Birchbox (December 2015)

We're only a few days away from Christmas and I know it's totally cliché to say it, but seriously, where has the year gone?! Craziness. I'll be taking a bit of a blogging break over the holidays, as I usually do, but before that I wanted to share my thoughts on this month's Birchbox (c/o).

To me, Birchbox has always been one of the original beauty subscription boxes. I remember hearing about it years ago when it was only available in the US and the company has come such a long way since then. For one thing, they now ship to Canada! But they have also expanded considerably, offering a men's box and a whole host of exclusive brands in their online shop (like Parlor by Jeff Chastain, a line of hair styling products that I got to test out a few months ago).

Here's what my December 2015 box contained:

Kate Spade Live Colorfully Perfume Sample. This is one of the good kinds of perfume samples that comes in a mini spray bottle (versus those little glass vials) so it makes for both easy portability and application. The fragrance is fresh with a tropical vibe thanks to the blend of white florals and coconut.

LOC x Tati Vibrant Matte Lipstick in Glam Life. I had never heard of this brand before but that's because it's a Birchbox exclusive curated by Youtuber Tati Westbrook (GlamLifeGuru). Glam Life is a dark berry shade that's perfect for Fall/Winter and the formula is really nice as well.

Sunday Riley Good Genes Treatment. Sunday Riley is a $$ brand that I've wanted to try for quite some time now... I'm always hearing/reading such good things about their products on Youtube and other beauty blogs. The Good Genes Treatment is one of their cult products, an all-in-one treatment and mask that's supposed to brighten and restore damaged skin.

JUARA Coconut Illipe Hand & Nail Balm. I love coconut so that was a huge plus for this product right off the bat. It's also moisturizing and not too greasy, and the sample size is great for throwing in my purse for on-the-go.

Amika Perk Up Dry Shampoo. I use a ton of dry shampoo and I like trying new ones, especially sample sizes when I'm travelling for work. Perk Up Dry Shampoo works well to get your hair feeling refreshed and the packaging is super cute, but there is not much volumization (for that, I always go back to my tried and true Batiste XXL).

Overall, I liked everything I received this month which is surprising since I'm usually underwhelmed by most beauty-only subscription boxes. I think it's because some of the brands are more expensive (Kate Spade and Sunday Riley, for example) and these are all products I would actually use.

P.S. If you need a last-minute gift, how good would a Birchbox subscription be? Just saying.

Oversized & Olive

For an outerwear lover like myself, this coat was the perfect addition to my Fall/Winter wardrobe. It's oversized for optimal layering opportunities and the olive colour is something a little different (but still well within my typical colour palette)... not to mention, it the totally affordable price!

Sweater: Vince / Jeans: J Brand / Coat: Forever 21 (here)

Shoes: Alexander Wang (here) / Bag: Chloe (different colours)

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban (here)

The Body Shop Spa of the World Body Care

A few months ago, I was invited to preview some new collections from The Body Shop (including their holiday 2015 makeup) and while there was definitely lots to get excited about, I knew without a doubt that I would love their Spa of the World line the most. If you're like me and love a little pamper time, it's seriously all you need to turn your bathroom into a relaxing, blissful "spathroom."

Inspired by ancient beauty rituals from around the globe, each product is made with natural ingredients and features The Body Shop's new packaging (the company has revamped a lot of their product lines to look more sleek and modern).

I moisturize regularly and am always on the look out for the best body butters and creams to keep my skin in tip-top shape. The Hawaiian Kukui Cream ($35 CAD) features kukui seed oil which is supposed to be effective on even the driest of skins. For a more delicate floral scent, the Japanese Camellia Cream ($35 CAD) is a great alternative. Both creams feel velvety soft, absorb easily and feel super rich and luxurious.

The Egyptian Milk & Honey Bath ($20 CAD) is a new-to-me type of bath product. It's a creamy fragrant powder that you scoop under running water and swirl until it's dissolved for the ultimate in bath time relaxation.

