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4 Affordable Nail Salons Offering The Best Services In Singapore

Whenever we go for first dates or job interviews, us women prefer to put our “best foot forward”. Aside from making a great impression, we take this idiomatic expression literally by preening the nails on our foot or hand to perfection!

With all the specialized nail salons sprouting over Singapore, it has been difficult for us to choose the best ones. But in totality, we look for a nail salon that has friendly staff, hygienic practices (e.g., uses clean tools), and value for money. That said, here are the 4 nails salons that suit your needs…

1. MANICURIOUS

Located at 41 Beach Road, Manicurious may just be a woman’s paradise. It is a unique store that combines a nail salon with a cafe corner and a retail section offering shoes, accessories, and handbags. The interior of the store is relaxing, vintage, and neat. You will surely feel cozy in their armchairs while you choose from an array of polish colors. Their reasonable service prices (e.g., express manicure or nail shaping) start at S$6 while add-ons (e.g., hand scrub or quick dry) prices start at S$3.

What’s more? They have 20% off nail services from Monday to Thursday at 11 am-4 pm (T&C apply).

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Image Credits: facebook.com/manicurious

Book an appointment here: manicurious.sg.

2. LILY NAILS SALON

Gelish manicures may stay for the longest time but they can get very pricey even amounting to over S$60! Thankfully, you can go to Lily Nails Salon for an unbelievably affordable express gelish manicure costing about S$16. You can avail this whether you are working or you are studying. Aside from this, they have interesting designs with an assortment of polish and gelish colors. The express manicure is priced at S$8 while the classic manicure is priced at S$9.

Image Credits: facebook.com/lilynailssalonbugis/timeline?ref=page_internal

Book an appointment here: lilynailssalon.webs.com/contact.

3. NAIL QUEEN BEAUTY SERVICES

Aside from pampering the nails of some celebrity brides, Nail Queen Beauty Services is known for its premium nail art service. Located at Far East Plaza, this nail salon is great place for fashionistas to soothe their nails after a long day of shopping. Their express service ranges from S$12-15 while classic service ranges from S$25-35. And, their express gelish costs S$30-35. What you will love about this salon is the vintage interior and the amiable staff.

Image Credits: facebook.com/pages/Nail-QueenLet-Us-Pamper-You/235276535956

Book an appointment by calling 6836 1393.

4. FINGERWORK

Since 2003, Fingerwork has been renowned for its gel nail extension and nail art services. Located near Raffles MRT, working ladies in the area can enjoy personalized manicures or pedicures are reasonable prices. Also, students can enjoy discounts from time to time. The prices for the manicure range from S$6-46 while the prices for pedicure range from S$9-56. For instance the express manicure is about S$12 while the express pedicure is about S$17. Aside from this, you can indulge on their nail enhancements including nail repair, gel infill, and temporary tips.

Image Credits: facebook.com/pages/Fingerwork/184157964957218?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

Book an appointment by calling 63275967.

Sources: 1 & 2

MTI Launched Islandwide List of Budget Hawker Food

Hawker food is part of Singapore’s heritage, and is the place to go to for a spread of local delights without the price tag.

From your favourite Chicken Rice to Wanton Mee and Mee Rebus, wouldn’t it be good to find out the stall that sell the cheapest local fare in Singapore?

The Ministry of Trade of Industry (MTI) has launched a Hawker Guide early last month where you can search for the cheapest hawker dish in Singapore island-wide.

It is user-friendly and you can simply select the hawker dish from their list of budget hawker food.

In this example, Chicken Rice has been selected.

You can then search their database according to their location:

The search results will show the cheapest chicken rice in ascending order.

This is a pretty handy guide that is worth sharing with your friends, or for any visitors that are coming to Singapore! Now at least you know where to get the cheapest Nasi Lemak in Singapore.

Check out the guide here.

Make-up Addict’s Guide To Saving Money In Singapore

Let us face it! Your addiction to cosmetics is not doing any good to your wallet. The good news is that there are affordable hacks and cheaper alternatives out there! You just need to have the patience to find them. All in the name of beauty, here is the Make-up Addict’s Guide To Saving Money In Singapore…

1. BE FAMILIAR WITH THE BRANDS

According to an experienced make-up artist in Singapore named Nat K., the awesome and affordable beauty brands in the city are:

a. COLLECTION

With a huge public demand in United Kingdom, Collection finally made its way to Singapore. Beauty gurus on YouTube have adored their Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer that covers blemishes and flaws for up to 16 hours. So, a little application of this creamy tube can go a long way. It comes in four colors namely: light, fair, medium, and dark. It retails for S$14.90.

