{the rachelle edit : the first days of spring}

It may have felt like it'd never arrive, but finally I'm dressed in sleeveless clothing and if the sun stays out and the temperature in double figures - I may even take the opportunity to show my ankles tomorrow.. 

So, sitting with my office windows open - pretty floral lingerie on and a swipe of NARS body glow, these pretty little things are what spring afternoons were made for...

{a guide to : smokey eyes}

This seasons new beauty take on 'gothic drama' can be interpreted in one of many ways; today I'm focusing on creating a stunning dramatic, dark eye.

My fail-safe route to re-create this look would include a radiance-giving primer, and a glowy yet high coverage foundation; NARS Sheer Glow would probably be the ultimate in this category - to prevent skin looking chalky and veering on the wrong side of gothic! - followed by a ton of highlighter and pinky/peachy blush (my favourite would be NARS Orgasm). A flattering yet fuss free lip (try MAC Lipstick in Hue or Angel) leaves the face looking polished and ready to start on the eyes.

I find a simple, smokey eye is best achieved with (all eye shadows by MAC) a slick of Patina all over the lid, with Satin Taupe blended from the outer corner to about three quarters of the way through your lid, before adding a slick of gel liner covered with Black Tied and a little in the outer corner to add depth. Lashings of mascara and some dramatic lashes (My current favourites are MAC 7 or 8s) and you're good to go. You could of course take things up a notch...

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: 20th November 2012

1. Laura Mercier bath and body products are in my eyes, second to none. The Ambre Vanilla Honey bath creme and body scrub are a combination made in heaven to transform tired winter skin to LBD ready while you relax in a bath that literally smells like heaven (£25 each). 2. I love this gift concept from Harvey Nichols, the 'Twos Company' hamper includes a bottle of brut rosé champagne and two Riedel Champagne Flutes £40. 3. Believe it or not, its the end of November and I'm still yet to fall in love with this years ultimate winter coat. I've been heavily reliant on a fur-lined Parka I found last year in Zara and on more mild days, simply running around in amazing little jackets I've collected over the years but, I think I've found a winner here from none other than New Look! For £50, its got lovely faux leather detailing, a laid-back boyfriend feel and Stella McCartney-esque cut to the neckline. 4. If you've an excitingly high bank balance and need somewhere luxurious to store all of your jewels, look no further than this stunning Smythson croc-effect leather jewellery box.. there are no words! (£2,215). 5. I've fallen in love with the Essie nail varnish formula and colour range, the most recent hue thats got me is the soft nudey/beigey shade of Jazz. This will be mine, soon. Probably the next time I pass Boots to be honest... 6. Sunglasses this good, should be worn all year round. An expertly-shaped cat-eye are the perfect size to suit any face shape - Linda Farrow Luxe do sunnies SO well (£350). 7. NARS eyeshadows are incredibly popular, with good reason. Long lasting and highly pigmented; they're some of the best - the beautiful Douceurs de Paris palette (£37) has the perfect collection of shades to compliment your peepers through any occasion. 8. Possibly the most hyped nude lipstick ever to be released ever, Tom Ford Lip Colour in Blush Nude has me drooling all the way to the counter in search of my go-to winter nude lip. Yes, there is one. rachelle xo

The Rachelle Edit: Gothic Glamour

maybe its the time of year; colder days and darker nights, that are making me crave rich and luxurious shades of black, grey, burgundy and plum, I'm hugely inspired by the gothic-chic allure of a dark coloured injection not only into my wardrobe in the means of dramatic dresses, romantic draping and bold accessories - but charcoal chandeliers, slate walls and a particular plum shade of NARS lipstick...

I've selected my 'glam-goth' favourite  ranging from Pucci catwalk looks, dining ideas, an equally incredible £12.99 H&M blouse alongside a £5,070 Prabal Gurung one, spiked shoes and spiked bras and black glitter, lace, embellishment, silk and particularly fluffy eyelashes. This is goth chic at its finest.

The Rachelle Edit: Andy Warhol for NARS

You'd have to have been living under a rock (or on a secluded beach resort in Phuket for the last two weeks..ahem) to not have heard, or been unable to resist buying some of the amazing Andy Warhol for NARS collection. Have you seen the palettes?! Who could resist them?...

... I certainly couldn't. Whoops. rachel xo

Five Favourites: Red Lipsticks

Red lipstick has long been, and will be, an iconic look for women. Keep the lip neat, the rest of the makeup simple and only ever apply a good shade that suits you skintone onto properly moisturised lips and you cant go wrong! Matte shades of red have always been my favourite, but the stunning editorial of the equally stunning Rosie Huntington-Whiteley from the UK edition of Vogue, March 2011, has me craving a big fat glossy red lip. 

My favourite ever, suits-everyone reds are; Chanel Rogue Allure Luminous Satin Lipcolour in Lover - 09 (£25)  |  Yves Saint Laurent Rogue Pur Couture Pure Colour Lipstick SPF 15 in Rouge Vernis - 35 (£22)  | NARS Cosmetics Semi-Matte Lipstick in Heatwave (£17.50)  |  NARS Cosmetics Semi Matte Lipstick in Red Lizard (£17.50)  |  Rimmel Lasting Finish Lipstick by Kate Moss in Red'n Chic (£8.95)  |  not a lipstick, and we're now onto number six of five favourites.. but you cant create Rosies red lip without this hero NARS Cosmetics Larger than Life Lipgloss  bin Norma (£19).

