5 Make-Up Essentials You Shall Invest On

Whether you are someone whose cosmetics bag is filled with products or someone who has no clue what to put in it, the best approach to take is to go back-to-basics.

With a S$66 investment, you can fill your cosmetics bag with these essential beauty products…

1. BB CREAM

BB cream stands for blemish base, beauty balm, or blemish balm. This multi-tasking product  does the job of the moisturizer, foundation, serum, primer, sunblock, and protector. With a beneficial beauty product like this, what more could you ask for?

For a favorable BB Cream within the budget, I recommend Revlon’s PhotoReady BB Cream. Its fragrance-free formula is made with minerals and synthetic broad-spectrum sunscreen. Blend it smoothly as it is made with lightweight and creamy liquid texture. It retails for about S$10.95 at Watsons.

2. CONCEALER

Concealer is a beauty product that helps you get rid of dark circles and other imperfect spots.

Beauty gurus on YouTube have adored Collection’s Lasting Perfection Concealer that covers blemishes and flaws for up to 16 hours. So, a little application of this creamy tube can go a long way. It comes in four colors namely: light, fair, medium, and dark. Although they have discontinued importing this product here, you can buy it online for only S$12.

3. BLUSH

A Blush or Blusher’s purpose is to emphasize the cheekbones and to provide a youthful glow. Surely, you will look healthier with “reddish” cheeks.

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

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

Purchase Inglot’s Freedom Blush & Illuminator as it marries a matte blush with a radiant illuminator. I recommend items 201-204. Hurry now as its limited stocks retail for S$19 at Zalora!

4. EYESHADOW PALETTE

A good Eyeshadow Palette is able to take your look from day to night. Naturally enhance your eyes with a eyeshadow that compliments your skin. For starters, you can try the beautifully packaged Sephora Collection Wonderful Dreams Eyeshadow Palette.

I fell in love with this palette, the moment I saw it online. It consists of eight soft tones in highly pigmented matte and shimmer finishes. From natural warm tones to intense dark tones, you are sure to create a myriad of gorgeous looks with this palette! It retails for US$10 or about S$14.

5. LIP GLOSS

The last fundamental beauty product to complete your makeup kit is a trusty gloss! A lip gloss is designed to add a glossy luster and a subtle color. For a lip gloss that looks pretty on every skin tone, opt for nude and coral glosses. Personally, I recommend NYX’s Butter Glosses.

NYX’s Butter Glosses have smooth texture, rich consistency, sweet taste, and subtle pigmentation. Go for a nude gloss called Creme Brûlée, a coral gloss called Apple Strudel, or a pink gloss called Vanilla Cream Pie. Put a bit more at the centers of your lower and upper lips to make it look slightly fuller.

Buy it for S$10 at Sephora outlets or for S$9.30 at Changi Airport.

Sources: 1,2, & 3

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5 Clear-Cut Ways To Save Sizable Money As A Tourist In Singapore

If you believe that following your travel budget on one of the most expensive countries in the world is impossible…think again! There are many ways to save a sizable amount of money as you explore Singapore.

Here are just some of them:

1. SAVE ON FOOD AND BEVERAGES

Food and beverages is one of the few categories you will be spending more on as you travel. Singaporean cuisine is unique because of its cultural diversity that is influenced by the neighboring Asian countries. So if you are tempted to try all the mouthwatering local dishes, eat at cost-effective food courts called “hawker centres” or traditional coffee shops called “kopitiam”.

Also, save money on water by drinking safely from the tap. Simply purchase a small bottled water for S$2 and refill it again via tap, for free.

2. SHOP AT THE RIGHT PLACES

Singapore is a haven for food lovers, for digital enthusiasts, and for fashionistas of all ages! It has an abundance of shopping centers. As a first time tourist, shopping for bargain keepsakes for you and your loved ones can be challenging and overwhelming. Ease your search by checking out these posts:

a. Excellent Places To Find Low-Cost Uniquely Singaporean Souvenirs

b. Perfect Places To Buy The Cheapest Perfume And Other Fragrances In Singapore

c. Perfect Places To Buy Cheap Camera And Accessories In Singapore

3. GET THE BEST EXCHANGE RATES IN TOWN

It is quintessential to find the best place to change the currency of your money especially if you are travelling for a long period of time. Luckily for you, Singapore boasts with an array of licensed and reliable money changers that offer the best rates for most foreign currencies. Save more money by comparing the rates of each shop or by reading this concise post.

4. SAVE ON TRANSPORTATION

Singapore is one of the few countries where walking is recommended and enjoyable. Indulge in the picturesque sights and neighborhoods by walking to and from the tourist attractions. Otherwise, take advantage of the efficient transportation services by purchasing an EZ-Link card instead of paying for each ride.

By using an EZ-Link card, you only pay for the distance traveled, rather than paying for the flat fare. For short trips, save even more by purchasing the Singapore Tourist Pass, which allows you to have unlimited rides for 3 days. Thus costing you as little as S$6.70 a day (T&C apply).

5. STRICTLY FOLLOW THE RULES

It is no secret that our country has been dubbed as the “Fine City”. The common penalties range from S$200 to S$1,000. For example, you have to pay S$500 per pack once you are caught bringing it inside the country. Some laws are even popular for its outrageous nature such as banning of chewing gums.

Image Credits: Paul Papadimitriou via Flickr

Image Credits: Paul Papadimitriou via Flickr

Avoid breaking the bank by being aware of and complying with the regulations. Be reminded by the warning signs that are plastered islandwide.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Extremely Affordable Tips To Improve Your Study Space

Let these budget-friendly tips enhance your learning area as you “hit the books”…

1. CREATE YOUR STUDY HAVEN

Choosing the right place to study is important because it heavily influences your learning process. Use your study space solely for studying, making projects, and doing home works so that your brain can associate the space to automatic “work mode”.

