The Rachelle Lust List: 12th November 2012

1. Its all about being cosy, and while I hate wearing big thick pyjamas to bed - these cute River Island 'Dog Print' beauties make for perfect loungewear. At £30 for a set, they aren't Olivia Von Halle silk, but they are £265 cheaper.. 2. Candles are another cosy-night-in essential, Diptyque Roses is a classic (£38). 3. I love a glitter nail varnish with 'thick chunks' of glitter, Revlon do a rather good version but it appears Deborah Lippman is the genius in this field. If you've any idea where I can get my hands on a pair in the UK, please do tell! 4. I sort of fell on this Sally Hansen Teflon Tuff Nail Protector when my Mam left it lying around, I've used it as a base and top coat on my last two manicures and I swear I've had far less chipping and NO nails snap when wearing.. I've fallen in love and now realised I think its been discontinued. Really. If anyone can find any please tell me that too! 5. Coffee-table porn at its best, Vogue's new book, 'In Vogue' £45 at Net a Porter is a comprehensive history of the worlds most famous fashion magazine. 6. I'm basically re-living last night in the form of a lust list - another cosy-night-in essential are some amazing chocolates, nothing beats Charbonnel et Walker. Ever. 7. Practically drooling over these Valentino flats but not the £530 price tag.. I've seen some similar styles in Kurt Geiger, but could I be converted from a heel-worshiper for them? Unsure. 8.  I have no words for these Zara heels, but wow. These could be the new black heels I'm searching for - although I am feeling a little predictable drawn to anything sexy and sky-high with studs on... (£79.99). 9. A cute gift idea for a luxury-loving-lady (or to yourself) Jo Malone has released a lovely 'travel candle set' of three much-loved favourites; English Pear & Freesia, Roasted Chestnut & Pomegranate Noir (£60). rachelle 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

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!

Lust List - 3rd September 2012

1. I love a good contrasting sleeve, and cannot stop thinking about this Donna Karan cardi with leather sleeves, shame about the £1,395 price tag... There's a great Zara coat alternative (of which I annoyingly cant find a link to online) which I'll surely be picking up one in the not too distant future... 2. The Mulberry Del Rey has been in stores a while now, but today the catwalk Croc skin version hits stores, I LOVE. Trust me, its sooo much better in person. 3. The much-anticipated Rosie Huntington-Whiteley for M&S underwear range landed in stores last Thursday, I love the vintage inspired range. I picked up this pale grey set, which is beautiful and so different to anything I have. Super sexy in a super subtle way. I'm wearing it now, including the suspenders (ooooh), but I'll stop there before we change the blog theme completely... 4. Jo Malone London's latest fragrance, Blackberry & Bay, hits stores this month. I've been wearing the fresh and fruity cologne for a few weeks and I really love it. 5. I need this Temperley for Filofax organiser in my life. I'm an organisation lunatic, and this beauty takes stationery-chic to the next level! 6. Simple, classic, flattering - this £28 bargain from Topshop is fastly taking place as a very important bone in my wardrobe. 7. There are no words I can use to describe the perfection that are these Isabel Marant Lazio Wedge Boots (£730). No one makes casual boots like Marant. Get on my feet. 8. I personally think Topshop do some of the best high street knitwear, I love these Knitted Clean Rib Jumpers (£48) in the pastel shades, particularly this amazing 'Wedgewood' blue. rachel xo

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

Lust List - 13th August 2012

1. Alexander McQueen is not a brand to shy away from statement-making. It was love at first sight when I set my eyes upon this Unicorn Skull Embroidered Box Clutch, which will most probably, always be a lust at an impressive £1,435... 2. Behold, my daily go-to lip colour - Mac Angel in satin, I finished my fourth tube yesterday and the realisation has hit, I may be slightly obsessed... 3. As you probably already know, as I haven't shut up about it, I'm off for a fortnight in Phuket in a mere thirty sleeps (!!!) and I'm swimwear-searching and currently swooning over these Zimmerman styles. 4. I've previously raved about my love for  the highly-acclaimed Moroccan Oil, I cannot stop using it! I've been putting a little extra in my hair when drying it & smoothing a tiny little blob through the ends which has resulted in verrrry smooth & glossy hair. 5.   Winter buys are filtering into stores, I've fallen for this Cos coat (£175) the pastel hue is so refreshing for the winter. 6. As a gold jewellery fanatic, Alexander McQueen ring wins every time, this ring is 100% me. 7. These Christian Louboutin Just Picks need no further description. LOVE. 8. Love the idea of these surprises in the post each month, a non-beauty Glossybox! 9. Feeling incredibly sporty following the closing ceremony of the Olympics, this gold Stella McCartney necklace is as near to sporting as I get... rachel xo

