Republic Discount

Republic are offering 15% discount online because they have just opened their 100th branch!! Enter MORE15 at checkout!!

I just treated myself to some new goodies today (post coming soon) so I really shouldn't be spending much as there are only 2 pay days until Crimbo! (Yay!! I love festivities I am the anti-humbug!) I keep justifying it because I have been on the emergency tax code for a while so I should be getting a nice little hand shake soon enough to help me out, but I have so many people to buy for and I always go overboard on the bf...

I have purchased from the site before, and got a few great bargains in their sale. The menswear is really good too, which is always a perk when it comes to present buying. Delivery is usually pretty quick, goods are well packaged and they usually have 2 for £30 offers :)

Top picks that I am wishing for (prices before discount)...



Sequin detail shrug £19.99



Rose Hankyhem Top £19.99



Miso 2 Tone Cross Skirt £23.99 I am in LOVE!!



Two Tone Knit £19.99 (2 for £30 - available in 3 colours)

There is a stunning sequin blazer for £39.99 in one of the mags at the minute from this site, which I would adore. I don't know what it is about Christmas but this time of year makes me love sequins and glitter. Not in a cheese-tastic way but in a mystical magical way...

Happy Shopping!!

Let me know if you buy anything!

xx

Goodies!!

Decided to treat myself today as I have been a little down. Went into town and after much deliberation decided to try out gel nails. I have seen lollipop26 talk about hers on her blog and YT vids and I have always been curious so I gave them a go! What pushed me into it was the 20% student discount...not bad eh??

I went for round tips as I feel square ones are too noticable and I wouldn't be comfortable with them. I am really pleased with them and I can see how people would never want to take them off as they are so pretty, won't break or snag and you can paint them if you want. However, I know that having them on for long periods can weaken and damage your nail underneath so I think I will take these off (if I can bear it!) after a while and stick with manicures. But I will definitely be getting them for special occaisions like my birthdy and Christmas.

Superdrug and Boots are getting their 3 for 2 Christmas goodies in, which always excites me as I end up buying stuff for me too at great prices. (My "two for you, one for me" philosophy never lets me down!) I showed some restraint today though as I am not 100% better yet so I will leave xmas shopping until the bf is with me to carry it all :)

I got my Estee Lauder Double Wear Foundation and there was a Bonus Offer on where if you bought any 2 products you got a great mini makeup set free. So obviously I couldn't say no! I usually wait for this offer before purchsing my foundation as they happen two or three times a year. I wanted to get on board with the whole 80's Fame thing and try one of the coloured mascaras as I heard great reviews from Pixiwoo...But they were all sold out :( I couldn't decide on what else to get but I didn't want the offer to pass me by so I got a back up of my foundation...

But the most exciting news for me today was that my Superdrug finally got Sleek cosmetics! I was so happy it was ridiculous! So I snatched up a black ink pot to play around with, if I like it I might invest in a high end gel liner. And I got two palettes which I was thrilled with. I plan to do a review once I've had time to play with them. The colours look gorge and for under £5 I think they are fab, the pigmentation is really good and some colours are comparable to Urban Decay.

:)

Next Big Thing...

Lollipop26 tried Nude Cleansing Oil (around £22) and loved it, then hated it. I would have combination skin but the thought of using an oil to cleanse my face leaves me shuddering as the next day I am sure my makeup would just run off my face after application and I would scare people with a reflective surface for a face.



However, I have been informed that this is not the case and that Oil Cleansers are going to become very popular (and hopefully cheaper!) So here are all the reasons why we should convert and tips on choosing the best one.

* Oil cleansers clean deeper than most other types. They trap impurities and remove them from your skin. They won't leave an oily film on your face if you add water when removing it. It will emulsify the oil into a cleansing milk and rinse off easily. If you want to ensure you have removed all excess use a toner afterwards.

* They are good for oily skin as they trick your skin into thinking it has produced enough oil, therefore producing less in future. Ones that contain sage or lavender can help reduce breakouts. Choose a "dry oil" cleanser, these sink in quickly and leave a matte finish.

* They are super moisturising as they lock in moisture (like a body oil) and can reduce ageing. Ensure your oil is non-comedogenic, this means it won't block pores and cause nasty blackheads.

