Get the best bang for your buck on beauty face masks

With face masks being mandatory to wear outdoors, some of us are seeing the negative effects on our skin. Whether it’s skin redness or breakouts, we feel you. Workers in essential services are definitely not having a good time, having to put on face masks for long periods of time.

To give your skin a little treat at night, probably you’ve started stocking up on beauty face masks. Or you were sorting out your fridge and found some loots from the last Korea trip you went. Whatever the reason is, allow us to share with you how to get the most value out of the beauty face masks you’re about to start using.

#1: FOLLOW THE RECOMMENDED TIME

If you refer to the instructions at the back of your beauty face mask, you will probably see the time recommended to put on the mask for. Keep to that.

The experts who manufactured the masks know it best so it’s wise to follow. Some ingredients can cause irritation when allowed to dry on the skin for longer than advised. The last thing you want to do is to spend money harming your delicate skin in the long run.

#2: AVOID USING SEVERAL MASKS AT ONE GO

Apart from beauty sheet masks, there are also masks that come in the form of a gel, cream, or clay. Keeping the recommended time in mind, you should try to multi-mask only when the products have similar usage time. However, if it’s too much a hassle to group them, then avoid it altogether.

Maybe you’ve read that people with sensitive skin combinations should use different types of masks at one time. It may make sense to use a clay mask targeting the T-zone area and a hydrating mask on the rest of the face. However, here comes the problem.

Considering the time it takes to dry, a clay mask would definitely be faster compared to its counterpart. Leaving the drying clay mask on for too long might cause wrinkles. This defeats the purpose of using it in the first place. You don’t want to be throwing your money into the bin.

#3 KEEP UP WITH THE ROUTINE

Too little or too much of something doesn’t always work. Be consistent in your beauty face mask routine if you want to reap the benefits and get the most value out of what you’ve spent.

The frequency? Again, follow the instructions written on the product. Some series require you to only have it on for once a week, while others may advise you to do it at least two to three times a week. It really boils down to individual brands and your skin’s reactivity to the ingredients.

Most importantly, what works for me may not work for you. To get the best bang for your buck on beauty face masks, stick to the rules.

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How To Secure Your Device When Shopping Online

In a recent survey, 1 in 4 Singaporeans have adopted mobile payment. In 2016 alone, over 30,000 retail points in Singapore enabled cashless payment. The most popular online wallets include DBS Paylah!, Apple Pay, and Android Pay.

You can only imagine how much growth the cashless payment received due to the Circuit Breaker period! People have been leaning towards this payment scheme due to the lack of face-to-face interaction that comes with it.

A mobile wallet stores payment information on your mobile device and lets you transact painlessly. It is fast and convenient. The downside? You are vulnerable to cyber hacking. On that note, here are several tips that you can use to secure your device while you shop.

#1: ENABLE THE TWO-FACTOR AUTHENTICATION

Two-factor authentication gives you an added layer of protection. Enabling this will let you control your purchases. You will be notified whenever your card or your online wallet is in use. You will get a message or an email asking for your verification code. This is something you have to put to pursue the online transaction. This will alert you in case fraudulent transactions are about to take place.

#2: BE VIGILANT AGAINST BOGUS SITES

Notice every little detail such as the web address. Cyber criminals use similar characters in the web address to virtually trick you into putting your bank details and other personal information. For instance, you may shop in amaz0n.com instead of amazon.com. Consider using tools such as Google Safe Browsing to check the current safety status of a website.

#3: PAY WITH CREDIT CARD

Credit cards are not tied to your savings account. Furthermore, it often offers fraud prevention and protection services compared to debit cards. If you use a debit card on purchases, the money will automatically be taken out from your savings account. Treat debit cards like cash. In contrast, credit cards enable you to have enough time to dispute fraudulent charges. Seek the help of the bank to investigate the incident. It is a good habit to regularly check your billing statement and your weekly transactions online.

#4: DO NOT SAVE YOUR CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

Some online retailers, like Lazada, offer the option of storing your credit card or debit card information after you have made a transaction. While it is convenient for you to do this, you must never put your personal information at risk. Major companies have suffered data breaches where consumers’ information have been stolen. Do not let this happen to you! Moreover, never provide your credit card or debit card details over an email or a phone call.

Protect yourself! Be vigilant and strategic whenever you purchase online.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Should You Wear Face Shields In Singapore?

Should You Wear Face Shields In Singapore?

According to the Ministry of Health’s guidelines, plastic face shield offers adequate basic protection and can be worn if you need to go out of your home during this period.

For the general public who need to go out of their homes during this period, any mask including reusable masks, DIY masks or plastic face shields, offer adequate basic protection.

Face shields have a number of advantages over masks. It can be more comfortable to wear than a face mask and it is easier to clean and disinfects after each use.

Video by Lindsley et al, 2014/NIOSH

According to a report from JAMA Network, face shields were shown to reduce immediate viral exposure by 96% when worn by a simulated health care worker within 18 inches of a cough. Face shields also protect your eyes and other parts of the face not covered by the face masks.

While face shields offer more advantages, they are are not 100% foolproof. Experts have recommend wearing with face masks to be effective. In addition, practicing good personal hygiene and social distancing should form the first line of defence against the coronavirus.

