Lifestyle & Hobbies Archives | Page 80 of 145

Newbie’s Guide To Finding The Perfect Spectacles

Poor vision is a trait that has been passed from the one generation of our family to another. Thus, it comes as no surprise that my sister inherited the trait too. For her birthday, I decided to help her purchase a pair of spectacles. It is a practical and fashionable gift that she can use on a daily basis.

I purchased a new pair in less than ten minutes. I knew the frame that I wanted and came with a budget in mind. While, she took about two hours to select hers. She put a lot of thought in the selection process because she believes in finding the best pair possible. As a savvy consumer, she was on a hunt to find a pair that will last her for several years.

Her actions made me dwell upon the essential steps needed to acquire the “perfect pair”.

WHAT ARE YOUR REQUIREMENTS?

Eye-wear criterion vary from wearer to wearer. Similar to acquiring a new gadget, you must examine the requirements needed to be filled when choosing a pair of spectacles. Where will you use your prescription eye-wear predominantly? Are you going to use it for indoor or outdoor activities?

The more information the optometrist or store personnel is provided with, the easier the selection process will be. Let the professionals know which features will be most beneficial for you.

WHICH FRAME SUITS YOUR FACE?

Choose a frame that compliments your face shape. To identify your face shape, you look directly into a mirror and pull your hair back. The overall contours of your face is your face shape. People with an angular face should opt for round frames. While people with round faces shall opt for angular frames. How about the ones with heart-shaped faces? Well, they should opt for oval-shaped frames. Lastly, people with oval-shaped faces can choose any type of frame they want.

Image Credits: selectspecs.com

Nonetheless, it is best to take someone with you while you shop. Having a second opinion from a trusted companion can be really helpful.

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS FOR LENSES?

Would you believe that there are more than two options for lenses? The market offers plastic lenses, multi-coated lenses, blue cut lenses, and so on. Choose the spectacle lenses that will best suit your lifestyle.

Plastic lenses are becoming increasingly popular nowadays. High-quality plastic lenses offer protection against scratches and pressure marks. Multi-coated lenses combine anti-reflection, scratch-resistant, UV-protected, and water repellent properties. Lastly, blue cut lenses are used to block the harmful blue light that smartphones, monitors, and laptops emit.

WHAT CAN YOUR INSURANCE COVER?

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.

Say that your company is covered with the AXA Smart Vision plan. This visionary plan includes comprehensive eye examination, discount on eye-wear, and up to S$300 allowance for frame or contact lens (T&Cs apply).

HOW CAN YOU GET A LONG-LASTING PAIR?

Why will you buy an expensive pair of spectacles when you can get several pairs delivered at your doorstep? This is the mindset of many Singaporeans who subscribe to cheap prescription eye-wear. You see, multiple cheap pairs do not necessarily equate to a single quality pair.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Purchasing an expensive high-quality pair that will last you for several years is better than purchasing an inexpensive low-quality pair that will last you for several months. Consider your prescription eye-wear as a health investment.

Sources: 1 & 2

5 Inexpensive Acne-Busting Products

After a long social hibernation, you are going out on a blind date. You have the perfect outfit that strikes a balance between attractive and elegant. Your threaded eyebrows are on fleek! Not to mention, you bought an irresistibly red lipstick. It seems that you are all set for your date. However, a huge zit suddenly appeared the night before. What shall you do?

Acne and pimple are nightmares to flawless skin. I, for one, have to combat these nasty visitors every hormonal cycle. Throughout the years, I have experimented with products that claim to zap zits. Fortunately for you, this list rounded up some of the best Inexpensive Acne-Busting Products in Singapore.

MY TRUSTED ALLY

One of the acne products that I cannot live without is Oxy Cover. The Oxy Cover Pimple Medication contains Benzoyl Peroxide (BP), which is stronger than other acne-busting chemicals. Its main function is to kill the bacteria and unclog pores. Since it comes in varying dosages, you need to choose a product that suits your case. For instance, Oxy 5 contains 5% Benzoyl Peroxide and treats mild to moderate pimples or acne. While Oxy 10 fights stubborn pimples or acne.

Image Credits: mentholatum.com.sg

Oxy Cover claims to kill bacteria causing pimples, unclog pores, dry up excessive oil, and cover your imperfections. Oxy 5 retails for as low as S$3.50.