If you're looking for a multi-tasker, there's the Polynesian Monoi Radiance Oil ($20 CAD), made with a scented blend of coconut oil and tiare flowers that has apparently been used by the women of the Polynesian islands for two thousand years. It can be massaged into damp skin or combed through damaged hair (similar to MoroccanOil).

Scrubs are a mainstay for me, especially in the winter months thanks to all the dry weather. I'm familiar with salt scrubs like the Dead Sea Salt Scrub ($30 CAD), which delivers exactly as I thought it would.

For something a little different, there's the African Ximenia Scrub ($30 CAD). Ximenia is a type of tree rich in oleic acid, often referred to as the "Tree of Life", and provides a much more gentle exfoliation than the Dead Sea Salt Scrub.

For a truly spa-like experience, the Spa of the World line also includes two very indulgent clay body masks. The Moroccan Rhassoul Body Clay ($22 CAD) tightens and firms, while the Himalayan Charcoal Body Clay ($22 CAD) features purifying charcoal for a radiant glow. Of course, it can be a bit awkward applying a body mask in the shower but The Body Shop is thankfully also offering a new Body Mask Brush ($10 CAD), which allows you to paint on thin layers of the masks in long strokes.

Overall, I really like this new line -- there is a lot of variety and the products feel high quality. The price point is a bit higher than The Body Shop's other offerings but nothing unreasonable. Plus, you get a lot for what you're paying... the tubs of creams and scrubs are huge. With Christmas coming up, something from Spa of the World would absolutely make a great gift or stocking stuffer for a spa-loving friend... or you might just be tempted to buy a treat for yourself instead!

Nut-Free No-Bake Paleo Pumpkin Bars

It has been a ridiculously long time since I did one of these kitchen adventures posts, but I was so excited about these Nut-Free No-Bake Paleo Pumpkin Bars that I had to share.

My good friend and personal trainer recently opened her own fitness studio (if you follow my Instagram, you may have noticed that I have been hanging out at Blythe Toning Studio a lot) and along with working on our fitness, we have recently been into experimenting with new recipes. These bars came about after a discussion on how we could make "healthy" holiday treats since December can often be a bad month when it comes to maintaining one's eating habits.

Since I have a severe nut allergy, we adapted this recipe and made it even healthier by throwing in some chia seeds and hemp hearts. Not only was it super easy to make with no actual baking required, the result is delicious (especially if you love coconut) and packed with protein!

Crust:

• 8 medjool dates
• ¼ cup of coconut flour
• ¼ cup shredded coconut
• ½ cup chia seeds
• ½ cup hemp hearts
• 2 tablespoons coconut oil
• 1 tablespoon water
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Line an 8x8 baking dish with tin foil.
2. Add the ingredients to a food processor and process until crumbly like a crust.
3. Scoop the crust into the baking dish and press down with a spatula.

Filling:

• 1 can organic pumpkin puree
• 12 medjool dates
• ½ cup coconut oil
• ½ cup coconut milk
• 1 tablespoon raw honey
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg

1. Add the ingredients to a high speed blender (we used a Vitamix) and blend until smooth.
2. Pour on top of the crust and spread evenly with a spatula.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
4. Pull out by lifting by the tin foil and cut into bars.
5. Dust with ground cinnamon before serving.

Chloe Marcie Bag in Dark Velvet

Before I (somewhat impulsively) purchased this Chloe Marcie Bag, it was actually never one I'd ever considered before. However, when I wandered into Nordstrom and saw this Dark Velvet colour sitting on the shelf, I was instantly smitten. This bag is surprisingly practical and fits a ton without being bulky, plus the top handles fold down so they don't get in the way if you want to wear it on your shoulder or cross-body. A warning to the people of Vancouver: you can expect to see me toting this bag around everywhere this Winter!

Coat: Community (Aritzia) / Pants: Babaton (Aritzia) / Booties: Vince (here)
Bag: Chloe (here) / Headband: Club Monaco (similar)

Softlips LUXE (& GIVEAWAY!) {CLOSED}

Last year, I introduced you to the Softlips CUBE and this year, I'm excited to share an exciting new product from Mentholatum... the Softlips LUXE Lip Moisturizers.

