Money-Saving Sephora Hacks for 2024

Sephora, born in France in the 1970s, has blossomed into a global hub for top-notch bath, cosmetics, and lifestyle treasures. With a curated collection of luxurious brands and a signature private label, Sephora has become the go-to destination for those in pursuit of the latest beauty trends.

Yet, the siren call of beauty often comes with a hefty price. In fact, Yahoo Finance found that women spend over S$1,000 on their appearance each year. As much as I love Sephora, I still value my frugality by following these few tips:

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES

While swatching cosmetics on your hands might not offer the most precise shade match, fear not! Seeking out Sephora’s Beauty Advisors for small tubs of samples can be a game-changer.

Take these samples home to experiment without the risk of ruining your flawlessly applied makeup. If the product can be squeezed out, rest assured – you’re eligible for a free sample.

UNLOCK PERKS WITH SEPHORA’S BEAUTY PASS

For those obsessed with Sephora but mindful of their budget, enrolling in a free Beauty Pass Membership is a must. The three tiers – White (Free), Black (Spend $300 a year), and Gold (Spend $1,500 per year) – bring forth enticing perks:

– Accumulate points for free beauty products from Sephora’s Rewards Boutique.
– Enjoy a complimentary brow service by Benefit Cosmetics during your birthday month.
– Double points accumulation for any purchase during your birthday month.
– Receive a free birthday gift without spending money (exclusive to Black and Gold Members).

And don’t forget, as a member, you can also politely request free samples to sweeten the deal.

MAXIMIZE ONLINE ORDERS FOR FREEBIES

Once you’ve pinpointed your go-to makeup products and no longer need to test them on your skin, consider the online route.

Sephora often rewards online shoppers with complimentary product samples for every purchase, adding an extra layer of value to your beauty haul.

OPT FOR SEPHORA’S HOUSE BRAND

Keep an eye on Sephora’s in-house brand, often a treasure trove of budget-friendly alternatives to high-end makeup. Take, for example, the Sephora Collection Smoothing Primer (S$25) and Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner (S$19)– delivering quality comparable to their pricier counterparts.

It’s a gentle reminder that the essence of good makeup lies in quality rather than a brand name.

RESIST IMPULSE PURCHASES

While the siren song of the latest makeup trends is alluring, exercising restraint can be a wise investment. Avoid the rush to Sephora for newly released products from your favorite brands.

Today’s makeup lines strive to cater to diverse skin tones, and what looks stunning on one person may not suit another. For instance, the cult-favorite Anastasia Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette (S$85) might look better on some people than others.

Before splurging, consider whether the product aligns with your skin undertones, ensuring a worthwhile investment in your beauty arsenal.

IN A NUTSHELL

By incorporating these money-saving Sephora hacks into your beauty routine, you can revel in high-quality products without causing a dent in your budget.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

From securing free samples to tapping into membership perks, these strategies empower you to make informed and economical choices in the realm of beauty. Happy shopping!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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6 Must-Have Beauty Products Under S$50

Despite the influx of new products that hit the beauty market each week, there are certain products that will go down in history as truly the best, complete with their devout followings. Many of these products start at affordable prices which fall under the S$20, S$30, and S$50 mark. Intrigued yet?

Although it’s easy to get carried away and drop by the nearest makeup store to spend the bulk of your paycheck, save your money on these cult-loved products that are worth every dollar!

#1: ANASTASIA BEVERLY HILLS CLEAR BROW GEL, S$18 MINI-SIZE & S$42 FULL-SIZE

This pocket-friendly Anastasia Beverly Hills Clear Brow Gel is lightweight and long-lasting. If you are waiting for a sign to grab it, this is it! Like a clear topcoat for brows, this brush-on gel sets the product and keeps the hair in place. You can achieve clean and polished arches in no time!

#2: TARTE SHAPE TAPE ULTRA CREAMY CONCEALER, S$22

Tarte’s iconic shape tape concealer gives your face the instant life it needs. The creamy formula helps create definition all over the face with ease, thanks to its applicator. It is also crafted with ingredients such as antioxidants, salicylic acid, and vitamins.

#3: RARE BEAUTY STAY VULNERABLE GLOSSY LIP BALM, S$33

Glosses by Rare Beauty come in gorgeous neutral shades and feel as hydrating as your favorite lip balm. Be sure to reap the effects of its lotus, gardenia, and white waterlily. The balm’s beautiful packaging is a plus too!

