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). 

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

Five Favourites: Tom Ford Beauty SS12

Tom Ford certainly knows how to make women look beautiful. Without even mentioning his expertly cut dresses in amazing fabrics, his beauty line has brought an entire new dimension to the high end of the beauty counters. SS12 brings the first seasonal beauty collection, and in the designers characteristic style - its like nothing else out this season.