Silky Shea and Creamy Coconut

Playing off the CUBE's packaging, the LUXE Lip Moisturizers are housed in a sleek glass-like tube (it's actually plastic though). The product twists up and features a precision applicator similar to a lipstick.

The formula is similar to the CUBE as well, with Softlips 5 in 1 Lip Perfecting Technology that hydrates, replenishes, smoothes, protects & adds shine. The scents for Silky Shea and Creamy Coconut are rather subtle, which makes them perfect for use alone as a lip balm or as a base before applying lipstick.

WANT TO WIN A SOFTLIPS LUXE PRIZE PACK?

The kind folks at Mentholatum Canada are offering a great prize pack valued at $50 to one of my lucky readers. It includes: a Softlips LUXE lip moisturizer Creamy Coconut, a Softlips LUXE lip moisturizer Silky Shea, a Softlips CUBE lip moisturizer Fresh Mint, a Softlips CUBE lip moisturizer in Peach Mango, a purse mirror, and a cosmetic bag.

Giveaway is open to Canadians only and closes December 10. Enter below for multiple chances to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Vancouver Millionaires Pom-Pom Toque

When it comes to supporting my favourite sports teams, it's pretty obvious that my preferred apparel choice is the hat (see here, here and here), and since it's been getting chillier by the day, my Vancouver Millionaires pom-pom toque has now entered my winter accessory rotation. Of course, the Vancouver Millionaires are a long defunct hockey team, but every so often the Canucks will throw on their tribute jerseys. It's a nice ode to our city's only Stanley Cup winning team (sadly... and hopefully not forever!)

Coat: Zara / Jeans: Paige (similar) / Boots: ROXY (c/o West 49) (similar)

Bag: Madewell (here and here) / Hat: Vancouver Millionaires

Arbonne Holiday 2015

Can you believe Christmas is basically a month away? Craziness. I'm sure some of you have already gotten your shopping well under way, but if you're looking for ideas, apparently this week marks the launch of holiday gift guide talk on my blog (see previous post).

Arbonne is another company that has some really cute gift sets that are sure to delight those on your shopping lists -- especially if you're looking for products made with natural ingredients. I have three to share with you today, each of which comes neatly packaged in festive boxes.

The Good Cheer Shower Gel Set ($50 CAD) is perfect for anyone who loves a nice bath or shower (... so basically everyone). It comes with three shower gels featuring all-natural scents, each made with a blend of essential oils: Fig Blossom, Mandarin Pomegranate, and Ginger Citrus. These are not thick shower creams but true gels and a little goes a long way.

For a gift with a bit more variety, plus a delightful tropical scent, there is the Pineapple Papaya Gift Set ($54 CAD). It comes with a Shower Gel, Body Lotion and Moisturizing Lip Balm. The Shower Gel features mango fruit extract and orange flower extract, while the Body Lotion contains orange peel extract and avocado oil for optimal moisturizing.

Lastly, the Tahitian Coconut Lip Therapy Set ($58 CAD) would make a great small gift or stocking stuffer (although I realize it's on the expensive side), and is definitely my favourite of the three sets I'm featuring today. I love coconut and these two products will leave lips feeling extra soft, smooth, and hydrated. The Lip Smoother is a very gentle scrub with fine grains to exfoliate dry, flaky skin, and the Lip Salve is a hydrating balm with a slight shine that's not sticky or too glossy.

Find all of Arbonne's Holiday 2015 products online.

LUSH Holiday 2015 Party

A few weeks ago, I headed out to my first official holiday party of the season, hosted by none other than LUSH Cosmetics. The company always comes out with amazing products that are perfect for gifting and I love seeing what they come up with every year.

At the Soap Bar, we got a chance to preview the limited edition holiday soaps: Old Father Time, Snowcake, Reindeer Rock, Baked Alaska, and Yog Nog. I had no idea how detailed and intricate the soap designs are before they are cut. I mean, how amazing is Old Father Time? And Baked Alaska looks like a giant bath bomb on the outside!

