of season in as little as three minutes. I've tried what's probably considered faaar too many masks in my time, and have rounded up my five favourites...

Estee Lauder Idealist Dual Action Refinishing Treatment (£36) - I use this twice a week and have done for about two years, it does an incredible job of keeping skin clear, pores small and prevents break outs. Its grainy texture warms up on contact with your skin so you can really feel it working.

Eve Lom Rescue Mask (£35) - With a fairly strong aroma reminiscent of Vick’s Vapour this isn’t exactly a treat, it’s more of a needs-must product. And if these needs include a cure for blotchy skin, clogged pores or full-on break outs then this is an essential addition to your regime. The instructions recommend the mask be left on for 15-20 minutes but I think it works just as well in ten. The mask feels cool and tingling against my skin, if not a tiny bit uncomfortable, but the sensation is more than worth it. My skin looked clearer and more even after one go, with regular use I have noticed fewer blemishes appearing. Pricey, but worth it.

Estee Lauder Hyrda-Complete Multi Level Moisture Gel Mask (£29) - This is a treat to use, the gel sinks into skin instantly with a cooling & plumping effect, leaving my face so soft and hydrated.

Caudalie Radiance Revealing Mask (£15) This is a brilliant and innovatively designed product. The tube had a brush at the end to apply the mask smoothly, ensuring a completely even coverage with no mess. The mask was soothing and left my skin feeling incredibly soft after 10 minutes. I saw a noticeable difference and my skin looked more radiant. I’m hooked.

Elemental Herbology Facial Glow Radiance Peel (£39) - This mask is luxuriously thick, has the added benefit of exfoliating granules and has a lovely creamy, fruity fragrance. Containing Manuka Honey, Papaya and Vitamin C this is the equivalent of a smoothie for your skin. It contains Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) to slough away any build-up of dead skin to leave your complexion dewy; the granules help lift and remove the dead skin that the AHAs have loosened when you come to remove the mask. When used reguarly, it really does wonders for the skin.

p r e v i o u s  f a v o u r i t e s  . . .

liberty beauty hall splurges  |  beauty oils  |  summer nails  |  may 2012  | british beauty buys  |  tom ford spring/summer beauty  | matte lipsticks   

rachel xo

Inside Her Handbag: Sophie Qureshi

Sophie Qureshi is Beauty Director at Company magazine, where she produced a section full of the latest beauty trends. Her shoots for the magazine take place all over the world, she has interviewed everyone from Kate Moss to Jennifer Lopez on their beauty secrets. 

 i n s i d e  s o p h i e ' s  h a n d b a g  . . .

Estee Lauder 'Advanced Night Repair' Synchronised Recovery Complex - This just seems to work for my skin, and once you find something that works you stick with it! I always use it after flying to rehydrate my skin. (£45 for 50ml).

Bvlgari Jasmin Noir - I like this because it's not too overpowering, perfect for wearing during the day when you don't need something heavy. The purse-size spray is so handy and doesn't create extra weight in my handbag. (£48.45).

Caudalie Beauty Elixir - My Secret weapon to fight against our office's stuffy central heating. I spritz this on as often as I remember to refresh and brighten my skin (£9.90 for 30ml).

Aveda Stress Fix Concentrate - I always keep this on my desk and roll it on my wrists when things get frantic in the office. I find it helps me keep calm and remember to take a break every now and again (£21).

Laura Mercier Lip Glace in Brownberry - I'm a huge fan of these because they give a hint of a colour but aren't too shiny or sticky like so many other glosses. (£18.50).

MAC Lip Conditiner (Tube) - This is one of my go-to lip balms, it's really hydrating and smells good too. It has a thin and feather-like consistency which I love. (£11).

Five Favourites: May 2012

For my May favourites, I've broken my own rules. Whilst there have been no hair or nail products that have moved the earth, I've fallen in love with some new skincare and make-up finds - throwing the post off-balance. I accept no responsibilty for any readers shock-induced cardiac arrest. Rebelling either further (its my party & I'll cry if I want to) I've chosen a grand total of six products in "Five Favourites" post.. just because I can.

