Celeste Elle, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

4 colorless lip balms under $15 that men can use to counter chapped lips

Lip balms are not just for women.

Counteracting dry, chapped lips is not a gender-specific thing and it starts with identifying the best lip balm for your needs.

But if tinted lip balms are a bit too “girly” for you, then consider these colorless lip balms we’ve picked for under $15.

BURT’S BEES Moisturizing Lip Balm (Assorted)

Price: $10

These lip balms from Burt’s Bees are like a spa treatment for your pout.

Infused with natural ingredients like shea butter and coconut oil, their moisturizing formula hydrates dry, chapped lips and leaves them soft and supple. Flavors like Cucumber Mint, Coconut & Pear, and Ginger Lime offer a sensory experience that soothes and nourishes, while Honey with vitamin E works their magic to nourish and condition.

Whether you need relief from the cold winter while treading overseas or a pick-me-up in the ever-icy-cold office, these natural lip balms provide the moisture and comfort you crave in a fun variety of refreshing flavors. Slide one in your pocket and keep those lips kissably soft all day long.

CAUDALIE Vinotherapist Lip Conditioner

Price: $11

This lip conditioner from Caudalie promises to nourish and protect your pout all day long.

Enriched with antioxidant grape seed oil and grape polyphenols, it instantly melts into your lips leaving a veil of moisture but without any greasy residue. The shea butter and beeswax blend works to soothe and repair dryness while shielding your lips from environmental damage.

Plus, its sweet orange and vanilla scent adds a subtle yet irresistible fragrance as you go about your day. Slide this nourishing formula on any time your lips need a hit of hydration and a boost of antioxidant protection. Your pout will thank you!

SEPHORA COLLECTION Moisturizing Lip Balm

Price: $12

Next up, we have this lip balm that promises to nourish your lips for a full 8 hours so you can say goodbye to dry, chapped lips.

Made with a blend of plant-based waxes and butter like shea and cocoa butter, plus coconut and sunflower seed oils, this formula aims to lock in moisture for lasting hydration. The coconut flavor features a soothing and enriching blend of ingredients including coconut oil and castor seed oil—designed to condition and soften lips while imparting a subtle tropical scent.

Simply swipe on a generous layer anytime your lips need a hit of hydration, whether that’s after a long day outdoors or minutes from meeting boo. This vegan balm aims to deliver effective yet sensory lip care with a minimum of 95% natural origin ingredients, helping your lips look and feel their best, naturally.

BURT’S BEES Ultra Conditioning Lip Balm with Kokum Butter

Price: $14

Last but not least, we have another one from Burt’s Bees but an ultra-conditioning one.

This lip balm delivers hydration at its highest level thanks to a rich blend of butter and oils. Infused with kokum, shea, and cocoa butter, this Sephora exclusive uses less wax to give you more butter that softens and smooths your lips, leaving them moisturized for up to four hours.

Traditionally used in India to heal dry and rough skin, kokum butter is packed with essential fatty acids and vitamin E to intensely hydrate and nourish your lips. With no added flavors or fragrances, this is a simple solution for soft and smooth lips.

Having chapped lips is not something exclusive to one gender. Men, too, face the discomfort and annoyance that come with it. Thankfully, with these colorless lip balms under $15, you can combat the issue without breaking the bank or feeling out of your comfort zone. They’re budget-friendly, effective, and most importantly, devoid of any noticeable color, making them a great fit for men’s everyday grooming routine. Invest in one of these and feel the difference for yourself. After all, a nice smile benefits everyone.

3 best-rated cat cafes in Singapore for feline fanatics who don’t have the money to own one

I get it, you love cats.

But owning one is a different story.

Caring for a feline companion is a big commitment that involves costs, care, and time. And if you’re not ready for that, visiting cat cafes ain’t a bad idea.

Here are the 3 best-rated ones in Singapore to feed your furry obsessions.

Wildflower Studio – Art Jamming x Cat Cafe Singapore

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Website: wildflowerstudio.sg

Google reviews: 5 stars (380+ reviews)

Address: 56A Niven Road, Singapore 228405

Escape the hustle and bustle with furry friends at Wildflower Studio’s art jamming sessions with cats.

