Mecca Beauty Loop Box: Level 1

 

Hi guys! Recently I was shocked to learn I qualified for a Level 1 Mecca Beauty Loop Box. I had a quite long gap of not buying anything at all from Mecca, partly because I just didn't want anything, and partly because I was swayed by all the shit-talk about Mecca and their exorbitant pricing on the Australian Makeup (and possibly also the Aus Skincare) subs on Reddit. But during my Melbourne trip I bought a few things and this must be why I received the email saying I had a Level 1 box to pick up.

Here's what I got in the Level 1 Mecca Beauty Loop Box:

~  Glow Recipe Cloudberry Essence Toner
~ Patchology Serve Chilled Rose Sheet Mask
~ Lanolips x Messina 101 Ointment Multi-Balm Dulce de Leche Gelato
~ Charlotte Tilbury Charlotte's Magic Serum Crystal Elixir

Not gonna lie, I'm very happy with this selection of samples! Firstly, I've never tried Glow Recipe before, so I finally get to with this 5ml toner sample. Although the Charlotte Tilbury sample is tiny (and in a sachet, so I'll have to use it in one go), it's still a brand I'd never buy myself, so I'm happy to be able to try it. The Patchology mask is intriguing, especially since you're meant to store it in the fridge and apply it cold. Maybe I'll wait until Winter is over for this one! And lastly, the Lanolips lip balm, which is a collab with Messina! Being a foodie, I'm excited to try the dulce de leche gelato inspired creation. It smells amazing!

What a great little box of goodies! 

February Empties

 

Hi guys. I thought I'd write an Empties post as I haven't in a long time. Here's every beauty product I finished last month...

Colab Dry Shampoo Extreme Volume
I adore this stuff and will continue to purchase. I already have multiple back-ups in the cupboard as I can't be without it.

Rexona Clinical Protection Shower Clean AntiPerspirant Deodorant
I buy these when they are on special at the supermarket. Although more expensive, I find this deodorant is more effective than most others I've tried.

Nature's Way Collagen Gummies
I've stopped using these as I think they are useless and have yet to see them make a difference.

Antipodes Hosanna H2O Intensive Skin Plumping Serum
I used to love this but my interest and use has waned, meaning this bottle has gone off so I'm binning it. Will not re-purchase.

The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel
I love the refreshing scent of this and really enjoyed using it but have plenty of other shower gels, mousses, soaps, etc to use up.

Boost Lab 2D Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum
Love love love this stuff and will continue to purchase it. Already have my next bottle which I've blogged about in this Boost Lab Serum Haul post.

Models Prefer Eye Brightener Light Diffusing Concealer
I enjoy using this under my eyes, mixed with some argan oil concealer as it can be a bit drying, but the argan oil moistens things up making it easy to blend without creasing. I already have a back-up on the go.

Maybelline Masterliner in Black
I will forever buy this, my holy grail eyeliner. I routinely buy them on special and have up to five back-ups on hand, haha.

Revlon Colorstay Skin Awaken 5-in-1 Concealer
I find this works best under my eyes as a first step after I've applied my eye cream. Love it and will continue to buy.

3 x Garnier Micellar Cleansing Wipes (Sensitive Skin)
I swear by the 3 pack of these, they're so effective and comforting to me. I've already replaced.

L'Oreal Revitalift Filler Deep Replumping Anti-Ageing Day Cream
I'm up in the air about whether to re-purchase as I can only use it before bed. This is effective and feels lovely but pills up badly meaning I can't use it under makeup.

L'Oreal Age Perfect Collagen Tightening Day Cream
I'm now firmly addicted to this cream and already on my third jar. Check out my review of it here. I'll definitely continue to buy it.

Boost Lab Serum Haul!

 

Hi guys! I'm coming at you today with my Boost Lab Serum Haul. Actually it's just three serums, but that still counts, right? I bought these directly from the Boost Lab website. I am deeply in love this brand, so was thrilled to see the 'Shop Bundles & Save' section. My goal was to replace my empty Boost Lab 2D Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum with another one, and possibly pick up their Multi Peptide Anti-Ageing Serum, which I'd be eyeing off, but things didn't go according to plan. Read on to find out why!

