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Budget-Friendly Skin Care Tips That Experts Recommend

Dreaming of fresh, glowing, and youthful skin without the need to spend hundreds of dollars on expert services?

Skip fancy skin treatments by rejuvenating your skin with five simple skin care tips that beauty professionals do themselves.

1. BE GENTLE

Regular shaving and cleansing can damage your skin so lower its intensity by avoiding strong soaps and by shaving cautiously. Strongly formulated soaps can remove oil from your skin. So, use mild cleansers especially with your face.

Shaving cautiously entails protecting your skin by adding another layer of lotion, shaving cream, or gel before shaving. Also, you must shave in the direction of your hair growth and not against it.

2. STAY PROTECTED

Dermatologist Lisa Garner, the former president of Women’s Dermatologic Society, often fills her palm with about half a teaspoon of sunscreen to cover her face, ears, and neck. To keep your skin youthful, stay protected by using broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPF 30 or higher.

Image Credits: instagram.com/p/31AA7yD6vf via @agoncilloanna

Image Credits: instagram.com via @agoncilloanna

Reapply every two hours particularly if you are perspiring or swimming.

3. FRESHEN UP

Consisting of 95% water, it comes as no surprise that cucumbers help freshen and moisturize the skin. Also, cucumber pulp can help improve your skin’s complexion especially if you have redness or irritation.

Just place at least two cucumber slices in a plastic bag and let it freeze in the fridge overnight. Remove it from the fridge the next morning and place two slices in your eyes for 10 minutes. Guaranteed instant freshness and less puffy eyes is in store!

4. QUIT SMOKING

One of the best ways to protect your skin is to quit smoking. According to research, smoking narrows the blood vessels in the outermost layers of the skin, which diminishes the blood flow. This exhausts the skin’s supply of oxygen and nutrients leading to “older-looking skin” and more wrinkles. Furthermore, smoking damages the elastin and collagen – important fibers to give your skin elasticity and strength.

5. SOOTHE IRRITATION

Dermatologist Jeanine Downie shares that frozen peas can help soothe irritated and itchy eyes. Simply put the bag of frozen peas on your eyelids for about five minutes.

The coldness of these veggies can help reduce the swelling. Compared with ice packs, frozen peas easily follows the shape of your eyes and leads to a quicker relaxing effect.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Deal With The Infectious Workplace Bullies

Whether you are wrongfully accused or verbally abused by your boss or colleagues, workplace incivility shall be treated with maximum seriousness.

Surprisingly, statistics have shown that 1 in 4 Singaporeans have suffered from workplace bullying with the top aggressors being their bosses (62%) and their clients (21%). To make matters worse, Singapore was one of the few countries with the highest acceptance of workplace bullying (alongside Hong Kong and Taiwan).

With high acceptance for this issue, it only makes sense that fewer people address matters associated with it. Thus, the unacceptable behavior prevails.

A study that surveyed 6,000 people in Sweden showed that being subjected to “rudeness” spreads if the workplace environment did nothing about it. Rudeness in this context is defined as a way of violating the norm of mutual respect. For example, it can be as petty as excluding someone from the informed circle or as greater as taking credits for the work of others. As people often imitate and support the behavior of the dominant, there is a risk that rudeness will spread like wildfire and later on lead to bullying.

This is why it is important to identify and address bullying as it happens.

Here are 3 ways you can deal with it:

1. IDENTIFY WORKPLACE BULLYING

Bullying causes physical deterioration in work performance as well mental distress. It is generally categorized into three, namely:

a. name calling, malicious teasing, or pranks
b. sabotaging the colleagues performance (e.g.,spreading rumors)
c. forcing, causing self-imposed exclusion, or intimidation

Identification of workplace bullying is vital as some organizations may not want to acknowledge its existence while some people may not recognize that it is already happening to them.

2. SPEAK UP MORE

Sometimes the person who bullies you is your boss himself/herself. This is called an abuse of power. In our Asian context, there is an underlying culture of not defying the authorities and simply complaining about the issue in our smaller circles. As a result, any behavior from the boss is considered as acceptable and rarely excessive. However, you can only tolerate such behavior to a certain extent.

Once you have recognize that inappropriate behavior occurs, it is time to talk to the H.R. department or your boss about it. Steps to disclosing bullying shall include stating the observable behavior, describing its subjective impact, and validating the nature of the problem.

3. KNOW YOUR RIGHTS

If all else fails, you can always turn to the law. In November 2014, the Protection from Harassment Act 2014 together with 2 accompanying subsidiary legislation are equipped to protect the rights of every working individual.

It states that:

“No person shall, with intent to cause harassment, alarm or distress to another person, by any means —

a. use any threatening, abusive or insulting words or behavior; or
b. make any threatening, abusive or insulting communication, thereby causing that other person or any other person harassment, alarm or distress”

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

More importantly, this Act covers the online world too. So you must not undermine cyber-bullying!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4,& 5

Best Places To Buy Affordable Footwear In Singapore

The iconic man behind the red-lacquered soles once said:

“A shoe is not only a design, but it is a part of your body language, the way you walk. The way you are going to move is quite dictated by your shoes.”

I could not agree more with the words muttered by the talented French designer that is Christian Louboutin. More than just for its aesthetic purposes, the right type of shoes take you to the right places. For instance, if you want to survive a 6-hour hike, would you wear heels? Of course not.

Words cannot describe how much I adore shoes. But as much as I am fond of them, purchasing footwear in Singapore can get a tad pricey. Fortunately, there are places where you can find premium footwear at the discounted prices. Check out the list below!