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

rose tinted glasses  |  face masks  |  liberty beauty hall splurges  |  beauty oils  |  summer nails  |  may 2012  | british beauty buys  |  tom ford spring/summer beauty  | matte lipsticks  

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

Insider Insight: Patti Wilson

Patti Wilson, Stylist.

A look into her life, beauty secrets & hero products...

“My mom is from Trinidad, and I was raised in New York—Queens. I’m into minimalism right now, so I’ve been dressing very Rad Hourani. I style his shows, so I’m totally into him, I love his aesthetic. I kind of match my beauty look to what I’m wearing, and I think the minimalist thing has creeped in. Every day I use a flat iron on my hair, and lots of Redken Glass 01 Smoothing Serum while I’m doing it. It’s expensive, but we always try and call it in or find places where it is really cheap. I wash my hair once a week with Mane ‘n Tail shampoo, and flat iron it every morning. I hate if it gets a little bit of wave, and this just seems the simplest way to manage it. I work with a lot of hairdressers for shoots, so I don’t have to go through the process of finding the right things—they just tell you what’s good.

For my skin, I use Perricone MD Cold Plasma. It’s too expensive, but it just feels good. I use it morning and night. I’m really into skincare—it’s important. I use Nars Gentle Cream Cleanser, the Balancing Toning Lotion, and then he has this brightener thing that I kind of like. I know it sounds weird, but it just makes you look really bright. It’s not really a lightener, it’s a brightener: Nars Brightening Serum. And theHydrating Moisture Cream. The jars are so massive, I told [François Nars] he has to stop. [Laughs] I’ve known him for 15 years, and I do all of his campaigns. I have been to his house in Tahiti, it’s amazing. He’s got everything, and the boat is right there…I have some soaps from Tahiti, like Tahitian coconut, which I use in the bath.

Lust List - 27th August 2012

A highly beauty(iful)-based Lust List this week beauties, the autumn/winter collections are really starting to conqeur the high street now we're almost in September, but I still have beach holiday in the pipeline (in fifteen little days, eeeeek) so am reluctant to indulge too much in winter wear just yet! 1. Chanels iconic Coco scent goes dark and moody with new Coco Noir (£75 for ml) to capture the gothic feel of the upcoming season. With heady sandalwood and jasmine, you wont smell anything like this anywhere else - I cannot wait to get my mitts on a bottle. 2. Groomed brows are essential for a groomed face. I'd die without my old-faithful Brow Pencil by Mac in Spiked (£12.50). 3. Another old favourite I'll never tire of is the highly-acclaimed Mac 217 blender (£17). More often than not, this is the only tool I use to apply eye-shadow. 4. Tanned skin is a year-round essential for me; I've raved about Nars bronzing powder in Laguna (£25) many times, but after reverting back to Mac Mineralise Skinfinish Natural for a week following an incident with a shattered compact (ahem) I was searching for a fix of my beloved Laguna. Never let us again be parted. 5. The first designer collaboration for Topshop makeup comes from British designer Louise Gray, my favourite piece is the glitter nail varnish in Pink Punch (£6.50). 6. The Nars Multiples (£29) are amazingly versatile, my new favourite shade is Maldives which I've been using as a highlight and eye-shadow base pretty much all summer. 7. One autumn/winter purchase I haven't managed to resist is this perfect black fur gilet from Topshop, at only £55 its exactly what I've been looking for over the last three years, but never managed to find!  8. I'm literally dreaming about these Acne Tess booties (£430). The perfect ankle boot, I need these in my life. 9. I'm a sucker for all things natural, and great tasting, and these Firefly drinks are the best of both worlds. My three favourite flavours; Lemon & Lime, Orange & Passionfruit and Raspberry & Pomegranate are all now widely available for £1.75 each, or you can bulk-buy at Harvey Nicholls. 100% natural, nothing artificial. rachel xo

Inside her Handbag: Lyn Harris

Lyn Harris has been working in the fragrance industry for more than twenty years and founded Miller Harris in 2000. She spent five years training in France and at Robertet in Grasse. Lyn’s signature style is defined by her love of naturals and her precision in using them is prevalent in all her creations. Whilst respecting tradition, Lyn strives to push the boundaries, creating fragrances that are innovative yet timeless. Miller Harris fragrances have been a long-time favourite of mine (the woody-sexy-mysteriously-musky trio of La Fumée, Fleur Oriental and L'Air de Rien is my idea of olfactory joy) and the fact that her empire has now expanded to take in a line of botanically-inspired wallpaper, fragrant teas and some of the prettiest stationary we've ever seen means her bag ticks pretty much all the boxes.

