{a guide to : false lashes}

The ability to apply false lashes (well) is becoming an increasingly demanding life skill. I cant live without several pairs on rotation to suit different occasions; from a glamorous night out to lunch at a chic cafe. It is very easy to get lash choosing and application very wrong; yet I find if you stick to a flattering lash that actually fits your eye, and placed correctly on your lid - always on top of a slick of black liner, its fool proof.

My favourite ways to wear a lash are (as pictured at Gucci SS12) with a flawless, dewy base, a groomed brow and nothing too statement making with your makeup - allowing you to go full-on with your lashes.. Look to the Gucci Spring/Summer collection for inspiration. I also like to team fluttery lashes (like MAC 7 Lashes) with a smokey eye and strong brow, long fluttery yet not thick lashes work better than anything else to open your eyes with heavy makeup.

r u l e s  o f  l a s h  a p p l i c a t i o n . . .

1. Never apply lashes without a good coating of lengthening and volumising mascara first (my favourite ever, fail safe mascaras are Benefit Bad Gal Lash and Maxfactor False Lash Effect - the new 'fusion' version in the purple tube is even better).

2. Same goes for a slick of eyeliner - liquid or gel, whichever type of girl you are, I'm personally all for liquid, specifically Lancome Art Liner, but my gel-friends tell me no one does gel better than Bobbi Brown.

3. If you're using eyeshadow, make sure you apply it before the lashes, it'll stop you getting too much powder on the lashes and keep them blackest black for longer.

{beauty icon : elizabeth taylor}

There was absoloutley nothing subtle about Elizabeth Taylor's beauty; ample cleavage, deep tan, huge violet eyes - and her fashion sense was just a bold. 

The 1940s and 1950s were undoubtedly her heyday, many of Elizabeth's favourite outfits are still celebrated and reinvented today; plunging necklines, bejewelled dressed, clinched waists, beautiful fur jackets and of course - diamonds galore.

{the rachelle lust list : 14th january 2013}

The only thing good about a Monday morning is the Rachelle Lust List, no? A collection of my new favourite things - even if it is a bikini in January; of which the best thing to come of the month is the re-release of the Cadburys Creme Egg.. 

t h e  f o u r t e e n t h  o f  j a n u a r y . . .

1. One positive aspect of endless dull winter nights is being able to socially close your blinds at 4pm (the only other benefit is being able to car-sing-and-dance without inhibitions and curious looks from passing traffic) and begin burning candles in the fashion of a large church, my favourite scent at the moment is - of course - a Diptyque number, Ambre (£40 at John Lewis) Yum. 

2. Another River Island bikini to tempt me. I'm going to order this cut-out beauty and pretend I'm not sat at my desk shivering over a cup of green tea watching snow fall through the window. 

3. After about three weeks of use, I think I'm finally qualified to say I'm suitably impressed with Mac Prep & Prime 'Skin Base' primer. I have dry skin, yet my t-zone and chin often get incredibly oily throughout the day. I need a primer to keep my makeup in place all day (who can be bothered with hourly touch ups?) but also provide a silky base to keep my dry skin nourished and behaving well. This is performing very well so far; I'm not a one-product-review kinda girl but this may require a dedicated post..

{the rachelle lust list : 7th january 2013)

Well, its been a while. A month in fact since I last shared my lusts for the week, during which things have undergone a massive shift-focus from sparkly festive nails and Christmas pyjamas - all of a sudden we're in the depths of the dark nights of January with no Christmas, festive cocktails or NYE to think about.. all we have to look forward to is the rest of this new year. Wow. So many possibilities ahead; many within my wardrobe. I'm already compiling my new-season wish-list (yes, really) and these beauties have caught my eye this week..

s e v e n t h  o f  j a n u a r y . . .

1. During December I lost my midi-virginity and I'm craving more. The longer cut allows skin-tight dresses to be flattering, sexy and subtle. This black number is a River Island bargain at a mere £22 - I can already picture it filling a void in my day-to-day wardrobe.

2. Essie Bahama Mama was a Christmas present from my Mum and in two weeks I've found myself applying it to my digits and toes three times already! The perfect dark plum shade for my already extensive black/deep red/plum nail collection. 

3. A baby pink coat is probably not an essential, neither do I expect it to last the test of time - but there's something so Jil Sander I want it anyway. River Island, £80.

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). 

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 Lust List: 4th December 2012

1. Elizabeth & James specialise in some seriously stylish one-pieces and fitted separates; these are the perfect shoes to match (£270). I need to wear these with everything in my winter wardrobe. PS. River Island have some similarly edgy styles in for a quarter of the price. 2. I'm not one to preach about constantly coordinating your undergarments; I've fallen separately in love with this Mimi Holliday Bisou Bisou lace and satin bra (£55) and this Angelique Bow Thong (£35) separately (although the matching Bisou Bisou knickers are a real treat, too). 3. The Valentino 'Va Va Voom' studded nude leather clutch is featuring in my dreams, as of late. Wow. 4. An Alexander Skull Print Silk scarf (£165) mightn't be the warmest garment on the winter-wear market, but it is perfect to layer for any day of the year. 5. Obsessed with these adorable 'His & Hers' Johnathan Adler mugs (£24)! Perfect Christmas present for newly-weds, or yourself, if you cant resist.. You can never have too many chic white mugs, right? 6. Its my turn to have a little dry/tight/winter-skin crisis, I'm craving some luxurious and natural-super-ingredients to restore things back to happy-hydrated-times; I'm terribly guilty of not using a primer, By Terry Hyaluronic Hydra Primer (£41 at Space NK) looks to be the answer to my prayers. 7 & 8. Sisley are one of the most reputable names in high-end skincare, my poor face is crying out for a cocktail of their most famous face-masks, Hydra-Flash Intensive or Black Rose Cream Mask are packed full of skin softening wonders. 9. Another installment of the lazy-girls guide to baking; these Harvey Nichols Gingerbread Cookies are ready to bake, simply add eggs and butter. How cute is the packaging? They taste as good as they look. 10. This weeks lipstick craving is another Mac wonder; Rebel. No where near as dark and scary as it appears in the tube, its another Mac best seller that has somehow managed to escape my clutches. Until now. rachelle 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

