6 Life-Changing Tips To Save Money At Beauty Salons

Despite the wrestling butterflies in your stomach, you visit a beauty salon with an anticipation of a wonderful makeover. Who can blame you for splurging in the beauty salon? You are there to improve your physical appearance, anyway. There are so many products and add-ons at your fingertips that you may just end up broke. A woman has to live a little, right?

Do not sacrifice quality for cheaper services! To help you maximize your funds, here are some money-saving tips:

#1: SKIP THE TREATMENT

I have to admit, I am a lucky gal! My recent trip to the hair salon included a free peppermint treatment. Conditioning treatments are crucial after coloring your hair. Furthermore, a peppermint treatment includes other benefits such as getting rid of dandruff.

Hair stylists will do anything and everything to promote their conditioning treatments. I have experienced different marketing tactics – one even went as far as telling me that I will soon become bald. If your hair is generally healthy, you may skip the salon treatment. Said treatments can boost your bill by S$10. Consider purchasing a hair treatment or a hair mask instead. You may get this S$19.90 hair expert and use it more than once.

#2: CHOOSE THE JUNIORS

When you enter a beauty salon (i.e., nail or hair), some receptionists may ask you whether you have a preferred staff or not. Clients usually go for a stylist that they trust. This is why salons enable booking in advance.

During your first visit, you may judge the staff through their price lists. Prices for junior and senior stylists are different. Stylists with less experience and educational background will get paid less. Are you willing to pay a fortune to get the senior stylist’s touch? For simple services, you may opt for the junior stylists instead.

#3: DO IT YOURSELF

Before having professionals dye my hair yesterday, I had it colored last August (2017). This means that I was carrying about 3 inches of black hair along with the rest of my brown hair. It was hilarious to look at! To look like a normal person again, I opted to dye my hair completely. Touching-up the roots alone can cost me about S$40! It is an insane price to pay for a minor flaw.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Touch-ups are better done at home. Aside from the convenience of not leaving your home, your pocket will thank you for it. Completing the service at home could cost you about S$4-15. This is a bargain price compared to having professionals do it.

#4: CUT THE UNNECESSARY

Spa and salon packages may sometimes include services that you would not normally reach for. While getting a foot massage is pleasant, you may simply opt for a pedicure. You are not getting much of a bargain if you are only there for the basic services.

Do you really need the standard packages or the a-la-carte options? If the standard packages do not suit your needs, explain your situation to the owner or the manager. Ask for discounts – if possible.

#5: RESEARCH THE CUT

Prior to booking an appointment, it is recommended to browse through your options. Do your research to have an idea of your desired outcome. Your cut must complement your face well. People with round-shaped faces can get a bold pixie cut.

While, people with square-shaped faces must keep their hair long with layers in order to highlight their face. Avoiding short hair styles is also a good idea. And for heart-shaped faces, a medium hair cut with uniform layers will look attractive.

#6: BE COMPLETELY HONEST

Whether you will visit a beauty salon for advise or a full-makeover, you need to determine your intentions. Be completely honest when you are there for “window-shopping” alone. Will you get the same level of attention you would have otherwise? If it is a busy day, probably not.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Honestly allows you to carry your pride despite walking out with nothing on your hands.

Sources: 1,  2, &3

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How To Escape The Trap Of Buyer’s Remorse

Words cannot describe how overwhelming the retail prices have been due to the Christmas and Year-end promotions. I bought a quality Kat Von D lipstick for S$13.20 (i.e., original price was S$32). That price is equivalent to the lipsticks found at the drugstore! It was insanely cheap. I did not regret this purchase! In fact, I shared the coveted information to my friends.

Despite my shopping highs, I had my lows. I bought a S$39 hand cream by accident. How can I be so dumbfounded? Well, I saw this product on a sale rack that was mislabeled. Fortunately, I was able to replace the item with several items within the price tag. I resolved the unwanted tension I felt inside. Said unwanted tension is called buyer’s remorse.