From Left:

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Intenisve Daily Moisturiser (£28) - has been a staple in my skincare routine for what has now been a year. Perfect for my dry skin; it moisturises all day and night without the greasy feeling, simply plumped up and soft skin. Some people arent keen on the smell of the Eight Hour range, a great tip is to associate it with a positive memory - I first used this cream after picking it up in Duty Free en route to Marrakech, so the smell constantly transports me back to that wonderful trip.

Loreal Superliner in Carbon Gloss (£6.49) - The perfect, thin, glossy and incredibly deep black line thats incredibly easy to apply, and fix, which lasts all day.

Soap & Glory, The Scrub of Your Life (£6.50) - Last month I featured my very, very favourite body scrub by Origins. I was on the hunt for a purse-friendly yet equally effective alternative and this is without doubt the best you'll get for a whopping £20 less.

Estee Lauder Hydra Complete Multi Level Moisture Gel Mask (£28) - I firmly believe I'd die (or, at least my skin would) without the help of Estee Lauder. This mask won't change your life, but the luxurious gel is a dream to use - the cooling effect instantly plumps up skin giving a dewy glow - without any oily residue. LOVE.

Liz Earle Healthy Glow Blush in Nude (£16.50) - My favourite natural brands first fortat into colour is bloody excellent. This perfect peachy pink hue adds a healthy, natural glow to skin.

Mac Lipstick in Ruby Woo and Syrup (£13.50 Each) - Ruby Woo has been a favourite for some time - the love reignighted after being the perfect match for the French Connection dress I wore for one night of my birthday celebrations. An excellent matte red every girl should own. Syrup is the most recent addition to my MAC lippy collection, a perfect natural cloudy pink with darker undertones I'm 100% infatuated with...

What have been the beauty products you've found yourself reaching for throughout May?

Rachel x

Five Favourites: April 2012

I'm such a beauty product junkie its been ridiculously hard for me to whittle down to just one item of; make-up, haircare, skincare, bodycare & nail product I've relied the most on throughout April...

Skinccare-wise, I could'nt ever live without my faithful Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (£41). Three drops per night, I promise will transform your skin. From blemishes to wrinkles, uneven skin tone to scars - this is your one-stop product. This has been a particular favourite throughout April with me spending a week in the sun on the Tropic of Cancer with a daily UV index of 12, Advanced Night Repair helps to prevent from UV & environmental damage to the the skins cells DNA.

To stop the dry skin on my body becoming hard, dull and flaky I need to reguarly exfoliate and my new favourite bodycare find this month is the Origins Ginger Body Scrub (£32). Not only have I been tempted to eat it several times, its just as effective at banishing dead skin as the ginger fragrance is long-lasting.

For me, Barry M nail varnish is always a winner. At around £3 for a bottle, the selection of colours are amazing with good pigmentation & coverage. Although they are prone to chip after a day or two - its nothing a coat of OPI top coat won't save. I'm not a fan of pastel, bright or garish colours on my fingers, I feel natural or dark looks far more sophisticated & elegant, Barry M Black/Red Nail Varnish (£3) is my new favourite find.

Morrocan Oil (£29.95) has completley changed my hair. It repairs, conditions, de-tangles, strenghens, smooths and adds shine. I've used the oil religiously every night since June 2011, applying one pump to wet hair prior to blowdrying after my leave-in conditioner. My hair has never grown so quickly, snapped as little or been so managable. On holiday, I spent several days with four or five pumps spread through my whole hair and tied back to give it a deep condition - WOW. The best idea I had without doubt through April!

My favourite new make-up purchase of April is Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna (£25). Of couse I've heard it raved about on countless occasions, but always re-purchased Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Deep for fear of the shimmer running through Laguna (bronzer with shimmer does not make me happy). What I was afraid of, I have no idea! This bronzer applies the mattest of the matte, the dark base is perfect not only for creating a not-at-all orange summer glow but creates the best contour lines of any bronzer I've ever tried!

What have your favourites been throughout April?

Rachel x