The LUSH team also had lots of fun activity stations set up for us -- my favourite of which included making our very own bath bombs. Hot baths are, at minimum, a weekly occurrence for me in the winter time and LUSH can do no wrong when it comes to bath products. 

We also got to see how the fresh face masks are made with a demo for Don't Look At Me (which I have previously reviewed here). It's actually quite an elaborate process but was a great way to see just how fresh all the ingredients are.

In addition to Don't Look At Me, I was sent home with a pot of the Cranberry Festive Face Mask, inspired by traditional Christmas ingredients like cranberries and fennel. Cranberries are chock-full of antioxidants so this mask is a great treat for dull and dry winter skin.

If you're stumped on what to buy for certain people on your shopping list this year, I feel like you really can't go wrong with a LUSH gift set. I've both given and received them, and there's definitely something for everyone. Secret Santa would obviously be good for a Secret Santa gift exchange (shocker), while 12 Days of Christmas is a fun spin on the whole beauty advent calendar concept.

Stay Gold

Sometimes I feel a little magpie-ish in that I am attracted to anything sparkly and shiny (case in point: one of my most recent shoe purchases). That was exactly the case when I happened upon these gold sneakers at the Sandro boutique. Designed in collaboration with Reebok, they are seriously everything.

P.S. Today's post title comes from one of my favourite songs, "Gold" by Adventure Club (feat. Yuna), which definitely warrants a listen if you've never heard it before!

Sweater: Oak and Fort / Jacket: Noul / Pants: Babaton (Aritzia)

Bag: Auxiliary (Aritzia) / Shoes: Reebok x Sandro

The Knot Dr. PhD Hybrid Styler

Some of you may recall my "battle of the hairbrushes" post from back in the summer where The Wet Brush emerged victorious. Well, there's a new (to me) hair brush in town... The PhD Hybrid Styler from The Knot Dr. and I really like it!

Designed by a professional stylist, The Knot Dr. brushes are made for both salon and personal use and can be used on wet or dry hair. The bristle tips are smooth and rounded so they massage your scalp without poking, and all the components are heat-resistant if you're using your brush with some sort of styling tool.

The company kindly set over The PhD Hybrid Styler for me to try out and the first thing that stood out was the cool and thoughtful packaging --  it comes in a slide-out box that's colour-coordinated with the brush inside. I'm a sucker for packaging and if you're like me, then this is almost enough to warrant a purchase. But, of course, what about the actual quality of the hairbrush?

Well, after testing it out on some incredibly knotted hair (both wet and dry), I can say that it really does work to detangle without pulling. The brush itself is super light and feels really nice to hold (the handles are ergonomically designed). I also like the slim profile a lot since it takes up less space if you want to throw it in your handbag.

And for those of you who like a little oomph in your basic brush, there are a few stylish colour combinations available. Mine is the Ebony Sharkskin which features a rubberized matte black body and teal brush base/tips.

Vancity Box (November 2015)

Another month, another Vancity Box... and you guys, this one was amazing. I don't think I have been this excited about a subscription box ever.

As you may recall, I recently introduced you to this new subscription box service for those of us living in the Lower Mainland of British Columbia. The concept is simple: supporting local businesses by introducing us to new brands and companies. Last month, the theme was food and drink. This month, it was handcrafted artisan items.

To fuel my candle obsession (I burn them like crazy during the Fall/Winter months), I was super excited to receive a Fairview candle from Vancouver Candle Co. These hand poured premium soy candles are named after and inspired by neighbourhoods in the city, from Kitsilano to Strathcona and Gastown. I already have the Point Grey candle so was excited to add Fairview to my collection. It smells delicious with notes of grapefruit, peach, and red currant.

In further scented goodness, this month's box also contained a Dilettante & Debutantes Lavender Vanilla Sugar Scrub and a Here & Now Botanicals Sweet Sassafras Aromatherapy Spray. Both products are perfect for when you really want to focus on some relaxing "me" time.

And of course, for all us coffee lovers, a crochet coffee cup cozy from Hooked On Crochet. Mine was even personalized with my initial!

