Monday, December 30, 2013

School Holiday Movie: FROZEN (3D)





Starring (voices of): Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Jonathan Groff, Alan Tudyk.
Genre: Family/Animated

We took Zachary to see FROZEN in 3D over the weekend. I went into the theatre completely clueless about the story and the cast, as you do when it's more about your kids having fun than yourself, but it really was an enjoyable movie for the whole family. I'd won an Admit 4, so we took my Mother In Law, too, and she didn't even fall asleep like she usually does! 

FROZEN features lots of singing, kid-friendly Disney characters, an epic journey up a freezing cold, snowy mountain, with plenty of adventure and laughs along the way. Olaf, the snowman, was pretty funny, especially when singing about his eagerness to experience the heat of Summer. Say what? Yes, a snowman with a penchant for Summer. LOL. I thought some of the scenes may have been too sad for my son, who's 6, but he was fine, and came out of the movie saying it was "really good".

There's an awesome Disney short called 'Get a Horse' playing before the film, which expertly combines black and white cartoon-style Mickey Mouse with start of the art modern 3D effects. I was very impressed! Make sure you're not late to FROZEN, as you won't want to miss this amazing short.






Thursday, December 26, 2013

Glittery Christmas Manicure!



Hope you all had a fantastic Christmas! Here's my festive Glittery Christmas manicure!


Products Used (left - right):
The Face Shop Face It in  GL111
Models Prefer nail enamel in VIP
BYS nail enamel in Million Dollar Baby









Disclaimer: All products were bought by me. Merry Christmas!


Sunday, December 22, 2013

Half Price Maybelline Haul!



Last week Coles supermarkets had 50% off all Maybelline makeup, and lets just say I bolted to my local store as soon as I found out. I felt a rush of adrenalin surge through my body as a grabbed the last black Masterliner and put it safely in my hand basket. Sensing my excitement, a woman approached the Maybelline stand and started looking at the incredible amount of half price tags, but I elbowed that bitch in the lower intestines and continued my haul unabated..........















Disclaimer: All products were purchased with my money. I'm joking about elbowing the woman in the lower intestines. I actually punched her in the throat. LOL. Joking!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

WIN Napoleon Perdis Midas Touch Foundation Brush + 'Quick Looks' book by Rae Morris!



Hi everyone!

I'm running a quick Giveaway over on my Facebook page! It's really easy to enter and it closes in a few days (Friday 20 December), so head over and get your entry in, toot sweet!



PRIZE:
'Quick Looks: Beautiful Makeup In Minutes' book by iconic Australian Makeup Artist Rae Morris (RRP $19.99) and a beautiful gold embellished Napoleon Perdis Midas Touch Foundation Brush (no longer stocked except on eBay, where it's going for $60) so you can practice your skills! (postage included).

All you need to do is:
LIKE Max The Unicorn Facebook page
LIKE the Giveaway post (I've pinned it to the top), and
COMMENT on the post.

Anything will do, because this is drawn randomly.
Winner will be notified and posted on Max The Unicorn Facebook page!

GO TO IT! You know, if you want. *shuffles foot in sand self-consciously*
xx


Saturday, December 14, 2013

Bath & Unwind Tried and Tested: Korres Holiday In Greece Review




This is the second in my series of reviews as part of Bath & Unwind's Tried and Tested panel. If you missed my first, it was a review of Caudalie Vine Body Butter, which you can read here. I was so excited to receive this Holiday In Greece gift/travel set, because I'd heard so much about Korres, yet never tried the brand for myself.




"Korres is a Greek skincare brand born out of Athens first ever homeopathic pharmacy in 1996. Today the Korres portfolio includes over 400 natural and certified organic products. Our goal is to develop innovative and clinically effective skincare products based on natural active ingredients."

Let's look at what's in this set.....

Korres Holiday In Greece contains:
Guava Body Butter 40mL
Basil Lemon Body Milk 40mL
Basil Lemon Shower Gel 40mL
Guava Shower Gel 40mL
Aloe & Dittany Shampoo 40mL



Guava Body Butter
This beautifully fruity-smelling body butter is luxurious and very rich. You really need minimal product, as a little goes a long way; in fact when I initially applied too much the whiteness of the cream reminded me of sunscreen! It leaves the most gorgeous fragrance on the skin that lingers for hours and instantly hydrates and moisturises. My skin felt nourished, soft and supple. This body butter is most suited to areas of dry or chapped skin. The small size means it's great to pop in your handbag and apply when needed throughout the day. This product was one of my favourites from the set. It contains sunflower, almond and avocado oil, shea butter and quince extract to promote smoothness, elasticity, softening, moisturising and restructuring.