First of all, can I say what a huge mistake I made buying the Skin Physics Polyglutamic Intensive Hydration Serum to replace my beloved Boost Lab Hydro Boost Serum, just because it was on special at Priceline for basically half the price of the Boost Lab hydrating serum. It has issues, eg it pills up under every product, and just doesn't come close to the Boost Lab one. I can only use it in my nightly skincare routine (before bed), when the pilling is annoying but doesn't matter as much. Regrets, I have a few!

So back to my Boost Lab haul! I knew I wanted a new Hydro Boost Serum, and thought the Shop Bundles & Save section would be the perfect opportunity to try more of their serum range. They normally retail for $29.95 each, but the bundles I was looking at contained three assorted serums and were $62.90. This is a great deal since two serums alone is around $60. Plus they have free shipping on orders over $50 and all orders included a free gift. {edit - I didn't get the free gift with my order, so I emailed them about this}. {Updated Edit - apparently if you have pop-ups disabled you won't see the free gift offer pop up to add to cart which is what must have happened. BL were lovely over email and are sending me the free gift}. And I had a code for $10 off for a first time order. Winning! The only problem was there was no bundle that contained both the Hydro Boost and the Multi-Peptide Anti-Ageing Serums! So I had to settle for another of the bundles. I'll try the Anti-Ageing Serum eventually!

Here's what I got....

2D Hyaluronic Hydro Boost Serum
This serum claims to intensely hydrate, plump the skin and restore the skin's barrier. It contains two forms of bio-hyaluronic acid and pro-vit B5. I love love love this serum! It feels amazing, is really hydrating and is such a great base under moisturiser and makeup, as it doesn't pill up at all. I'd highly recommend trying this if you have dry skin, love the look and feel of plumped up skin or just want a really good hydrating serum.

Vitamin C Brightening Serum
This serum claims to brighten and firm, even out the skin tone and clear dark spots. It contains multi-vitamins (Vit C, B3 and Vit E), Pentavitin and natural Bisabolol. I'm interested to see how I go with this, because the last brightening serum I tried made me break out. You can read all about my experience with the Garnier Skin Active Vitamin C Brightening Serum here.

Retinol Night Renewal Serum
This serum claims to intensely hydrate, plump and firm the skin and total rejuvenation.  It contains retinol, sea fennel extract, Bisabolol and aloe vera juice. I'm keen to see the results of this and I'm hoping it feels lovely to apply, just like the Hydro Boost Serum.

I'm so happy with this haul! Keep an eye on my Instagram Stories @shinyglitterbug where I'll no doubt post what I think after trying them!

REVIEW: Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum

 

Hi guys! Recently I was sent a new Garnier serum to trial, so I thought I'd share my thoughts about it. I wasn't obligated to post on my blog, but since I'd already formulated my opinion (and my readers are predominantly beauty lovers) I thought it would be a good idea.

Product Claims:
~ Immediately after use skin looks healthier and more radiant
~ From 6 days, skin appears brighter, more even and the density of dark spots appear reduced
~ From 8 weeks, dark spots (including acne marks) appear reduced by -43%
~ Designed to suit all skin types and tones, and is dermatologically tested
~ Vegan formula & approved by Cruelty Free International

Garnier Vitamin C Brightening Serum contains 3.5% Vitamin C + Niacinamide + Salicylic Acid. It also contains Lemon Extract, a powerful superfood known for its brightening properties. The size of this bottle is 30ml.

The Garnier Skin Active Vitamin C Brightening Serum was a mixed bag for me! I really enjoyed the texture and consistency of the serum and how it felt as I applied it. The fragrance was lovely and it absorbed into my skin pretty quickly. During this time my skin was tacky, so I did have to wait before I continued on with my skincare routine, and you definitely need a moisturiser between this and your makeup. It does, however, sit well under moisturiser and makeup, as I didn't experience any pilling of the product. This serum did brighten my complexion, however it also caused my skin to break out, something it hasn't done in years. Even though I only got three small pimples, this was three more than I wanted. So that was disappointing. I don't have any dark spots, so I can't say whether or not this serum worked in that aspect. My skin also dried out after a few days using this serum. Overall, I like the brightening effect and it's a pleasant serum to use, but it's not suitable for me due to the breakouts and dryness it caused.

In summary, I wouldn't recommend this serum and now that I've trialled it, I'll stop using it and go back to my tried and true skincare routine. But keep in mind, even though this particular serum didn't work for me, it still may work for you!