In addition to a calendar of events happening around the city each month, Vancity Box throws in a little branded swag with each box. Last month it was a reusable bag but this month it was an umbrella. You can't get more Vancouver than that! Plus, it's one of umbrellas that looks like a wine bottle with a cover so it doesn't drip everywhere. I was actually eyeing a similar style in a store a few months ago so it was kind of like the company read my mind here.

Vancity Box costs $34.99/month + shipping (with cheaper options for longer term subscriptions). However, use my code ALISONELLE for $5 off until November 19!

Burberry Kensington Trench Coat

Every year I buy myself a birthday present (last year it was my beloved Proenza Schouler PS11) and this year it was the classic Burberry Kensington Trench Coat. My Aritzia trench coat has gotten a ton of wear over the years (see in 2010 and 2012, just for example) and has been slowly falling apart, so the time had finally come to invest in a coat I knew would be a wardrobe staple. With all of the rain we have been getting lately, it has proven totally worth it.

Dress: Club Monaco / Trench Coat: Burberry (here)

Rain Boots: Hunter (similar cut in black) / Bag: Proenza Schouler (here)

Miu Miu Crystal Embellished Velvet Loafers

Miu Miu has always been one of my favourite designer brands due to their fun & girly designs, and I have been wanting a pair of Miu Miu shoes for years. It was just a matter of finding a pair that really spoke to me...  and now, finally joining my my mini bow bag and St. Cocco bracelet are these amazing crystal embellished velvet loafers.

I'm obsessed with the bling (seriously, the funnest), and the maroon velvet both looks and feels incredibly luxe (also available in navy and glitter options). Of course, these aren't necessarily the best shoes for rainy Vancouver but on dry days you can be certain that these have been putting an extra pep in my step.

FOTD: Make Up For Ever Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation

After this look garnered so many compliments, I have become slightly more comfortable with the whole red lip thing (also, not gonna lie, but every time I think about wearing red lipstick, I totally sing that line from Taylor Swift's "Style" in my head). So, since red lips and black liner are makeup bag staples, I decided to do a simple but classic FOTD featuring some products I was sent from MAKE UP FOR EVER.

You may recall my feature of MUFE's new Ultra HD Foundation from the summer, but did you know there's also an Ultra HD Invisible Cover Stick Foundation? The Ultra HD Foundation line is specially formulated to be undetectable even under 4K digital technology and while the stick foundations don't come in as many shades as the liquid version, the selection is still very good. I found the formulation a little on the thick side with a fuller coverage that blended well into my skin, and I was also impressed at how good the colour match was. However, this is definitely formulated for those with normal to dry skin because I found it way too much for my oily/combination skin. Even with powder on top, I was a greasy mess after an hour. Yuck. Hopefully MUFE comes out with a demi-matte or matte version for those of us who prefer those finishes.

To complete the look, I used the Aqua Eyes Liner in Matte Black and Smoky Extravagant Mascara. The liner is a rich, dark black that doesn't smudge but I did find the texture a bit hard and not as creamy as I like (there was some tugging upon application). The mascara has a great cone-shaped brush for precision application and the formula is good. I'm picky with mascaras since many don't work for me but I have no complaints about this one!

When you're doing a bold lip, a good lip liner is key to lock in the colour and keep it looking vibrant throughout the day. The Aqua Lip Waterproof Lipliner in True Red definitely delivers in this respect. It's super pigmented and stayed on, even when my lipstick (Rouge Artist Intense in Moulin Rouge) wore off after eating.

Performance Denim

If you follow me on Instagram, you know I'm pretty much obsessed with my bike. Other people have pets and babies to photograph... I have my beloved bicycle, haha. So it was really only a matter of time before I found some way to feature it on the blog!

I was recently sent a sample pair of pants from local brand, Dish and Duer, made with their new proprietary fabric called N2X (Nature2X). This technical fibre features moisture management and quick dry capabilities to keep you warm when it's cold and cool when it's hot. Basically, these are "athletic jeans" you can hike in and then head out on the town with afterwards without ever needing to change. Amazing, right? I, of course, headed out for a Fall bike ride to test out these pants and they provided the perfect amount of stretch and movement without compromising on style.