Image Credits: boots.com/en/Collection-Lasting-Perfection-Concealer_1436032

Aside from this, Nat recommends for you try their assorted glitter liners, as they are the best she had found. Their product prices range from S$8.90 to S$21.90.

b. CATRICE

Another brand hailing from Europe is Catrice. Catrice boats with a huge following in Switzerland and Germany. This is probably because for cheaper brands, their formulations are great as well as their packaging. The packing is sleek and minimalist. Their product prices range from S$4-13.

c. ESSENCE

A brand owned by the same European company as Catrice, essence is raved hugely in United States and Australia. This is probably the most affordable of all the brands in the list with its prices ranging from S$2.50-7.90. But, do not let the price fool you about its quality. The quality is shockingly good.

Since, one of my all-time favorite beauty products is mascara, I shall recommend the I <3 Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara. The mascara’s wand is bigger than others but you will find it easier to maneuver. The staying power is good in both warm and cold weather. The Essence I <3 Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara gives your lashes length, thickness, and darkness to increase its volume. Best of all? It retails for only S$5.50!

d. NYX

NYX has a wide array of affordable beauty products but I am personally in love with their lipsticks and lip-gloss. Whether it is matte, soft matte, or creamy, and their products are smooth and well pigmented. I have almost all of their butter glosses and I have to tell you…they smell nice! Nat shares that there blushes are both gorgeous and varied. Their product prices range from S$9-20.

2. KNOW WHERE YOU CAN FIND THEM

You guessed it! The cheaper brands are available at your local pharmacies such as Guardian and Watsons. However, NYX is available at Sephora and Watsons stores. Aside from these places, some online sellers (e.g, in Carousell) and flea markets carry these brands. To save you time and money, you just have to do your research before heading to town.

3. LENGTHEN YOUR PRODUCT’S LIFE SPAN

Maximize the longevity of your beauty product by:

a. Use every last drop of your BB or CC cream by cutting the plastic bottle into half and squeezing out the leftovers.

b. Store your oil-based products such as foundations and lipsticks in the fridge to make it last longer. This is because products with oil eventually go rancid in time.

c. I am a lipstick addict and seeing a broken lipstick, break my heart too. Not anymore! Fix smashed or broken lippies by heating them up quickly with a hairdryer or a match (full instructions – here).

4. TRY THESE ALTERNATIVES

Another way to save as a make-up addict is to find budget-friendly options for the lavish products she or he desires. For instance, if you want to get fuller and longer looking lashes, you may simply put baby powder on your mascara.

Also, you can make your own lip-gloss by mixing eyeshadow pigments with petroleum jelly. Lastly, you can find the pretty alternatives for the MAC lipsticks you have been eyeing on:

Image Credits: moneycanbuylipstick.com/2013/09/abcs-of-mac-lipstick-dupes.html

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

4 Most Fashionable Shopping Places Fit For The Student’s Budget

Polytechnic and University students are generally not required to wear uniforms. Although, that does not mean that you come to school with slippers, singlets, and miniskirts. You still have to look fashionable, poised, and appropriate at all times. Looking for shops that are friendly to a student’s budget may be tough but not if you know where to shop. Start with this list…

1. FAR EAST PLAZA

Any student with a tight budget would know that one of the best places to shop at Orchard Road for standout ensemble is the Far East Plaza. With about 6 floors, this building is filled with bargain deals for just about anything you can wear! From shoes, to tops, and even manipedis – Far East Plaza has it all for you.

My favorite shop for clothes is the BlogShopping at level 1 because it combines various famed online shops in one (physical) store. SetApart, WonderStellar, VogueAvenue, and Love x Theory are just some of the brands they carry. The prices for their clothes range from S$19-30.

Image Credits: facebook.com/pages/BlogShopping/214479001950446?sk=timeline&ref=page_internal

While for shoes, I recommend Covet and Plain Jane shoes at level 1. They offer stylish shoes for as low as S$10.

2. *SCAPE

This list will not be complete without mentioning *Scape Underground. *Scape Underground is filled with online or blogshops that sell their items at the cheapest prices. Unique accessories for as low as S$5 – can be found here. If you are lucky, you can chance upon ELF or NYX cosmetics that retails for as low as S$3. Nonetheless, inexpensive yet cool phone cases will always be available there.

3. ZALORA

Known for its wide range of international and local brands available at several countries, ZALORA is one of the top online retailers that sell accessories, shoes, apparel, and beauty products for both men and women. If you are a student who loves to be decked out in flashy bling then, you are in lock. ZALORA is currently having up to 50% off on their items so; their rings and ear studs can be purchased for as low as S$2-3!

4. THE EDITOR’S MARKET

Probably one of the most fashion forward shops with prices ranging from S$20-50, The Editor’s Market is minimalist, hip, and chic. Certainly, it perfectly exudes the youthful vibe! Whenever I am here, it is impossible to not find something I like.

The catch is: if you purchase two or more items, you get to save even higher! So, if you are planning to purchase here, it is best to grab a trusted friend along to guide you and lower down your total receipt. Their stores are located at Cathay Cineleisure and Orchard Central.

