The Psychology Behind Lusting for Luxury
Luxury has long been associated with exclusivity, craftsmanship, and status. But beyond the gleam of designer handbags and the allure of high-end skincare lies a deeper psychological pull.
Why do we crave luxury? Let’s break it down.
#1: BECAUSE YOU DESERVE IT
In a world where burnout is practically a badge of honor, luxury becomes a form of self-care. With constant stress, low wages, and an endless stream of bad news, splurging on something expensive can feel like a well-earned escape.
This phenomenon, known as hedonic consumption, explains why people turn to luxury goods as a way to soothe themselves. It’s that fleeting moment of indulgence where owning a designer piece makes you feel like a celebrity, even for just a second.
Admit it, we’ve all justified a splurge by telling ourselves: “Money will come back. I deserve this.”
#2: KEEPING UP WITH SOCIAL MEDIA
Social media has turned luxury into a never-ending trend cycle. One minute, it’s a Bottega Veneta bag; the next, it’s the latest “It” shoe. Don’t get me started with watches! With influencers flaunting high-end hauls and celebrities celebrating milestones with designer splurges, it’s easy to feel like luxury isn’t just a want.
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok fuel this culture with hashtags like #TreatYourself and aspirational content featuring curated skincare routines, extravagant “galentines,” and designer-filled shopping sprees. The message? Indulgence is essential to self-care.
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#3: LUXURY IS THERAPY
Luxury shopping isn’t always about status as it’s often about emotional regulation. Research by Selin Atalay and Margaret Meloy (2011) found that people in a negative emotional state are more likely to splurge on luxury goods, hoping to boost their mood.
But here’s the catch: while shopping might offer temporary relief, the guilt that follows can sometimes outweigh the initial excitement. Harri T. Luomala’s study (2002) found that excessive spending can ruin an already content state of mind, making it a double-edged sword.
#4: IRRATIONALITY OF LUXURY
Luxury shopping isn’t always rational. A well-made, durable handbag can cost around S$100, yet many willingly drop thousands on a designer version that serves the exact same purpose.
Why? Behavioral psychology suggests that luxury purchases often stem from an emotional rather than logical place. It’s about perceived value, exclusivity, and the status attached to the brand (sometimes more than the actual product itself).
#5: LUXURY AS SOCIAL CURRENCY
Luxury is often more than craftsmanship and quality—it’s a status symbol. Many people buy designer items not just for their design but for the brand’s logo, a clear signal of wealth and success.
The downside? Some stretch their finances thin to keep up with the illusion, falling into debt just to own a coveted piece. Luxury can be aspirational, but for some, it becomes a financial trap.
#6: NEED FOR UNIQUENESS
At its core, luxury is about exclusivity. Being able to afford it already puts you in a minority, making it feel even more special.
Wealthier consumers often gravitate towards brands that exude authenticity and timelessness, reinforcing the idea that true luxury is about more than just a price tag.
IN A NUTSHELL
While there’s nothing wrong with indulging, understanding why we crave these things can help us make more mindful, guilt-free choices. So the next time you feel the urge to splurge, ask yourself: Is it about the product, or the feeling it gives you?
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5 setting powders $35 & under to help your makeup stay the way it is from application to removal
Frustrated by how your makeup slightly ruins as the seconds tick?
My hair strands love my face so much they stick to it even before the wind blows, and that’s why I can never head out without completing my makeup routine with setting powders.
If you have the same concerns as I do, consider these setting powders $35 and under so your makeup stays the way it is from application to removal.
Sephora Collection Original 12HR Setting & Mattifying Powder
Price: $29
Makeup’s new ride-or-die is this multitasking powder that locks in looks for up to 12 hours while blurring pores and absorbing shine.
Forget touch-ups with this vegan-friendly formula that creates a filter-like finish that minimizes excess oil from morning ’til night.
It’s a blend that leaves a lightweight veil to set makeup and deliver all-day wear without caking or creasing.
One/Size Ultimate Setting Powder Mini
Price: $30
A pocket-sized sidekick to shine, this travel-sized loose powder packs a matte punch.
No more greasy glow, just a shine-free finish that lasts through day and night.
Performance powder microspheres and surface-treated pigments deliver a weightless matte blanket over oily areas.
Simply grab the compact, dip it into the powder with a puff, and press it onto skin for oil absorption and luminosity-locking coverage.
NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder Mini
Price: $31
Think of this light-reflecting setting powder as a blur tool for real life.
Its featherlight, blendable formula creates an airbrushed layer over skin, minimizing the look of fine lines and imperfections.
Nars loaded it with photochromic technology that diffuses and adjusts to new lighting conditions.
With this setting powder, you can get a finish that locks your look in place all day.
Fenty Beauty Mini Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder
Price: $35
Fenty Beauty’s Mini Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder is a light-as-air blend of mattifying powders that won’t cake or settle into fine lines.