Sweater: Oak and Fort / Jacket: Mackage (via Aritzia)
Pants: Dish and Duer (c/o) / Shoes: Alexander Wang (here)
Bike: Biria / Helmet: Sahn (here)

Dish and Duer just launched a Kickstarter campaign to bring these innovative pants to the public -- be sure to check it out for more details and information.

Wrapped in Plaid

With all my recent talk about cold weather accessorizing, how could I forget the ubiquitous blanket scarf? This year, I've added a new red plaid one to my arsenal thanks to Dynamite. It's the coziest thing ever and it's actually been doubling as a full-on blanket in my cold office!

Sweater: Talula Babaton (Aritzia) / Scarf: Dynamite (c/o) (similar here and here) 

Jeans: J Brand (here) / Bag: Auxiliary (Aritzia)

Boots: Rachel Comey (here and in black)

Sunglasses: Ray-Ban (c/o) (here)

Guerlain Bloom of Rose Fall 2015 Collection: KissKiss Roselip and Rose Aux Joues Blush

For Fall 2015, Guerlain fans can look forward to the Bloom of Rose Collection inspired by Pierre-Francois-Pascal Guerlain's 19th century discovery of the "Liquid Bloom of Rose" in England, a liquid tint that was gently dapped onto lips and cheeks to give them colour.

In 1918, Guerlain launched Roselip, the first solid lip colour in a jar. Today, this has been reworked into the new KissKiss Roselip ($41 CAD), a hydrating and plumping tinted lip balm enriched with essential rose oil. KissKiss Roselip comes packaged in a white lacquered tube with gold detailing, which kind of reminds me of marshmallows (or the Michelin Man, haha) because of its shape. There are 6 shades to choose from, ranging from a colourless balm to a chic violet. I have the shade Pink Me Up, which delivers a sheer wash of fresh pink to the lips. The formula is hydrating and leaves the lips looking slightly shiny but not glossy. It's perfect for a very natural look.

As a blush fiend, I am absolutely loving the new Rose Aux Joues Tender Blush ($57 CAD). It features a new texture with "pink booster" pigments to enhance the skin's natural rosiness, and applies like a dream. Like the KissKiss Roselip, this also comes in 6 shades. 06 Pink Me Up is a bright pink that may not be for everybody but is perfect if you like a more obvious blush. Rose Aux Joues comes in a black lacquered compact with a festoon pattern imprinted in the powder, a velvet case (like what comes with Dior and Burberry makeup, to prevent scratching), and a decent quality travel-size blush brush.

You may recall that I didn't really like the violet scent from the Météorites range, but I don't mind the rose scent from Bloom of Rose, which is infused into each product (especially the blush) as much. I notice that strong fragrances seem to feature heavily in Guerlain products which, I suppose, contributes to the brand's overall feeling of chic luxury.

In addition to KissKiss Roselip and Rose Aux Joues, there is also a new Nailift La Base, a nourishing base coat, and new shades that have been added to the company's basic makeup lines.

Wishlist: Cold Weather Accessorizing

The days have been getting chilly, which means I've been thinking about all the fun cold weather accessories that I kind of, sort of, need to add to my closet. It also means flu season is here (ugh) so while sick in bed over the weekend, I had time to compile a wishlist of things I'm currently coveting.

Fjallraven Luhkka Cape. Not only is this cape adorable with its furry hood, it's practical thanks to its water-resistant G-1000® material and thin synthetic lining. I'm envisioning pairing it with skinnies and boots for the Fall, but also love that it can be layered over regular jackets or shells for extreme cold weather protection. Now if only I had a winter cabin where I could wear this...

Eugenia Kim Kat Headband. Headbands are great for keeping your ears warm without messing up your hair and that's why I love my "turband" so much. This Eugenia Kim one is a little on the pricey side but you can't deny that the cat ears are completely adorable.

