This is one of two palettes available from Too Faced's New Romantic collection, the other (Peacock Pink on the Prowl) comes in warmer browns and pinks. Both are presented in super-girly cardboard-based packaging and are 'Tested on celebrities, not animals', which should appeal equally to your glamorous exterior and inner eco-girl.

The Unicorn palette contains:

- 3 eyeshadows: Cinnnamon Cocoa (dark brown), Mossy Brown (khaki) and Peach Fairy Wine (apricot-toned base)

- 3 lipglosses: Princess Pink (barely there), Apricot Sunset (daytime natural) and Pixie Dust Plum (glittery plum)

- 1 blush: Cupid Pink (pale glittery pink)

- 1 applicator: lip brush at one end, foam applicator at the other

- 1 circular plastic 'mirror': on inside of lid

The Unicorn palette contains shades similar to those that I use regularly, but I looked a fright on my first attempt: though the colours appear friendly enough, the shades are surprisingly dense, particularly when applied with the foam applicator. Use a *brush* and apply colours more sparingly than usual, for subtly shaded eyes - unless you're going for the EMO look, in which case....just stick with what you're doing!

The three glosses, by comparison, are fabulously wearable, from the succulent translucence of the Princess Pink, to the every-day Apricot Sunset and luscious Pixie Dust Plum, they glide on smoothly, offering instant moisture.

The blush is frankly more of a highlighter than a cheek colour: good for that sun-kissed glow, come summer, but a little redundant in the meantime, especially when there is no applicator provided. Use your fingers to graze it across your cheekbones before a night out, perhaps.

Conclusion:
Charming, entry-level, super-makeup. Great for gals, but a bit short on sophistication if your best friends are Lancôme and Clarins.

Score: 8/10 - My niece will be getting one of these (if she hasn't already), but her mum will be sticking to Benefit.

Reader Offer: Beauty Counter Direct are offering the Unicorn Palette to marshmallow readers for just £5! Simply add code UNP5 at checkout. Offer ends 10 April 2008.

Available from:
Beauty Counter Direct