Express yourself with colour

The perfect lipstick has the power to transform not only your look, but your confidence, elevating your mood and making a statement without saying a word. In the quiet elegance of Burlington Arcade, nestled in the heart of Mayfair, Code8 Beauty’s Bespoke Lipstick service is no mere make-up counter dalliance — it is a luxurious ritual that speaks to the art of individualism, craftsmanship and the enduring allure of the perfect shade.

For those who regard beauty as a deeply personal pursuit, Code8’s offering is an irresistible proposition. Housed within its flagship boutique, the service is a sanctuary of style and subtle glamour, where technology, artistry and tradition come together in a uniquely British fashion.

The experience begins with a consultation led by Code8’s colour maestro, a title that is an accurate reflection of the expertise at hand. These seasoned colourists take into account one’s skin tone and undertones, along with lifestyle and personal preferences.

A client may arrive with a clear vision: a beloved discontinued lipstick, a cherished photograph of a grand- mother’s vintage rouge or simply a desire to explore what suits them best. In any case, the maestro’s role is to guide, advise and gently draw out a shade that feels both flattering and entirely one’s own.

What sets the Code8 experience apart, however, is not simply the outcome — although the resulting lipstick is of exceptional quality — but the artistry of the process itself. Primary pigments are mixed by hand before the client’s eyes, offering a rare insight into the alchemy of cosmetic creation.

There is a sense of theatre to it all: the melting of the wax, the blending of the hues, the careful pouring into moulds to set. It is not unlike watching a perfumer compose a fragrance or an artisan blend a private label whisky — intimate, intriguing and wholly bespoke.

One can choose between a creamy satin or a velvety matte finish and the formula is a triumph of modern beauty science; richly pigmented, long-wearing, yet nourishing to the lips. The final creation is then encased in an elegantly understated case — its minimalist design a quiet nod to the brand’s ethos of sophisticated simplicity. Clients are invited to name their shade, a charming touch that lends a strong sense of legacy to the process.

Code8 also offers group bookings, ideal for birthdays and special occasions. The experience is inherently social, inviting shared stories, laughter and the occasional wistful recollection of beauty icons past. Indeed, there is something enduringly nostalgic about lipstick: more so than other cosmetics, it carries with it the aura of femininity passed down through generations.

Of course, the practicalities are not overlooked. Once a bespoke shade is created, it is archived in Code8’s system, allowing for easy reorders in the future. In an age where favourite products are too often discontinued or reformulated, this permanence is a gift. One need never fear the heartbreak of an empty lipstick case again.

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Appointments for the service are available by reservation, with individual sessions priced at £85.

For the discerning customer who values the unique over the ubiquitous, and quality over quantity, this is an experience worth seeking out.

In the end, the power of the perfect lipstick lies not only in its hue or its finish, but in how it makes one feel. Confidence, elegance, a touch of bravado — these are the intangibles that a well-chosen lipstick brings.

And when that lipstick is yours and yours alone, blended and moulded to fit like a glove, it becomes not merely make-up, but a mark of distinction.

Exclusive to Country Life readers, Code8 (www.codeeight.com) is offering a complimentary Lip Surrealist Lip Liner in their choice of shade. To redeem, book an appointment via this link or scan the QR code on this page.

Terms & Conditions: exclusive offer only valid when bookings are completed by June 30, 2025. Customers must choose the ‘Country Life Appointment’ to qualify for the offer. The Lip Liner gift will be given at the time of their appointment.

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