Image Credits: facebook.com/theeditorsmarket

Awesome IKEA Hacks You Wouldn’t Want To Miss

Aside from Sephora, one of the beloved brands in Singapore and beyond is IKEA.

IKEA is the Swedish brainchild of Mr. Ingvar Kamprad. Well known for its modern architectural products that ooze simplicity, from furniture to plants and even Swedish meatballs, IKEA offers a wide range of items essential in your home. Most of their products are not only elegant but also affordable. That said, who would not fall in love with this brand?

From becoming a part of the IKEA family to following them on social media, these hacks could take your IKEA savings game to the next level:

1. BECOME A PART OF THE IKEA FAMILY

You would be surprise to know that IKEA offers a free discounts program with no strings attached! As an IKEA family member, you are entitled to several benefits such as special discounts, members-only savings events, monthly offers on the Swedish Food Market, and complimentary coffee or tea with each visit.

There are two kinds of membership called temporary and permanent. A temporary membership gets to enjoy the lower prices, discounted meals and complimentary drinks for a year while a permanent member who spent S$150 within a year will enjoy the full suite of benefits.

Becoming an IKEA family member is easy and quick. All you have to do is to sign up for their temporary membership at any IKEA Family kiosks located around their stores (i.e., IKEA Alexandra or IKEA Tampines) or online (i.e., here). These are the current product offers for members only are available here.

2. SHOP WITH A SATIATED STOMACH

Going inside an IKEA store may not be the best idea if you are hungry. It could lead you to splurging at the kitchenware section or at the restaurant itself. You mindlessly go to the products and the meals simply because you want to satisfy the hunger within. Personally, it is hard not to get tempted by the aroma and the looks of their food even when you are full. So, it is best to eat a large meal before heading into the store.

3. ASK FOR REPLACEMENTS

If there are missing parts or a part is defected, do not pay for extra parts. Instead, call or head to the nearest store to ask for replacements. Check the assembly manual for the name of the product and the “number” of the missing parts to communicate smoothly with the IKEA staff.

4. COME PREPARED

Before purchasing anything, it is good to read the reviews and to compare the prices so that your money would not go to waste. IKEA offers a smart way to help you save and it is called ELP. ELP stands for “Even Lower Price”.

As the name suggests, this means that the product is marked lower than before. Thus, you get more savings on various items from lighting to decorations, and so much more. Browse ELPs for yourself, here.

5. GIVE THE PERFECT PRESENT

I for one dislike it when I purchased something that is not fit to the person’s size or style because they will have to put an effort to returning and replacing it. The added effort defeats the purpose of giving the gift. And if you are planning to give a present for your friends’ housewarming then, the stakes are much higher! You must not only find an item that is suitable for the house’s look (which you might have not seen at this moment) but also for their daily needs.

Fortunately, IKEA offers Gift Cards ranging from S$20-1,000. By giving them dated gift cards, you can finally ease your worries, get the value of your money, and help them find the perfect present!

6. UPGRADE YOUR SMALL FLAT

It is no secret that most flats in Singapore are relatively small to ensure that the country’s land is maximized. That said, aside from the 5 Simple Ways To Maximize Your Small Flat Without Spending Too Much, there are other easy ways you can upgrade your flat with IKEA products.

a. Lighting

Aside from opening your blinds to let the natural light flow freely, you can add lamps and spotlight to make the interior appear larger. The adjustable JANSJÖ LED clamp spotlight is available for only $14.90 – SG50 Sale Price.

b. Mirrors

Mirrors can help open up the small space especially if it is placed behind a light source. Get a mirror that is water-resistant and adjustable by purchasing the FRÄCK for only S$19.90.

7. MAKE DIY IKEA PROJECTS

Another genius hack is to purchase cheap IKEA items that are multi-purpose. For example, you can use the DUNSÖN trolley (S$34.90) as a foldable drying rack for your socks or undergarments. All you have to do is to read the instructions – here.

Image Credits: ikeahackers.net

And, if you are a couch potato like most of us, you will never lose a remote again with this DIY project that transforms NJUTA slippers (S$1.90 – SG50 Sale Price) and TOGA place mat ($1.90) into a couch caddy.

Image Credits: instructables.com/id/IKEA-HACK-couch-caddy

You can also put magazines or beverages in these assorted colored slippers.

8. FOLLOW THE DEALS

Come prepared before you walk inside the store’s door by stalking them on social media. Get the inside scoop of their product launches, store activities, and latest deals on furniture, toys, kitchenware, plants, and so much more by following facebook.com/IKEASingapore.

Currently, the page shares that “SG50 Sale” is ongoing until August 23. With massive discounts of 50% off storewide, you can certainly make the most out of your dollars!

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

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