Anna Agoncillo, Author at MoneyDigest.sg

Online Shops For Affordable And Quality Cosmetics In Singapore

The rise of social media made it possible for large-scale and independent retailers to showcase their products. Fueled by the inspirations from the makeup gurus and beauty bloggers, Singaporeans have been seeking the latest trends in cosmetics. Spotlight is focused on Glossier products now. However, I am a dedicated MAC enthusiast.

I am drawn to the quality and formula of MAC lipsticks. My fondness for lipsticks, in general, has led me to the discovery of the possible areas to shop in Singapore. Said areas include online shops.

On that note, here are three websites that feature some affordable and quality cosmetics.

#1: THE ALL-AROUND AGENT

Numero uno on this list is the one-stop shop called Zalora Singapore. From luxurious beauty items to affordable classics, Zalora will keep your eyes busy as you scroll down the options. People hunting for the hottest Korean labels can spot the likes of Dr. Young and Acwell as well as the cult favorites such as Maybelline and Inglot. Without a doubt, you will be overwhelmed with the number of brands that you can stumble upon here.

Spotlight Product: Dr. Young Travel Kit (S$18.90)
Shop at: zalora.sg

#2: THE REGIONAL STAR

The second spot belongs to Sasa, which focuses on the prowess of regional beauty products. By regional, I am referring to the proximity of the countries in which these products are made from (e.g., from Korea and Taiwan). This HK-based chain is the go-to drugstore of many Singaporeans on beauty hunt. Expect character lashes, Japanese mascara, as well as inexpensive eyelid glues here. One thing is for sure…these beauty products are tailored to the Asian’s skin.

Spotlight Product: Kose Deep Cleansing Oil (US$6.80 or about S$9.30)
Shop at: sg.sasa.com

#3: THE WESTERN FAVORITES

An avid fanatic of Western drugstore brands such as RIMMEL London and Revlon would find a safe haven in the makeup aisles of Watson’s. Personally, I prefer the latter as it provides lasting coverage for a variety of skin-tones. A beautiful face can only be complemented by a crowning glory. Combat the humidity by stocking up on the amazingly cheap Batiste dry shampoos.

Spotlight Product: RIMMEL Soft Colour Blush (S$9.90)
Shop at: watsons.com.sg

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Ladies, get your stash on! 🙂

Tossing Your Spectacles Soon? Here’s How You Can Save On Your Next Pair!

For years on end, I have endured the constant trips to the nearby optical shops. Switching things up became a subtle hobby of mine. I either move away or hop to the bandwagon when it comes to the style of my frames. I cannot be the only one!

The prevalence of Myopia or shortsightedness among Singaporean children was considered as one of the highest in the world. For a trait embedded in our genes, many Singaporeans cannot deny their need for prescription eyewear. This optical necessity does not have to poke a lifetime hole in your pocket.

Here are ways to shop wiser without skip on the eyewear’s quality:

1. STICK WITH WHAT YOU HAVE

An eyeglass prescription refers to the written order by an optometrist, ophthalmologist, or a qualified professional. It includes all the parameters which are deemed essential to construct or dispense corrective lenses for a patient. If your specific prescription is relatively stable over time, it is best to stick with the same spectacles as long as you can.

Remember that your prescription eyewear is not synonymous to the lifespan of smartphone – such piece of technology can become obsolete in a blink of an eye. Instead, it is a tool that can last you for long.

2. KEEP SOME THINGS TO YOURSELF

How long have you had your trusty companion? Well, mine is merely three months old. Do not judge me yet! My last pair lasted for over two years. I had to buy a new one due to the broken lenses and to the drastic change in my eyeglass prescription. Nonetheless, I believe that my current spectacles would last for more than a year.

If you are caught in a similar situation, you may reuse the frame and only purchase new lenses. Take advantage of the replacement services available at your nearby optical shop. The same principle applies for broken frames and mint condition lenses. Reuse the old lenses and ask the sales personnel to help you find the perfect frame.

3. OPT FOR AFFORDABLE SPECTACLES

I alternate between two pairs of spectacles. I mainly use the first pair in my workplace and the other at home. The latter is extremely cheaper than the former. Doing this allows me to maximize the longevity of my costlier pair. My first pair wears down at a slower rate as I spend most of my time at home.