So those are the top tips for choosing an oil cleanser...but I have to say I am not yet convinced...And I think I will be waiting until a cheaper alternative becomes available before testing it out. (Unless baby oil counts??)

What do you think??
Post a comment!

xx

Benefit Discount!

To celebrate the launch of their new beauty powder, One Hot Minute, Benefit are giving customers 15% off all purchases online (not just this product) with code:

BENE1HOT




Valid from 08/10/09 - 07/11/09

I have tried a few popular Benefit products before and while I liked some I can't justify the price as I have found really similar dupes for far less. (See my MeMeMe post) For me Benefit is a range I wouldn'y buy from frequently, it is more of a one off treat, but then given the choice I would buy from a different high end brand...

There are still a few products some Gurus rave about that I want to try out though, Coralista Blush, Erase Paste and Boi-ng being three I can think of off the top of my head! At least now I can get some discount! I think the packaging is really cute and quirky and the staff are usually really friendly, fun and helpful but I have to say I don't currently have a Holy Grail product from this line.

Do any of you have Benefit recommendations??
Post me a comment!!

Happy Shopping!!

xx

September In And Out

In

* Mid Season Sales - Finding a few gems on store websites at great prices!

* TV Shows - Season 3 of Gossip Girl starting soon! Finally finishing watching all episodes of Friends from the boxset! How much I am in love with True Blood!

* DKNY original fragrance and DKNY Be Delicious Red 100ml for only £19.99!!

* Having time off from work to recover from surgery and getting gorgeous new bedroom furniture to re-arrange everything! I may have a slight form of OCD lol Thortons Choccies from the bf!

* Gosh Black Kohl Eyeliner - lovin' it!

* L'oreal Volume Shocking Mascara - my eyelashes are hard to curl at the best of times but this mascara does wonders, even for me...

* Finding the £34.99 dress I wanted from River Island on Ebay for £13.99 and winning it! :)

Out

* Having to have surgery in the first place :(

* My stupid credit card not working properly at the minute so missed out on some great sale items online because payment didn't go through on time

* Having so much Uni work to catch up on

* Wanting the new Urban Decay Book of Shadows soo bad but not being able to get it because I have to order it online (nowhere near me stocks Urban Decay) but can't because of stupid credit card...

What are your Ins and Outs??

Post a comment!!

xx

Vital Info

This is a Tag from Lauren (www.jadoreparisboutique.blogspot.com)


Me attempting to pose while the bf pulls faces lol


Me: Rachel
Nicknames: Rach, Rachie - original eh? lol
Birthday: 24th Feb
Zodiac Sign: Picses
Male or Female: Female
Occupation: Student/Sales Assistant
Residence: NI
Screen Name: Makeup Geek

Appearance
Hair Colour: Dark Brown
Hair Length: Below Shoulders, Growing It Back And Never Cutting It Again!
Eye colour: Green
Best Feature: Probably eyes, maybe legs on a good day...
Height: 5ft 7
Braces?: Nope
Glasses?: Only When I Absolutely Have To Otherwise It's Contacts!
Piercing: Just Thee Ears
Tattoos: Really Want One But Am Too Afraid I'll Regret It
Righty or Lefty: Righty

Your 'Firsts'
First best friend: Dunno, Was Quite Young
First Award: Swimming Award In P4
First Sport You Joined: Hahahaha...
First Real Vacation: Alcudia, Spain
First Concert: Beyonce
First Love: David :)

Favourites
Movie: Dirty Dancing, The Matrix, Mean Girls...
TV Show: Friends, Gossip Girl, True Blood, One Tree Hill, Sex And The City
Colours: Purple
Song: Soooo Many lol Will Do A Seperate Post Me Thinks
Candy: Hmm Milky Bars?? Lol Dunno
Restaurant: Spice Indian Restaurant or Dominos
Store: Topshop, New Look, Primark, Vero Moda, River Island
School: Nope I'm At Uni
Book: We Need To Talk About Kevin, P.S I Love You...Loads More
Magazine: Glamour, More, Cosmo, Company
Shoes: My (fake!) Uggs, Converse, Knee Boots, Ankle Boots...