Lust List - 6th August 2012

1. Same old story, a new season rolls around, Zara releases some bloody amazing shoes. Got my heart set on these Pointed Court Shoes with Straps (£49.99) & these Ankle-Strap Wedges (£69.99). 2. The highly anticipated new Victoria by Victoria Beckham has finally hit Net a Porter, this satin skater-style dress (£710) has a space in my wardrobe waiting for it... 3. I've been using Nails Inc a&e nail treatment (£12) for around a month as a base coat each time I paint my nails or when I havent the time to do a full manicure, I'll quickly throw this on. As a result, I can honestly say my nails havent been as strong so collectively as long, or moisturised and smooth in years. Amazing. 4. I get a little too excited when the new years Smythson range hits stores. Good job they arrive in August, it'll take until January to save up for this £180 croc-effect beauty. 5. As a rule, I'm not a t-shirt girl, but I'll happily make an exception for this Mary Katrantzou jersey (£255). 6. I love a pretty teddy to lounge around the house in, this Topshop strappy-lovely (£20)  is as comfortable as it is pretty. 7. I fell in love with the black version of this Christian Louboutin Marquise clutch (£875) when I first spied it in Harrods about a year ago, yet the new nude version has just fallen under my radar. The soft colour   takes an edge off the spikes, I love the idea of jumping straight to the front of the Saturday night bar que waving this beauty/weapon around... 8. No high street store does embellishment quite like All Saints. I need these sparkly shorts (£120) in my life, the jet black version are so understated. 9. Parisian patisser Pierre Hermes macaroons are available in cute London landmarks boxes for the duration of the Olympics, £33 for 16. rachel xo

Lust List - 9th July 2012

1. Every lady needs a leather dress, and this super-soft River Island offering (£120) is a dead-ringer for the drop waist Victoria by Victoria Beckham version. Since we don't appear to be in for any summer at all here in the UK, July may aswell be the perfect time to invest in leather... 2. I've heard nothing but raving reviews about the By Terry Light-Expert (£42), my makeup seems to slide and fade throughout the day & I have a feeling this little gem is just what my makeup bag is missing. 3. I've just discovered Gillian Kyle, the new Cath Kidston of organic accessories. This coral apron (£17.95) is my first of what is sure to be many purchases. 4. I've previously admitted I'm a sucker for a skull. This Topshop vest balances the right amount of print and sheerness to make this a must have for a mere £16. 5. Protein masks are soo important to restore strength to hair, I've been using this Kerastase Nutritive Masquintense (£21.15) once per week for around five weeks now - it truly is excellent. Give it a good twenty minutes while you soak in a relaxing bath, fuss free failsafe route to healthy, shiny hair. 6. You may remember my despair last week following the cruel realisation my favourite liquid eyeliner has been discontinued, I was swindled into spending an extra £14 on the Lancome Artliner (£20), and it is bloody good. Easy to apply, it stays put yet is still easy to remove its a thumbs up so far, yet I do hope it outlasts the Loreal liner averaging about 6 weeks before drying out completely... 7. When drying out from mass alcohol consumption at the weekend, I drink alot of water and cordials to restore damaged hydration levels, a new favourite discovery is the Blossom Cottage range - in particular the Morello Cherry flavour. 8. I'm yet to purchase this Topshop 'Illusion' dress (£46), but it is imminent. How amazing, please? 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

Five Favourites: Summer Nails

I'm well aware I've broken my 'five' favourites rule. Again. Its too hard for a beauty junkie/obsessive/addict to choose between beauty products, its like selecting a favourite child. Typically, I shy from wearing bright colours on my fingernails. I find dark shades; plums, blacks, verrrrrry dark reds or neutral taupes and pinks tend to look far more classic and sophisticated than a bright colour on the talons. My toes, however, are the opposite. Dark colours give me diseased-looking tootsies, whereas a bright flash of varnish through open-toed sandals are so chic. My favourite toe-nail varnishes;

Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Corail Colisee (£18). Butter London Cantaloupe Nail Polish in Trout Pout (£14). Essie Nail Polish in Mint Candy Apple (£9.50). Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Caress (£14). Yves Saint Laurent La Laque Couture in Rose Futuriste (£18). Illamasqua Nail Varnish in Lament (£14).

 b a c k s t a g e  s e c r e t s  . . .

