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Much like a number of Y2K trends like ballet flats and pedal pushers, Sienna Miller is also having something of a renaissance in 2024. Having skyrocketed to stardom in the noughties after the likes of Layer Cake and Alfie, the queen of understated beauty and boho styling (hello new M&S collection) is back in a big way, even if she only gave birth a few months ago. So when I spotted her makeup look at the Met Gala earlier this year, I was obsessed. Her pared-back, less-is-more look was totally goddess-like – and it was all thanks to one beauty brand in particular.
Meet Code8 – a London-born, celeb-approved, high-performing luxury beauty brand that you need to have on your radar. And you can thank Ms Miller (okay, and maybe me, too) for bringing it to your attention.
One thing that I really love about Code8 is that they don’t have five different mascaras, three types of concealer, various blush formulations – they’re a brand firmly confident in their products, so there’s simply no need to overdo it. They’ve got one (very good) mascara, one (delightfully bendable) concealer, one foundation, one bronzer and so on. They do, however, have a number of different lip products to choose from (we all have our vices, and it seems Code8 and I share a lipstick addiction).
Let’s delve into some of their standout products that promise radiant complexions and high-performance results.
Seamless Cover Concealer – £29
Available in six shades, the Seamless Cover Concealer is a game-changer for creating a brightened, more even complexion. I wear the shade NC10, (Sienna uses NC15, if you were curious), and I quickly realised I’ve been using concealer wrong my whole life. I’d previously always opted for lighter concealers, so when I opened Code8’s I immediately thought it was going to be too dark, but it was the perfect shade to seamlessly camouflage my dark circles. In fact, I’d say it’s the best shade match I’ve ever found for my undereyes.
Medium-to-full coverage, the liquid concealer diffuses light in a way that blurs imperfections and minimises the appearance of dark circles and wrinkles for a more radiant finish. Unlike the majority of my concealers which apply with a doe-foot, this features a sponge applicator (Maybelline fans will know what I mean), and while it does take quite a few turns the first time you use it to get the product flowing, once activated, it’s a dream to use.
Enriched with skin-loving ingredients, it’s so easy to apply and super buildable, meaning you can go for a natural look to more full-coverage. It blends into skin effortlessly, is really lightweight and offers exceptional coverage without ever feeling heavy or cakey.
Day to Night Foundation – £46
If you’re looking for a skin-perfecting medium-full coverage foundation that goes on lightly, blends well and gives good coverage without feeling heavy or cakey, then you need to try out Code8’s Day to Night Foundation. Complete with a demi-matte finish, this liquid foundation is formulated with Hyaluronic Acid and Vitamin E to ensure skin stays hydrated throughout the day, which avoids any separating, dry patches or sinking into fine lines.
Coming in 15 shades, it features a wand applicator that allows for precise application, and I couldn’t believe just how much product the applicator holds in one dip. It promises 12 hour wear which makes it perfect for special occasions like weddings where you want to look glam all day. I find myself reaching for it on those days when I need my makeup to look as good at teatime as it does when I applied it, and it definitely delivers. What’s more is it’s filled in a glass vessel so as to be more environmentally friendly, which is another big tick for me.
Summer Glow Bronzer – £39
If you were wondering what was responsible for Sienna’s Met Gala glow, it’s this. The Summer Glow bronzer is described as ‘golden hour in a compact’ and contains revolutionary Knead Technology that provides a unique velvety texture and intense pigment, while maintaining a weightless feel with long-lasting coverage. Now, I don’t often reach for powder-based bronzers as I’ve really got a thing for cream formulations, but I have found myself using it more and more throughout the summer. Easy to blend with buildable colour, it offers a ‘fresh from holiday’ appearance with a subtle shimmer finish you don’t often get with cream products. I also love that it comes in a mirror compact that makes it super handy for on the go.
Blush Palette – £36
The Blush Palette features three highly-pigmented, blendable powders that are ideal for your travel makeup kit. The hardworking palette boasts three award-winning lightweight blush shades, with three different colour combinations to choose from, including Merlot, Rose and Pink Beach. Like the bronzer, it features Knead Technology, which makes it super silky, while Evening Primrose and Sweet Almond Oils ensure a long-lasting, dewy finish.
If you’re heading on holiday this year, don’t hesitate to pack this. Not only can you use the three blushers alone for a pop of colour on the cheeks, but you can also swirl your brush into a combination of them for a more customised look. They’re also safe to use on the eyes for a really cohesive look, making it a really versatile bit of kit. In each of the palettes, there is one matte shade and two shimmers, so you can create a look to suit any occasion.