Currently Feeling: Like I Really Wanna Go On A Big Shopping Spree!!
Single or Taken: Taken
Eating: Softmints
Typing: This Quiz!
Online: Obviously
Listening To: Watch You Go Jordin Sparks
Thinking About: My New Bedroom!
Wanting: New Shoes/Makeup - Urban Decay Book Of Shadows!
Watching: Nothing Atm
Wearing: Jeggings, Uggs And A Hoody

Future
Want Children?: Someday
Want to be Married: Lol Someday? :P
Careers in Mind: Public Relations/Event Management
Where do you want to live?: Here - I'm A Homebird

Have you ever..
Kissed a Stranger: Probably On A Night Out
Had Alcohol: Yesh! *Hic*
Smoked: Yep, Bad To Start!
Ran Away From Home: Not Really, Though I Did Attempt To Join The Circus
Broken a bone: Nopes
Got an X-ray: Yea
Broken Someones Heart: Dunno, Maybe. But I Think I Fixed It Again
Broke Up With Someone: Yep, Sucks :(
Cried When Someone Died: Yep
Cried At School: Don't Think So, Maybe Tears Of Joy When I Left! Lol

Do You Believe In..
Miracles: Hell Yes My Mum Being Here Is One, Actually Two! Lol
Love At First sight: Lust At First Sight, Love Takes Time
Ghosts: Kinda
Aliens: Not Really, I Do Think It's Unrealistic Not To Think In All The Planets In The Universe There's Not Something Else Out There, Just Maybe Not Wee Green Men..
Soul Mates: Yep
Kissing on The First Date: Yes But That's All! Lol
Yourself: Soemone Has To!


I Tag Anyone Who Reads This!

xx

Me Me Me

No, this isn't a self obsessed post, I promise!

MeMeMe is a makeup company, stocked in many Superdrug stores, which has some really good products at affordable prices. They often have special offers and a good few of their products are dupes for high end brands, even the packaging is really similar. I'm going to suggest the items I think are worth getting and the ones I would stay away from...

Hot!

1. Shimmy Shimmers - dupe for Bobbi Brown Shimmer Bricks


RRP £3.99

Available in 3 shades, these are gorgeous! The tan can be used as a bronzer but I prefer matte bronzers so I don't use it for this purpose, I love it as a blusher/highlight. The individual lines can also be used as eyeshadow as they don't smudge into each other when you run your powder brush over them. If you want a lighter glow, concentrate your brush towards where the white is and if you want a deeper colour concentrate towards the bottom end of the palette.


RRP £27.99

2. Beat the Blues Liquid Highlight - dupe for Benefit High Beam


RRP Around £4.00

This is great as a highlighter, though I do find it a little difficult to blend as it dries very quickly. I much prefer using this product as an eyeshadow base. Works really well and as I usually wear shimmer eyeshadows I think this makes a difference to the final look.


RRP £16.50

3. Pussycat/Poppy Tint - dupe for Benefit Bene-tint/Posie Tint


RRP £3.38


RRP £22.50

Pussycat is more of a stain, the colour is buildable and long lasting. I haven't tried this product on my cheeks, just my lips as it is quite watery and I'm a little afraid to try it on my face in case I ruin my makeup! lol Poppy Tint is harder to find, it may be discontinued?? Either way they are worthwhile purchases.



Honourable Mentions:

I haven't tried any of the mascaras myself but I have heard good reports. The single eyeshadows are quite well pigmented and quite easy to blend. If you like bright, original colours it is worth a look but if you prefer a natural eye steer clear. There are some great colour choices in the lipsticks and they are quite moisturising. Favourite lipgloss from the range is the Light Me Up glosses which have a light in the applicator and a mirror on the side of the tube for easy application. Also a great conversation starter!

Not!

I would steer clear of the Ultra Glosses, they have an unusual smell and come in rather strange colours which are highly pigmented. If it looks bright orange in the tube it will be bright orange on your lips! The eyeliners aren't the worst I've ever tried but I have found some really good ones at great prices so I just wouldn't bother. I haven't tried the nail polishes so I can't really comment but when I worked in Superdrug we used to end up getting rid of a lot of them because the colours seperated. And finally the foundations. They weren't great sellers, MeMeMe were working on them when I left Superdrug a year ago. Just don't go there.

