[Vanity Trove] - Floral Notes

Its the time of the month again!

Here are the wholesome goodies packed in my trove this month (May 2013)!

Bach Rescue Pastilles - Blackcurrent Flavour
Rescue Pastilles are ideal for coping with exam stress, driving tests, first day of school nerves, job interviews and high pressure environments. The original packaging comes in tightly sealed tin with an easy "press on the lid" opening and closing mechanism. In fact, this brand originated from the Bach Flower which I know are famous with stress relieving. Previously my encounter at the Animal Recover Veterinary Centre, we did use the BachFlower Pet Rescue Remedy to help improve the conditions of the sick pets. (:

Nuxe Melting Cleansing Gel
Presenting a range specialise for sensitive skin. The Nuxe Melting Cleansing Gel foams up easily and does not cause any dryness after use. As the name suggests, it melts into your skin for a deep-down clean that doesn't use the harsh qualities of soap. You only need a 10 cent coin sized amount to cleanse your entire face, which applied to moist skin in a circular motion, removes all traces of dirt and debris. It rinses completely and leaves your skin feeling very soft and hydrated.
 
Lunamer Brightener

 
Remember Astalift? Now, a new range of products under the company has been launched and it is called the Lunamer. The product targets at young career woman juggling with high-pressure job together with an active lifestyle (waves). The consistent irregular hours of sleep patterns leaves the body exhausted. As a results, our skin will be more prone to outbreaks, visible pores, tiredness and dull-looking complexion. Now the Lunamer Brightener is here to "rescue" our skin by making it

This revolutionary skin-purifying and energising beauty essence wipes away dullness-causing aged keratin and dirt, and recharges skin by delivering moisturising ingredients deep into the corneal layer. Promises clear healthy skin that readily absorbs the skincare products that follow. Contains fruit acid that softens and removes aged keratin and relieves pore blockage, while Clear Nano Vitamin E detoxifies environmental stress built up in skin. Japanese herb Scutellaria Baicalensis Root Extract and Crown Sugar help to purify skin, even as moisturising ingredients such as yeast extract nourishes and softens skin for better penetration of skincare products. Contains the highest concentration of star ingredient – Clear Nano Vitamin E – in the Lunamer series, which promotes blood circulation, stimulates skin cell regeneration and prevents collagen degradation. Nano Vitamin A promotes blood circulation and the regeneration of skin cells, while Curcumin activates metabolism-promoting enzymes to generate new skin cells, giving you healthy skin and a clear complexion.

You can read how each ingredient benefit you here

In case you were using it, and noticed some brown stains, it is normal. Because the are the residue of aged keratin and dirt! So be glad it appeared and it will be away from your face forever!. The end result of the product gives a refreshing feeling as well! (: 

Infinity KOSÉ Deep Protection UV 
30g S$54.00 SPF50+/PA++++ , available at all KOSÉ counters
About the Infinity line of KOSÉ, it is targeted at women especially in the mid thirties and beyond, as well as women who are noticing sagging, wrinkles and lack of firmness. Check out the full series here - KOSÉ INFINITY

This product protects the skin from UV-A and UV-B rays with the highest SPF/PA protection. It makes fine wrinkles caused by dryness less visible, and protects the skin’s firmness and elasticity. It claims to bounce back "photo-aging"  such as blemishes and fine wrinkles. It can also be used as a makeup base.

VLV: Upon application, it feels smoothes & light, it can be easily absorbed but turns a lil oily after wearing it only out in the sun for about 20 minutes or so. Because I have combination skin, I can't really use products that contains high amount of SPF. It will adversely create more pimples for me. *sad face*, so the only way I can protect myself from the harmful rays and future pigmentation is to carry my umbrella and apply at least SPF 30+++ when I step out of my house. (:




GO60 Go Hydrate! Treatment Masque
5pcs for S$60, Available at: Esplanade Exchange #B1-24
GO60 is opened by our local beauty chain - Mary Chia. Now everyone has no excuse as to that they are unable to book an appointment slot or don't have time for a full fledge facial. The convenient packaging, allows all types of customers to be able to enjoy the goodness of the product! 

Aqua Rine Peach & Rose Bath Sea Salt 
Close friends of mine would know that I am a huge fan of this Batam body scrub. Which kind of have similar purposes as the Sea Salt Bath - exfoliating dead skin cells.