Nestled along Niven Road just minutes from Little India MRT, this cozy art space doubles as a cat cafe, working with rescuers to foster and adopt furry friends in need of forever homes. Choose between a semi-guided art jam with instructors or a more self-directed chill-out with cats option—either way, you will be surrounded by adorable resident and foster kitties eager for head scratches and belly rubs.

Paint to your heart’s content while these furry friends wander the studio. The $20 per hour chill-out option lets you set your own creative pace, whether you want to paint the whole time or simply hang out with cats. Get ready to leave this artistic oasis feeling inspired, de-stressed, and with a smile from all the kitty cuddles.

Cat Paradise Singapore

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Website: catparadisesg.com

Google reviews: 5 stars (100+ reviews)

Address: 23 Upper Weld Road, #02-01, Singapore 207380

Cat lovers, you’re in for a treat.

Cat Paradise Singapore provides a cozy cat cafe environment for rescue cats looking for their forever homes. Friendly felines roam freely in this rescue-partnered sanctuary, waiting for you to strike up a furry friendship.

For a small fee ($18 for the first hour; $12 from the second hour onwards), you can sit back and let the cat cuddle come to you. Watch as curious kittens climb onto your lap, and socialized adult cats rubbing against your legs, begging for ear scratches and chin rubs.

Cat cafes offer the joys of cat interactions without a long-term commitment—the ultimate solution for individuals who still want some kitty love in their lives. So come spend an hour or a whole day (day passes for weekdays only at $40) in the calming presence of furry residents.

You will leave feeling recharged, knowing you also helped spread some happiness to cats in need of a home.

NekoTown Cat Cafe

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Website: nekotownsg.com

Google reviews: 4.9 stars (1,300+ reviews)

Address: 658 Geylang Road, Singapore 389588

Last on our list, we have NekoTown Cat Cafe which brands itself as the most affordable playhouse for feline lovers where prices start from just $9 per hour on weekdays and $12 per hour on weekends. They have also made day passes and combo passes even more economical!

Upon entry, you will be greeted by an irresistible chorus of “meows” from the cafe’s furry residents as they weave between your legs, begging for head scratches and lap time. All admissions come with free-flow drinks so you can sit back and watch the kitty antics for hours. While appointments are recommended, especially on weekends, walk-ins are welcome based on availability.

The minimum age is 4 years old to ensure fun times for all. NekoTown promises budget-friendly bliss for those who understand that some of life’s simple joys come at such a purr-fect price.

If you’re unsure about the responsibilities of cat ownership or don’t think you can afford one, visiting a cat cafe is a great way to spend time with feline friends without long-term commitments. Enjoy your cat cafe experience while figuring out if owning a cat is the right next step for you, if you’re considering 😼

3 places in Singapore to get real Christmas trees under $250 for 2023’s Christmas

We’re slightly more than a month away from Christmas.

Have you gotten your Christmas trees yet?

Getting a Christmas tree is a tradition for many families during the holidays but instead of an artificial one, what about a fresh one for 2023?

Here are some places in Singapore where you can get an affordable real Christmas tree for under $250 this year.

Ji Mei Flower

Price: from $95

These Noble Fir trees command attention the minute you bring them home. With sturdy branches that gracefully cascade and richly fragrant needles, you will find yourself lost in its majestic beauty.

With a classic conical shape and woodsy scent that fills any room, this tree elevates even the simplest ornaments into a work of art. Choose from trees ranging from 3-4 ft ($95) to 6-7 ft ($230), and opt for delivery or select in person just days before delivery for the freshest tree that fits your standard.

Noble Fir is renowned for its ability to hold ornaments like a champion, so break out your prized heirloom decorations and watch them shine. This tree will become the centerpiece of your holiday, infusing your home with the spirit of the season.

Link to Ji Mei Flower’s Christmas collection: jm.com.sg/collections/christmas

Cold Storage

Price: from $139

Cold Storage’s Noble Fir & Fraser Fir Christmas trees truly bring the magic of the season indoors.