Iconoclast Eyeshadow Palette – £47
I have a real issue with oily eyelids which leads to my eyeshadow regularly separating and creasing, and I think this is potentially the first palette I’ve ever used that remained crease free all day. I used the Burnt Sienna palette – named after Ms Miller, perhaps? – which features a dreamy selection of terracotta, desert reds, rose gold, and deep plum tones in a mixture of highly-pigmented matte and shimmer shades.
The 6-pan palettes each feature a primer coupled with an assortment of complimentary shades, each of which can be used alone or layered together. The silky textures don’t fade and their buttery nature makes blending shades together effortless. Super convenient, the palette can create a range of looks from natural to evening smokey looks, with an intense colour payoff and impressive longevity. And should you want an even more intense finish, the shadows can be used dry or wet to really up the ante on the overall look.
Lash Sophisticate Mascara – £27
I’m very picky when it comes to mascara, but the Code8 Lash Sophisticate Mascara has managed to sneak into my rotation of favourites at the moment. Delivering both length and volume, it’s formulated with Vitamins E & A, known for conditioning the lashes and minimising breakage.
Coming in a classic black shade, it’s buildable and really smooth to apply. While I did find the comb a little tricky as I personally prefer something longer and more comb-like, I couldn’t fault the formula. Code8 says to make your eyes pop, without building volume on the rest of the lashes, focus on the root for added lift and definition, which is a tip I’ve really enjoyed implementing in my beauty routine recently.
Contour Eye Pencil – £22
I recently had my makeup done at the beauty concierge at Selfridges and the MUA used a brown eye pencil to define the outer corner of my lower lash line. It was such a quick and simple addition to the look, but it immediately transformed it from a day to night look. It’s something I’ve been implementing in my own makeup application for date nights or cocktails with the girls to give that more sultry look, and the Code8 contour eye pencil is perfect for it.
Loved by celebrity MUA Bryony Blake, the ultra-soft Kajal eyeliner in Mocha glides along the lash line with no dragging, and deposits an intensely pigmented formula that can be smudged out with the sponge tip for a more buffed-out look. It’s super soft on the waterline, too, and can even be used to add a subtle chocolate wing to eye looks, which I think is more flattering than black on my complexion.
Arch Realist Brow Pencil – £23
I love a natural-looking brow, and the Arch Realist Brow Pencil is perfect for achieving that look. Infused with Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, and Vitamin E, this pencil glides on smoothly to create hair-like strokes for softly-defined, fuller-looking brows. The dual-ended design features a spoolie for blending and distributing colour evenly, while the pencil itself offers a subtle powder finish. As someone with quite fair brows naturally, it can be really tricky to find a pencil that nails the shade I like, but medium is such a good match for me and it doesn’t smudge throughout the day, either.
Colour Brilliance Lipstick – £28
If you’ve been following my 30-day lipstick challenge on Instagram, you’ll know just how much of a lip product addict I am, and this Code8 lippy in the shade St Germain is once again one of my latest go-tos – not to mention the exact shade Sienna wore to the Met.
It’s got a really silky feel and creamy consistency, and is designed to minimise feathering, fading and transfer. I love that you can dab it on for a sheer wash of colour or build it up ro a more intense look. You can buy the Surrealist Lip Liner to match, however, it doesn’t necessarily need it. It’s got a great staying power and doesn’t need to be reapplied much throughout the day either.
5Secs Express Lip & Cheek Tint – £29
If you’ve learned one thing in this post, it’ll be that I love a multi-functional product, and the 5Secs Express Lip & Cheek Tint is the ultimate on-the-go essential. This 3-in-1 jumbo crayon hydrates like a balm while providing buildable colour for lips, cheeks, and eyes. Infused with Shea Butter, it offers a nourishing, subtly tinted finish. I love them so much, I got two shades including earthy nude en orient, and off broadway, which is a more fresh pink. You can go quite sheer with them or apply more generously for a more pigmented finish. And when you near the ‘end’ you can twist up the base to reveal more product.
I think what founder Sophia Chikovani has done with Code8 is really quite impressive. These are the definition of easy-to-use, reliable beauty staples that deliver glow-giving complexions and the opportunity to create a range of wearable and versatile looks for all ages. They’re certainly on the higher end of the price scale in line with the likes of Charlotte Tilbury, but a little goes a long way and the longevity means you use less product throughout the day, too.
Whether you’re aiming for a flawless base, a radiant glow, or a bold eye look, Code8’s range offers something for everyone. As seen on the likes of Sienna Miller and Alexa Chung, Code8 is a must-try for anyone seeking luxury beauty with a low-key, polished aesthetic.