Buyer’s remorse (i.e., the feeling of regret after purchasing something) happens to the best of us. We are psychologically wired to focus on desire. This is why it is best to avoid the shopper’s trap. Consider these tips:

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#1: COME PREPARED

Upon entering the glittering halls of Sephora, my sister posed a firm question. “What do you want to buy?”, she said. She believes that it is important to have an item in mind before entering a store. She is certainly right! I walked out with a single item from my favorite brand – Nudestix.

To prevent the common pitfall of impulse purchase, you must do your research prior to shopping. Look through the online reviews as well as the opinion of your peers. Married couples may employ a general rule of purchase. For instance, items over S$100 should be discussed. This rule will help you spend within your means.

#2: SET A BUDGET

Last night, my mother and I went to the nearby grocery to buy toiletries. I did not bring any cash and she brought S$15. I was fine with that as we only needed a pack of facial tissue and two toothbrushes. However, she was repeatedly attracted with other items such as the broom and the wet wipes. Having limited cash helped us to identify the unnecessary items in our cart.

It goes without saying that a realistic budget can help you avoid the unwanted sting of buyer’s remorse. Steer away from the tempting plastic cards! Bringing a fixed amount of cash is a surefire way to strictly follow through your budget. The fixed amount relies on what you are willing to spend on that day. It is best to spend the money that you already have.

#3: WALK AWAY

One of the hardest things to do is to walk away from a seemingly tempting offer. Retailers rule you with posters that highlight limited offers and flash sales. These so-called bargains support impulsive buying behaviors. To save your wallet, just walk away! If you are not willing to purchase an item on its full price, you are better off without it.

Remove yourself from the pressure zone by asking the store to hold the item for at least 24 hours. If there is still a need to get it, go back for it. The passing time in between gives you a chance to rethink the value of your purchase.

Sources: 1,2, &3

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False Alert: Here’s How You Can Spot Fake Financial News

You do not need to wear Sherlock’s deerstalker hat to filter out the falsehoods from the facts!

#1: IS IT LEGIT?

I have to admit, one can easily get lost in the vast Silicon Valley. A humble image search may lead to random personality quizzes. More so, it may lead to a seemingly familiar website that spreads factitious news. Do not rely on the credibility of the sharer (i.e., refers to your friend who shared the “news” on social media) alone! Assessing whether the website is legitimate or not is the first step to spotting a fake headline.

Notice its face value. If the article reeks of typographical and grammatical errors then, approach with caution. If the author’s prior works does not seem fact-based then, approach with caution. The article’s graphics may look impressive, but it does not necessarily add to the website’s credibility. Consider clicking the website’s “About Us” tab or browse through the readers’ comments below the article.

#2: THE HEART OF SOCIAL MEDIA

The rise of websites like Twitter and Facebook created a digital landscape for an unprecedented number of online articles. Its potency was highlighted as fake news became a modern epidemic. Facebook defines fake news as articles that “set out to deceive, contain objectively provable falsehoods, and pretend to be from a legitimate news site”. A single nation cannot control its overwhelming global prevelance.

For starters, getting your news primarily from social media platforms entails reading articles that usually skip fact-checks. Social media websites allow individuals and businesses to campaign paid advertisements and make them seem like genuine stories. Some websites are even decorated with “fake news” bots. It is dangerous when you are regularly fed with fake financial news to suit your online behaviors. Steer away from these stories and focus on accurate financial websites or news outlets such as MoneySENSE.

#3: CAN YOU DEFINE IT?

Let us get our vocabulary straight – first things first. Contrary to popular belief, fake news are not restricted to impolite or inconvenient themes. Nor is it limited to the scrutiny of a financial professional or a financial theory. Fake news have in-depth layers. As I previously mentioned, Facebook defines fake news as deceiving articles that contain false information. Many are published to target the ignorant masses to generate “virality”.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

You see, this type of news rely on your impulsive decision to click. Just because something has optimized shareability does not mean that it is credible. There are some viral money articles that are worth missing out!

#4: THE LACK OF DATA

Viral articles usually elicit strong emotions from its readers. Whether they are sobbing or empowered, people are fond of sharing stories that leave a lasting impact. Despite carrying an inspiring rags-to-riches investor story, do not instantly treat an article as your stock guide. Just because a charismatic person says that a certain stock is booming does not mean that it is!

