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). 

The Rachelle Lust List: 23rd October 2012

I'm writing this from what can be described as just about my death bed, with a horrendous case of cold. Rather than filling this weeks lust list with all manner of drugs aimed to nurse me back to health, I'll dream of the material goods that offer similar effects... 1. I'd give my right arm to snuggle up in this modern classic French Connection faux fur jacket (£350), the shape is so chic and different to all the other bulky fur numbers I own, and the nude colour is winter perfection. 2. I've been cursed with painfully skinny fingers, which some mightn't think is an issue - until you attempt to buy high-street rings. River Island are the only store I've found to cater for my measly digits, with good colour staying power. This claw is so Rachelle, and only a fiver. 3. All Saints always pull out some incredible embellished numbers in time for Christmas parties, this is my favourite to be released so far (£295), the intricate beading and subtle cut out is amazing. It does weigh about the same as I do, but who said fashion wasn't painful? 4. Shoe Porn always cheers me up, especially when its in the form of Swarovski embellished Jimmy Choo sandals (£1,295). There are no words. mentally adding to my ever-expanding christmas list... 5. Until the aforementioned beauties become mine, I'll make do with my sparkles in the form of this stunning grey-glitter Topshop nail varnish in Panther (£6.50). 6. More 'Choo porn to sate my current texture fetish, the Teazer Feather Sandals (£695) are equally as lust-worthy. These could work in SO many different ways. 7. I've tried and loved the original Crème de la Mer moisturising cream, but heard even better things about the new 'soft cream' version (£190). This is exactly what my dull, cold-ridden and red face needs. 8. Another day, another textured jumper (Topshop - £46) - I think this is another Topshop re-release from Winter 2011, I need this in my wardrobe for lazy days where I throw on all black, jazzed up with a ton of different textures. 9. Not really sure what the boy was thinking when he turned up with this Mimi Holliday by Damaris Lace Body to ease my cold, but it certainly has made me feel ten times sexier, its undoubtedly one of my favourite lingerie brands - the lace is exquisite. rachelle xo