If you only use your spectacles at home, opt for cheaper frames since no one else seems them. You do not have to spend your hard-earned money on designer eyewear to show off at your workplace too. An affordable pair can accomplish the same task anyway!

4. CHECK THE SCOPE OF YOUR INSURANCE

People who browse intently through the fine print are often rewarded. Unbeknownst to you, your health insurance or employee benefits may cover your eye care expenses. Increase your “awareness meter” by approaching your HR representative. Ask him or her about the insurance plans or healthcare procedures that the company honors.

For instance, there is a group plan called AXA Smart Vision. This innovative plan includes comprehensive eye examination, discount on eyewear, and up to S$300 allowance for frame or contact lens (T&Cs apply).

5. SCORE A NEW PAIR ONLINE

Unless you have Astigmatism (i.e., a condition which requires professionals to make a custom fit), shopping around entails taking online shops into consideration. OWNDAYS is a brand that is locally available. You can get their prescription eyewear for about S$98 to S$198. Furthermore, you can enjoy 50% off on your second purchase (T&Cs apply). The price includes the optical frames, 1.60 high index aspheric lenses, casing, and cloth cleaner.

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/owndays.sg

Here are just some hacks to help you shop for your next pair of prescription eyewear. I encourage you to use your creativity when finding other ways to save money in every step of the process.

Sources: 1 & 2

Stop Procrastinating And Start Accomplishing Goal$

One of the greatest English novelists, Charles Dickens, encapsulated the unpleasant prowess of procrastination. His advice was “to never do tomorrow what you can do today. Procrastination is the thief of time.” Procrastination feeds into your weakness by following immediate gratification.

You are aware that it affects some areas of your life such as being late for a meeting or missing the billing deadline. However, you might not realize that constantly avoiding responsibilities can cost you money. Start changing your ways! It may seem trivial now, but keeping your financial goals on hold will affect your long-term savings plan.

LEARN TO ACCEPT YOUR BOUNDS

“I do not feel like doing it right now!”
“I will be more prepared tomorrow.”

How often have you used these excuses to put off the tasks that you can easily accomplish today? For some people, avoiding the difficult tasks by making excuses became a form of coping (i.e., an unhealthy response). It is time to face the music! You will never be fully ready to tackle your financial goals.

The best thing that you can do right now is to examine your financial situation. Identify the amount of cash that comes in and goes out. You may either download money tracker apps or seek the help of the professionals.

CONSIDER THE PRESENT TIME

A study from the University of Chicago found that participants were more likely to initiate action if they view that the task happens at the present. Apply this thought by determining what phase you are on.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is easier to track your tasks by making a simple “to-do list” that even includes the tasks you are avoiding to pursue. Then, write the deadlines together with every task. Even if the deadlines you set are sooner that necessary, it will help your cause.

BREAK IT DOWN INTO SMALL CHUNKS

One of the reasons why individuals put goals aside is its intimidating and overwhelming nature. Listing vague or huge goals can immediately discourage you. Breaking down your financial goals into action items is a good idea. Make these items realistic, manageable, and concrete.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

For instance, you aim to make S$2,000 by Christmas instead of saying that you envision having S$500,000 by retirement. Set up a reward system after you finish an action item.

Sources: 1 & 2

Surefire Ways To Save Money On Your Next Event

For the past couple of months, I have been spearheading one of our company’s main events. This newfound responsibility made me realize why some institutions hire Event Managers and other professionals. Making sure everything runs smoothly within the tight budget was a burden that I had to carry on my shoulders. However, I kept thinking how this event will soon bring new contacts and exciting memories.

To deliver good results on a shoestring budget, consider these tips:

START PRIORITIZING THE VENUE

A huge chunk of your budget focuses on the event’s venue. Moving away from the CBD area and dwelling on the outskirts is a smart move for your wallet, but your attendees may be discouraged. You need to consider their travel time and parking fees.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Let us be honest! The venue that you will choose will never please everyone. This is why my boss highlights that conducting a “location survey” prior the event is a bad idea. If you cannot take their opinions into account then, you must depend on your negotiation skills. Find a person on the inside who can help you with the booking process or offer you discounted rates. Ask recommendations from your friends and family members.