FOR RUNNING SHOES

Since exercise shoes are often subjected to wear and tear, finding factory outlets of quality brands is a must. Consider going to Changi City Point or IMM malls.

At Changi City Point, you can go crazy for discounted running shoes and other sporting goods (e.g., apparel and accessories) courtesy of Nike Factory Store, Adidas Outlet, and New Balance Outlet. Depending on the store, discounts can go up to 70%!

At IMM, you can take advantage of the previous season’s sporting products that are not limited to just one brand. From running shoes to goggles and exercise attire, discounts at Royal Sporting House Outlet can go as high as 70%!

FOR FLIP-FLOPS

As we live in a tropical country, it is unavoidable to be decked out in casual and breezy attire. Complementing this look is a trusty flip-flops or sandals.

For convenient yet inexpensive shopping, go to Lazada.sg. Lazada.sg, one of Singapore’s popular online shopping website, offers a wide selection of flip-flops for both sexes. Men can enjoy sandals that go as low as S$6 with discounts as high as 76%. While women can enjoy it for as low as S$4.90 with discounts as high as 79%.

I was amazed that the famous Brazilian Havaianas is sold at S$22.90 (unisex) – saving you about 43%!

Screen-grabbed from lazada.sg

FOR OFFICE SHOES

Founded by the siblings Charles and Keith Wong, Charles & Keith aims to create innovative and contemporary footwear that are entirely wallet-friendly. Almost every Singaporean owns or at least knows the brand. Ranging from S$30 to 170, their footwear carry sizes up to 41.

Sure you can find this brand at almost every shopping mall in Singapore, but if you want to purchase work-appropriate shoes for a fraction off, visit IMM.

Image Credits: facebook.com/charleskeithofficial

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Powerful Tips To Conquer Your Financial Stress

Losing your primary source of income, drowning in a sea of debt, and other money problems can affect both your financial circumstance and your self-esteem. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed, and worried when times are hard but that does not mean that you are suffering from depression or anxiety disorders.

In fact, according to an international poll by Reader’s Digest back in 2009, Singapore was one of the countries most worried about money. When not managed, the financial stress can be detrimental to one’s health.

Here are some tips to conquer your inner beast:

BREATHE IN AND OUT

Avoid excessive thinking by slowing down. Whenever you feel like you are going to burst, calm yourself down. Breathe in and out, hold your breath for a while, breathe slowly and repeat. A higher form of this practice is called meditation.

If you need a guided tutorial to aid you through meditation, you can download the free “Take a Break! Guided Meditations for Stress Relief” app on your iOS or Android device. You can choose to listen with or without the music as you listen to the 7-13 minutes of guided meditation. No prior experience required!

LIVING IN THE PRESENT

Several financial woes come from the anticipation of unfortunate future events. Sometimes, these anticipation is more than just pure exaggeration. This is why you must remind yourself that you are living in the present moment – not in the past, nor in the future.

Stay active in the present by being completely in control. Keep your C.V. updated, pay the bills on time, and jog outdoors!

RECOGNIZE YOUR STRENGTH

In general, the uncertainty and perceived lack of control can make the person feel more stressful. But as I said, you are living in the present moment where you are in absolute control of your actions and your thoughts. Recognize that your decisions exist for you to improve any financial dilemma.

SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES

When your financial circumstances is too hard to handle, seek refuge from the people who can offer you the listening ears (e.g. friends, family, support group or financial professional). These people can offer sound solutions and make you feel better. Personally, I find this tip therapeutic as I can freely express and let go of my worries and share it to a person who affirms and understands me the most.

COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS

Before you go to sleep or the after you wake up, think of three things you are thankful about. This changes your focus from your financial stress to the beautiful things that you might have taken for granted. It does not have to be a big and lavish thing as you can be thankful for the picturesque sunset.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Practicing this activity often will help you gain a positive outlook in life and an increase in overall satisfaction.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

How To Finally Get A Raise This 2016!

Since the new year is about starting afresh and realizing one’s potentials, evaluating your salary is one of the top priorities. If you are seeking for a higher salary, do not open a discussion with your boss unless you are fully prepared.

Consider these 6 things to help you prepare:

1. SHOW THAT YOU DESERVE IT

Say that an important project is due in a couple of days. Send your boss an email of your progress to avoid constant request for project updates. The simple act of anticipating what is needed before it is asked can show that you are capable of working independently. You not only sent a positive reflection of your working etiquette but also made your boss’ life job easier.

2. DO YOUR RESEARCH

Negotiating your salary is a game with all of its players attempting to dominate each other. Dominate the game by researching all the needed information. Go in-depth about the complete aspects of the job and the company. Also, collect data about the average pay and accurate salary opportunities in your position.

3. DEVELOP A BACK-UP PLAN

If the company’s current situation cannot afford to give you the raise you deserve, consider suggesting alternative options such as commission-based pay (if appropriate) or performance-based bonus.

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

4. MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION

During the discussion, greet your boss in a friendly and light manner by smiling and shaking hands. Say your gratitude as he or she spared some time to arrange a meeting for you. Your boss’ mood can change depending on how you approached the room.

5. ASK FOR MORE THAN YOU ACTUALLY WANT

Your first offer must be slightly higher than what you want to avoid remorse and to give you a room to bargain. It uses the door-in-the-face technique wherein the employee starts with a huge and unreasonable request in order for the employer to settle with a smaller request.

6. COMPETE

Negotiating a salary is a conversation that aims to reach an agreement with someone whose interests are not perfectly aligned with yours. Use persuasion and assertion if necessary as scientific research showed that competition is a successful negotiation strategy!

Image Credits: pixabay.com (License: CC0 Public Domain)

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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