Korean Beauty Products That Are Worth Every Dollar

The clamor for Korean beauty products skyrocketed in the recent years. As with any trend, the volume of said products boomed as the global obsession grew. Let us filter out the mediocre products and leave with these amazing products (i.e., which are under S$20).

TONY MOLY STRAWBERRY 3-STEP NOSE PACK

Get it at Lazada Singapore for only S$8.37. 

The official Tony Moly stores in Singapore are situated in Jurong Point and Bugis Junction. Here, you will find the Strawberry 3-Step Nose Pack that exudes a delicious milky strawberry scent.

The nose pack has been on trend way back in the ’90s. This Korean rendition stands out as it cleanses your pores and tackles your blackheads, while moisturizing your skin. All these are possible because the product was enriched with witch hazel, lemon, sage leaf, and green tea extract.

ELIZAVECCA MILKY PIGGY CARBONATED BUBBLE CLAY MASK

Get it at Althea Singapore for a discounted price of S$14.40.

From the makers of the painful Hell-Pore Clean Up Mask comes the funky Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask. The Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask took the Internet by storm due to its fizzy and foamy nature. Watch as it cleanses Vivienne Fung’s face:

To maximize the results, the mask is meant to stay in your skin for five minutes until the bubbles are generated.

BANILA CO. CLEAN IT ZERO

Get it at Changi Airport for S$19.70. 

Are you hunting for a facial cleanser, which is supported by positive consumer reviews? Look no further than the Clean It Zero. This “scoopable” cleanser starts out as a solid balm and later turns into an oil when you massage it to your skin. It boasts with papaya extract – a gentle exfoliating ingredient that will give you a glowing complexion. No need to brighten your face with a beauty app!

Lastly, it claims to remove even the clingiest of makeup looks!

HOLIKA HOLIKA GOLDEN MONKEY GLAMOUR LIP 3-STEP KIT

Get it Althea Singapore for a discounted price of S$2.70. 

Ready to renew your pout? Ladies and gentlemen of all skin types can benefit from the Golden Monkey Glamour 3-Step Kit.

Holika Holika_Golden Monkey Glamour Lip 3 StepAs I have insanely chapped lips, this lip mask buzzes music to my ears. You have heard of a face and a lip mask works similarly. Apply it to your beloved lips to exfoliate and hydrate it.

Sources:1 & 2

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Amazingly Free Things To Do On Your Off Days

To help you recharge and reignite your passion for life, I listed 15 inspiring things to do when your day off comes. All these activities do not cost a cent!

1. Witness the magnificent aerial view of the city by stepping into the ION Sky. ION Orchard’s observatory is open from 3 to 6 PM daily.

2. If you rarely take time away from work, take this as an opportunity to tone up your body. Begin by brisk walking at the nearby park.

3. Brush up your skills by taking open online classes from institutions around the world. Coursera is a popular platform that offers classes from prestigious universities such as Princeton and National University of Singapore.

4. Listen to your favorite type of music by building your own playlist at Spotify. Take the 7-day free trial.

5. Savor a spotless kitchen by cleaning all your utensils and electrical equipment. Do not forget to switch off these equipment before you start cleaning.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

6. Learn how to make an Origami Paper Crane. This creative skill is not only a good conversation starter, but it is also handy in parties.

7. Lay like a couch potato by employing a movie marathon. Watch the entire Star Wars series for approximately 13 hours or the Lord of the Rings trilogy for about 11 hours.

8. Arrange your living environment according to the principles of “Feng Shui” to help you feel more balanced.

9. Go to the nearby public library. Here, you may read books that will help you to improve your career.

10. Start saving for your future by opening a savings account. If you already have one, you may dedicate this day to making a significant deposit to your account.

11. Watch the glorious sunset with your special someone. Capture the moment by posting it on your social media platforms.

12. Enjoy outdoor movie screenings (and occasional free snacks) with Movie Mob. It is a drive-in event, which is held in various areas. Check out the next screening at facebook.com/apemoviemob.

13. Create homemade spa treatments by using the materials that are available to you. Nothing beats beauty time!

14. Take a relaxing stroll at the MacRitchie Reservoir’s Treetop Walk. This will enable you to connect with nature.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

15. If you are deeply attached to your handphone (like the rest of us), you may want to declare a device-free day. Allow yourself to live in the present moment. Fully enjoy the day with your friends and family.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Surefire Ways To Save Money On Beauty Products

Most consumers believe that beauty expenses are “needs” rather than “wants”. This is why they do not look for ways to save money. However, you can still pamper yourself and save money at the same time.