Basil Lemon Shower Gel and Guava Shower Gel
These shower gels are quite lovely, and have somewhat earthy fragrances, which I find appealing. The 40ml bottle size is quite small, and my love of shower gels means I'll be finished these two in no time! I understand it's a gift set intended for travel or as an introduction to the Korres range, but still. The large dispenser hole means I had to be careful not to release too much product, but did make it easy to get it out of the bottle. Both shower gels produce a mid to high lather and left my skin feeling clean and good to go. The Basil Lemon is awesome for a morning shower because the zesty lemon aroma is refreshing and screams WAKE UP! The Guava gel I prefer to use at night, as I love the tropical fruit fragrance on my skin before bed. Both gels contain wheat proteins, aloe leaf juice and active plant extracts and are mineral oil free, silicone free and propylene glycol free.

Aloe & Dittany Shampoo
This was probably my least favourite product from the Holiday In Greece gift set. For starters it's for normal hair, and my hair is anything but normal. I need treatment shampoos for fine hair that will add volume, or I'm left with limp hair that needs a lot of thickening foam prior to blowdrying. Having said that, this smelled good and would be a preferable alternative to hotel shampoo if I was travelling. Who am I kidding, I take my own shampoo and conditioner when I travel. Anyway, if you're not a fine-haired lass, you might enjoy this. It contains dittany, aloe, marjoram and mountain tea extracts and is free from silicone, parabens, mineral oil, propylene glycol, ethanolamine and phthalate fragrances.

Basil Lemon Body Milk
This light lemony body milk is an utter delight. Goes on like a dream, absorbs super-fast and leaves my skin soft and ultra-moisturised. Again, I love the zesty, fresh fragrance (like its shower gel counterpart). Although it absorbs quickly, the body milk sometimes leaves a slight film on the skin, which took a little getting used to, but now I don't notice it. Upon researching the product I learned that the wheat proteins present form a protective film on the skin. Also, its supposed to have a powdery texture (I couldn't tell) and leave a matte finish. AND that hydration levels three hours after application are supposed to be the same as when the product was first applied! Another firm favourite from this set, both for smells and its effectiveness.




Disclaimer: This product was provided by PR for review. This is a non-sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Cream Foundation




You guys. I am LOVING this foundation. Here's why.....

I have never been really good at foundation. Finding a good one, knowing how to wear it, keeping it in place or knowing which one is right for my skin type. I have been known to skip foundation altogether and just use concealer (in some cases, all over my face!) and powder. A lot of the time, foundation makes me shine (not bright like a diamond, but like a greasy oil well). Or it will slide right off, even with primer underneath. I've tried mineral foundation but didn't really like it. I feel most comfortable in cream formulas and have always thought Maybelline made great foundations, so naturally gravitated towards this product. Also, anything with Age Rewind immediately gets my undivided attention, and I already use Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Dark Circles Eraser Concealer under my eyes (which is fabulous, by the way) so trying out this product was really a no-brainer.

The formula is creamy and glides on effortlessly. I almost rub it in as I do my moisturiser. It blends so easily and it really takes next to no time to get a flawless finish. It used to take ages to blend in my foundation and concealer before setting it with powder, but I find with this, I am spending way more time prepping my skin for makeup (a little rosehip oil under the eyes, moisturiser, eye cream, primer) than I am actually applying foundation, because it goes on so easily. The coverage is great, too. I usually only need a bit of concealer over spots only as the foundation hides any broken capillaries and small imperfections.

The shade Porcelain Ivory (Light 1) suits my complexion perfectly. I'm quite fair, and it's hard to find products that don't look dark on me. So many times, the lightest shade has still been too dark for me! I've also noticed it does seem to firm my face, too; something I do look for in a foundation. The pump dispenser is great, because I can control how much I get out, and it's hygienic.

Some details on the product (from the bottle):
- firming plus radiance
- all-day hydration with avocado
- luminous coverage
- replenishing cream restores moisture
- formula with caffeine awakens and firms tired skin
- Dermatologist tested, safe for sensitive skin

I highly recommend this product if you are looking for a great performing foundation that won't break your budget.

OMG. I just googled this product to get a RRP, and IT HAS BEEN DISCONTINUED. And so continues my shocking luck with foundations. Both the Age Rewind The Lifter (includes primer mixed in) and Age Rewind Radiant-Firming Foundation look quite similar, with the latter being the closest (both Maybelline).

Right, well I'm a bit devastated, how's your day going?

Disclaimer: I bought this myself (and probably for the last time!). All opinions are my own.