Only costs less than SGD$3, I usually buy 3 bottles or more when I go there. One bottle can last me about 8 scrubs! A must buy for everyone who decides to go Batam

The thing about exfoliating your dead skin cells is so that your body would be able to look brighter and the products which you apply after the exfoliation, will be absorbed faster than usual. I do this at least once every week, and I make sure I do it, because I wouldn't want my skin to look dull. I mean, think about it, if we do facial masks everyday, and our faces looks extremely fair and bright while our skin looks dull, wouldn't that look really funny ?

Sebamed Feminine Intimate Wash
Sebamed has always been a brand that takes great care of the body's largest organ - the skin. This time round, I'm really surprised (in a good way) to see that it has extended its product line to include intimate care. Personally, I think it is extremely important to keep your V clean and away with all the nasty smell and itch and whats not. Remember, that the V area pH levels are to be kept low, on an average, it should be at the level of 3.5. Depending on your personal lifestyle, the pH level alternates and may rise sometimes, causing you to have an infection. With a wash like that, it helps to balance and keep the area cleanse!

Side Track: I have heard from a close friend of mine, that a certain product in the market that you can find easily, causes more irritation than usual for the public at large, therefore sales for that particular brand hasn't been very well. I do agree with her, as I had used that specific brand before. But luckily, I was kindly sponsored by Lactacyd, and that was when I brand-switched. 

Till the next review

xx
Andrea

[Product Review] Mentholatum Deep Moist - Natural

MENTHOLATUM DEEP MOIST 
The Ultra Hydrating lipbalm with Hyaluronic Acid
*NEW PACKAGING*

Honestly, I think it is really important to update your customers when you change your product packaging. Sometimes I do get a little bit frustrated when I am not notified or when I don't even know that the product packaging has changed, and it isn't because they stop producing the product. You'll get me as life goes.

Just last August, I had the honour to try out the Mentholatum Lip PureLip Balm Fragrance Free & Lip Gel Honey Lemon . And today, I will be introducing this highly popular lip balm that has made so much promises, it kinda gets a little difficult to believe. But fret not! I'm here to solve the doubts!

Is the brand really reliable?
Launched in 2008, Deep Moist has been making its promise to Japanese and of course everywhere, where the product is available. It has made Mentholatum Lip Balm Brand the #1 Top Selling Lip Balm brand in Japan* (2006 to 2009).

Concentrating on the purpose of the Lip balm, it  contains Premium Hydrating Ingredients. Classy yet Affordable. How to resist?

What does it contain?

1. Hyaluronic Acid, a premium ingredient that forms a smooth, moisture locking shield for softer, smoother lips. It can hold 1000X its weight in water, or 6 litres of water with just 1g.
1. Fact: You can find this product almost everywhere nowadays, especially in facial products. It didn't use to be this popular only until the whole Japan and Korean craze came along
2. Shea Butter heals the skin, and gives a soft, pleasant texture to the lip balm.
1. Fact: In all or actually, most promising handcream with moisturising effect, Shea Butter is often used!
3. Jojoba Oil gives pro-longed, whole day hydration to the lips. 
1. Fact: Did you know that Jojoba Oil can make your furry pets glowy and shiny! Gives their coat a very nice finishing!

How did you use it and how does it feel ?
Glides on really easily, just like all other brands. Moisturises and preps the lips very well for further lipstick/stain application. With more moisturised lips, it can also help to reduce the lines on our lips.

FACT: did you know that the lines on our lips are caused by dehydration..
   

BEFORE

AFTER

 After using the Mentholatum brand for a few good months, I realised that now, I prefer lip balm that does not have that menthol feeling. It feels a lot less dry (I'm very sure it is the product with all the 3 elements mentioned above that creates the smoothness on my lips!), and because I don't really have the habit to wear lip colour everyday, I will use my lip balm to create that extra boost of colour for my lips. Thus far, this product has been doing it!

Will definitely pack this along with me for my trip next!

Till the next review! ;)

xx
Andrea

[Event Review + Beauty Review ] ZA 15th Anniversary Bloggers Event

On the 6th of May, I had the honour to be invited to the ZA 15th Anniversary Bloggers Event held at Windowsill Pies

Let the images fill you with what happened!

My make up was in such a disastrous state as I was wearing my specs in the morning. Have been plagued with eye infection for the past 2 months, and the wearing of contact lenses has been less frequent unless necessary. And of course, this event, I would have to put it on, Otherwise, 怎样见人啊！

Oh Right, and I self-diyed my hair : If you follow me on Instagram @vanitylavie . Think John's gonna kill me after he sees how patchy it is after like.. maybe 5 wash since the day I dyed? It is wayyyyy brighter now. 