Consider these four tricks:

SPOT THE DUPES

If you have been accustomed to using high-end cosmetics and salon-quality hair products, your beauty expenses may take a toll on your budget. Stop ignoring the inexpensive products at the drugstore! Challenge yourself to downgrade at least two products and see if the cheaper option is an acceptable alternative.

Let as take a look at the makeup products to put things into perspective. In the beauty world, dupes refer to the affordable options similar to the expensive products. Dupes carry similar shade, texture, and results with the “original”. For instance, you may amp up your lashes for less by purchasing the Rimmel Scandaleyes Reloaded Mascara at Watsons. This is way cheaper than its competitor – the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara at Sephora. Get more dupes by following @Dupethat on Instagram.

WIDEN YOUR SEARCH

As I mentioned above, the drugstore holds several gems waiting to be discovered. Widen your search for inexpensive alternatives by considering unconventional locations such as the “dollar store”. Purchase general items at Value Dollar or Daiso Singapore. General items include facial cotton pads, hair clips, manicure kits, and beauty sponges. People who do not have sensitive skin may try some of the cosmetics available at these stores.

FACE YOUR STASH

Using the available beauty products is probably the easiest money-saving trick in the book! Begin by creating a realistic inventory of your cosmetics before moving on to your skin care and hair care items. Narrow your collection by removing any unnecessary duplicates. Do you really need six identical red lipsticks or a dozen of face masks?

Aside from avoiding duplicates, you must avoid the harmful effects of unusable products. I am referring to the beauty products that are already expired or tarnished. Check for the products’ dates, the formula consistency, and the packaging condition. You do not want your hair oil leaking all over your purse.

BEAT THE GIMMICKS

Do not be tempted by flashy gimmicks and clever infomercials.

Are you looking forward to grab the new stainless steel mascara by Hourglass Cosmetics? Well, the 78-dollar instrument (about S$109) aims to catch you attention and to make you perceive that it improves the mascara. However, “innovative” products like this are almost always wasteful. Do you really want to waste your money on a tool that resembles a screw?

Master hairstylist Pasquale Caselle once said: “It (infomercial) is a specifically written script portrayed by models and actors so, you think you must have that product. Remember, no product is good for everybody all the time, as they would have you believe.” Please research on the beauty product first before buying it.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Learn About The Essence Of Money By Watching These Films

Money is all around us. Thus, it comes as no shock that this subject sparked the imagination of countless screenwriters. Their works either graced the small or the silver screen. Many movies surrounding money or finance creates dramatic performances and universal themes. You could learn a thing of two from these films.

Without further ado, here are some “money movies” that are actually worth your time…

THE IMPORTANCE OF CREATING AN EMERGENCY FUND

Several articles I wrote stressed on the importance of establishing an emergency fund (e.g., Clever Ways To Build A Sufficient Emergency Fund). Widen your understanding by perceiving life through the lenses of George Bailey.

One of the most beloved films of all time, “It’s A Wonderful Life (1946)” teaches us about the effect money can have over us. Its follows the journey of George Bailey who led a seemingly perfect life in Bedford Falls. He was the head executive of a local financial institution – the Bailey Bros. Building and Loan Association. Everything changed on a Christmas Eve when an employee lost the $8,000 bank deposit. George had to face serious criminal charges for embezzlement. The financial crisis took a toll on him and he contemplated suicide.

If George set up an emergency fund, his financial crisis would have been alleviated significantly. An emergency fund aims to cushion personal financial dilemma such as bankruptcy, unemployment, or theft. He was a thrifty individual, but he did not consider to pay himself first.

Realistically speaking, chronic stress is a possible reaction to monetary woes. Do not hesitate to seek professional help when necessary.

THE FRUITS OF DETERMINATION

Pursuit of Happyness (2006) holds a special place in my heart. I would never forget the quote that Will Smith’s character delivered. He said: “Don’t ever let someone tell you, you can’t do something. Not even me. You got a dream, you got to protect it.” Naysayers and jealous people are inevitable in a competitive field such as ours. Not letting them get in the way of your success is just one moral lesson in the movie.

The movie beautifully paints rags-to-riches tale. Will Smith portrays the character named Christopher Gardner. Christopher was a salesman who struggled to make ends meet for his family. The height of their financial crisis led to the abandonment of his son. Against these depressing odds, he maintained a positive outlook. He took an unpaid internship to become a stockbroker. He would make about 200 calls a day! His determination and persistence shined through. These two factors are vital, if you want to thrive in life.

Christopher’s ability to find solutions in the face of financial adversity is truly inspirational.

THE EFFECTS OF GREED

The 1987 Wall Street flick conveyed the superb message that every dream has its price. The story centers on a young, desperate, and impatient stockbroker who is willing to do anything just to reach the peak. He was willing to step on his integrity to gain power. The characters embodied that greed is good, is right, and is necessary.

