Meet Code8, a new, female-founded beauty brand claiming to take the legwork out of cosmetics. It takes nerve to bring more make-up to a saturated market, but Code 8 does have significant points of difference.
The range is edited by a panel of make-up artists into a tight, colour-conscious collection where everything works together, designed for those too busy to wrestle with 20 different shades of red lipstick or a 40-pan palette and who need versatile beauty products. There are three eye palettes (£45), each segmented into five wearable and universally flattering shades (aiming to suit every age and every tone), while lip colours are divided by texture, from shiny lacquers (Glazé Semi-Glossy Effect Lip Lacquer, £28) to velvet mattes (Matte Velour Contouring Longwear Lipstick, £27) with a maximum of eight shades in each category.
The brand has locked down a new manufacturing technique for exclusive use – Knead Technology – that aims to produce smart, workable textures. Made in Italy and France, pre-baked pigments are mixed with oils and creams at high speed and high temperatures, resulting in smooth and easily blended finishes that claim the added benefit of being longer lasting.
Refreshingly, it’s a brand that’s not youth-obsessed – if anything, Code8 is the antidote for “Instagram face”, courting, among others, “selfie-refusers” (the average selfie-taker is, apparently, 23) who prefer real-world, uncomplicated beauty.
Jane Cunningham is a beauty journalist and blogger. Her website britishbeautyblogger.com has run for 10 years, giving (sometimes brutally) honest product reviews and beauty news. Jane collaborated with Marks & Spencer to produce a limited edition make-up range and is currently collaborating with Makeup Revolution on an eyeshadow palette. She also works with beauty brands as a creative consultant. @britbeautyblog.
