Code8 launched in 2019, making an almost-immediate impression on beauty editors far and wide with its effective, high-end formulas. From the radiate beauty balm – which earned a spot in my guide to the best foundations – to my personal favourite, the tri-colour blush palette, the brand has created a collection of some of the hardest-working products I’ve seen in my six years in the industry. Its matte and creamy lipsticks are particularly worth shouting about. While the brand’s thoughtful shade selection is more than adequate, you now have the chance to create your very own colour with the Code8 bespoke lipstick experience. Personally, I’ve never found the right neutral shade to suit my lips’ ashy shade, so my challenge was certainly set upon entering the Code8 Burlington Arcade boutique.
Taking place at the brand’s lipstick bar in London, I worked with the colour expert to pinpoint my perfect shade. The consultation begins with an assessment of what you’re looking for, before an assessment of your undertones and natural lip colour. It’s at this stage you’ll choose between a matte or creamy lipstick, depending on your preference – I opted for the matte, which is surprisingly hydrating.
The mixing process involves blending a series of pure pigments with the signature Code8 lipstick formula. It’s wizardry to watch as your expert selects the perfect quantities of blue, red and yellow to produce your chosen shade. As my mixture began to resemble the hue I was looking for, my expert presented me with a doe-foot applicator to road-test the tone. She aced it on the first try – I was instantly impressed with the rosy, yet natural colour. After finalising the colour, it’s then decanted into a beaker. I watched as the formula was gently melted down before being poured into its bullet mould. It’s then rapidly cooled and emerges as a solid in a matter of minutes. My expert mounted up the sleek Code8 casing, clamped my newly formed bullet into place and, like magic, my bespoke nude shade was presented to me, looking like a fresh-out-the-box lipstick.
The best part? You’re in charge of naming the final shade and Code8 will save the precise measurements of every pigment on file so you can arrange top-ups again and again (without having to sit down for a repeat session). Plus, your lipstick comes beautifully wrapped in a sleek gift box, so it certainly warrants thinking about for any brides-to-be or birthday girls in your life. More than a year on, the lipstick still takes pride of place in my make-up bag with its moisturising and long-lasting finish. Result. I couldn’t recommend the service more.