A Noble Fir from 5-6 ft ($139) or Fraser Fir 9-10 ft ($229) from Cold Storage will fill your home with the classic fragrance of the holidays and make memories that last. The triangular shape and fullness at the base create a silhouette that flawlessly fills any space, whether traditional or modern. Keep the tree stand/bottom filled with iced water to maintain its freshness for up to 6 weeks, and place it away from direct sunlight to prolong its life.

When you choose a tree from Cold Storage, you’re not just picking out greenery—you’re welcoming the spirit of the season into your home with aromatic evergreen branches that will remain full and strong throughout the holiday season.

Link to Cold Storage’s Christmas collection: coldstorage.com.sg/site/christmas2023/christmas-trees

Sing See Soon

Price: from $235

This Sing See Soon Fraser Fir is the ideal choice for those seeking the model Christmas tree scent and needle retention.

As one of the only options available now due to high demand, this fresh-cut tree fills your home with the nostalgic aroma of Christmas for weeks. The conical shape and horizontal branches form a classic silhouette for ornaments and lights, while the soft gray-brown bark adds visual interest. Bundle packages with lights and decorations are available for easy setup.

Pick up your tree at the Sing See Soon outlet along Punggol Road East or schedule delivery starting 24 November 2023. Well-known for its long-lasting freshness, the Fraser Fir helps keep the holiday spirit alive long after Christmas day.

Link to Sing See Soon’s Christmas collection: https://singseesoon.com/collections/christmas-tree

And that’s all from us. We hope you will find a tree that brings you and your loved ones happiness this holiday season. Whether large or small, what matters is creating new memories and traditions together. Merry, joyful Christmas to come, y’all! 🎄⛄🎅🏼🤶🦌❄

Shein has a special DAZY X HyunA fashion collection and we’ve picked up pieces <$15 that we think are worth a look at

Are you a fan of K-pop idol, HyunA?

If you love HyunA’s style and aesthetic, you will definitely want to check out Shein’s new DAZY X HyunA collection. The line features HyunA’s signature edgy yet feminine vibe.

And to save you time hunting through all the options, we picked out a few budget-friendly pieces under $15 that we think are worth a look at.

Dazy HyunA Floral Print Mock Neck Mesh Top

Price: $7

This floral print top breathes comfort with its stretchy mesh fabric for just $7.

The eye-catching blue-green floral design pops against the sheer background, great for layering with camisoles or tanks. The mock neckline and long sleeves infuse modesty while the highly stretchy polyester and elastane blend hugs your curves in all the right places.

Pair it with jeans for a chic yet casual daytime look or elevate with moto jackets and booties for an Orchard Road stroll.

Dazy HyunA Solid Off Shoulder Hanky Hem Halter Neck Crop Tee

Price: $11

This flirty crop top puts your shoulders front and center stage.

The off-shoulder design exposes your collarbone for a sexy yet playful look, while the adjustable halter neck tie holds it in place. Asymmetrical lettuce trims add an unconventional twist to the rib-knit material.

Go ahead, show some skin—the slightly thick polyester-elastane blend keeps you cozy whether you’re lounging indoors or running errands on a rainy day. The cropped hem hits right at the waist, perfect for pairing with high-waisted jeans or skirts.

Dazy HyunA Kpop High Waist Ruffle Hem Metallic Skirt

Price: $12 (was $15)

And talking about high-waist bottoms, this shiny metallic skirt is ready to light up the night with its asymmetrical cut and high-waist design that hits you at the most flattering part of your figure.

Crafted from a slightly stretchy viscose and polyamide blend that moves with you, it features a ruffled hem and hidden back zipper for easy wear. Snag it while it’s on sale for 20% off and style it with your favorite shoes for an edgy yet feminine look that’s ready to take on the weekend.

Whether you pair it with heels for a night out or sneakers for a day of shopping, this metallic midi skirt adds just the right amount of shine and flair to your off-duty style.

Dazy HyunA Striped Print Star Embroidery Zipper Front Tee

Price: $14

Last but not least, be the star of the show in this zipper front tee featuring a striped design and a huge embroidered print star that makes you feel like a celebrity like HyunA.