This post has made me realise I need to re-purchase a few things...yay! lol

Happy Shopping!

xx

The Climb

Soundtrack To My Life

This is a quirky tag...

Basically you put your Ipod/Itunes/music library on shuffle and press next to get the answer to each of the statements below. Whatever comes up you can't change it! The songs may not be ones you even like anymore or forgot you had.

1. If Someone Says "Is This OK?" You Say?
Glamorous - Fergie

2. How Would You Describe Yourself?
Keep On Singing My Song – Christina Aguilera

3. What Do You Like In A Guy?
A Change Would Do You Good – Sheryl Crowe

4. How Do You Feel Today?
If The Rain Must Fall – James Morrison

5. What Is Your Life's Purpose?
Born To Make You Happy – Britney Spears (So Ashamed I Still Have This!!)

6. What Is Your Motto?
I Want You Now – The Feeling

7. What Do Your Friends Think Of You?
Crazy – KC and JoJo

8. What Do Your Parents Think Of You?
Runaway – Cascada

9. What Do You Think About Very Often?
If You’re Not The One – Daniel Bedingfield

10. What Do You Think Of The Person You Like?
The Glory – Kanye West

11. What Is Your Life Story?
Killing Me Softly – The Fugees

12. What Do You Want To Be When You Grow Up?
Bonafide – X-2-C

13.What Do You Think When You See The Person You Like?
Use Somebody - Kings Of Leon

14. What Will You Dance To At Your Wedding?
Sexy Love - Neyo

15. What Will They Play At Your Funeral?
Rusty Halo – The Script

16. What Is Your Hobby/Interest?
Been There, Done That - Smoke 2 Seven

17. What Is Your Biggest Fear?
Bad Day – Daniel Powter

18. What Is Your Biggest Secret?
All The Wrong Reasons - Nickelback

19. What Do You Think Of Your Friends?
Everything Changes – Take That

20. What Will You Post This As?
The Climb – Miley Cyrus


xx

Bloglovin

www.bloglovin.com/blogg/1146979/makeup-geek?claim=cdefmwm2a4g">Follow

Above is my link (which I don't think works so copy and paste will be needed!) to follow my blog using bloglovin.

Gemsmaquillage has a new blog and she has convinced me to sign up to www.bloglovin.com It is far easier to follow blogs and new posts with this than it is with the dashboard of blogspot.

P.s Gemma's 24?! Who new??!

xxx

Shoes Glorious Shoes!!

Ok I'll come clean....

I have a shoe addiction, the prettier, harder to walk in, most likely to make me (almost) fall over after a little too many, the better! I do have a few regulars that I wear constantly though, shoes that I will no doubt shed a tear over when their time comes to move on to shoesy heaven. These include my imitation Ugg boots (I just refuse to buy the real ones, why part with that much cash for a pair of shoes which will be weather beaten in 2 months and lose their shape after a while? You can just repurchase them every season for £5 in Primark!!) My New Look buckled black knee boots that go with absolutely everything and are ridiculously easy to walk in and my New Look black heeled gladiators (which my bf lovingly refers to as my "Batman shoes" - I have no idea...)

You can probably see a pattern there. I love New Look shoes! They are usually bang up-to-date with the latest trends, are well made for a high street shop as they are long lasting with jus' a lil T.L.C and best of all are literally "as cheap as chips." What more can a girl ask for?

10% off that's what! I am an avid reader of More Magazine and have discovered that they often use shoes from www.linzishoes.com in their photoshoots. I had a wee looksie at the website and all I can say is "Wow, I want!" There are so many shoes that are totally delectable on that site I could easily spend a fortune! They are in around the same price as New Look (thumbs up) and have some similar styles but some things I spotted were definitely more unique and ecclectic. Their range is very extensive and includes a seperate bridal section!

CODE MR52 GETS YOU 10% OFF AT CHECKOUT

Below are a few pics and prices (before discount) of some shoes I saw within the first 5 minutes of being on the site...I think I may have a naughty spree... lol Pics are linked to relevant pages...

