RAMBLINGS: At the hospital.

This evening, M and I visited his mum at the hospital. Her warm and stuffy room was packed with 6 beds, with 6 frail bodies. As I surveyed the room, I remarked to M carelessly that we needed to save a lot of money... So that when we got sick, we would be able to recuperate comfortably. And then, it hit me; how many of my actions have been largely driven by things that I don't want... Maybe even fear.

I started studying hard when I was 14; when I looked at the people close to me and I realized that I didn't ever want to be bogged down by financial problems. I started working on my fitness when I was 17; when I read articles about how obesity could lead to a whole slew of medical problems and I didn't ever want that. And now, I make my decisions as sensibly as I possibly can because I don't ever want to hurt my loved ones and myself.

I don't think that being motivated by unwanted things or fear is necessarily a bad thing but it's a little sad. I have always thought that the core of me would hold a rainbow of some sort.

MAIL: July's Vanity Trove

July marks the end and the beginning of a couple of things for Vanity Trove. But before I get into that, let's take a look at this month's incredibly generous trove!

First up, we have Vichy's Normaderm. Meant for troubled skin, there are sachets of the Cleansing Purifying Gel, Tri-Activ Moisturizer and Hyaluspot. The cleanser clears and unclogs pores and the moisturizer hydrates whilst fighting imperfections and excessive sebum production with its contents of Salicylic Acid, Glycolic Acid and LHA. Hyaluspot completes the little skincare regime by attacking sudden spots, eliminating bacteria within 2 hours and making them disappear within 2 days!

Next, it's Neutrogena's Hydro Boost Water Gel and Avancé's Instant Remover. The former tackles skin dehydration at its roots by restoring more than 200% of our skin's moisture levels. It absorbs into our skin easily, without any greasy feeling and with hydration that lasts up to 12 hours.

The latter is a makeup remover that contains soothing chamomile flower extract and moisturizing trehalose. It removes even the most stubborn makeup easily, effectively and gently.

Jane Iredale is a completely new brand to me. It is a comprehensive line of mineral makeup that aims to enhance our lives by delivering personal and natural beauty. Each product has undergone rigorous testing to ensure skin safety. It is apparently the number one makeup choice of skincare professionals and is recommended by plastic surgeons and dermatologists worldwide.

Then we have two full-sized bottles of Skinc's Pure Trinity Cleansing Oil and Regulate Vitamin C Serum!!! And we all know that the brand's hellishly expensive, so a big thank you to Vanity Trove! The cleansing oil contains 3 layers of pure active ingredients to remove makeup and dirt and cleanse our skin gently and effectively. At the same time, it also helps to refine, calm and protect our skin.

Regulate Vitamin C is part of the brand's My Daily Dose range. It is a customized cocktail of serums that minimizes pores and prevents the outbreak of inflammatory pimples.

Last but not least, we have D'Glamouric's Trinity Series Masque. This mask contains sheep placenta serum extract, collagen and witch hazel to whiten, rejuvenate and firm our skin.

This month's trove, if you didn't already know, is incredible! I think Vanity Trove stands out from the little sea of subscription boxes we have in Singapore because they never fail to include at least one full-sized item. I mean, it doesn't really make sense to shell out money for samples which we can easily get over the counters. Anyway, as much as I love Vanity Trove as a subscription box, they are moving on to bigger and better things!

-

Vanity Trove is going customize-able! Instead of receiving a trove of pre-picked products, you now get to pick them yourself! Here's how it works:

1. Head on over to Vanity Trove's website here to register for an account.
2. Next, click here to fill in your Beauty Profile and Preferences.
3. Then, explore the 'Products' and 'Brands' sections and add your favourites. This helps to unlock more samples (of the products and from the brands) for you and you will be able to pick them up should they be released.
4. Finally, head on over to 'My Vanity Trove' under the section 'Shop' and pick your trove of 6 samples!
5. After making payment, be patient for 7 days and you will find yourself a trove of 'surprises' that you actually want! :D

Each trove is still priced at $25 and we get to pick exactly what we want. Sounds pretty awesome, doesn't it? Alrighty, hurry along and create an account now! Some samples are already disappearing fast! :D

REVIEW: NIVEA Pure Effect 3-in-1 Daily Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Wipes

When we are on the go, cleansing wipes are extremely convenient. You just swipe the wipes across your skin, be done with the first step of your cleansing routine and then, move on to toner and so on. However, we often (And very conveniently.) forget about exfoliating our skin. Yet, this is a step that is so crucial; not clearing dead skin cells means that our pores have a higher tendency of being blocked. Our other products will have a tougher time trying to penetrate into our skin!

And this is the point is when Nivea's latest darling, the Pure Effect 3-in-1 Daily Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Wipes, jump in!

NIVEA Pure Effect 3-in-1 Daily Deep Cleansing Exfoliating Wipes cleanse and exfoliate but that's not all! It removes your makeup as well… That's 3 skincare steps in just 1 step! Each piece comes with 2 different surfaces; a smooth one and another that's dotted with raised bumps.

The smooth side acts as a makeup remover and a cleanser. With just a few swipes, it removes makeup and impurities. On the flip side, the raised bumps are actually micro exfoliation particles. These will remove dead cells from the skin's outer layer. Together, these 2 sides ensure that our skin is left smooth and immaculately clean!

The key ingredient in the wipes is Magnolia Extract, derived from the core of the Magnolia Bark. The extract has been a Chinese medicinal secret for entries because of its anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Magnolol and Honokiol make up the extract and studies have shown that high concentration of the 2 eradicates the bacteria that cause breakouts effectively.

I usually remove my makeup the minute I get back and I have been using the wipes to do so. As instructed, I use the smooth side to get rid of my makeup and to cleanse. A single piece removes my light tinted moisturizer pretty easily. But when I have too much going on my face (B.B. cream, a thicker foundation, blusher, highlighter and the works.), I find that I need at least 2 pieces. After that, I use the flip side to exfoliate my skin. The raised bumps look big and rough but as long as you are gentle when wiping it across your skin, they are actually pretty alright. My skin is left feeling softer and smoother.

One thing that I really like about the wipes is that it doesn't leave my sensitive skin feeling dry or tight. And though I do think it's a bit of a waste when I use heavier face makeup, the wipes are really very convenient. I have false eyelash extensions on now so I have separate wipes for my eye makeup. However, I do think the Nivea wipes will take a little longer to remove heavy eye makeup and are maybe a little too weak for Japanese mascaras.

NIVEA Pure Effect 3-in-1 Daily Deep Cleansing Wipes are truly convenient and perfect for travel and for the busy ladies with light makeup on. They are can be found in all personal care stores and supermarkets at $9.90 for $20.