GIVEAWAY REMINDER! Don't forget to enter to WIN 1 of 2 NudeHerbs Drinks Cases on my Instagram account! Two Winners! Enter Here!

GIVEAWAY: WIN NudeHerbs Tonics!

 

Hi guys! Just a quick post today to let you know I'm currently running a GIVEAWAY on Instagram where you can WIN one of two cases of NudeHerbs herbal and floral tonic drinks! This is an Australia-wide Giveaway, and there will be TWO winners, who will each win a mixed flavour case of drinks!

NudeHerbs are naturally hand-brewed tonics made from primarily organic herbs and flowers. They're plant-based with natural fruity flavours and no added sugar. These naturally brewed herbal tonics are a healthy alternative to juices that contain 4-5 times less sugar.

PRIZES

There will be TWO Winners, with each Winner receiving a Case of NudeHerbs drinks!

~ 2 x Mixed NudeHerbs Drinks Cases (valued at $78 each)

Each Case contains 12 bottles comprising...
~ 3 x Cleanse (lemon, lime and ginger flavour)
~ 3 x Beauty (pomegranate and raspberry flavour)
~ 3 x Focus (peach and pineapple flavour)
~ 3 x Relax (tropical mango flavour)

Entering is easy! Head over to my foodie Instagram account @imhungrymax and get your entry in!

Direct link to Giveaway here

This Giveaway is open to Australian residents only and will run until 11:59pm 16 February 2023. Total prize value $156. Two Winners will be picked using a random number generator and announced on the Instagram Giveaway post and DMed from @imhungrymax within 24 hours. (Please beware of scammers - I will never ask for credit card details or for you to click on a link to claim the prize. Report and block scammers.) Prizes will be sent directly from NudeHerbs. GOOD LUCK!

FreezeFrame Haul!

 

Hi guys! It's the first day of Term 1 for my son, so here I am trying to change from carefree holiday mode back to school routine mode. I definitely feel better when I'm organised though, so having structure in my day will do me good. I've been making an effort to fill out my Diary, get on top of my emails and declutter the house, so I'm feeling positive. I don't mind being busy, but I'm fast approaching my collab limit for how many I can take on at once before I get overwhelmed. Going on a short getaway has me enjoying the relaxed life a bit too much and now I have to snap out of it!

Today's post features my recent FreezeFrame haul. I'm a huge fan of Freezeframe, because they make products that address the exact skincare concerns I have, and they work so damn well. They also have some amazing sales from time to time, one of which I took advantage of to purchase this latest round of goodies. This should keep me going for quite some time hopefully! Let's take a look at the products.

Revitaleyes

This is my favourite ever Freezeframe product. It's a multitasking gel that improves deep wrinkles, chronic puffiness and serious dark circles. I have all three of these, so to have found a product that addresses all my issues (instead of having to use three separate creams) and leaves my under eye area looking its best ever... well it's a massive gamechanger. I wrote about my desire to keep using Revitaleyes in my 2022 Beauty Goals post, and I certainly have. I would highly recommend this product to anyone looking to improve wrinkles, eyebags or dark circles. For this purchase it was a bundle deal of Revitaleyes + Eyelid Lift and you could purchase any additional product at 50% off, so naturally I bought another Revitaleyes.

Eyelid Lift

So this is a 'new to me' Freezeframe product that there's been a lot of hype about on social media. I was quite excited when I saw the bundle deal of this plus Revitaleyes, and thought it was the perfect time to try it. I don't really have hooded or droopy lids per se, but I guess things can always be improved and I'd like to see if a bit of an eyelid lift makes a difference. I haven't tried this yet, but I'm hoping it opens up my eyes a bit and makes me look more awake!

Wrinkle Block

This is my second tube of Wrinkle Block, and honestly, it lasts forever. I've had my first one so long most of the label has rubbed off and I still haven't finished it. Maybe I should start using it all over my face to use it up quicker, as currently I only use it under my eyes, and not even every day. It's really good though, if you're looking to improve fine lines, moderate and even deep wrinkles. It also works really well under makeup, providing a nice hydrated base on which to apply concealer or corrector. Also, this was a free Gift With Purchase for the first 200 orders. Score!

Glow Getter

I'm happy to try any Freezeframe product I haven't tried before, so I'm looking forward to using this Glow Getter sample, even though it is quite tiny! I've just tried finding more information about this on their website, including using the search function and nothing comes up, so I don't know if this has been discontinued or is just out of stock. From the tube packaging though, it's a sleeping mask with deep sea repair for deep wrinkles, firming and luminosity.