THE HEALING ONE

Aside from BP, your skin can highly benefit from aloe vera. This amazing plant is versatile as it can be used on the hair, face, and body. Personally, I use aloe vera gels to tame my heat rashes and to soothe my burns. Its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties make it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Use it to help fade your acne or pimple scars.

Image Credits: Nature Republic USA

The Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel is a popular Korean product known worldwide. Formulated with California CCOF-certified organic aloe vera, this gel can be used by all skin types including sensitive skin. It retails for about S$3.10.

NATURE’S BEST OFFER

Some of my friends prefer natural products over modified chemicals. For a more natural option, turn to tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has innate anti-microbial properties that can disinfect your pimples or acne and minimize its inflammation.

Image Credits: thebodyshop.com

Simply pour a few drops of the oil onto a cotton pad, a clean tissue, or your fingertips. Afterwards, gently dab it directly on the affected spots. The oil shall penetrate the skin to unblock the sebaceous glands, disinfect the pores, and dry out the pimples or acne. Try The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil, which retails for as low as S$19.90.

THE BLEMISH BUSTER

Whether you like or not, acne or pimple leaves a mark. Maintain your healthy-looking skin by treating these spots. Spot treatments are over-the-counter acne products that can help heal your existing blemishes. Spot treatments containing Salicylic Acid (SA) can resolve and prevent lesions. Unlike BP, it does not have any effect on sebum production and does not have the ability to kill bacteria. Instead, it can be used for milder pimple or acne.

Image Credits: innisfree.com/sg

Innisfree’s Bija Anti Trouble Spot Essence contains both Salicylic Acid and Torreya Seed oil. The former helps treat blemishes, while the latter aids in healing the skin. This product retails for about S$25.

HYPED UP EXFOLIATOR

The art of maintaining an impossibly perfect and luminous skin is something that many Koreans have mastered. This is why, the rest of the world have been curious about their skin can routine. What is fascinating about their comprehensive routine is that it covers different areas including acne treatment.

Image Credits: lazada.sg

Exfoliating acids are a tried-and-tested acne-busting staple that completes the K-beauty regimen. A famous exfoliator that lives up to its hype is Cosrx’s BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. It is formulated with SA and Beta Hydroxyl Acid to deeply cleanse your pores. It costs about S$23.90 in Lazada Singapore and S$28.71 in Watsons Singapore. Shop around to get the best deal!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Changi Recommends: Book with ChangiHotels and Enjoy Great Savings Like Free ChangiWiFi Rentals*!

Imagine this.

You are booked on a dream vacation to Bali, the beach vacation you have been looking forward to for the entire year. You can’t wait to see the blue skies, the sand, and the sea. You have your itinerary all planned out, from breakfast by the beach, to a candlelight dinner with your other half. All you have left is the hotel reservation. After surfing the net for an entire day, you found a beautiful romantic accommodation with the perfect view of the sea, just within your budget. You decided on it, and you are at the checkout page but, to your horror, the price was much more than what was stated at the selection page. You are back to the drawing board, this time, frustrated with the hassle of hotel bookings and hidden charges.

But fret not. You will not face that situation because you are here. Reading this.

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The ChangiHotels website boasts an easy to navigate, no frills system from the get go, with the aim of offering transparent pricing to its consumers. Filter from price, star ratings, to even hotel promos with last minute discounts for your impromptu trip. Can I just repeat again that what you see is what you pay? Yes, the price for the hotel you are looking at for your upcoming trip before you even click to book IS the total rates for your stay, inclusive of tax.

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Golden Rules Of Gift-Giving

One of the most pleasurable pursuits associated with any special occasion is the act of gift-giving. While some gifts can evoke positive emotions, others can come across as inappropriate. The following etiquette rules will help you avoid the common gift-giving mistakes.

RULE #1: RECOGNIZE YOUR HOST

When you get invited to someone’s home, it is a delightful gesture to bring a token of appreciation in exchange of the invite. Recognize the efforts that your host has poured to this special day. This token should not be extravagant! Simply bring a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, or a box of doughnuts. Any gifts that are appropriate to the holiday’s theme will suffice too.