If you are considering to get a face shield in Singapore, here are some places where you can get them:

Soft-foam Face Shield

$3.50 on Qoo10

Baseball Cap Face Shield

$10.50 on Shopee

Spectacle Face Shield

$15.80 on Lazada

Kids Face Shield

$7.00 on Shopee

Face Shield Hat

$11.90 on Lazada

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Should You Buy Your Essentials Online Or In Store?

Welcome to the new normal! The Circuit Breaker period allowed us to stay at home out of necessity, while we anxiously spray disinfectant on every item around the house. WE all know that we have to follow the social distancing measures and to wait for the COVID-19 updates. However, it is hard to stay at home when you are running out of home essentials and grocery supplies. How do you shop for your essentials? Is it safer to buy online or in store?

GOING OUT TO SHOP IN STORE

Stepping outside to buy groceries and household supplies is the quickest and simplest way to restock. It is also accessible, whereby everything you need can be found in one place. The shopping mall can also provide you with different brands and packaging sizes. You can even return a damaged item on the spot.

Going outside to shop is no longer simple and safe as it used to be. Since most stores close earlier and some ceased their operations, you will have to time your shopping accordingly. You need to wear a mask and carry a disinfectant with you. Without the usual public transport measures, you will have to walk to the store or to avoid the peak hours. You will also have to line up for hours to fulfill your grocery journey.

Going outside also increases your chances of getting sick. You can contract the illness from surfaces, from crowded lines, or from the cash. This is according to the World Health Organization. Not to mention, the germ exposure that you can get from ATMs and banks. Remain safe wherever you are by practicing social distancing and by keeping your hands clean at all times.

The use of cash can be prevented by carrying your debit or credit card. You may also use cashless services such as Apple Wallet and PayPal. These methods are convenient and safe.

STAYING INDOORS TO SHOP

Shopping online has become more popular than ever. Getting deliveries right at your doorstep lets you skip the countless hours you spend in the store and the anxiety of getting infected. Most stores have strict disinfection practices, encourage no-contact deliveries, and accept contactless payments. It is easier to find specialty items online such as bubble milk-tea shops or freshly-baked goods.

The only downside is that you will have to visit several websites to look for everything you need. Stocks are limited too. You need to tick the item into the cart before you lose your chance. Most online stores have delivery delays due to the surge in demand. You have to be patient. Nonetheless, you can always order in advance.

FairPrice and Lazada Singapore are just a few of your online grocery options. These shops accept electronic payments and cash on delivery. After filling in the shop’s bank account details and amount, review your details and confirm. You will be spoiled with their item selections found online.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

For Singaporeans who only need a set meal without having to shop, food delivery apps can provide cravings for an entire family. This options offers all the advantages of shopping online, minus the long queue. There are upsides and setbacks to any way you choose to shop, and it is up to you to decide which best suits your lifestyle.

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How To Avoid These Common Mishaps

The Circuit Breaker period is almost over! With merely two weeks left, many Singaporeans are prepared to get back to their previous routines. Going back to the “outside world” can bring some irrational and unpleasant fears for us urban-dwellers.

What will happen if you forgot your mask at home? What if you stumbled through an open manhole? Who do you ask for help if you tripped along the stairs? This list compiled some of the most common intrusive thoughts, which run in the minds of many people. You are not alone.

#1: FALLING ONTO THE TRAIN GAPS

Going back to our “normal” travel route entails that you will encounter rush hour lines at the MRT and bus station. People jostling you when you are trying to stand behind the safety line on the platform is a commuter’s worst nightmare! Not to mention, you may fall onto the gaps. We all need personal space, especially these days. Ride during off-peak hours to avoid situations like these.

#2: BEING CRUSHED BY THE LIFT DOORS

With the rise of sensory-operated lift doors, people have embraced faster lifts. However, being caught between the lift doors can be painful and embarrassing. Prevent this from happening by being kind to your co-passengers. Always hold the lift door for someone. You will never know when you will need that favor back!

#3: HAVING YOUR GADGET EXPLODE

Few years ago, there was a particular smartphone model that explodes on its own. It was banned in several airlines worldwide. It is one of the top tech scare – having your phone explode while you are using it. Avoid this from happening by putting your gadget in your hand-carry bag. This includes your power banks, laptops, and smartphones. Keep your gadgets from overheating or overcharging.

#4: GETTING SICK FROM STREET FOOD

Singaporean street food has a diverse collection of cuisines. From Roti Prata to Kaya Toast and Ice Cream Sandwich, your tummy will be delighted with many choices. Still, some people worry about buying street food. For people with weak stomachs, check the establishment’s food safety or hygiene rating. An “A” grade means the establishment met 85 percent of the requirements. Be guided accordingly.

#5: SLIDING OFF THE MOTORCYCLE

One of the quickest ways to travel Singapore from one end to another is by riding the motorcycle. Riding the motorcycle in the front or the back seat can save you time and money. Although, there is a slight chance that you can fall off the vehicle. This is why you must obey the road safety rules and wear proper safety gears at all times.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

We all encounter situations where we’re confronted by our own mortality. And this unpleasant situations can happen at any moment. Do yourself a favor by getting insured. Ease your worries of the future by ensuring your life and your health. You may also build an emergency fund to cushion unforeseen events.

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