Tadah. Patchy & Red Hair. 2nd Day after dye (not washed). NOT DISGUSTING OK. hahaha!

 

The Funny Apple Pie - That tased AMEHHHHZING. Love how soft the crust was and the sourness and sweetness of the apples were perfect. Then again, I still love the apple pie that can be found at the bakery near my area. Its called - the Galicier Confectionary @ Serangoon. They have the best pineapple tarts also!

The Vodka Lime Pie - That's right, its Vodka Lime Pie. The only time I had vodka is with a mixer. This time round its different being in a pie. But a little too sour for me. It would definitely be a refreshing dessert if you are trying to clean your palette after a heavy lunch or dinner (:

The Hardworking team who painfully removed all the beautifully hung up pop art!

I was also given this new casing that was designed by Naho Ogawa! Check out more of her artwork here

 
The products will be exclusive at Watsons stores on the 4^th July 2013 (my birthday!) and the designer case retails at $9.90 while the foundation retails at $18.50.

Previously, I was given the shade of OC20, and I found it a little more dull than my usual foundation, so I use it for shading purposes. While this time round, I was given the OC0W which blends into my skin more perfectly! On days when I didn't feel like slapping on to much product, I pick up the product with my blusher/shading brush and brush it all over my face and this action is followed by patting excess powder on my "more required" areas to cover up the blemishes.

Check out more shades here

Pardon me, that it is dirty! But it proves I use it!!

I have to rave about this fact that the new formula of the ZA Concealer works miracles. It blends out easily and does not create crease lines. I'm already on my second tube since the first time I was introduced at the previous workshop. Loved it! 

So kudos to ZA, and I hope that the brand continues to strive to produce great products! 

And I bumped into my Secondary School Band Mate - Regina! On the way home! Miss those days ):

  

A happy, contented customer signing off

-- > Andrea
 

[Product Review] The Olay Regenerist Serum & Eyelash Duo!

Remember this?

Just a few weeks ago, I was introduced to this whole new range by Olay called the Regenerist. On top of the Micro-Sculpting Cream that was given to me, I also had the honour to try out 2 other products.

The Regenerist Revitalising Serum 
Benefits of the product:
- Renew skin’s youthful look
- Deliver deep penetrating anti-aging ingredients into skin’s epidermis layer
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles with moisturisation
- Exfoliate and smooth skin

Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Eye Cream & Lash Serum Duo
Benefits of the product
• Instantly thickens the appearance of lashes
• Firmer, smoother-looking lids
• Softened appearance of lines
• Younger-looking eyes that are brighter and firmer in just one week

How to use it?  
The Regenerist Revitalising Serum should be used just like your other Serum - apply them after cleansing. Please apply all serum in an upward motion, because this tiny little massage everyday, will help your face defy gravity for that few minutes/hours/days/weeks and help slow down the signs of aging. So don't complain and start doing!

There are two ways to use this product. For the Eye cream, dab it under your eyes gently and do it with upwards motion. This will help to soften the appearance of lines and create the smooth looks of the lids.

As for the use of the lash brush, twist the wand out of the serum bottle and weep the serum onto your lashes. It instantly coats, thicken and nourish your lashes. When it dries, you can also place your favourite mascara on. But I only use it at night before I sleep. Juts in case, it causes my mascara to smudge.  

Would you recommend either? 
Because I have my own skincare routine that I try to stick close to very religiously, I try not to include other brands, just in case my face becomes overly sensitive over it. Occasionally, when I feel like doing a short massage or a leave-on-masks, I would prep my face with the Olay Regenerist Serum and massage a generous quantity into my face. After that, I leave a thick layer of the Micro-sculpting Cream on my face to allow the rest of the goodness to be absorbed. I leave it on for about 15 minutes, then I'll wash it off and apply another thin layer of the serum. The next day when I wake up, my skin feels more firm and I can see that the laugh lines that I claim to have, are not that obvious.

As for the Eye Cream and Lash Serum Duo, I would need to review this separately. For the eye cream, I very honestly, find it a tad bit too oily for me. I know that the product is able to dissolve or should I "water soluble". But despite the fact, I still find it a tad bit oily, and I dont really like the feeling after application. 