Image Credits: unsplash.com

#4: BENEFIT COSMETICS 24-HR BROW SETTER INVISIBLE BROW GEL, S$26 MINI-SIZE & S$47 FULL-SIZE

The Benefit Cosmetics 24-HR Brow Setter Invisible Brow Gel blows its competitors out of the water with its comb-like wand that achieves the lamination-like effect. One tube can take you a few months even with near-daily wear.

#5: SUPERGOOP! PLAY 100% MINERAL SUNSCREEN LOTION SPF 50, S$24

To ensure that you minimize your skin damage, do not forget to bring sunscreen lotion, or stick with you wherever you go. Supergoop! Play 100% Mineral Sunscreen Lotion can be reapplied every two hours or after 80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Best of all? It’s fragrance-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, and sulphate-free.

#6: FENTY BEAUTY MATCH STIX MATTE CONTOUR SKINSTICK, S$49

Yet another Fenty Beauty best-selling product, the Match Stix Matte Contour Skinstick comes with its light-as-air formula to help contour, conceal, and correct parts of your face. This buildable, creamy-to-powder stick has blendable finish that does not crease. Moreover, it comes with many shades to ensure that you use the ideal stick for your skin tone.

 

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Jobs: Samsung, Sephora, and CapitaLand (Tampines Mall) are hiring

job search website

If you’ve landed yourself an online interview, be sure to dress right to leave a good impression. Dress as you would for a face-to-face meeting. Yes, by that we mean to put on the full outfit rather than paying attention only to your upper body.

Today, we’re looking at some job openings with Samsung, Sephora, and CapitaLand. Read on for more details!

#1: Samsung – Business Development Assistant Manager
Samsung store

Image Credits: Time Out

Samsung SDS was founded in 1985 as the ICT arm of the Samsung Group. Their solutions have been leading the digital transformation and innovation of clients for over 30 years across a wide range of industries.

With operations in 30 countries, Samsung SDS’s solutions utilize advanced analytics platforms, AI, and blockchain technologies to serve a diverse range of industries including financial services, smart manufacturing, global logistics, and retail.

Their vision for the new era is to become a data-driven digital transformation leader by leveraging the most advanced ICT technologies and solutions to discover actionable insights.

Remuneration: S$3,300 to S$5,000 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree/ Diploma/ Certificate in Business Administration, Transportation, Logistics, Supply Chain Management or a related field preferred (or an equivalent combination of work and education).
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in the supply chain industry as well as business development area
  • Understand 4PL concepts and strategies
  • Business professional
  • Diplomatic skills to be used in front of the customers
  • Analytic skills to review both financial and operational data
  • Proven negotiation skills complied with the ability to close business wins
  • Customer-oriented & team player
  • Able to use MS office, PowerPoint, Excel, and some other PC applications
  • Excellent reporting abilities
  • Able to work under pressure where needed
Key Responsibilities
  • To be accountable for new and potential customers/business
  • Make accurate decisions, recommendations, and successful establishment of new businesses
  • Proactively identify and develop win-win sales relationship with new and potential customers
  • Feedback customers’ specific advice/information to management to facilitate business performance review, evaluation, and budgeting
  • Provide support to devise, fine-tune, and implement overall sales and marketing strategy and directives
  • Develop new business for the company through approaching new business customers
  • Develop a new business prospect listing to ensure that future new business development is planned in advance
  • Responsible for the management and handling of the RFQ response documents coming to the company
  • Represent the company and its policies to the clients
  • Undertake sales presentations to present the company and its products and services to customers and business communities
  • Undertake cross-selling and up-selling within existing customer base to further develop account potential through airfreight, sea freight, road freight, value-added products, and contract logistics
How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

#2: Sephora – Human Resources Executive
Sephora store

Image Credits: Discover SG

Sephora is a division of LVMH – Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton, an international luxury leader. Founded in 1969, the brand is a global leader in beauty retailing and operates successfully in more than two thousand points of sale across the Americas, Europe, Middle East, and Asia. 

With a vision of making Sephora the most loved beauty community in the world, it aims to transform the beauty shopping experience through strong relationships with customers, brands and products, unexpected concepts, and a non-conformist attitude.