Treat your feet like a model treats theirs - as their face. Cleanse them at least once a day, applying moisturiser straight afterwards and just before bed. Exfoliate them once a week, and use a deep conditioning lotion or butter at least once week to keep them Celine-sandal ready.

Rachel x

Lust List - 18th June 2012

I cannot wait for these Iver summer sandals to arrive from Nelly. A steal at just £40, they will fill the gaping 'wooden heeled cream leather strap sky-high platforms' hole in my shoe wardrobe. I am 100% Diptyque obsessed, this Violette scented candle has been burning all week (£38). After my post last week, I cannot stop thinking about Ladurée  - the epitome of delectable. Try their new cream-filled puffs. Fancy a game of tennis on the beach? Only with these Chanel racquets, darling (£1,330). Whatever adventures you get up to this week, don't leave without these Butter London refreshing foot wipes (£13). For their 75th anniversary, Ray Ban have revamped the famous aviator shades. Neeeeed. (£178). The new addition to the liquid highlighter range from Benefit, I cant wait to try Sun Beam (£18.50) to see if it lives up to its older sister High Beam. Win a set of these Marlies Dekkers Underwear simply by being a Rachelle reader, hurry - there's only one week left to enter! Tom Ford does what Tom Ford does best - perfection. The coral lipstick is the perfect summer shade.

What are you ladies lusting after this week?

Rachel x

Five Favourites: April 2012

I'm such a beauty product junkie its been ridiculously hard for me to whittle down to just one item of; make-up, haircare, skincare, bodycare & nail product I've relied the most on throughout April...

Skinccare-wise, I could'nt ever live without my faithful Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair (£41). Three drops per night, I promise will transform your skin. From blemishes to wrinkles, uneven skin tone to scars - this is your one-stop product. This has been a particular favourite throughout April with me spending a week in the sun on the Tropic of Cancer with a daily UV index of 12, Advanced Night Repair helps to prevent from UV & environmental damage to the the skins cells DNA.

To stop the dry skin on my body becoming hard, dull and flaky I need to reguarly exfoliate and my new favourite bodycare find this month is the Origins Ginger Body Scrub (£32). Not only have I been tempted to eat it several times, its just as effective at banishing dead skin as the ginger fragrance is long-lasting.

For me, Barry M nail varnish is always a winner. At around £3 for a bottle, the selection of colours are amazing with good pigmentation & coverage. Although they are prone to chip after a day or two - its nothing a coat of OPI top coat won't save. I'm not a fan of pastel, bright or garish colours on my fingers, I feel natural or dark looks far more sophisticated & elegant, Barry M Black/Red Nail Varnish (£3) is my new favourite find.

Morrocan Oil (£29.95) has completley changed my hair. It repairs, conditions, de-tangles, strenghens, smooths and adds shine. I've used the oil religiously every night since June 2011, applying one pump to wet hair prior to blowdrying after my leave-in conditioner. My hair has never grown so quickly, snapped as little or been so managable. On holiday, I spent several days with four or five pumps spread through my whole hair and tied back to give it a deep condition - WOW. The best idea I had without doubt through April!

My favourite new make-up purchase of April is Nars Bronzing Powder in Laguna (£25). Of couse I've heard it raved about on countless occasions, but always re-purchased Mac Mineralize Skinfinish Natural in Medium Deep for fear of the shimmer running through Laguna (bronzer with shimmer does not make me happy). What I was afraid of, I have no idea! This bronzer applies the mattest of the matte, the dark base is perfect not only for creating a not-at-all orange summer glow but creates the best contour lines of any bronzer I've ever tried!

What have your favourites been throughout April?

Rachel x