Whereas, the Lash Serum Duo is an entirely new product that I have never tried before. But sometimes, I can get lazy, and I forget all about the Lash Serum Duo. But I have to say that if you're going for the casual "bo chup" look, just slap on some Lash Serum Duo, it does create a thicker appearance of lashes! (: 
 

Once again, thank you CozyCot & Olay for sponsoring the products! Thank you readers for reading and have a great day ahead!

Woohoo

xx

Andrea

If there is one thing I'm really proud of... (my 99th Post)

Hello guys!

Before the month ends, I thought I should share (more like haolian) the one thing that I'm really proud of.

Today, I'm gonna share with you about my aspirations/ambitions in life. Yea, I know it is totally out of the blog's theme or "direction", but I just felt that it is necessary to share this motivation.

I am pretty sure that since young, all of us have had different ambitions. Some of us, stuck it throughout the years, some of us fumble upon new ambitions and decided to change, and some of us just don't know what we want after gazillion years of studying and working.

I remember being young, I have had so many different type of ambition. Ambitious or fickle minded, I was both. I had wanted to be a lawyer (my mum's influence) because I loved to talk, I enjoy arguing, regardless if it was with sense, or without any form of sense. I would walk around with a huge black file that looked something like this

Which I had a lot of construction paper (coloured) with present wrappers inside to make it looked like documents, but way cooler, cause they were pretty papers. 

I think I was only 7 - 8 only during that period. It was after my Barbie Doll / Sailor Moon Period. I would walk around with the file, in my bedroom, pretending that I was in court trying to fight for a case for my teddy bears.

So as the years past, I grew up, started watching Spice Girls, listening to Britney Spears (I love them both to bits!) and the passion of being a lawyer gradually diminished. Grades weren't fantastic,  and it was a toss between 4 or 5 years of studying.

The latter was chosen in the end. 

I learnt a lot during my Secondary School days, I think they mould me into who I am today, and be more acceptive and more defensive to the society's critiques and compliments. It half-shaped me to who I am today. I have met friends who stuck through me through my thickest and thinness of life.

So during my teens, I started to enjoy my Home Economics session, where I get to cook. Ok, this story, kinda goes way back. I started cooking (just) rice itself, when I was 9 years old. And there is a Chinese believe/saying that says that "Whether a person can cook well or not, is dependent on whether he/she can cook plain rice". (And I do agree, after being 24 now).

So later, I decided that I wanted to be a Tze-Char Store Owner. That is because I loved loved loveeee creating new dishes. But somehow along the way, because my dog's condition was getting worse, and I was about 15 then, I decided to take biology so that I can be a Veterinarian. (Ok before that, I wanted to be hairstylist also, because I loved my naturally brown hair and used to be very proud of it).

So yes, the goal of being a Veterinarian, stuck with me for a good 2 years, actually a lot more. Until O'levels. I knew I had to get into a Junior College in order to pursue this ambition of mine. But I failed to get into one. I was so tiny bitsy close. And I thought I could have made it, but I didn't.

Disappointed, Life threw me into a course called Marketing. I was in majoring in Marketing at Nanyang Polytechnic, but I had never forgotten about my ambition of being a Vet. I had never felt so passionate about something so long (then).

Despite the amount of ups and downs that I had gone through during my polytechnic life, I had never given up. I had always held on to the thought that I'm going to make it someday. Always believed in myself and always kept my head held high. But during the journey to where I am today, I discovered, I was capable of certain skills. I wouldn't say I was damn good at it, but I was adequately getting the thumbs up for what I have been doing.

After I graduated, there was a little time before University started, and I must say, it wasn't an easy path for me on the University route. I wasted a year, in comparison with my peers. During that period, I thought to myself, since I was so keen in being a Vet, why don't I go intern somewhere or work somewhere where there are animals that I can attend to. So just one fine day, driving down a road, I saw the Animal Recovery Veterinary Centre. Gave them a call, and I was given a job.


It was also where I met my bestest (不要脸） friend - "Keong" or Pei en. But I refuse to call her Pei En lah. Our friendship is known for me shouting her name down the hallways/stairs of ARVC and her knowing that confirm is me. Because I kinda am the only one who does that.

This is the most chio photo of her, that I TOOK. When we were at JB

Part of the Family

We were travelling as a half group to JB for our tiny "retreat"

They were my family. My Secondary Family

I had the best day of my life there. Because I didn't had to really work with humans. And even if they were humans, they were more like a family.

