{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.

The Rachelle Lust List: 27th November 2012

It might be the fact that today is pay day, it could be that I've been denying myself any extravagant purchase for so long, or that I've been so busy focusing on Christmas shopping for all my nearest and dearest that's got me lusting after crazily luxurious with equally crazy price tags this week.. 1. The ultimate winter staple, black leather, in the form of a beautiful thin-knit jumper. I love this amazing cashmere blend by Reed Krakoff, £750. This will go so well with everything. 2. Gold jewellery is an essential of mine, I have a mild obsession with 'pretty' skulls - Alexander McQueen is the combines these two aspects better than anyone else; this beautiful bracelet, £180 (and matching ring, no 8, £120) is a prime example. 3. The prettiest bra I've possibly ever seen; okay the matching briefs and suspenders aren't entirely practical.. but this is a lust list! The Selena, by Agent Provocateur (Bra, £110. Suspenders, £110. Knickers £95. 4.  I have no words for these little bits of heaven in the form of shoe-porn. If you've read the blog for a little while, there's a high chance you've heard me rave on about these amazing Christian Louboutin Alti 160 spiked patent-leather shoes. Wow. I have similar amounts of love for the Just Pick studded patent leather and PVC heels too (no 9), but they seem to have disappeared off the face of the earth as of late.. 5. A pretty little sequinned top is perfect for this time of year, with a pair of leather leggings and a blazer this Michael Kors tee, £150 is the perfect way to add some festivity into your day wear. Is festivity a word? 'Tis now.  6. Steering off my luxurious theme, I picked up this Midi dress from River Island this weekend and cant wait to wear it; I'm somewhat a midi-virgin, dismissing the style as unflattering to a lady of just 5'4, but I think with some Zara sandals and a studded leather biker it'll be perfect for a gig the boy and I are attending tonight! 7. If you're going to be prancing about in the aforementioned Agent Provocateur undies, you'll need the supermodel-smooth pins to match. Agent Provocateur Petale Noir Body Elixir (£28) is the height of sexiness. 10. I feel a little like I'm cheating on my forever-faithful Maxfactor False Lash Effect Fusion mascara even writing about its Benefit rival, "They're Real", but I've heard too many amazing reviews to not even be tempted, £18.50.Watch this space. 11. Its almost time for a new year, and a new diary. I've fallen in love with this amazing purple snakeskin offering from Smythson; making plans has never been so chic. rachelle 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

Inside Her Handbag: Wendy Rowe

Internationally renowned and respected in the global fashion and beauty industry, makeup artist Wendy Rowe is famed for her modern luxe makeup aesthetic. With an eye for detail and ability to create beautiful, flawless skin that looks real, her makeup style epitomises the effortlessly cool look that women aspire to. 

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

Sarah Chapman Instant Miracle Mask (£38 for four sachets) - The perfect boost for my skin, I carry this just in case my skin needs a pick-me-up before I go out.

Burberry Fresh Glow Luminous Fluid Base (£32.41) - Perfect for when my skin looks like it needs a pick-me-up, this luminous liquid instantly makes my skin look fresher and well rested, even when it’s not!

Vichy Liftactiv Renino Ha (£27.50) - This really lifts the skin and makes it look amazing. It immediately plumps and brightens my skin but also works to rehydrate and fight against the onset of those pesky lines and wrinkles.

Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler (£20) - I don’t wear much eye makeup during the day, so curling my lashes with these really makes a difference as it opens my eyes.

Shu Uemura Ultimate Expression Mascara (£20) - I love this mascara as it defines my lashes without looking heavy or clumpy - and it never smudges, even when I’m caught in the rain!

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

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

rachel xo