Friday, December 6, 2013

Bath & Unwind Gift Sets + Caudalie Vine Body Butter Review


Colour me pink (tickled pink!) when the lovely people at Bath & Unwind contacted me recently, asking if I'd like to review some of their skincare products and Christmas gift sets. Bath & Unwind stock a large range of beauty brands (think Alpha H, Becca, Jane Iredale, OPI, The Balm and Trilogy, to name a few) and offer free worldwide delivery. I was able to select my trial products (YAY!) and today I'll show you what I got (my Korres cherry has finally been popped, y'all!) and review the first cab off the ranks, Caudalie Vine Body Butter.

This Works No Wrinkles Tired Eyes




Aromatherapy Associates Festive Bath & Shower Collection




Korres Holiday In Greece

Contents (left - right):
Basil Lemon Body Milk
Guava Shower Gel
Basil Lemon Shower Gel
Aloe and Dittany Shampoo
Guava Body Butter





Korres Indulgent Treats Set

Contents (bottom photo, left - right):
Guava Body Butter
Mandarin Lip Butter Stick in Rose
Nourishing Almond Oil & Shea Butter Hand Cream
Wild Rose 24 Hour Moisturising & Brightening Cream





REVIEW: Caudalie Vine Body Butter



This product comes in a generous-sized 200 mL plant-based tub that is sturdy, solid and isn't going to smash or split if you drop it. On removing the brown screw-top lid, I was met with a very pleasant citrus fragrance, which no doubt comes from the 'orange tree, bitter orange, orange blossom and orange wood' ingredients.

The product is a white, fairly thin consistency cream that absorbs quickly and effortlessly. It feels luxurious going on, however I had to be careful with the amount used, as sometimes my skin felt tacky after application. I do feel it nourishes my skin and it works best on dry areas, such as elbows, leaving them soothed and hydrated.

Caudalie Vine Body Butter also contains grapeseed and organic shea butters which help to repair damaged skin. It's touted as being an ideal after-sun product, and I can imagine coming home after a Summer day out with the family and lathering some of this on my exposed areas to soothe them. I particularly enjoy using this body butter right before bed, because I love the waft of this gorgeous scent as my head hits the pillow. I think the addictive orangey smell may well be my favourite feature of the cream.

Caudalie are against animal testing and this product is 95% natural. It's available at Bath & Unwind here with free shipping no matter where you are in the world. If this doesn't float your boat, check out the huge range of body moisturisers available at Bath & Unwind, there's sure to be something there to suit all tastes.



Disclaimer: These products were provided for reviewing purposes. This is not a sponsored post; no money was offered/accepted. Review is my honest opinion.

Saturday, November 30, 2013

Covergirl Out of the Blue Manicure




Featured in today's manicure is Covergirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Nail Gloss in Out of the Blue. I don't know if it was just my particular bottle, but I found the formula to be very thick and quite difficult to apply. I only needed one coat for full coverage, and had to work quite quickly to smooth it out so I didn't get lumps. The large square handle is not the easiest thing to hold, but I do love the pop of bright, pretty colour I get from this nail gloss.

*In the photo with my fingers out straight, it looks like the product is lumpy, however, it's the tricky reflection of our lace curtains on my nails!








Disclaimer: This product was purchased by me. Non-sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

Tuesday, November 19, 2013

A Merry LUSH Christmas!




We are spoilt for choice with the delightful Christmas range of products from Lush this year! Whether you are looking for gifts for family and friends or a few sneaky gifts for yourself, you're sure to find something you like amongst the extensive range of products.

The Christmas Invention shower gel range comprises the punchy Ponche, lovely Rose Jam and much-sought-after Snow Fairy. Some fun Christmas bath products include The Christmas Penguin Bubble Bar, Secret Santa Bath Ballistic and the Magic Wand Bubble Bar. Special Christmassy soaps include the colourful Angel's Delight soap, Orange soap and the mesmerising Snow Globe soap.

Most of you know I'm a huge fan, so I was very excited when Lush generously sent me a selection of Christmas goodies. Today I'll be reviewing Rose Jam Shower Gel, Santa's Lip Scrub and Santa's Baby Lip Tint.



Santa Baby Lip Tint
This product comes in a little screw-top tin, and when I first swatched it I thought WOW. It's certainly bright. This is really highly pigmented and it's almost an orangey red when on the lips. It contains extracts of cherries, dates and cinnamon stick, carrot oil and Fair Trade butters. The consistency seemed thick to me, and I found the best way to wear it was to first prepare lips with a generous amount of lip balm to soften and smooth them, wipe the excess off, then apply Santa's Baby over the top. I tended to finish by blotting with a tissue for a matte yet still comfortable finish. This is one festive lip tint, and the bright pop of colour actually cheered me up!




Rose Jam Shower Gel
This. Smells. So. Lovely. It's hard to stop sniffing this gorgeous light pink-hued gel. With zesty Sicilian lemon, geranium oil and turkish rose absolute, the scent is sweet, floral, feminine and just delightful. My skin is left soft, clean and nourished thanks to argan and rose oils.  I think I love this one nearly as much as Happy Hippy (my all-time favourite shower gel). ANOTHER Lush product that just makes me feel happy after using it (and smelling of flowers!)


