{the rachelle lust list : 19th february 2013}

Although it still mightn't feel like it, winter is finally on its way out and I'm already clearing some space in my wardrobe for some lovely spring things - and some cult classics that I'm desperate to try...

t h e  n i n t e e n t h  o f  f e b r u a r y . . .

1. Unless you've been living under a rock, you'll know that monochrome (once again) is huge news for SS13, as are digital-print florals (again). I've declared love for statement jackets and their versability too many times before so  I shan't harp on again - but instead quietly buy this beautiful Topshop blazer (I first spied the pink version, which has been shit on by this one.. sorry, Mum). 

2. Spring also marks the start of me throwing my dark, matte lipsticks to one side (sorry, Diva) in favour of lighter, sheer pretty neutral hues - I'm desperate to try a YSL Rogue Volupte Lipstick which you may not believe still isnt in my makeup collection yet. How am I even sitting here, having the audacity to write about beauty you may (quite rightly) ask...

3. I'm becoming somewhat of a skincare Nazi after a bad reaction resulting in a horrible, dry and spotty face at the beginning of the year and am desperately trying to fill up any gaps I have in my current skincare routine to prevent/treat any issues as they may arise - I've heard nothing but glowing reviews about the entire Dr. Jart range, in particular the Water-Max Sleeping Mask which sounds right up my street. Watch this space.

4. I picked up this lovely little skater dress last week, Topshop do the best skater dresses on the high street - perfectly nipped in at the waist with just the right amount of flare, this is another classic monochrome piece I can see myself living in throughout the next few months.

The Rachelle Edit: The Best Beauty of 2012

You know me; I believe that if something isn't broke - don't fix it. This motto rings true when it comes to my skincare and makeup routine, I have favourites that consistently work for me which I've used for a number of years. It is fun to try new products and replace something which isn't doing what it used to for ya so I've made a list over the last few weeks of my very favourite products I've discovered throughout 2012..

1. We saw the launch of the new Creme de la Mer Soft Cream this year, and it is bloody amazing. All the benefits of the original version but a million times easier to work with, and more effective. 

2. Mac Mineralize Skinfinish in Medium Deep was always my go-to bronzer until one fateful day browsing the stands of Space NK, leading to the swatching of the famous NARS Laguna - and I've never looked back. The perfect tanned but never orange colour, perfect for both contouring and adding some warmth to my face all year round - its everything I ever looked for in a bronzer! 

3. Come the beginning of October, I was ready for a darker lip to embrace the colder months, Mac matte lipstick in Diva has been my the answer to my prayers. A beautiful deep lip looks so striking with creamy skin and a slick of gel liner; my lips are far from the luscious loveliness of Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's, but when filled in neatly with a lip brush I definetley feel a step closer! 

4. This year is the first that I've had the pleasure to try the famous Essie Nail Polishes; I bought Peach Daiquri to wear on my toes with summer sandals and was amazed by the creamy consistency, fan-brush which applies like a dream and the incredible chip-resistant finish. No nail polish lasts like Essie. Fast-forward a few months and my finger nails are pretty much a continuous loop of (left to right) Leading Lady (a deep red with gorgeous glitter), Jazz (the perfect greigey nude), Wicked (my favourite EVER shade - it goes with everything and makes your nails look longer) and Muchi Muchi (a Kardashian-esque soft pink). 

At the Office: Desktop Delights

Love it or hate it, we all spend a huge majority of our lives at our desks, surely we should be making all of the time spent there as enjoyable as possible? A stylish desk, filled with things to inspire and help you through your working day is essential. I think a monochrome colour palette is the best place to start - its simple, chic and clean. You can add accents of a bright colour pop as your mood and the seasons change quickly, and relatively cheaply.

A quick look through any fashionistas desk will reveal just as much as what she carries in her bag; these are the day-to-day gospel products which can are consistently reliable. The iPhone (complete with a chic Marc by Marc Jacobs shell £30) used to coordinate the days schedule and tasks to uploading your latest instagram picture. A beautiful bunch of flowers, a statement-making and well-placed lamp  (like this £60 one from Zara Home) and Jo Malone (a favourite is the Pine & Eucaluptus £45) diffuser all help make the place a little more pleasant to whittle away the hours. A Diptyuque candle always helps to relax the atmosphere and soothe square-computer eyes. 

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