RULE #2: TAP INTO YOUR CULTURE

Singapore prides itself as a country practicing racial harmony. Hence, you may be invited to selected holidays that you do not usually celebrate. Keep in mind that not all cultures celebrate a particular occasion in the same way. So, do your homework before purchasing a gift. What is appropriate to give in a Traditional Chinese wedding may not be necessary in a Malay wedding.

RULE #3: EXTEND YOUR SINCERE GRATITUDE

Image Credits: pixabay.com

What should you do when someone gives you a present and you do not have anything in return? For starters, you shall not dwell on the fact that you do not have a gift for him or her. Instead, focus on showing the person that you appreciate this gesture. Extend your sincere gratitude by sending a thank you note or by sending a gift at a later date.

RULE #4: NO NEED TO RECIPROCATE

Most of us are compelled to provide someone with gift of equal value. This can be a trap since value is not easy to assess! When giving presents, you should ideally spend what you feel comfortable with.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Remember that the thought that goes into a gift is the most important thing. A Do-It-Yourself gift can be a great option that not only provides a cheaper alternative, but also speaks volume about your love.

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Pricey Perfume

Whether you are attracted to musky or floral scents, your perfume is your signature. Get the most out of your money by lengthening your perfume’s longevity. Here are seven tips to help you in your quest.

1. KNOW WHERE TO SHOP

Saving money starts with shopping for perfume at bargain prices. A list of top places to raid will not be complete without mentioning Mustafa Centre. Mustafa Centre offers an array of product selections. If you are buying fragrances in bulk, go to Level 1. There, you will find different fragrances, household items, books, cosmetics, electronics, shoes, watches, and so much more.

Most people go to Mustafa to shop in bulk due to its competitive prices. This way, they had increased their savings.

2. THRIVE IN THE DARK

Some things thrive in the dark. Extend the privilege of going “incognito” to your fragrance. By storing your perfume in dark and cool places (e.g., inside cabinets or shelves), you are ensuring its longevity. Exposing your products to heat and humidity can break down its components. So, avoid damp or warm places such as your bathroom.

3. FOCUS ON PULSE POINTS

Let me take a quick moment to enlighten you about pulse points. Pulse points highlight the areas where your blood vessels are the closest to the skin. Heat activates the perfume. Thus, the pulse points on your body are the best places to spritz a scent due to the warmth of your blood. Choose two target areas to which you can apply your scent on.

Image Credits: shadesofglam.com

Do not over do it! Personally, I prefer putting some on my wrists and on the back of my knees. The aforementioned warmth shall aid in evaporating the alcoholic carrier that most perfumes come in. Moreover, it will help release the fragrance more effectively.

4. PUT SOME PETROLEUM JELLY

Pure petroleum jelly such as Vaseline seem to be a holy grail for many beauty enthusiasts. It can be used in lash extensions, lip balms, and fragrances. Yes! You read that right. You can make your scent last longer by rubbing this product on your pulse points before spraying a layer of perfume on top. This quick hack will only use a minute of your time.

Perfume gets stronger when put on “oily” skin. It works by trapping moisture of your skin and by trapping the alcohol-based scents.

5. CHOOSE THE WOODSY BASE

Perfumes are made up of notes, which are separated into three layers: top, middle, and base. The top note is the first scent that is activated upon spraying the fragrance. It typically fades away in a minute. Then, the middle or heart note will stay for a longer period of time. When both notes evaporate, the base note shall remain.

For a better staying power, stick to perfumes with woodsy base notes. Scents with citrus base notes tend to disappear the fastest!

6. SPRITZ IT ON YOUR BRUSH

Whether you believe it or not, your hair has the ability to trap scents better than your skin. Spraying some of your signature scent on your hair will help it linger throughout the day. I am not saying that you must directly apply the perfume on your scalp. I, for one, have a sensitive scalp. Instead, you must spray it on your hairbrush and wait for it to dry up.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Comb the smell through your hair strands. Doing this will still distribute the scent evenly and will minimize the contact of alcohol to your scalp.

7. BONUS TIP: STOP RUBBING THE SCENT ON YOUR WRISTS

Rubbing the scent on one’s wrists and distributing it on the neck is a typical move that your mother or grandmother employs. Stop doing this! Rubbing your wrists together forces the top notes to break down. The scent will disappear at a faster rate. Please, just let your perfume sit.

Sources: 1 & 2

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