Lust List - 2nd July 2012

1. Myself, as a long-term Bombay Sapphire gin drinker, has turned to the dark side. Vodka. Grey Goose in particular. Too easy to drink (as seen on Saturday evening...) I'm desperate to try the new Cherry Noir flavour. 2. Yves Saint Laurent have added a new ring to their collection to lust over (£180). My favourite ever liquid liner has dissapeared off the face of the earth. Since running out last week, I've bought three other L'Oreal versions - all of which I hate. If someone can find this the Carbon Gloss liner in stock somewhere, please do share! 3. Mor candles are amazing. I adore pretty teacups. This cute Mor offering is the best of both worlds; once you've used all the marshmallow scented candle, you have a beautiful teacup to enjoy. (£50.50). 4. The new Indian-inspired Chanel beauty collection launched on the 27th June, I'm desperate to pick up this golden powder highlighter and nail varnish. 5. I've had my eye on this scarf-print Zara shirt for a while now, and it did drop from my radar after several unsuccessful attempts to locate it at my local store - yet its appeared in the sale and for £29.99, I had to have it. 6. The lippie I've been reaching for most this week is Mac Speak Louder (£13.50). A cremesheen finish, the blue-toned pink is amazingly pigmented and creates a perfect, long-lasting fuchsia lip. 7. I've heard amazing things about Tom Ford Jasmin Rogue Eau De Parfum, yet its quite the investment, starting from £132...

What are you ladies lusting after this week? 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).

Lust List - 25th June 2012

I parted with a mere £5 for this Models Own nail varnish after seeing it on the beautiful Charlottes nails and the inner magpie in me fell in love. So sparkly & pretty - if you follow me on twitter you'll have already heard me declaring my infatuation. When scouring the internet for the perfect shades for the What to Wear: Summer Holiday | Miami feature I stumbles across these amazing Valentino shades. Not cheap at £175, but the shape is too perfect. I adored the floral Dolce & Gabanna jeans released earlier this year & these Zara TRF version are amazing value at £29.99. This Jil Sander leather tote has been massively reduced in the Net a Porter sale from £1370 to £685, a little bird tells me they're selling out quick, so act fast! I bought this Topshop lace back peplum top (£28) last weekend to wear for drinks that evening, and received SO many compliments. The shape is so sexy and feminine, and I'm a sucker for anything with a lace back. Perfection. I've been dabbling around in a few new bronzers, but always find myself coming back to Laguna by NARS (£25). Another old favourite I'll always come back to, is MAC frosted lipstick in Angel (£13.50), my favourite pink shade - especially in the summer months on a bronzed face. Zara has done it again - made me fall for yet another pair of shoes (£59.99). My bank balance is really beginning to suffer...

What have you been loving/lusting after this week?

Rachel x

Backstage Beauty: Diane von Furstenberg SS12

A few pops of colour in the form of statement lips were obvious at the likes of Prabal Gurung & Jason Wu, yet besides the usual suspects, there has undoubtedly been a more muted makeup trend for spring - the tonal palette. The process requires the complementary and contrasting neutral shades with both cool and warm undertones - demonstrated perfectly at Diane von Furstenberg.

Makeup artist, James Kaliardos smudged about ten different shades of MAC's versatile Cream Colour Base  (£14.50) on a plastic plate/mixing tray to create custom blend pigments to suit each models skin tone. Inspired by "modern Africa", Kaliardos sculpted cheeks & with colours slightly darker than each girls complexion and added dimension to eyes by building in a lighter centre and inner corner area. 

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

Inside Her Handbag: Alison Elwin

Alison Elwin is an award winning fashion editor & celebrity stylist who has worked her magic on many famous faces over the years. Her classic, timeless approach to both fashion & beauty is to keep it simple & elegant.

Polaroid Camera - "I couldn't live without this camera. Yes, my bag is much heavier for want of lumbering it around with me but I love documenting things the old fashioned way. I adore the way the film & colour develop - its totall unique.

Dainty Doll Wonderbalm (£20.50) Available at Boots - "This is always in my bag. I use it when my skin feels dry or chapped pretty much anywhere on my body, lips, hands, even feet. A little on my cheeks gives me a radiant glow. It’s replaced my eight hour cream, and if it can do that it has to be good."

The Rachelle Edit: 50's Americana

 Follow suit of the Prada SS12 T-Bird Girls and be automatic. Systematic. Hyyydromatic...

The 50's inspired Cadillac girls wear mint green & bubblegum pink, but set off the girly hues with polished leather & carwash prints. Make gingham prints an daywear essential and indulge in chiffons & brocades in shimmering sorbet colours of an evening. Flounce around in a full skirt or choose to swagger in a figure-hugging pencil skirt to channel your inner Sandy D or Rizzo!

From Left:

Agent Provocateur Silk Scarf - £175. Prada Cotton Bodysuit - Made to Order. Selection of Prada SS12 shoes from £695 to £1300. Boy. By Band of Outsiders Gingham Print Shirt - £164. Elizabeth & James Cat Eye Sunglasses - £125. Mac Viva Glam Niki Minaj Lipstick - £13.50. Marni Brogued Handbag - £630. Zara Sandals - £49.99. Miu Miu Applique Handbag - £995. Prada Continental Wallet - £580.

How would you channel you inner 50's pin up?

Rachel x