Pumpkin did not give a stuff about my attempted photoshoot! Luckily this one was just for Stories, haha. I hope you enjoyed my haul!

Holiday Empties

 

Hi guys! Last week we went to Victor Harbor for a short holiday, staying at a Country Club where we relaxed and played golf. It was amazing to get away during the school holidays, especially since our air conditioning at home died and it's been stifling in the house during this super hot Summer weather. It looks like it won't be fixed for another few weeks too, because they have to ship parts in and it's not an easy fix. Swear words! Edit - it now looks like the best solution is to completely replace the air conditioning unit which will be $9000+. Fantastic!

Anyway, I decided to take a few mini-sized products I've been wanting to use up on the trip with me (along with some bigger products). It's part of my never-ending efforts to declutter the house (and my beauty collection). Here are the ones I managed to finish up whilst away, and my brief thoughts on them.

Lancome Tonique Confort Rehydrating Comforting Toner
I love the slightly jelly consistency of this pink rehydrating toner and really enjoyed using it. This came in a Lancome Gift With Purchase. The perfect size product to take away on holiday.

Kiehl's Retinol Skin Renewing Daily Micro Dose Serum
This felt really nice upon application and seems more gentle than other retinol serums. There was no initial stinging effect and my skin looked really good the next morning.

The Body Shop Moringa Body Butter
I adore this scent and it lasts for ages on the skin. A lovely texture that absorbs well and is non-greasy. I really want to try more fragrances from The Body Shop Body Butter range.

Kiehl's Calendula Serum-Infused Water Cream
I love this stuff, from the smell of it to the gorgeous light texture, it feels lovely going on and leaves my skin hydrated and supple to the touch.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 50+ SPF Lightweight Sunscreen
This tiny little mini was very runny but seemed to work. It's fragrance free and has a non-shiny finish.

Revlon Colorstay Skin Awaken 5-In-1 Concealer
I love this concealer for under my eyes and have already replaced it with another tube. The formula has caffeine and Vitamin C and really helps cover my dark under eye circles. I love it.

So it may not be that many, but I'm happy with what I could finish. It makes it easier to sift through everything, see what I've got and what I want to concentrate on using up next. Do you use any of these products?

Life Lately, in Pictures!

 

Hi guys! Just a super quick post today, as I'm getting busier as we approach Christmas, and don't have much time for blogging. I'm undecided if I should take a blog break over the holidays. We're also having a short holiday in January which further complicates things, so it might actually be best to skip a few Mondays and come back fresh in February 2023. We'll see! Anyway, here's a quick round up of what I've been up to...

Watching

Decorating

Collabs (Nourish'd Kitchen and The Mile End Hotel)

Relaxing

Playing (Candy Crush)

Trialling

Review: L'Oreal Age Perfect Collagen Tightening Day Cream

 

Hi guys! Today I've decided to review a moisturiser I use nearly every day, L'Oreal Age Perfect Collagen Tightening Day Cream. When I first started using this, I actually didn't like it, so I'm glad I persevered as I'm now halfway through my second jar, and I'm really loving it. Isn't it strange how our views on a product can do a complete 180?! Read on for my thoughts!

At first, this cream felt way too thick and rich for me and I really couldn't get used to it. It also used to ball up under my makeup (to the point where I switched to using it as a night moisturiser before bed), but I don't know what the hell I was doing wrong, as I now don't have this problem at all. Weird. And now I adore the luxurious, thick texture. It actually applies like a dream, melting into the skin like butter.

The absorption rate is fast, because sometimes I go straight from applying this Day Cream (as a last step after my eye serum and cream) to applying concealer under my eyes, then foundation without any waiting time, and there's no issues with pilling. Maybe I was applying too much in the beginning? I don't know.

I'm a person who favours having multiple moisturisers on the go simultaneously, but this Age Perfect one is the jar I reach for the most. I also sometimes use L'Oreal Revitalift Laser x 3 Intensive Anti-Ageing Moisturiser (which is quite good), L'Oreal Revitalift Filler + Hyaluronic Acid Deep Replumping Anti-Ageing Day Cream (which pills like a motherfucker, so I can only use it at night) and Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting UV Cream Moisturiser SPF 30 Broad Spectrum (which I use the day after using my retinol serum because of the SPF).