Sephora South East Asia’s (SEA) retail activity spans over 6 countries (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Australia) with more than 40 stores. Its digital activities span over eight countries including the Philippines, New Zealand, and Hong Kong. With over 1000 employees, Sephora SEA continues to experience rapid growth in the region with many more expansion plans to come.

This position reports to the Senior Human Resources Manager.

Remuneration: S$2,500 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Project management and planning skills, with the ability to conceive and drive execution in a fast-paced entrepreneurial environment.
  • Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively with different stakeholders
  • Innovative and creative – continually looking to demonstrate and drive improvement to improve processes
  • Open-minded and experimental
  • Hands-on & enthusiastic
  • Hungry to learn, with a passion for self-development
  • Adept at problem-solving
  • Team player who enjoys working with others
  • Good sense of humour
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct talent mapping exercises for various roles across departments
  • Assist in the end to end recruitment process; including candidate screening, interview, and selection.
  • Conducting compensation & benefit analysis and market research
  • Optimizing digital HR process and systems; with the focus on driving digital HR transformation
  • Support in driving employee engagement activities
  • Prepare HR-related letters for employees
How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

#3: CapitaLand – Senior / Administrative Assistant, Tampines Mall (1-year contract)
Tampines Mall

Image Credits: CapitaLand

CapitaLand Limited (CapitaLand) is one of Asia’s largest diversified real estate groups. Headquartered and listed in Singapore, it owns and manages a global portfolio worth S$131.9 billion as at 31 December 2019. CapitaLand’s portfolio spans across diversified real estate classes which includes commercial, retail; business park, industrial and logistics; integrated development, urban development; as well as lodging and residential.

With a presence across more than 200 cities in over 30 countries, the group focuses on Singapore and China as its core markets, while it continues to expand in markets such as India, Vietnam, Australia, Europe, and the USA.

Remuneration: –

Job Qualifications
  • Diploma or Certificate in Business Studies, Management, or equivalent
  • Minimum 2 years of relevant working experience in general office responsibilities and procedures
  • Good communications and interpersonal skills
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
Key Responsibilities
  • Update and maintain SAP
  • Update and maintain tenants’ contacts, tenancy schedules, and other documents
  • Liaise with tenants and solicitors to facilitate and prepare the tenancy agreements and documents
  • Reconcile audited sales report and prepare GTO billing
  • Compile ACG reports
  • Other general administrative and clerical duties
How to apply?

Apply and view the job post in full here.

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Which Makeup Products Should You Splurge On?

A study has shown that women spend approximately S$20,000 on beauty products in their entire lifetime. That is a lot of lipsticks! With a shocking number like that, you must weigh whether a beauty product is worth splurging for or not.

LIPS THAT KISS

If there is one thing that you should splurge on when it comes to luxury cosmetics – it is lipstick! I am not saying this merely because I am obsessed with this product. A reliable lipstick is important because you can apply it as a vibrant eye-shadow or a pigmented blush too. For instance, I use my MAC Russian Red (about S$30) to give a flush of crimson on my cheeks and on my lips. You can use the same technique to Charlotte Tilbury lipsticks and others alike. Gone are the days when multitasking sticks do not exist!

Experts believe that anything put around or on the mouth can make or break your look. A subtle lips can give off a natural aura while a red lipstick can be a showstopper. Moreover, a good lipstick stays for a long period of time. Less purchasing equates to more savings.

BASE THAT STAYS

Whether you like it or not, it all starts with a good base. Make sure you splurge on skincare and a really trusty primer. Think of your face as a room’s platform, you will not be able to build the room you desire without a sturdy surface. Having a good base will enable you to get away with a drugstore foundation. Do not get me started with how drugstore products are becoming more competitive now. That is a different conversation. Anyway, let us go back to skincare.

Many Singaporeans turn to Korean beauty for their skincare regimen. You can follow this too! Or, simply cleanse and exfoliate regularly. Personally, I prefer the sensitive formula of Cetaphil as a cleanser. Afterwards, I would put the NUXE body oil. I may also partake in an all-in-one lactic acid treatment by Sunday Riley (retails for S$223 at Sephora Singapore). It is a product that many skincare obsessed people shell out for. It brightens, soothes, and reduces your blemishes and fine lines. It leaves you with an even-toned radiant complexion!