Joie Delyth Booties. I already have a pair of Sorel boots, which are perfect for trudging through the snow on my many trips up North. Since I get so much wear out of them, who's to say I can't own another pair of winter boots? I really like the colour-way on these Joie booties, especially the grey felt upper and the red laces.

Fjallraven Kånken Mini Backpack. I've always loved the style of these backpacks, from the fun rectangular shape to the myriad of colour options. The mini version would be perfect for transporting my stuff on Fall bike rides or as a handbag with more casual outfits.

Roots Cabin Socks. Roots has the best selection of loungewear, especially cute wool socks. These ones (in the lighter grey version) kind of remind me of sock monkeys!

Thanks to Fjallraven Canada for partnering with me on this post!

FOTD: Pur Minerals Love Your Selfie Palette & Air Perfection CC Cushion Foundation

I am a sucker for a good makeup palette (who isn't?) and the Pur Minerals Love Your Selfie is ranking at the top of my favourites right now. It, along with the new Air Perfection CC Cushion Foundation, was my first introduction to the Pur Minerals and I love both products a ton.

Love Your Selfie comes housed in cardboard packaging with a huge mirror (complete with #PURselfie printed at the bottom). The stars of the palette are 8 limited edition eyeshadows: Exposure (a matte yellow-cream), Fade (a matte flesh tone), Filter (a shimmery light brown), Photobomb (a purple-brown with flecks of shimmer), Flash (a peachy gold), Capture (a matte light taupe), Sepia (a matte reddish brown), and Closeup (a matte black). They are all incredibly pigmented, buttery soft, and apply like a dream.

This palette is perfect for travelling because it has almost everything you need for a complete look inside. For contour or a sunkissed glow, there is the Mineral Glow and if you want a subtle highlight, the Afterglow Illuminating Powder gives the illusion of a dewy complexion. Savvy Blush is a matte rose colour which will suit pretty much any skin tone.

To finish off, the Pur Minerals best-selling Big Look Mascara is a nice formula that thankfully does not cause my stick straight lashes to droop, and Chateau Kisses Lip Plumping Lipgloss in Exposed is a great "my lips but better" with high shine but none of the stickiness. I don't wear gloss very often but I found this very comfortable on and actually got a ton of compliments on it. Plus, it smells really good, like vanilla candy.

If you're stumped on what look to do, Love Your Selfie also comes with a handy instructional card that explains how to create a photo-friendly daytime look (Earlybird) and photo-friendly nighttime look (Slumber).

I wanted some drama, so for today's FOTD I opted for Slumber even though I totally ended up wearing this makeup to work. I started with Filter all over the lid, Exposure as a brow bone highlight, Closeup along the crease, Photobomb on the outer and inner corners, and Sepia along the lower lash line. Next, I applied Afterglow Illuminating Powder to highlight and topped with Savvy Blush on the apples of my cheeks before finishing up with the Big Look Mascara and the Lip Gloss in Exposed.

To get the perfect base, I used the Air Perfection CC Cushion Foundation applied with Liquid Chisel Brush. Similar to the Stila Eye Liner I recently reviewed, the Air Perfection CC Cushion Foundation features the cushion technology that has been popular in Asia for a number of years. The compact comes with a sponge but I prefer to use a brush... either way, it not messy at all (there is a closable lid that separates the sponge from the product) and is an easy way to apply liquid foundation.

The formula is mousse-like and very light with sheer to medium coverage. It's not matte but not dewy, and as you'll note from the "CC" in its name, is made with ingredients that are supposed to have additional benefits for your skin. These include Vitamin B3 to soothe irritation, Sodium Hyaluronate to plump and soften the look of lines, Mango Seed Oil to moisturize, and Sea Buckthorn Oil with its anti-aging amino acids and vitamins. Overall, I really like the foundation even though it does not deliver my preferred matte finish because it feels nice on and doesn't leave my face looking like an oily, greasy mess at the end of the day. In fact, my raves about this foundation apparently worked, because one of my friends is now using it based solely on my recommendation!

Find Pur Minerals exclusively at Shoppers Drug Mart.