Anyway, the Age Perfect Collagen Tightening Cream really leaves my skin feeling soft, nourished, hydrated, plumped up and tighter. I'm impressed with the results and feel it does a particularly good job of improving my eye contour, where I need the most help. If you have fine lines, sagging skin, hollowness around the eyes or just want firmer skin, I'd say definitely give this cream a go. I've only discovered L'Oreal moisturisers in the last six months, but boy are they good for a 'drugstore' brand!

There is absolutely no need to pay full price though, as it will frequently be heavily discounted at either Priceline or Chemist Warehouse and this is the time to buy! Maybe even Target or Kmart, but I don't shop there for skincare so I'm not sure. I actually use the 40-50% off sales as my chance to try out new skincare products I've had my eye on (or stock up on my staples/favourites).

RRP $36.99 (50ml)
Currently $21.99 at Chemist Warehouse (as at 2/12/2022)
L'Oreal skincare currently 40% off at Priceline although I can't find the exact product online! (as at 2/12/2022)

Review: Oh Deer Sugar Seas The Day Body Wash

 

Hi guys! I'm back on a Monday (woo hoo!) with a Review of the Oh Deer Sugar Seas The Day Shower Moose Body Wash. You may remember I recently bought this along with a few other products in my Another Oh Deer Sugar Haul post. Well since then I've been blue-lathering away like a Smurf, so I thought it was high time (high tide since it's called Seas The Day?) to review this baby.

'A pocket full of sweets, a bottle of homemade lime cordial and you're all set to spend the day at the beach'

I opted for the large pot ($28 for 250ml) but these body washes are also available in a smaller pot ($16 for 100ml). Now this does seem a little exxy, but rest assured the quality of these shower mooses plus the fact they last a good while, in my opinion make it totally worth it. I've been a fan of Oh Deer Sugar ever since they opened up in Adelaide many moons ago. They have since re-located interstate, but thankfully you can order online.

Seas The Day is a gorgeous bright and vibrant blue colour. As soon as you open the pot you are hit with the loveliest beachy, fresh fragrance. It is strong and does linger well after you've lathered your body in the shower. You only need a small amount to clean yourself, and it's as simple as scooping out a small portion then rubbing it into wet skin. The texture foams up a bit and it becomes easier to lather it all around your nude self. It feels lovely and the scent is to die for! These body washes also double as shaving creams, but I haven't used them for that.

My skin is left soft and clean, but best of all, smelling so good. Think lime, yet sweet and beachy fresh. This Seas The Day shower moose in particular is a great pick me up for a morning shower, but that doesn't stop me using it during my late night shower, because there is honestly nothing better than hopping into bed at night, clean and smelling fresh and beachy.

I highly recommend Oh Deer Sugar Seas The Day Shower Moose Body Wash. In all honesty, ODS rarely miss the mark. I've tried many of their different body washes and scrubs over the years, and loved the majority of them.

You can check out the Oh Deer Sugar website here.

A Week In The Life aka The Week From Hell

{edit - Apologies for the late post, we had no electricity from Saturday 'til early Tuesday. Everything in italics is an edit I've added once our power was restored}.

Hi guys! A bit of a different more lifestyle-y post this week, just to change things up a bit. It will almost be like a FFS Friday, but published on a Monday {edit - make that Tuesday} lol. Although I'll try to not just fill it with shit that went wrong, because who wants to hear me complain for five minutes! No one.

Monday

Monday was relatively normal. Mr 15 went to school and all seemed good. I actually was super productive and got a lot of things crossed off my To Do list. After dropping my son off at school I went for a coffee at my local cafe and saw that my name came up on the #namedrop for my local Baker's Delight, so I was able to get a free six pack of mango passion tarts. I then went to Woolies and did the grocery shopping. I came home and published my Essence Manicure blog post and advertised it on my social media. Then I cleaned up the house and prepared and published my beauty post for Instagram. I then spent a fair bit of time engaging on my beauty account as this post featured gifted product from a brand. After everyone went to bed I watched Ted Lasso on AppleTV+ (which I'm loving) to wind down.