BROWS THAT BOWS

Many makeup artists believe that eyebrows are the most important facial feature next to the teeth. They go the extra mile to shape one’s brows for a variety of reasons. Firstly, a nicely shaped brow can make someone look more youthful and fresh. The volume in your brows can make you look rested!

Secondly, it gives a subtle change without having to splurge on other cosmetics. You can either look edgy or feminine by shaping your brows. Lastly, even the Royal Duchess of Cambridge believes in a set of perfectly shaped brows. She uses the Bobbi Brown Brow Kit that retails for S$85 at Sephora. A cheaper alternative would be the cult classic – Anastasia Brow Wiz for S$40 at Sephora. Brow Wiz is a holy grail to many beauty fanatics due to its user-friendly wand and its natural finish.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Let me ask you one thing. Which luxury beauty products do you splurge on? Leave your comments below.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Free Beauty Samples To Request Now

In the money driven world we live in, people value receiving something for free. This is why companies introduce “free beauty samples”. Free beauty samples benefit not only its consumers, but also its manufacturers.

You are given the opportunity to test out products without having to waste your money on a full-sized bottle. These beauty samples come in handy while travelling and while on-the-go. On the other hand, companies directly give the products to you in the hopes that you will like their products. The increasing admiration towards the product may lead to increase in sales.

Singapore is blessed with companies who are more than happy to share their products. Check out these free beauty samples that you can request now:

#1: FOR EXPERIENTIAL ENTHUSIASTS

Website: samplestore.com

As a preschool teacher, we are taught that many people learn best through their experiences. Experiencing a product or a service directly is essential for modern consumers. This is where Sample Store comes in.

Sample Store lets you immerse yourself with up to four samples on a daily basis. You read that right! Get free samples delivered to your doorsteps through SingPost. Start by signing up at samplestore.com and by choosing from their wide product selection. Post product reviews in their website to earn more points and redeem more products.

You are free to explore more than 300 brands, but you can only receive one sample per product in a certain time.

#2: FOR MAKEUP JUNKIES

Website: sephora.sg

Sephora is a place that serves as a haven for makeup addicts. It houses some of the best beauty brands out there! What’s more? Its online store offers free samples upon checkout. Simply comply with the mechanics.

Here are the basic rules that you must follow:

a. Add a saple to your bag at checkout.
b. Only one sample may be added to each order.
c. Samples are available while supplies last.
d. If a sample goes out of stock, Sephora will provide a substitute.
e. Samples are not available during sale periods.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The current samples circulating the website include products from Make Up Forever, Kat Von D, Hourglass, Becca, and Fresh. You may receive samples of bigger sizes and of higher values by availing the Premium Sample. You can add a Premium Sample when your total bill ranks up to S$120 (i.e., before shipping and after applying the discounts).

#3: FOR HARDWORKING EYES

Website: kao.com

KAO corporation has a variety of products ranging from a sanitary napkin to a steam eye mask. The latter is an interesting one!

It goes without saying that eye strain is common in our screen-dependant society. What better way to refreshen your hardworking eyes that by receiving a free “hot” eye mask. Simply request a sample by completing a questionnaire. It is a rather lengthly form compared to the ones available on this list. Furthemore, they are releasing limited samples.

Here are the other terms and conditions:

a. Sample consists of 1 piece of Steam Eye Mask.
b. Each residential address is limited to one sample request.
c. Please allow 4-5 weeks for delivery of the sample.
d. Entries with incomplete addresses will be deemed invalid.
e. This free sample request is only available for applicants residing in Singapore.

#4: FOR DELICATE SKIN

Website: cetaphil.com.sg

Having sensitive skin is an issue that I had to tackle throughout my life. I lean towards gentle cleansers and organic soaps. Countless hours where spent on testing products that may or may not work for my skin. Not to mention, the prices these products are tagged with. In the course of my determined search, I found an affordable product that I completely swear by. It is none other than Cetaphil.

Cetaphil offers a broad selection of skin care products for babies and adults. Thus, you choose the right product to suit your skin type (e.g., Oily Skin Cleanser for oily skin). Receive a Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser by answering a quick online form. 

Now, let us move on to your baby’s regimen. Cetaphil baby is specially formulated for your beloved’s delicate skin. These products are dermatologically tested to help your child maintain a smooth skin and a healthy hair. Receive a Cetaphil Baby Skincare by answering a quick online form.

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