I felt completed after working at ARVC, though I often looked back and felt that I could have stayed longer, if it wasn't for the monetary issues with school commencing. I had really loved what I was doing and the people I was working with. Though there were endless of changes, interns coming in and out. I was experiencing the time of my life. Fulfilling what I had always wanted to do all these while. It was also here that I realise, maybe Life was right, I wasn't ready to be a vet.

Before you know it, it is this blog that I'm writing down these thoughts and gratitudes that I have for those who have entered and exited my life. Those who have been there with me when I was crying or feeling extremely angry about some small issues in life. Those who expressed their love for me. Though your names are not mentioned here, it doesn't mean you're insignificant. All of you mean something to me, then and now. Regardless.  (Like my cousins for example, who if you refer to the following picture, very kindly left a head space for me, cause I wasn't there to tour the Google Office ): of JFK). If you know me well, I'm very proud of my two coussies, and I always talk about them. They are my life. And they know it better than I do.

Both looking extremely tired. Val on the left and Mei on the Right

So yes. There is this blog, and I met this amazing girl called Juvena Chia too.Who I have went to several countless events with. Someone who would probably remember Andrea as the crazy person. Haha.  (She is 5 years younger than me leh. What kind of logic is this!)

Yup. So if there is one thing I'm really proud of right now, it would be this blog. It marks the best memories of my life. It is where I share my happiest moment in life with you readers. Vanitylavie has come a long way from twaddle.

Actually, the purpose of writing about my ambitions, is because I have recently made up my mind to set up a nail parlour. And if you have been following my instagram, you would have notice my mediocre skills....

And yes, this has been going on for quite a while. I recall this passion of mine since I was 21. I was gifted the following:

So If I count my years correctly, it is going to be 3 years since I stuck with this passion. And thanks to technology and new polishes, the journey of my life and experiences, I occasionally get inspired and design my own nails. I try to do it on a weekly basis now. and yes... I love what I'm doing. And  nothing feels more proud than having people compliment my nails design. Cause I know they are one of a kind and I designed them. Nothing feels more accomplished than this.

All I'm trying to say is, it is ok to be fickle-minded. It is ok to not know what you want in life, cause you will find it eventually. It may start off as a passion, as something you always do. Sometimes you won't get the chance, or won't be able to reach that ambition of yours, but it is ok to start small, start young or even old. It is never too late. Keep the fire burning in you my dear readers. Don't give up regardless of what the society think. Don't let other voices enter your head. Trust yourself.

Live life, and be happy. 

a quote I have always lived by since my Secondary School days was

"Nothing is easy before it is difficult"

Today, I am truly happy with the achievements (though little). In fact, I'm proud of who I have become.

Thank you everyone for being part of my life. I truly appreciate every moment of it - good or bad.

Love
Andrea


**this entry marks my 99th Post in this blog. I know the norm is to celebrate your 100 post. But 99th in Chinese is "jiu jiu". And I want this blog to live "jiu jiu" and be reminded of how proud I am when I'm old. (:

[Event Review] The Weekly's Look Good, Feel Great Masterclass by Olay!

Co-organised by Women's Weekly & Olay, I was kindly invited to attend "The Weekly's Look Good, Feel Great Masterclass" on 30th March 2013, Four Seasons Hotel Crescent Ballroom

Here are some photos from the event.

Myth Buster by Larry Yeo

Myth Buster by Larry Yeo

Larry Yeo busting myths with his magic hands!

Ms Barbara Koh, Editor of Women's Weekly

Olay Senior Scientist, David Khoo, to share about the latest skincare technology for the All New Olay Regenerist range

This is the best I could get of the Superiority Live Demo! Decided to make it a .gif, so you can save the trouble of scrolling down endless photos. What happened during this demonstration was a about 5ml syringe was use to scoop up two different product - Product X and of course the New Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream and placed in two bottles; shake & test its solubility. The Olay cream obviously mixed really well with the water and it was mentioned that a good skin care product is usually more water-dispersed. Because our skin main composition is water, and more water-dispersed product can carry ingredient deeper in skin layers. 

The Olay Regenerist Eyelash Duo!

Olay Regional Training & Capability Leader, Susan Park

Olay Regional Training & Capability Leader, Susan Park

    Eventually, what did I went home with?

With special thanks to Cozycot and Olay for sponsoring these products for me to test on. Would definitely do another write-up on the (new) products that I received - Olay Regenerist Revitalising serum & the Olay Regenerist Eyelash Duo


xx
Andrea