Fake news lack tangible data. Artistic infographics or tables may distract you from the truth that the article is utterly baseless and purely objective. So, remember that savvy investors examine the data rather than the opinion. Opinions may be harmful when the person you are interacting with is promoting a stock for his or her ulterior motive. Safeguard your financial well-being by checking for the facts.

#5: DID YOU FACT-CHECK?

Group SMS used to be all the rage back in the day! It refers to establishing a collection of contacts that you will constantly communicate with. When I was in secondary school there was an individual who hid in the persona of “gossip girl”. He or she used to send messages containing unpleasant events that attack a particular set of students. It was saddened to see how rumors spread like wildfire! Lies often spread farther and faster than the truth – according to a report.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Applying the same ideal to fake news highlights how facts go viral less often than falsehoods. This is why readers must adapt the habit of fact-checking. Start by digging through the attached links then, check the article’s primary resources. Dial up your skepticism when links and references do not add up.

Sources: 1, 2, 3 & 4

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5 Everyday Items That You Must Splurge On

EARPHONES

I have learned my lesson. I will no longer waste my money on seemingly fashionable yet cheap earphones. I got tired of replacing the ones that I recently bought at an artsy bazaar or a festive market. So, I focused on browsing some premium earphones. It made a huge difference! In fact, my current earphones has been with me for about two years.

Consider making the switch! Look for an earphones that possess amazing sound quality, decent microphone sensitivity, and well-made wires. I know that some people prefer flat wires to prevent the hassle of tangled wires. Note that there are certain brands with lifetime warranty such as JLab Audio. Before making a purchase, educate yourself about these things by reading online reviews.

PRESCRIPTION SPECTACLES

Half of my life was spent on constant trips to the nearby optical shops. Changing my look became a subtle hobby of mine. I either steer away or hop aboard the bandwagon when it comes to the style of my frames. I cannot be the only one!

The prevalence of shortsightedness or Myopia among Singaporean children was considered as one of the highest in the world. For a trait embedded in our genes, many of us are in need of prescription eye-wear. A lifetime eye-wear supply may poke a hole in your pocket, but it does not have to!

Purchasing your specs online may be cheaper and more convenient. However, it may not withstand the test of time. You will have to constantly replace your frames or lenses to compensate for its lack of quality. It is a good idea to invest on quality prescription spectacles that your specialist recommends.

COSMETICS

The beauty industry generates billions each year. I cannot deny how crazy consumers can get when Sephora Singapore announced their Christmas Sale that offer up to 50% off. Brands such as Too Faced, Urban Decay, Fresh, Nyx, and Tarte can be easily spotted in the sale racks. For a makeup enthusiast such as myself, I quickly grabbed the shopping basket!

Why is it important for you to purchase high-quality cosmetics? For starters, it is something that you apply to your face on a daily basis. It is hard to hide an irritated or a wounded face due to cheap makeup. Invest on high-end products every once in a while. Pretty soon, you will see your collection growing and your skin glowing. Consider foundations or tinted moisturizers from Laura Mercier, Bare Minerals, and Bobbi Brown.

KITCHEN KNIVES

Rather than frequenting the restaurants or hawker centres, cooking for your family can stretch your dollars. Knives are among the essential tools in the kitchen. The basic collection includes a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife. A dull knife takes you back to the caveman era. While, a sharp knife can last you for a lifetime. Remember that all blades can be sharpened. However, some blades dull faster than others.

Look for reliable knives that may last you for a lifetime. Consider notable brands such as Victorinox and Cangshan.

SOCKS

Socks are prevalent in the workplace and school environments. Students and employees regularly change their socks to accompany their trusty shoes. I remember using antimicrobial socks to prevent foot odor during my Physical Education class. You read that right! Socks are essential to protect your feet from odor, blisters, and unwanted microorganisms. This is why you spare no expense in finding a durable pair.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

With an article of clothing that you must wear everyday, ensure that you are comfortable throughout the day. Opt for thin socks to provide you cushion and style. While thick wool socks shall provide you the warmth and longevity.