Let us define greed (pertaining to wealth) first. Psychologists have a definition for excessive love of money. They stated that it is about needing money for its own sake. Contrary to the need for money to satisfy personal and social goals. Greed, for the lack of a better term, is bad.

You are likely to commit mistakes, the more you are emotionally attached to money. You develop several biases when you are clouded with greed. For instance, “money lovers” were more likely to believe that savings could wait. Oh! Talk about not building a nest for the golden years.

This movie may be a classic, but its lessons are still relevant today.

Sources: 1,  2, & 3

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Why Clarke Quay is the best place in the CBD to have your lunch

Known for its buzzing night life, Clarke Quay has as much to offer in the day as at night. With more than 20 promotions offered for lunch, you can reward yourself with a mid-day break with artisan food. Be it Asian cuisine, Western delights or local tastes, Clarke Quay has a smorgasbord of lunch options to choose from!

  1. Cast away your Monday Blues!

Lunch Menu_Fish and ChipsCome every first Monday of the month, catch 1-for-1 deals at selected outlets. Participating outlets include Fremantle Seafood Market, Talay Thai and more.

  1. Affordable Lunch Sets from $10++.

2017 Set Lunch

With lunch sets that begin from $10++, you can now grab Xiao Chen Gu Shi’s Chicken Rice set, Hooters’ signature Wings & Fries, Fremantle Seafood Market‘s Seafood Aglio Olio or choose between 1- to 3-course meals at Hot Stones.

For $15++, you can also catch (pun intended) Catch Beer & Batter’s Signature Ale Battered Fish & Chips, Muchos’ Mexican Quesadillas, a taste of Balinese cuisine at Bayang, Tomo Izakaya and Hutong. Cannot go without a beer to accompany your lunch? McGettigan’s Irish beers and Harry’s are excellent lunch options with $15++ sets. (Beers are not included in lunch promotions.)

  1. Try these new kids on the block.

Minced Chicken with Basil

You can’t miss the all-time favourite Phad Thai from Talay Thai, known for its new Thai Tapas concept. VLV Singapore, Red House Seafood, Da Miao Hotpot and Philly Shack are some of the other F&B outlets that have also recently sprung up in Clarke Quay. In case you haven’t heard of Philly Shack, they are home to the authentic Philadelphia Cheesesteak, or Philly Cheesesteak, as they are more commonly known.

  1. Ideal business lunch venue.

VLV_RestaurantView3

If you’re looking for a quality dining location to host your business lunches, upmarket VLV offers a 7-course set lunch, which features their speciality “Duo of Dim Sum” and “Sweet & Sour Chilean Seabass”. Peony Jade also offers a 5-course set lunch, with its upmarket food items at only $25++ per pax! Their signature smoked duck with black peppercorn sauce, cappuccino pork spare ribs garnished with almond flakes, crabmeat bouillon with golden mushroom, spicy sze chuan ma po tofu are some of the items not to be missed.

  1. Happy Hour at lunch.

McGettigan BAr Food Photo:Andrew Downes, xposure

Because why not? Experience a modernized Irish pub experience at McGettigan’s Irish bar. Catch Beer & Batter and Harry’s are some of the other pubs and restaurants open from mid-day, so in case you need a quick perk-me-up, Clarke Quay’s myriad of choices have got you covered!

  1. Near the CBD, less time travelling

Surrounded by the business districts of City Hall, Raffles Place and Dhoby Ghaut, Clarke Quay is a prime location for a quick bite, or a leisurely lunch date with your colleagues.

  1. Kids dine for FREE every SUNDAYS!

HS_Surf and Turf

We know Sunday is a family day. Come Sunday from 12pm to 3pm, for every every 2 paying adults, 1 kid gets to dine for free at restaurants such as VLV Singapore, Hot Stones, Fremantle Seafood Market, Talay Thai, Catch Beer & Batter and McGettigan’s.

  1. Enjoy free parking from 12.30pm – 1.30pm from Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays.

Enjoy free parking from 12.30pm – 1.30pm from Monday to Friday, excluding Public Holidays.

  1. CapitaStar members are rewarded

All CapitaStar members will also receive 3 times bonus STAR$* for your lunch receipts at Clarke Quay.

  1. Family free game

Every alternate Sundays in the month of April, there will be free games for families and it will be an excellent time to reconnect and bring the family together!

What are you waiting for? Make a reservation for your next lunch date!

CQ Lunch

For more information, please visit www.clarkequay.com.sg/lunch

*Terms & conditions apply, information is accurate at the time of print, please check with individual outlets for details.

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