Made from a soft stretchy blend of 95% polyester and 5% elastane, this top is as comfortable as your favorite loungewear but with enough style to wear out. The zipper front lets you choose your neckline from high crew to zip-down, so mix and match with your mood.

Layer with a puffer vest for an of-the-moment runway look that’s ready for any type of stardom—casually walking down the airplane aisle or taking center stage in your very own socials overseas. The stars are aligning for you to shine in this zipper-front striped top.

Overall, the collection is full of on-trend pieces that bridge the gap between edgy and girly at affordable prices. We’ve featured pieces under $15 for the purpose of this post but if you want to channel more of HyunA’s fearless style and don’t mind spending a bit more for fashion, Shein’s DAZY X HyunA collection is worth checking out. Happy shopping!

There’s a new cross-border payment system using QR codes between Singapore and Indonesia

Woohoo, Singapore, and Indonesia have launched a new cross-border payment system using QR codes.

This means that customers in both countries can now make retail payments more easily.

The central bank of Indonesia, known as Bank Indonesia (BI), and Singapore’s Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), made the announcement yesterday, on 17 November 2023.

They said in a joint statement that financial institutions in Singapore and Indonesia can now link up their QR code payment systems.

This comes a year after BI and MAS first said they were working on such a linkage.

Now it’s a reality!

How to use it?

To use it, customers just need to open their existing mobile banking apps and then scan either a QRIS (Quick Response Code Indonesian Standard) code in Indonesia or a NETS QR code in Singapore, displayed by merchants, to make a purchase.

The central banks believe this linkage is an important milestone as it will help further integrate the digital economies and financial systems of the two countries. It should also boost economic connections between Indonesia and Singapore.

In addition, with QR code payments between nations now possible, it may open up new customers for small businesses since shop owners can now more easily accept payments from people visiting from each country.

BI and MAS pointed out this could benefit travelers

By that, they are referring to the over 600,000 people who have traveled from Singapore to Indonesia in the first half of 2023, including the > 1 million who traveled vice versa, from Indonesia to Singapore.

With the payment linkage, we and our fellow Indonesian friends won’t need to worry as much about having the right currency or payment method when visiting each other’s country.

Who are the participating banks?

And if you’re wondering if your bank is participating initially, be glad to know that OCBC and UOB are. DBS will likely join later.

On the Indonesian side, the participating banks include Bank Central Asia, Bank Mega, Bank Pembangunan Daerah Bali, Bank Rakyat Indonesia, Bank Sinarmas, Bank Syariah Indonesia, CIMB Niaga, Espay Debit Indonesia Koe, Netzme Kreasi Indonesia, and PermataBank.

More banks from both countries may link up their systems over time.

Perry Warjiyo, the governor of BI, said the linkage aligns with ASEAN’s goals of boosting regional payment connectivity.

He believes it will lead to faster, cheaper, and more transparent cross-border payments.

Ravi Menon, the managing director of MAS, agreed that the QR code system will help both individuals and small businesses engage in more e-commerce and tourism activities between the two nations.

A new local currency settlement framework is also in the works

In addition, BI and MAS signed a letter of intent to eventually set up a local currency settlement framework by 2024.

This would allow cross-border payments, including QR payments, as well as trade and investments between Indonesia and Singapore to be settled using their own currencies—the Indonesian rupiah and Singapore dollar.

Settling in local currencies could reduce costs and risks from currency exchange rates for businesses and users.

The central banks are working to promote wider use of local currencies for transactions between ASEAN countries.

These initiatives mark continued progress in growing digital and financial linkages between Singapore and its key regional partners, which is certainly a good thing for you, me, and our economy 😉

Wildflower Studio – Art Jamming x Cat Cafe Singapore

Cat Paradise Singapore

NekoTown Cat Cafe

Ji Mei Flower

Cold Storage

Sing See Soon

How to use it?

BI and MAS pointed out this could benefit travelers

Who are the participating banks?

A new local currency settlement framework is also in the works

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