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

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4 Places That Celebrate Singapore’s Yuletide Festivities

The glittering trees and the glistening streets mark the Christmas Eve in Singapore. What are your plans for the holidays? Do you fancy a crowded night out or a peaceful night in?

I, for one, was showered with gifts from generous clients and friends. Not to mention, I bravely partook in a holiday spree. There were great deals everywhere! The exhilarating feelings of Christmastime brings happiness to people of all ages. Celebrate the Yuletide spirit by visiting one or all of these amazing places:

GREAT CHRISTMAS VILLAGE

It is difficult to resist the retail bargains found islandwide! As I have mentioned above, I embraced the volume of people to accomplish my holiday spree. The crowds were truly overwhelming. I noticed that they condensed in one place – Orchard Road’s Christmas Village. The Christmas Village includes Santa’s house, amusement rides, and a pop-up market.

The “Endless Wonder — Christmas on A Great Street” market is located at the Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. You can expect an array of retailers such as Ritz-Carlton Hotel, Tiffany & Co., Casio, SK-II, Fish & Co., and Haagen Dazs. You do not want to miss the Christmas Countdown concert as well as the gorgeous street lights!

Location: Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza
Rate: Free admission
Duration: Open daily at 11 am until December 25, 2017

SMASHING NEON PARTY

Let your neon dreams come to life as you enter the largest retail playground in Singapore – the Flashbang! A variety of food stalls, game booths, and craft workshops await you at daylight. When night dawns, neon installations designed by the local artists will light up the place. You are sure to snap Instagram-worthy pictures in every corner! Boosting your social media profile is important during the Millennial era, right?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

My sister and I began our Flashbang stroll with a sip from our cocktails. We were enticed by the old-school arcade games, the live music performances, the unique food stalls, and the luminous LED-light balloons. Our experience was concluded by a restful nap at the Airmocks’ hammocks.

Location: Grange Road Carpark
Rate: Free admission
Duration: Open daily at 3 pm until December 30, 2017

A CINEMATIC WONDERLAND

Gone are the days when you visit a Christmas event mainly for its festive market. At Gardens by the Bay’s Christmas Wonderland, you will be delighted to see an action-packed area. This place is filled with live performances, light sculptures, carnival games, and snowfall shows. You will be greeted by the quaint wooden huts containing artisinal products and quirky crafts. It is recommended to see and snap Santa’s well-lit grotto!

My family and I decided to explore its cinematic wonders tonight. We are looking forward to witness the Vokatones perform their Christmas Carols as well as the Luminarie Light Sculptures at 7 pm. Buy your tickets online (at least one day in advance) to get the discounted price of S$4 to S$8 instead of paying S$6 to S$10.

Location: Gardens by the Bay
Rate: S$4 to S$10
Duration: Opens daily at 4 pm until December 26, 2017

 

THE FAMOUS CARNIVAL

With hundreds of online reviews, who would not be curious about the largest carnival in Singapore? The Prudential Marina Bay Carnival spans about 3.5 football fields. It hosts over forty rides including the Star Flyer, Mach 5, and Das Fun Schiff. The Star Flyer gives a sensation of flying with its 35-meter tower. The Mach 5 swings its riders round and round at an outstanding 55 meters high. Lastly, the Das Fun Schiff is their take on the classic Vikings ride.

Ease your throbbing heart as you check out the selection of local and international food such as chicken rice bowls and chendol soft serves. Top your thrilling experience with a carnival staple such as the candy floss or cotton candy.

 

Perhaps one of the most interesting stories about the carnival is the viral article that narrates a writer’s experience with a stranger. The writer invited a senior taxi driver to the carnival out of spontaneity. They happily strolled the entire area and talked about life (in general). He wisely said: “I learnt in business that we can’t abandon people during hard times…”

Read the entire story, here.

Location: The Promontory @ Marina Bay
Rate: Free admission (Rides cost between S$4 to S$10)
Duration: Open daily at 3 pm until April 1, 2018

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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