Instead, this Fenty blur of makeup-setting perfection creates a soft-focus effect that blurs the look of pores, while extending your makeup’s wear all day.
Rihanna was obsessed with creating a setting powder for everyone that wouldn’t cause flashbacks in photos or videos so Pro Filt’r was born, a photo-friendly powder that stays looking natural on various skin tones.
Huda Beauty Baby Bake Loose Baking And Setting Powder
Price: $35
Last but not least, we have this super-fine loose powder that masters a luminous-matte, airbrushed finish that lasts.
The translucent shades softly smooth and blur your complexion while making makeup stay in place without caking.
It’s a setting powder that diffuses the look of fine lines and imperfections.
The sponge applicator that comes with it offers an on-the-go application for quick touch-ups, while the superfine pigments leave your skin looking flawless.
Master a New Language Without Breaking the Bank
Learning a new language doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, I am currently learning the Korean language with my last class being scheduled today. While premium apps, private tutors, and immersion trips are great, they’re not the only ways to become fluent.
Whether you’re picking up Spanish, French, or Korean, here are some budget-friendly strategies to help you master a new language without emptying your wallet.
#1: FREE LANGUAGE APPS
There’s no shortage of free apps to help you learn a language at your own pace. Duolingo, Memrise, and Clozemaster offer interactive exercises, vocabulary drills, and gamified lessons—all for free!
Want something more structured? The free version of Anki lets you create personalized flashcards to reinforce learning.
#2: YOUTUBE UNIVERSITY
Forget expensive courses as YouTube is a goldmine of language-learning resources. Channels like “Learn French with Alexa” or “Spanish with Paul” offer free lessons for beginners to advanced learners.
The best part? You can rewind, slow down, or replay tricky sections until you nail the pronunciation.
#3: PODCASTS AND AUDIOBOOKS
Turn your daily commute or workout into a language lesson with free podcasts. “Coffee Break Languages” and “Duolingo Podcast” provide engaging and practical lessons.
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If you love stories, try listening to audiobooks in your target language. Start with children’s books for simple vocabulary and work your way up.
#4: LANGUAGE EXCHANGE
Who needs pricey tutors when you can swap skills for free? Apps like Tandem, HelloTalk, or Speaky connect you with native speakers who want to learn your language. It’s a win-win: you teach them, they teach you, and you both improve for free!
#5: LIBRARIES
Local libraries often have free language books, audiobooks, and even access to digital learning platforms. Don’t overlook free government and university websites as many offer full language courses at no cost.
#6: SPEAK IT EVERY DAY
Practice speaking as much as possible. Narrate your daily routine, describe objects around you, or even talk to yourself in the mirror. If you’re too shy, voice message yourself or use AI chatbots designed for language learners.
#7: WRITE IT DOWN
Journaling in your target language is a great way to reinforce what you’ve learned. Start with a simple sentence each day and gradually add more detail. Not sure if your grammar is correct? Use free tools like Grammarly or LanguageTool to check your work.
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IN A NUTSHELL
Fluency doesn’t require a fortune. Instead, it needs consistency, creativity, and smart use of free resources. With these budget-friendly methods, you’ll be chatting like a native in no time!
So, what language are you learning next?
5 top-rated culinary schools to enroll yourself in if you’re serious about improving your cooking skills in 2025
Want to pick up some cooking skills this year?
While we’re well into February, it’s still a pretty ‘new year’ so it’s not too late to start!
If you’re serious about improving your cooking skills in 2025, we’ve got a quick list of culinary schools to intro you to.
Let’s dive straight in, shall we?
Commune Kitchen
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Website: communekitchen.com
Google Rating: 5 (1.2K+ reviews)
Address: 182 Cecil St, #02-10/11 Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547 (Located in Frasers Tower)
First up, foodies, home cooks, and culinary novices, your kitchen odyssey awaits at Commune Kitchen.
Leave those online recipes behind and get hands-first into a cooking adventure guided by pro chefs.
From hawker stall favorites ($165 including lunch) to Chinese wok masterclasses ($165 & includes a lunch of your wok creations), Commune’s diverse class menu reads like a world tour for the taste buds.
Seasoned foodies or ladle-clutching newbies are all welcome!
ANATTA Culinary Academy
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Website: anattaca.sg
Google Rating: 5 (90+ reviews)
Address: 130 Neil Rd, Level 1, Singapore 088859
Ever wished you could bake some Peranakan kuehs or season some savory Korean banchans (side dishes)?
Well, wish no more because ANATTA Culinary Academy’s class offerings let you journey through the fragrant spices of Southeast Asia to the precision of French patisserie.
Led by experienced instructors, you will pick up classic skills in baking and cooking while experimenting with health-conscious recipes that redefine what it means to eat well.
The academy also hosts parent-child courses and only kids’ classes.
Food Playground
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Website: foodplayground.com.sg
Google Rating: 4.9 (3.7K+ reviews)
Address: 24A Sago St, Singapore 059020
At Food Playground, their signature Cultural Cooking Class doesn’t simply teach recipes; it invites you to experience culinary traditions firsthand, from spices of Nyonya Laksa to the palm sugar-sweetened bliss of Sago Gula Melaka.