Tuesday

Tuesday is when things started to go to shit. My son was sick and didn't go to school. I was feeling a bit rundown too, but wasn't sure if it was just a result of me excelling like a Boss Bitch the day before lol. Anyway, after sending the school absence email, I went back to bed for a few hours as I wouldn't be doing school drop off. I spent the afternoon editing my DC Roll & Bowl photos for a food post, from a visit we'd done on the weekend. I also worked out my hashtags and wrote my caption. When a business reaches out and invites me, I spend way longer working on an Instagram post than my non-Collab posts. 

Wednesday

Mr 15 was still sick. I got some more housework done then started trialling products I'd been sent from BeautyHeaven in the Spring Discovery Bag. I noted down my thoughts on the products in my phone. Reviews were due to be submitted Friday, so although I was running out of time, I knew I'd get it done, because somehow, I always do. I ended up submitting four out of the five reviews I'd written on BeautyHeaven and felt good to get that out of the way. Meanwhile I'd created another Instagram account called @whatmaxwatches where I keep track of everything Max, the Unicorn, watches. Haha. I'd been posting on this account nearly every day. Wednesday night I published my DC Roll & Bowl post and again, spent a fair bit of time engaging. I find this totally exhausts me, mentally and physically. Woe is me, lol.

Thursday

Mr 15 was still sick and now hubby was sick, too. By this stage I knew I wasn't having my weekly trip into town. With hubby now sick, I knew it was unlikely we'd be going to the Lucky Dumpling Market on the weekend as planned. I looked in my Diary at the dates of a dinner event and a food collab/invitation that was booked in and wondered if everyone would be well by then. I would inevitably be getting sick next. At this point I went back to bed and got some more sleep. I was thankful I'd gotten my obligated Instagram posts out the way and all I had to do was reply and return comments. I read my emails and was happy to see a movie preview invitation for December, so I RSVPed to that.  I wrote up my final review for the LED eye mask and submitted it on BeautyHeaven. TV was the only thing cheering me up at this point; thank god for The Real Love Boat, Ted Lasso and Love Is Blind.

Friday

Friday my son was still too sick for school and hubby was getting sicker. I cleaned up the house and spent some time on Instagram. I played a lot of Candy Crush too, lol. And then I did what I always do when I get depressed, I went online shopping. I bought a bunch of homewares and Christmas decorations from Target, and decided we will have lights on the Tree this year. I only spent $60 instead of the planned $100, so might do an online Kmart shop on the weekend as well {edit - um no, your bitch did not get to do another online shop on the weekend, because the power was out}. Friday night we ordered dinner in and watched Survivor. Then I watched the finale and reunion episodes of Love Is Blind season 3.

And that was my week!

{edit - oh no, it was to get a lot worse from here. On Saturday, Adelaide was thrashed with severe thunderstorms all day, then a blackout occurred with thousands of houses across the State effected. Basically we had no electricity from Saturday afternoon until early Tuesday morning. Some areas had their power restored earlier and there are some now still with no power. We had no lights, airconditioning, internet (wifi was out and mobile data was very patchy and barely working), computers, TV, warm water (I caved and had a freezing cold shower at one point) or fridge. Everything in the fridge and freezer went off. So I guess this is what happens when you think you're having a bad week. It can always get worse. LOL.}

Next time I write a Week In The Life post I'll try to choose a more exciting, eventful week full of fun outings! Life isn't a perfect Instagram highlight reel though, and shit happens, for real, as you can see from this post. I hope you enjoyed reading it.

Essence Manicure: All-Time FavouRED

 

Hi guys! What is your go-to shade when it comes to nails? Personally I love dark red. There's just something cool, sexy and chic about deep red, and it makes me feel good. It's what I vibe with and the colour I reach for the most.

Recently I was sent a box of Essence cosmetics for review, so I just had to try the gel nail colour in All-Time FavouRED first. It's a stunning shade and it's wearing really well. It was easy to apply thanks to the broad double-touch brush and was opaque on me after just one coat. I love how it looks almost black, but you can see that it's actually dark red.

Other benefits are that it dries down really fast and being a gel polish is really long lasting. I'm loving that it's highly pigmented because a lot of the time I cannot be bothered with a second coat. Also, the finish is nice and shiny! Essence polishes have a vegan, clean beauty formula with a short list of ingredients.

I've left the best news 'til last. Essence nail polishes retail for only $4 each. What an absolute bargain for a long lasting gel polish! You can find them in Priceline and Target in Australia.

Don't miss a post!

