Beeline to Daiso for the Cutest Toe Separators Ever

I'll keep it short so everyone can make a beeline to Daiso: the beloved Japanese dollar store (2 Singapore Dollar, actually) we mainly go to for magic sponges, now has the cutest toe separators ever. 

As I'm betting my husband won't have a clue what toe separators are, for accidental male readers (or people that have been living under a rock): it might sounds like a medieval torture device, but you actually use toe separators when applying nail polish to your toe nails, in order to avoid messing up your otherwise (ahem) flawless lacquer results.

For the ladies who don't get professional pedicures, or those - perfectionists like me - find themselves in need for small touch-up in between pedi's, these toe separators are irresistible and at only 2 SGD there's no good reason not to get them. Also, although they initially seemed a bit small, they are incredibly comfortable - something that doesn't come naturally with toe separators. So run!

My favorite nail polish of the moment: OPI Taupe-less Beach

Daiso - Animal Foot Pad* "Rabbit"
Price: 2 SGD
Available at Daiso, find locations here

* Lost in translation?! They're called toe separators, Daiso!

Tropical and Oriental Scented Shower Gels Emphasizing the Asian Paradise around me

I love embracing my surroundings with these tropical and oriental scented shower gels that emphasize the extraordinary Asian paradise that forms the decor of my daily life here in Singapore! 

I'm obsessed with scents. Scents of cities, people, places. What I love about scents is that they can bring back very strong memories instantly, but also strengthen a certain feeling while you are experiencing it. Living in Asia, I currently love scents that emphasize my surroundings and make me aware of the extraordinary lush and colourful Asian tropics that form the decor of my daily life even more.

To deal with the scorching and tiring Singaporean heat I treat myself with a refreshing cold shower every late afternoon. Apart from cooling off, it's a reflective moment - while showering I open the bathroom window to see the glinstering of the sun on the aquamarine pool of our condo and the rustling palm trees that bend from a gentle breeze (now that there's no gray and suffocating haze - yet). Flowers like frangipane, bougainville and heliconia's add a bright touch of colour to the already amazing view that still wows me everyday.

In addition, my favourite "living in Asia and loving it" shower gels solve a major problem: the search for a "normal" shower gel in Singapore, that is not a 1 liter bottle advertised as whitening, germ-killing and anti-bacterial and that looks like either kitchen cleaner or like it belongs aside a dimly lit jacuzzi in a brothel:

Your average Singaporean shower gel would not stand out below the sink with the kitchen cleaners...

...or aside a jacuzzi in a grimy Geylang brothel.

- Favourites: Sunny Asian-Pacific Islands & Balinese Beach Parties -

FAVOURITE #1: Sephora  - Monoi Creamy Body Wash

Seriously one of my most favourite body products ever! This shower gel with (you already guessed it) Monoi or Tiare flower and Tahitian Gardenia flower gives you that instant tropical feeling. What I love about this product is that the scent is pleasantly subtle, whereas most monoi products tend to smell really -nauseatingly- artifical. Not this one, which is perfect in every sense for a very friendly price. Reminds me of anything tropical from sunny beaches to cocktails to palm trees & coconuts and ofcourse colourful tropical flowers. 

Sephora - Monoi Creamy Body Wash, 140ml
Price: 11 SGD
Available at Sephora (find stores here)

FAVOURITE #2: The Body Shop - Fijian Water Lotus Shower Gel

Since April this year there are -finally- direct flights available from Singapore Changi Airport to Fiji, but in case you haven't had the chance yet to visit this tropical paradise just head to the Body Shop for this sparkling fresh tropical shower gel. Fijian Water Lotus shower gel has a sparkling zest of mandarin, the floral freshness of water lotus and a hint of marine saltiness for that beachy feeling. The Body Cream is just as lovely as the Shower Gel!

The Body Shop - Fijian Water Lotus Shower Gel, 250ml
Price: 15,90 SGD
Available at The Body Shop (find stores here)

FAVOURITE #3: Glasshouse Fragrances - Oahu Nourishing Body Bar

Not a shower gel but a soap, and although I usually prefer shower gels I was willing to set aside my preference because of this body bar. The product description in Sephora's webshop is spot-on: this soap embodies the joy of of grass skirts on shaking hips, Hula dancers and aromatic leis. Orange Blossom, White Heliotrope and Narcissus flowers create an unforgettable and indulging aromatic experience and the Shea Butter, Vitamin E and Almond Oil generate a rich lather that will leave your skin feeling nourished and beautifully fragrant.

Glasshouse Fragrances - Oahu Nourishing Body Bar, 200gr
Price: 20 SGD
Available at Sephora Singapore's webshop (find here)

- Favourites: Oriental Bliss & Traditional Herbal Spa's -

FAVOURITE #4: Ba Yan Ka La - Organic Tibetan Roseroot Body Wash

Although Tibet is far from tropical, this lovely oriental shower gel with an earthy floral scent to it cannot miss in this list. Ba Yan Ka La is a pioneering skincare and body care concept from Shanghai, inspired by thousand years old Oriental wisdom of herbal science. The company’s products are ethical, natural and clean, using organic and plant ingredients. Ba Yan Ka La's products are a favourite brand for a selected number of leading boutiques, resorts and prominent global five star hotel names. I highly value the fact that they have a "Leaping Bunny certification", demonstrating their commitment to a cruelty free approach. What's not to love about this product?!

Ba Yan Ka La - Organic Tibetan Roseroot Invigorating Body Wash, 500ml
Price: 40 SGD
Available at Tang's Orchard Road, Level 4 (find store here)

FAVOURITE #5: Spa Siam - Lemon Grass Body Wash

The scent of Spa Siam's Lemongrass Shiso Shower gel is incredibly invigorating after you survived yet another hot and humid day in the tropics. My husband said I smelled like Thai food though. Cymbopogon schoenanthus oil derived from natural lemongrass aids in balancing the skin, containing natural anti oxidants and antimicrobial properties. Bergamot fruit oil stimulates natural relaxation and is refreshing on the skin. Shiso extract a is a natural moisturizer. An exotic combination of natural ingredients to rejuvenate your skin. Contains no parabens or sulfates.

Spa Siam - Lemongrass Shiso Shower Gel, 320ml
Price: 23,40 SGD
Available online through Redmart