Whether you prefer the convenience of online instruction or the energy of an in-person workshop, Food Playground’s expert instructors will guide you on your chef journey.
Let’s Yori – Korean Cooking Studio
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Website: yori.sg
Google Rating: 4.9 (950+ reviews)
Address: 6a Shenton Way Downtown Gallery, #03-02, Singapore 068815 (Located in OUE Downtown 1)
Craving Korean fried chicken or yearning to master kimchi-making?
Look no further than Let’s Yori (“yori” means cook in Korean), where Chef Miyoun Kim shares Korean cooking techniques refined through her years in the hospitality industry.
In her hands-on classes, you will learn recipes like Korean fried chicken, tofu kimchi stew, and even kimchi-making to ferment your own napa cabbage and cucumber varieties.
Classes start from $90.
Grà Baking Academy
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Website: grabakingacademy.com
Google Rating: 4.9 (900+ reviews)
Address: 401 MacPherson Rd, #02-11/12/13 MacPherson Mall, Singapore 368125
Last but not least, if you’ve dreamed of creating flaky croissants that would make a Parisian swoon or pulling golden-crusted loaves of bread from the oven with aromas filling the whole house, visit Grà Baking Academy.
Since 2010, their instructors have shared the secrets to baking mastery, teaching aspiring dessert artists to craft sweet treats.
Their range of WSQ-certified courses offers the option to tap SkillsFuture Credits, while trial classes let newbies start their journey with a taste of easy success.
All you have to do now is take your pick 🧑🍳
The Secrets of Luxury Brands
I, too, have felt the guilt of indulging in luxury, whether it is a designer bag, a statement accessory, or high-end makeup. With the hefty price tags, saving up for these purchases is a must. But luxury is not just about the cost.
It is about prestige, power, and perception.
The world’s top brands have mastered the art of desirability, transforming their products into more than just items. They are status symbols. But what really keeps luxury brands on top? Let us pull back the velvet curtain.
TIMELESS APPEAL
Even during the 2007-08 global financial crisis, luxury brands thrived. While other industries took a hit, the allure of high-end goods remained intact. Why? Luxury isn’t just about spending. It is about aspiration. No matter the economic climate, people still crave exclusivity, quality, and craftsmanship.
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POWER OF EXCLUSIVITY
Luxury is defined by rarity. The harder something is to get, the more people want it. High-end brands cultivate this through limited-edition drops, private shopping experiences, and exclusive distribution channels.
Take Burberry in the late 90s. It made the mistake of going too mainstream, flooding the market with accessible products. The result was a decline in prestige and profits. Only after scaling back and re-establishing exclusivity did Burberry reclaim its elite status. Lesson learned. Luxury thrives on limited access.
INFLUENCE OF CLOUT
In luxury, credibility is everything. That is why brands strategically leverage celebrity endorsements and influencer partnerships to reinforce their status. Nordstrom, for example, masterfully integrates influencer marketing to build hype and cultivate desirability. The right endorsement can turn a product into a cultural icon overnight.
HIDDEN ARTISANS OF LEATHER GOODS
Nestled in the hills of southern Spain, the town of Ubrique is far from the fashion capitals of Paris or Milan. No airports, no train stations. Just winding roads leading to one of the luxury industry’s best-kept secrets.
This remote village is where elite brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, Chanel, and Loewe craft their high-end leather goods. The artisans of Ubrique, known for their meticulous craftsmanship, create the handbags, wallets, and belts that define luxury. Despite its low profile, this tiny town remains an essential hub for the world’s top fashion houses.
EYEWEAR GIANT BEHIND MANY DESIGNER FRAMES
Ever wondered why luxury eyewear from brands like Prada, Chanel, and Versace all seem to have a similar feel? That is because most of them come from the same manufacturer, Luxottica.
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Based in Milan, Luxottica designs and produces eyewear for nearly every major luxury label. It also owns iconic brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. In short, whether you are buying a pair of Dior or Tiffany & Co. sunglasses, there is a good chance they were crafted under the same roof.
OVERPRICED TAG SCANDAL
Luxury pricing is about more than materials. It is about branding, exclusivity, and craftsmanship. But sometimes, the markups raise eyebrows.
Take Dior’s 2024 controversy. Reports surfaced that a subcontractor was paid as little as 53 euros per bag, while the same bag retailed for 2,600 euros. Dior denied the claims, stating that its pricing aligned with industry standards. True or not, the scandal reignited the debate. Are luxury prices justified, or just a product of brilliant marketing?
IN A NUTSHELL
Luxury brands aren’t just selling products. They are selling dreams. Through exclusivity, influencer power, and strategic pricing, they maintain an aura of prestige that keeps consumers craving more.
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The secret of luxury lies not just in what you buy but in what it represents.