Like Max The Unicorn on Facebook

Follow my beauty Instagram @shinyglitterbug

Follow my food Instagram @imhungrymax

Follow me on BlogLovin'

Follow me on Twitter @ShinyGlitterBug

Subscribe via email (right sidebar)

Disclaimer: Product was gifted for trial/review. All opinions are my own.

GIVEAWAY: Win Barbie Goodies!

 

Hi guys! I saw some cute Barbie-themed goodies recently and just had to pick them up for a Giveaway that I'm running on my beauty Instagram page @shinyglitterbug! This is a collaboration between Barbie and BYS that I thought would be perfect if you have a daughter, grand-daughter, sister, friend, niece, cousin... or maybe you're just a Barbie fan yourself! I have to say the first thing I think of when it comes to Barbie is this...

Yes, it's our girl Margot Robbie and Ryan Gosling (as Ken) all kitted for the filming of the much-anticipated Barbie movie. I cannot wait for this one!

Anyway, here's what you can WIN in the Giveaway....

The Prize

~ Barbie x BYS Scented Lip Balms (3 pack)
~ Barbie x BYS Nail Kit (3 x nail polishes + nail sticker sheet)
~ Barbie x BYS Scented Lip Gloss (3 pack - Grape, Tropical, Strawberry)
~ Barbie x BYS Scented Lip Gloss (3 pack - Grape, Watermelon, Strawberry)
~ Pack of Bath Fizzers

You can enter HERE on my beauty Instagram page!

Good Luck!

Don't miss a post!

Like Max The Unicorn on Facebook

Follow my beauty Instagram @shinyglitterbug

Follow my food Instagram @imhungrymax

Follow me on bloglovin

Follow me on Twitter ShinyGlitterBug

Subscribe via email (right sidebar)

Another Oh Deer Sugar Haul!

 

Hi guys! This is the closest I've come to not getting a post out on Monday, but I'll be damned if I'm going to ruin my streak at this point, so here we are! Basically a combination of being really busy last week plus there being sickness in the house meant I totally forgot about it. Oopsie! But luckily, I buy things on the reg, so could easily whip up this 'Another Oh Deer Sugar Haul' post, lol.

I had a lot of ODS points to redeem plus there were free samples and Lucky Dips and whatnot to add to my order, so putting in another order was a no-brainer. My last order from them was in March this year. I normally only do one Oh Deer Sugar purchase every year, but sometimes you just gotta #treatyoself

Side note; I haven't had time to finish my Birthday Freebies post yet, despite teasing it recently. Once school goes back I'll have way more time to get this post finished, so hold tight on that one. Like Christmas, it's still coming!

Back to the Oh Deer Sugar goodies. Let's have a look at what I bought!

If you've read my posts over the years, you'll know that my favourite ever Oh Deer Sugar products are the Soda Pop Body Scrubs and the Shower Mooses (spelt this way on purpose, doe!). First up is the Seas The Day Shower Moose Body Wash, which smells ah-mazing! 'A pocket full of sweets, a bottle of homemade lime cordial and you're all set to spend the day at the beach'. I love fresh, clean, beachy smells, so this is definitely my jam!

Next, a full-size Ice Cream Parlour Soda Pop Body Scrub. 'Banana split ice cream topped with sliced strawberries, mangoes, kiwi fruit and vanilla syrup.' Fruity and sweet, this should be an absolute delight to shower with! I love that the soda pop version of their scrubs have a whipped, moist texture instead of the drier, more abrasive OG scrubs.

My first foray into shower steamers and I'm intrigued! So you're meant to place this little cube on your shower floor under running water and the heat and steam will release the aroma. I opted for the Juicy Shower Steamer, which smells like freshly squeezed citrus fruits. I can't wait to try it!

I had a code to get a free Lucky Dip but when I applied the code it didn't seem to work so I added it again and basically I ended up with two of these (I think I paid for one and one was free). Anyway they are Dessert Shot Drops and I have no idea what that is lol. After researching on site, it seems they are Wax Melts with 'lucky dip' fragrances that are a secret and you're meant to guess them. OK then.

I got a couple of free samples, the first of which is this little blue Lego Brick Wax Melt. And lastly, this green Tropicolada Body Scrub. You can add a Free Sample to your order, choosing from Home, Body or Shower categories. I picked Shower and ended up with the body scrub which I'm really pleased with. I'm not sure how I ended up with two, but I'm not complaining. Got to love a freebie!