WORK WITH SPECIALIZED STUDENTS

In a competitive job market such as ours, Polytechnic and University students are keen to secure working experience before they fully join the workforce. Make this your advantage by hiring interns or part-timers. I am not talking about hiring any student that is willing to offer their knowledge for a relatively cheap rate! Hire people who study graphic design, photography/film, management, and marketing.

If you are willing to spare some time to training, both of you can benefit from the experience. Think about it! You are giving a worthwhile experience and pleasant recommendation for the intern while the business is receiving low-cost (and sometimes free) services. Post job openings at www.freelancezone.com.sg and www.gumtree.sg for FREE!

SEEK A MUTUAL RELATIONSHIP

My co-worker was approached by an agent from a prestigious insurance company. He was interested in setting up a booth at our event. This works favorably to both of us as our clients belong to his targeted age and socioeconomic group. This situation proves that sponsors can pay by providing products or services at reduced or no cost. Some institutions prefer exposure as their currency. Sponsors do not always have to provide cash!

Approach possible sponsors by privately messaging their social media accounts on Facebook or Instagram.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

As the head of the event, it is essential to go the extra mile. Do not settle for two or three options. Widen your options and shop around!

3 Hair Salon Mistakes That Will Cost You Money

My personal definition of relaxation includes a day at the hair salon. To most people, it is a place that stimulates mixed emotions. There is always a certain degree of excitement hinted with doubt about the final results. Will you be satisfied with the makeover?

Furthermore, there are plenty of mistakes that you can unknowingly make. These said mistakes may cost you more money (and emotions) that you actually expect!

Here are just some of them:

#1: BY NOT DISCLOSING YOUR HAIR HISTORY

I am one of those people who pamper themselves by dropping by the hair salon every now and then. I was committed to maintaining my “Ash Blonde” hair for a year. However, I decided to dye it black last February. I did not settle for a brownish hue. I dyed it purely Jet Black! It was one of the few hair decisions that I regret the most. Dyeing my hair black made it hard for succeeding colors to seep in.

After a few months, I decided to visit the nearby salon to lighten my hair. I told the stylist about my dilemma and he was not able to fix my faux pas. I was so disappointed as I paid more than S$50. I realized that the only way to reach my goal is to bleach my hair. I went to a salon in the city center and paid thrice the amount to revive my light hair. I disclosed my hair history starting from the treatments I had last year. Thankfully, the senior stylist brought life to my previously dull locks.

Much like disclosing your medical history to your physician, you must share a brief history of your hair to your stylist. A successful makeover depends on the stylist’s knowledge of your past treatments. Leaving some information can affect the formula that he or she will choose. You do not want to have an allergic reaction to the chemicals that the salon uses.

#2: BY KEEPING MUM THE ENTIRE TIME

There was a significant fraction of my life where I kept quiet in the chair and witnessed as the stylist ruins my hair. I tell him or her that I adore my new ‘do, but go home bursting into tears. I know that I am not alone!

There are two types of people: those who complain and those who settle. The later wants to avoid conflicts and prefer Smooth Interpersonal Relations (i.e., as Psychologists call it). These type of people would rather wear a hat the next day than confront the person about cutting several inches too short. This conflict avoidance may be destructive to your pocket.

The haircut or the style that you got from the stylist will be sported (and tolerated) for a period of time until it grows out. You can always correct it and pay double for the style that you wanted in the first place. So, encourage adjustments if necessary. Do not be afraid to speak up!

#3: BY FAILING TO BRING PICTURES

My frequent visits to the hair salon highlighted that the stylists reached my intended results better when I brought visual representations of the looks that I desired. There are limited ways to describe Selena Gomez’ bob cut. And even so, you may fall short with words. Carrying multiple photos of a distinct style will help the professional to create a blueprint for making it right for you. They can imagine whether a particular look will suit your face shape and physique.

There is no doubt that most stylists are visual learners. Thus, bringing pictures will dissolve the confusion that you may have from describing a color as golden brown or yellow blonde. Oh! Can you tell the difference?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You cannot walk in a prestigious hair salon and expect the stylist to perfect your desired look. At the end of the day, the skilled individuals can help you look good if you help them to do that too.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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