Marleah Sheepskin Boots - £12

Evvy Heeled Boot - £30

Dolley High Heels - £30

Jenna High Heels - £28




Karel High Heels - £30

Happy Shopping!! ;)

xx

Discount Codes!

I was at the doctor today for my daily checkup and I stumbled across a mini-catalogue for a clothing line I had never heard of before: Fashion Union.

I'm sure we all know that sitting around in an over-heated and old-fashioned waiting room requires a little light reading so I thought I would flick through this little treasure found in among "How to Deal With Your Emotions Concerning Arthritis" and "Relationships, Intimacy, Arthritis and You".... And I have to say I was pleasantly surprised! The prices are reasonable, the clothes up-to-date and on-trend and even better, they are offering 25% off all purchases with free shipping to the UK for your first order! Well, when I got home I reasoned it wouldn't hurt to look at the website...and maybe place an order...They also ship internationally. Code is valid until 31st October 2009.

Code FA9LK1

I can't comment on the quality, speed of service or fit of the clothes just yet as I haven't received my order but I wanted to post this incase I happen to get any followers this month :) to give them the opportunity of a great deal. Listed below is what I ordered before discount and all are linked to the relevant pages...

Fizz Check Mini Skirt (Navy) - £20.00

Tights and shoeboots? Definitely a blazer...

Calhoun Cardi (Bright Purple) - £18.00

Basic, for over anything.

Ellis Knit (Teal Marl) - £15.00

Winter StapleAlana Check Plimsoles (Purple Check) - £12.00

Amazingly cute, checks are really in this season.

Golddigga Modern Tee - £20.
Love this with skinnies, biker boots and a faux leather jacket.

There are lots of styles catered for on the site and they have a menswear section.

Also this Week: New Look - Big fan of this store, we recently got a new store where I live and it is a big improvement...I may be slightly biased...lol I think the clothes are really good qualty, on-trend and really competitively priced. New Look had a check shirt on offer last month reduced from £25 to £15 and Dorothy Perkins advertised the exact same shirt in More Magazine for £30!! Reasons to check out New Look this month:

1. Mid Season Sale - website has some good offerings

2. 20% student discount in store

3. 20% off online with code MWMGZ1 on 3rd and 4th of October

4. Winter and Christmas stock coming in!

5. Up to 15% off if you open a store card - an even better excuse for some retail therapy...

Happy shopping!!

xx

"Nobody Puts Baby In The Corner"

Have decided that I should expand my blog to include more than just beauty related posts. Seeing as I am currently the only reader...*sniff*...I don't think anyone will mind...


The title of this post may give away it's content. Patrick Swazye passed away on the 14th of September 2009 after being diagnosed with and treated for pancreatic cancer in January of 2008. Patrick was known best for his roles in Dirty Dancing and Ghost, two movies which I have loved from an early age.
Dirty Dancing is something of a legacy in my family; passed down through generations and loved by all ages. I grew up watching this movie, from the days when I was too young and had to look away during "the bad bits," to when I could finally watch the full movie, in all of it's glory and actually follow the storyline. My family would gather to watch this movie every time it was on TV and one day I finally bought my own copy on DVD and watched it over and over again, skipping to the ultimate final dance scene on numerous occasions. I even managed to convince my bf to sit through all of it...

I pretty much know every cheesetastic line of the movie, I have the soundtrack, I know the dance routine (me and my sister used to practice it together when she was 19 and I was 6! lol) and yes I am pretty sure that when (or if!) I drag that lucky someone down the isle, the now famous tune "I've Had The Time Of My Life" will be played and crooned to.

Dirty Dancing was a surprise hit when it was first released in 1987, with the tagline:

First Dance

First Love

The Time Of Your Life

And it has captured the hearts of audiences ever since. I wasn't even born until 1990 and I adore this movie! While this post celebrates the timeless-ness (is that a word?!) of Dirty Dancing, it also mourns the passing of a genuine, gifted and beautiful actor. I think every girl still searches for her own Johnny Castle... If you haven't seen this movie yet you have lived a sheltered existence!!

And to Patrick, in the words of his character Sam Wheat (Ghost), "It's amazing, Molly. The love inside, you take it with you..."

xx