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

Miller Harris Citron Citron Eau De Parfum (£62) - Fragrance is a daily necessity and this is one of the first I launched at Miller Harris. I just love how refreshing and uplifting the citrus and green notes are.
NARS The Multiple in Riviera  (£29) - The best thing for bringing my complexion alive. It's so easy to use and 'Riviera' leaves me with a natural glow.
Bach Rescue Remedy Natural Stress Relief Liquid  (£11.45) - Just so perfect for situations that need a little bit of calm. This works perfectly to soothe and lift my mood.
Fresh Sugar Rose Tinted Lip Treatment SPF 15 (£18) - This is so addictive, like all Fresh's sugar products. I’m not a great fan of lipstick so this gives a little hint of colour as well as being amazingly moisturising.
Murine Dry & Tired Eyes (£4.49) - I actually suffer from allergies a little bit and these are the only drops that really work for me and keep my eyes feeling fresh.
Sisley 'Sisleya' Global Anti-Age Cream (£251) - This is a desert island must-have. It really works with my skin and I can’t live without it. It's fool proof!

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

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

rachel xo

Beauty Icon: Audrey Hepburn

I feel almost a little cliché writing this post, as it has become almost clichéd to love Audrey Hepburn, yet it's almost impossible not to. One of the biggest icons in film history, she's still often cited as one of the world's most beautiful women — even though she didn't always view herself that way. She disliked her crooked teeth, large feet, and flat chest — "I never thought I'd land in pictures with a face like mine," she once said — but those so-called flaws made her even more likeable.

At the Office: Skirt PR

For glamour and paramount public relations services, many top-tier clients are turning to Skirt PR, one of Chicago’s most elite agencies. Adrienne Eckert Petersen founded the esteemed firm when she was just 25 years old.

After jetting off to New York for her first post-grad job at Siren PR, Adrienne took her next step, or, shall we say, leap: She launched Skirt PR, the product of a very specific vision and a strong dedication to service. Her full-service agency caters to the world of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. She brought on an amazing team of women (and one lucky man!) that share her passion for networking, innovative ideas, and, of course, style. Now, the office is bustling with personality, not to mention pink hues and plenty of fresh roses.

Backstage Beauty: Fall 2012 Haute Couture | Christian Dior

Inspired by Christian Dior's architectural vision, Simons' designs boasted familiar silhouettes with new, contemporary touches—a message he translated to hairstylist Guido Palau and makeup artist Pat McGrath. Gone were the coiffed couture updos, the perfect red lips, and the winged black liner of old. In their place: air-dried, blunt-cut middle parts; matte, multi-tonal mouths; and electric cat-eyes with coloured lashes.

Designed by Dior creative director of makeup Tyen, the palette of colors employed backstage was positively futuristic. Using a full-coverage skin tint, like CoverGirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation dusted with its Pressed Powder, Pat McGrath kept complexions paled out and matte, save for a slight contour on cheekbones that she created with a pink blush. She then turned her attention to eyes that came in four different iterations, all of which boasted two unifying factors in the form of white kohl liner along the inner rims and a thick slick of chrome cream eye shadow, like CoverGirl Intense ShadowBlast in Platinum Pop.

Five Favourites: Beauty Oils

Beauty oils are a rather new obsession for me. From my first use of Moroccan Oil around fifteen months ago - I fell in love. I use it not only as a leave in conditioner, but a serum to smooth down ends & applied to damp hair prior to using hair dye. I like to keep a year-round tan, a small amount of NARS Body Glow applied all over the body gives skin an amazing moisturised, glowing and sunkissed sheen. When my combination skin turns rather dry; I like to apply Bobbi Brown Extra Face Oil at morning and/or night, or throughout the day when my skin needs that extra little bit of moisture. It doesn't only soothe dryness and restore moisture, but skins in without a trace with a lovely dewy glow. Similar to the NARS Body Glow, NARS Monoi Body Glow II can be used as a daily moisturiser, a massage oil, or simply to add a sexy sheen to skin. The sheer formula is absorbed immediately and makes skin appear smooth & luminous. I've only tried the original Shu Uemura High Performance Cleansing Oil, and I love it. Whilst it hasn't replaced my much-loved Liz Earle Cleanse & Polish for daily use, I use it a few times a week when my skin is a little dry, as it provides incredible natural moisture. Makeup is removed like a dream, your face is left squeaky clean and soft.

{other beauty oils to try}

FACE : sundari essential oil for oily skin | bobbi brown extra face oil | philosophy when hope is not enough omega 3 6 9 replenishing oil | by terry huile de rose firming-lift nutri-regenerating oil | nars make-up cleansing oil | shu uemura high performance balancing cleansing oil advanced formula | jurlique skin balancing face oil

BODY : jurlique body oil lavender | clarins relax body treatment oil | bobbi brown shimmering fragrance oil | dr. hauschka skin care body oil, rose | sisley-paris golden dry oil | le labo oud 27 oil | kiehl's superbly restorative argan dry oil 

HAIR : shu uemura cleansing oil shampoo | kiehl's olive fruit oil nourishing shampoo & conditioner | alterna bamboo smooth kendi dry oil mist | morrocanoil glimmer shine finishing spray

{recent five favourites}

summer nails | may 2012 | english beauty buys | tom ford spring/summer beauty | matte lipsticks

rachel xo