How To Spot A Counterfeit Luxury Watch

One expensive hobbies that many Singaporeans partake in is collecting luxury watches. Due to the changing times, counterfeit or fake watches are becoming harder to spot. Collectors need to be very careful.

Consider these warning signs before purchasing a new watch:

#1: DOES IT HAVE A DOCUMENTATION?

Similar to purchasing an appliance, you must ensure that it comes with a warranty and an authenticity certificate (i.e., with a serial number). If you are acquiring it from a private collector, research the history of its ownership. Nonetheless, your safest bet is to buy the watch directly from the brand’s authorized store.

#2: DOES IT HAVE SPELLING ERRORS?

As obvious as this might sound, some fake items have spelling errors. Words such as “Professional” on Omega watches are commonly spelled with a single “s”. That is a red flag right there! Be wary of low quality pictures where the spelling is ambiguous too.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#3: IS IT TOO LIGHT?

Counterfeit watches are typically lighter than the original watches due to the cheaper materials used in its production. For instance, authentic gold Rolex watches are heavier than the fake ones. The weight of real gold is greater than the base metal used in the fakes.

#4: IS IT TOO LOUD?

Did you know that you can tell the movement of a watch based on its sound? Most fine quality watches have extremely smooth mechanisms, which means that these are engineered to function at an exceedingly low volume. You should not be able to hear a ticking sound unless the watch is put closer to your ear.

#5: DOES IT HAVE THE RIGHT ENGRAVING?

Some luxury brands use distinct engravings to make their products difficult to copy. Rolex uses laser-etched crowns in their sapphire crystals. While, Omega engraves a symbol in the case-back of its watches. Keep a vigilant eye on these specific markers.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is better to be safe than sorry! Equip yourself with these tips or ask a professional for quality assessment.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

 

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Budget-Friendly Ways To Enjoy Milk Tea Regularly

As a tea enthusiast who enjoys a daily sip of milk tea, you must devise a plan to satisfy your addiction without harming your budget. Here are just some tips that you can apply:

#1: KNOW WHERE TO PURCHASE

Bubble milk tea originated in Taiwan, whereby the “bubble” refers to the fizz it creates after shaking. As a point of comparison, I focused on the basic pearl milk tea. The cheapest Pearl Milk Tea product in Singapore is offered by Woobbee (for S$2.90). It is made of black tea and black pearls. Drop by one of Woobbee’s three outlets namely: Tanjong Pagar Plaza, Shaw Tower, and Chinatown Point. Second to this is Gong Cha. Its Pearl Milk Tea costs about S$3.20.

#2: HUNT FOR THE CHEAPEST DEALS

Singapore is blessed with a variety of websites offering huge coupons, vouchers, or deals. One of these websites is Deals Singapore. Deals Singapore offers discounted deals getaways, watches, food, beauty products, and lifestyle services. For S$5, you can grab two Partea drinks for the price of one. The voucher includes two Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea with fresh milk. You may purchase a couple of these vouchers and review it afterwards. What’s more? You may resell the voucher too.

#3: MAKE YOUR OWN MILK TEA

You can either purchase an instant milk tea mix and add some ice or make your own Hong Kong-style milk tea. Fairprice Online sells the Gold Kili 3 in 1 Instant Milk Tea, which includes 30 packets for S$4.20. You may also purchase the Super 3 in 1 Instant Milk Tea, which includes 25 packets for S$4.95.

On the other hand, Hong Kong-style milk tea involves three ingredients: a cup of water, a can of condensed milk, and 2 tablespoons of black tea leaves. Start by combining the tea leaves and water in a pan over medium heat. Bring this to a low boil and let it simmer for 3 minutes. Turn off the heat and put the condensed milk. Return to boil and let it simmer for another 3 minutes. Strain the mixture and serve.

Image Credits: thespruceeats.com

MODERATION IS THE KEY

I, for one, am addicted to milk tea. However, many experts suggest that you should not start the day with a cup of milk tea.

According to Shilpa Arora, a Macrobiotic Health Coach, “Tea has potent antioxidants catechins and epicatechins, but adding milk cuts down the amount of these antioxidants making this otherwise healthy drink a source of inflammation and acidity. Also, adding sugar makes it even worse.”

Since milk can make the tea acidic, it is recommended to indulge with moderation!

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Create A Beginner’s Makeup Bag For Under S$100

With a wide array of makeup products available on the market, it is hard to know what you actually need. Whether you are new to the cosmetics scene or ready to start a new kit, here are some of the essential products that you need to invest on.

THE ESSENTIAL PRODUCTS

1. Foundation

Foundation covers the imperfections of your skin. When choosing the right foundation, you must match the color with your neck and chest. Then, understand your skin type to decide between a powder or a liquid formula. People with dry skin can greatly benefit from liquid foundation or hydrating powder. People with oily skin can will look best with matte foundation or powder products.

2. Blush

The blush’s primary function is to give you a subtle glow or a healthy-looking skin. A hue that generally flatters every complexion is a rose blush containing hints of brown. Apply the blush correctly by smiling and locating the apples of your cheeks. If you are using a powder foundation, it is recommended to use a powder blush. If you are using a liquid foundation, stick with a cream blush.

3. Eye-shadow

Using an eye-shadow palette in a strategic manner can transform your entire look to suit your outfit. Experiment with the range of colors and types (i.e., matte or shimmer). Nude tones such as taupe and brown are universally flattering. While, muted purple and gray tones such as mauve and plum are classically beautiful.

4. Lips

Image Credits: pixabay.com

One of the most sought-after cosmetic products is the lipstick! Red and nude hues enhances your natural shade of pucker. Personally, I prefer Mac’s Russian Red and Twig shades. Selecting a sheer tone of lip product will minimize the chances of a mismatch as your natural pout will shin through.

THE THRIFTY MIX & MATCH

COMBO #1 (TOTAL: S$84.90)

A. Eyes/Cheeks/Lips/Face – Hydrate, Illuminate, and Glow Kit by Tarte (S$65)
This kit includes a highlighter palette that can double as your eye-shadow, a lip balm for a subtle color, and a setting mist for a 12-hour coverage.

B. Face – Pressed Powder Foundation by L.A. Colors (S$10)

C. Lips/Cheeks – Dear Darling Water Gel Tint by Etude House (S$9.90)

COMBO #2 (TOTAL: S$50.85)

A. Eyes – Matte Eyeshadow by L.A. Colors (S$11.05)

B. Lips/Cheeks – Dear Darling Water Gel Tint by Etude House (S$9.90)

C. Face – Miracle Touch Foundation by Max Factor (S$29.90)

Image Credits: pixabay.com

COMBO #3 (TOTAL: S$64.90)

A. Eyes/Cheeks/Lips – Nudies All Over Face by Nudestix (S$45)
A great tip to help you save money is to splurge on a product that can be used for more than one purpose. This versatile product even includes a brush and a mirror. My favorite shades include “In The Nude” and “Naughty N’ Spice”.

B. Face – Fit Me Matte+Poreless Liquid Foundation by Maybelline (S$19.90)

Sources: 1 & 2

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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

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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

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