Code 8 is a haven for beauty enthusiasts looking to add a personalised touch to their make-up routine. Tucked away in Burlington Arcade, just set back from the bustling streets of Mayfair, their boutique store is an Aladdin’s cave of jewel rich lip glosses and lipsticks, velvety smooth beauty balms and radiant highlighters. Unlike some make up brands, Code 8 isn’t overwhelming with too much choice. Instead, it’s a strip backed, carefully curated selection of essentials that will enhance your make-up bag.
What makes Code 8 extra special is their Bespoke Lipstick Bar. Working with their team of make up maestro’s you can create your own lipstick, tailor-made to match your skin tone. Gone are the days of settling for generic shades that merely suffice. Here, you’re the architect of your lipstick masterpiece. Guided by the knowledgeable team, you will embark on a journey of colour exploration, selecting from an extensive palette of hues and finishes.
As soon as I arrive, I’m greeted by the friendly staff who whisk off my coat and quickly replace it with a glass of bubbles. I take my seat at the Lipstick Bar where I meet Juan Lopez, the Colour Maestro at Code 8, responsible for creating some of the brand’s fabulous lipstick shades in matte and cream. Juan and I chat about my make up routine, the brands and shades I regularly go for. When it comes to lipstick and lip gloss I’m a tad boring, I very rarely opt for anything other than a Bobby Brown nude chubby stick. What I’d love to try is something a little bolder. Juan suggests we start with a red and then a nude with a bit more punch to my usual shade. We agree and he gets to work.
Behind the bar is where the magic happens. Here is a palette of colour pigments which Juan sets about meticulously blending. As more colours are added the shade becomes more pronounced. It’s quite therapeutic watching the process come to life, a bit like watching an artist mix their colours while working on a masterpiece. When Juan thinks he’s got the perfect shade we try it out. He inspects the colour against my skin tone and shakes his head. It’s too dark, so he gets back to work remixing until he has the ideal blend and I have to say when we apply it this time, I feel a little more kick ass with a dash of glamour. We go through the same process until we find a nude. What makes this experience exceptional is the team’s knowledge, passion and recommendations, all tailored to your preferences.
Once you settle on your shade the mix is transferred to beaker and gently warmed before being poured into a mould and popped in a machine where its frozen and moulded into a lipstick. The result is a soft velvety red lipstick which I get to assign a name to. All the details of your lip colour are recorded and stored on file so you can purchase again, its then boxed in beautiful packaging for you to take away.
Code 8’s commitment to quality is evident in the ingredients they use. Their lipsticks boast a formulation enriched with nourishing agents, ensuring not only a flawless application but also long-lasting comfort. Whether matte, or cream, each finish has staying power. I wore my new red to a party the following weekend I can confirm it was still going strong by the end of the evening.
As I leave Code 8, I feel like I’ve uncovered a beauty secret I need to share with my girlfriends. This customised lipstick experience would make a great Mother’s Day gift, a fantastic hen party or a fun afternoon with your best friend.
Bespoke Lipstick Bar starts at £80, appointment types vary from individual bookings to parties for up to 6 people. Makeover consultations and masterclass services are also available to purchase online. For more information contact Code 8.
