{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.

{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.

{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.

My Happy List { № 6 } : Pamper Time

Tensions are running high, tempers are fraying and my mental state isn't as it should be after the crazy few weeks I've had at work (and a night out on a school night last night..); in approximately one hour I'll commence my night-in with a pot of my current favourite tea blend, a fresh Diptyque candle and a ton of lovely treatments to restore my hungover, dehydrated and cold-weather-beaten skin into something hopefully slightly more attractive: hair-masks, manicures and pedicures, exfoliating scrubs and a rich slathering of body butter - sometimes a little DIY TLC is all you need to pull yourself around... 

I'll get around to popping up a post on my favourite products for these lovely little nights in but not today, I'm too busy rushing through a mountain of work so I can get started! What are your fail-safe pampering rituals? rachelle xo

r a c h e l l e ' s h a p p y l i s t . . .

wearing heels  |  finding the perfect cup of tea  |  the first coffee  |  morning cuddles  |  a thick stack of magazines  |  a good manicure 

A New Week.. and Late Weekend Links

When the 'Happy Weekend' links don't arrive until Monday, you know its been a good weekend. Its been one of those special ones you know that you're going to look back on and smile in the years to come; live music and gin, gorgeous restaurants and a pub in the afternoon, lie-in's til noon complete with breakfast in bed and a healthy dose of lying with entwined limbs, candles and a glass of wine or two...

Hope everyone had an amazing weekend and we're all starting the week as bright-eyed and bushy-tailed as I am...

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

Beauty Icon: Blake Lively

Blake Lively, is bloody gorgeous. Born with quite clearly perfect genes, she shared some of her beauty secrets behind the scenes for her new million dollar campaign for the newest fragrance from fashion house Gucci - Premiere. 

What's your go-to beauty or hair look for events? "It depends. I was at a premiere in Los Angeles recently in a Zuhair Murad gown, and I could have gone two ways - a smoky eye and lighter lip with a very slicked-back, straight, long ponytail, or a Rita Hayworth look with the red, longer nails and little cat eyes. So I went for the latter because that to me was a fun, special moment. But the next day at the premiere in New York I had this beautiful Gucci mellow yellow gown, and with that I thought you could go Grecian or A Midsummer Night's Dream. So, to make it different from the night before, I thought: 'I want a high pony or I want a braid'. And I had a necklace that I was considering wearing, so I thought: 'let's wrap it around the braid because it will make it more interesting." So you decide upon the looks yourself? "I'm always designing what the hair and make-up will look like and I style myself, including the shoes, jewellery, accessories - all of it. But then I'm lucky to be in the hands of some of the most talented people who will say: 'so that's your idea, now let me actualise it in a way that's more beautiful'. Maybe it's that old classic Hollywood look, maybe it's messy Kate Moss hair or a slicked-back J-Lo ponytail. So there's no go-to, it's 'who do you want to be tonight?"

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

A Beauty Revolution? | Three-Way Eyeliner

I think I've made it pretty clear that I do enjoy a statement eye. But, how many times can you strike a thick swath of liner across your lid à la Bardot without getting a little antsy to try something new? Clarins’ new 3-Dot Liner is kind of the answer to our prayers ladies, a three-pronged black eyeliner pen, intended to be applied at the base of the eyelashes to thicken your lashline without looking like you’re wearing any eyeliner at all. But, because maybe we don’t take direction that well, we were similarly impressed by how it simultaneously draws three perfectly parallel lines wherever you want them.

Not only is the result not boring, but if you keep the pen flat and twist it up at the end of your lash line, it can lend the appearance of freakishly long and plentiful eyelashes. 

You can thank me later. rachel xo

Five Favourites: Reinvent Your Makeup Bag

Its easy to get stuck in a makeup rut, but just as easy to refresh your day-to-day look with a few key products. I've picked five new(ish) products which are amazing in their own right, and perfect to 'jazz up' your makeup bag.

Chanel Les 4 Ombres Quadra Eyeshadow in Premier Regard (£37) - Chanel’s eye shadow quads are basically the season’s key colours for beauty all in one place – and for autumn it’s all about pretty browns and pale pinks. You can’t go wrong. 

Tom Ford Lip & Cheek Stain in Tainted Love (£36) - This easy-to-use berry stain rolls onto lips and cheeks for a girlishly flushed look. I'm trying to convince myself that the multi-use product justifies the typically extortionate Tom Ford price tag... (Available from September).

Dolce & Gabbana Blush Luminous Cheek in Delight (£30.50) - A healthy, pink glow was on show at the Michael Kors, Mulberry and Dolce & Gabbana shows for autumn/winter 2012-13, and thus I suggest you make sure to have a great blush on hand for that just-in-from-the-cold look.

Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour (£20.50) - There’s no easier way to create a quick smoky eye than with one of these crease-resistant metallic Caviar Sticks. They glide on easily for long-lasting metallic colour, and they’re pretty much fool-proof.

Dior Diorshow Mascara (£23) - Blue mascara was the beauty focus at Stella McCartney, where models wore it layered up for maximum effect. This Dior version is as bold as they come, and curls the lashes too. rachel xo

Five Favourites: After Sun

As a lady with dry skin, a good body moisturisation routine is the year-round key to lovely skin for me, yet never as crucual as when on holiday - and when returning. If you want your tan to last longer than a week on British soil, its so important to moisturise, moisturise, then moisturise some more. I've tried many types on my travels over the years (and after sunless tanning.. bad girl) and these are my ultimate, five favourites. Ever.
Tan Enhancing Lotion by Institute Esthederm (£39.50) - This milk-textured after sun smells amazing, almost like lemon tart. It instantly quenches dry, sun baked skin. I used this religiously during my holiday to Boa Vista and once I got home. I didnt peeled once and I still have a lovely healthy glow six weeks on. Luckily a little goes a long way because this after sun is on the pricey side. This product is excellent for anyone who tends to peel or suffer from prematurely fading tans.
Soothing Aftersun Mist for Face & Body by La Prairie (£62) - Pros: Like a magpie, I went straight for the silver La Prairie bottle winking at me. Reassuringly expensive, I place a lot of trust in this brand. I tried this after having gone a bit pink in the sun and it was refreshingly cool and nourishing. The pinkness dulled within a couple of hours and my skin felt springy again soon after. As the name suggests, this is a mist rather than a rich crème, so those after something substantial will be disappointed - however thickness does not equal effectiveness here. The expensive smell is probably worth it alone!
Golden Touch Aftersun by Ambre Solaire (£9.18) - This cream is really light, slathers well and effectively cools the skin. It contains Monoi Oil which gives it an exotic scent while pearl shimmer illuminates tanned skin. But, thanks to the shimmer you won’t be able to share this with your boyfriend, not ideal if you’re trying to pack light (or need more room for shoes). A better bet for a flirty girls holiday!