Santa's Lip Scrub
OK, so lip scrubs aren't really necessary. Who cares; this is fun to use! (I wouldn't scrub my lips more than twice a week, though). This festive lip scrub is bright red and cola flavoured. And I think Lush have Nailed It with the cola fragrance! The texture is pliable, gritty and grainy. The purpose of a lip scrub is to exfoliate the skin and lift off any loose, dry or flaky bits, leaving your lips smooth and perfectly primed for balm, tint, stain, shimmer, plumper, lipstick, gloss, cream, crayon, glaze, liner or whatever product you may swipe on your lips (I clearly have too many!). This performs well; the gritty caster sugar particles melt away as you scrub it in with warm water, and the extra virgin coconut oil leave lips smooth and conditioned. I also have a chocolatey Sweet Lips Lush lip scrub, but now I prefer my Santa's.



All Lush products are cruelty-free, environmentally friendly and are handmade locally from ethically sourced ingredients. So they make you feel good on the outside and the inside!

Disclaimer: Products were provided for review purposes. No payment was offered/accepted. All opinions are my own.


Friday, November 15, 2013

My First Lust Have It Women's Box!



I was lucky enough to win a Lust Have It beauty box from The Plastic Diaries site recently (thanks Kimberly!). This is really exciting for me, because despite being a complete beauty nut, I don't subscribe to any of the beauty box services, such as BellaBox, Lust Have It or Violet Box. I'm already swimming in samples, and don't really like the idea of paying for them when I can get them for free. Of course, the easily-obtained freebies are usually the smaller sachet-type samples, not the full-size products you often get with these subscription services.

The box I was sent was a Lust Have It Women's Box (or Classic Beauty Box). It's a grey, sturdy floral-patterned box with a flip-top lid that closes magnetically. I can see myself reusing this box for storing makeup and samples, because it's pretty cute. They have recently changed their boxes to a more splashy colourful design, however the one I got, although pretty, was grey.



Contents:
Paula's Choice Resist Intensive Wrinkle-Repair Retinol Serum
Seacret Pure Body Lotion
Nude By Nature Papaw Ointment
The Natural Source Camouflage Colour Lip Gloss in Wild Orange
TIGI Recharge Shampoo (sachet)
TIGI Recharge Conditioner (sachet)
TIGI Elasticate Shampoo (sachet)
TIGI Elasticate Conditioner (sachet)






The pick of the bunch for me is the Paula's Choice Retinol Serum. I haven't tried this brand, but I know lots of beauty bloggers rave about it, so I can't wait to give it a go. More Papaw (I feel like it should be Paw Paw) Ointment always comes in handy (I think I've got one of those red Lucas' Papaw tubes hiding around the house somewhere). I don't really need anymore body lotion, so I'm considering giving the Seacret away as a Christmas gift. To be completely honest, The Natural Source lip gloss looks really cheap to me, like it's worth about $2.50 (even though the info sheet lists it at RRP $12.95). I do love the TIGI range of haircare, so will definitely make use of the shampoo and conditioner sample sachets.

Overall, I'm glad I have a personal insight into the world of beauty boxes now (well Lust Have It, anyway), but I'm still not convinced I need to subscribe to any of these services any time soon.

Disclaimer: I won this box; all opinions are my own. This is a non-sponsored post.

Wednesday, November 13, 2013

Australis Haul, starring Velourlips!




There has been some minor haulage over the last month, the first of which was this Velourlips-themed purchase from the Australis online store. This was quite the impulse buy; I saw the range posted on Instagram and felt compelled to buy them right away. Here's what I got.....




Products bought:
Velourlips Matte Lip Cream in NY-CEE
Velourlips Matte Lip Cream in MAL-I-BOO
Velourlips Matte Lip Cream in TOK-I-O
Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Jitterbug
Glitter Nail Colour in Rio Riot
** Brush included free! **

top to bottom: NY-CEE, MAL-I-BOO, TOK-I-O, Jitterbug


Colour Inject Mineral Lipstick in Jitterbug

NOTES
* Jitterbug rhymes with ShinyGlitterBug, my Twitter and Instagram name!!
* Ordering online with Australis was easy and I received my order super fast.
* Was pleasantly surprised to find a freebie, the makeup brush, in my parcel!
* Although I love the pop of colour I get from the Velourlips matte creams, the formula is drying on me. I'm finding it wears more comfortably when I add a balm over the top.
* The Velourlips swatch on my hand was a bitch to remove!


Disclaimer: All products were purchased by me. Non-sponsored post. All opinions are my own.