After which, pick a light-colored table that has enough space for all your school supplies. Situate this table at a silent place to keep your brain focused. Go for a fundamental and a classic desk such as the “Peppler Study Table Beech” by FortyTwo. This table is on sale now and retails for only S$39 (Save S$60)!

2. REMOVE THE DISTRACTIONS

Electrical appliances and electronic devices help you procrastinate. Ironically, most of these appliances and devices were made to save time but, end up wasting valuable study time instead. Thus, keep your head on the books by turning off your devices or using Website blocking applications.

For instance, block certain websites (e.g., Gmail, Facebook, or Twitter) for a specific amount of time by using free applications such as SelfControl (for Apple users) and SelfRestraint (for Microsoft users).

3. REMOVE THE CLUTTER

Excess litter and scattered rubbish can make you feel overwhelmed and distracted. Tidy up your study space and keep it neat by organizing important documents and old school papers inside drawers or labeled boxes. Also, organize your school files with descriptive folders in your laptop or computer.

4. KEEP IT BRIGHT

A well-lit room increases concentration and productivity. Position your table in front of the window because natural or fluorescent light is helpful for the eyes while you study. As it gets dim, keep your place bright by using a table lamp or a wall spotlight.

You can get the IKEA KVART Wall Spotlight for S$9.90 or the IKEA LAMPAN Table Lamp for S$4.90.

5. REMIND YOURSELF

Decorate your study space with a cork board, calendar, and a clock. Constantly remind yourself about the upcoming events and assignment/project deadlines by using the calendar. Then, visualize your goals and to-do lists with a wall mounted cork board. Lastly, organize your time by buying a clock that does not produce any unnecessary ticking sounds.

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

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

Sources: 1 & 2

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5 Tips You Need To Know Before Hiring A Tutor In Singapore

Singapore’s most prized resource is its people. This is why the government has invested immensely on education. From standardized curriculum to national benchmark tests, the Ministry of Education (MOE) ensured that its citizens are offered world-class education.

That said, it is understandable if you want to give your child a head start or extra support that he or she needs for school. To help your child get ahead from the curve, you can hire a tutor.

But first, here are some tips you must consider:

1. KNOW A TUTOR’S AREAS OF SPECIALIZATION

When choosing the right tutor for your child, it is important to know their qualifications and specializations. Some tutors are not able to guide or answer students sufficiently because they are not familiar with the updated syllabi from MOE.

On the other hand, it makes sense that a specialized teacher is suited to teach a particular subject matter. For instance, if your child struggles in Mathematics, do you hire a tutor that only focuses on English?

2. CAREFULLY CHOOSE THE TYPE OF SERVICES

You can either choose from agencies or private tutors. A friend of mine hired a tutor for her Secondary 2 child that costed her about S$25-30 per hour. This amount includes more than 2 subjects already!

As you can see, the price that you are bound to pay really depends on the type of service and the student’s educational level. Certainly, it is cheaper to hire the same tutor to teach a Primary 1 student than a Secondary 5 one.

3. RESEARCH ON THE RECOMMENDED TUTORS

To get the most of your money and ensure high quality services, it is best if you gathered information on the top or recommended tutors in the area. Doing a Google search of the keywords tutor and Singapore will lead you to many popular tuition centers or agencies such as ChampionTutor and EliteSG Tutors.

ChampionTutor consists of a variety of private tutors that are qualified to teach students from preschool to university level. You can hire them for music lessons too. While EliteSGTutors focus on Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry subjects. You can hire them for PSLE and other elementary level exams too.

4. DETERMINE THE NUMBER OF HOURS

Most parents hire tutors for 1-1.5 hours a week while intensifying it with 2-3 hours a week as important examinations draw near. This is why, the schedule and the fee for tutors may change every month.

Organize your finances and promptly pay the tuition fee by having a personal copy of the tutor’s working hours in an Excel Spreadsheet or in a small notebook.

5. COMMUNICATE WITH THE TUTOR

Much like a box of assorted chocolates, every tutor has a distinct “flavor and spice” when it comes to working one-on-one with children. Sit down with the potential tutors and ask them about their proposed study plan, schedule of sessions, and learning goals.

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

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

This way, you can examine if you two are on the same ground. 🙂

Sources: 1 & 2

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Send Out More Love Than Money With 4 Couple Saving Tips

When it comes to love, some people go all out just to make their partners smile.

However, dating with a limited budget can sometimes be stressful and embarrassing. Not anymore!

Manifest your affection in these budget-friendly ways:

1. AVOID UNNECESSARY CELEBRATIONS

Some couples are fond of “weeksaries and monthsaries”. That weekly or monthly celebrations can accumulate to a huge sum of money by the time the year ends!

Save cash and still do something unforgettable by having an anniversary celebration when he or she least expects it. Explore your options and stick to your budget with gifts such as a romantic home-cooked dinner, a handwritten love letter, or a well-decorated scrapbook of your memories.

2. SPLIT THE BILL

A couple with a healthy relationship is comfortable with the idea of give and take. This can be applied when paying the bills. In a society where more women feel empowered with their finances, splitting the bill is usually accepted. Ignore the gender norms that urge men to pay for all the dates!

Image Credits: TheeErin via Flickr (CC License)

Image Credits: TheeErin via Flickr (CC License)

Value each other’s money and treat each other once in a while.

3. BUILD A COUPLE FUND

If splitting the bill is not your cup of tea, consider creating a “couple fund” wherein both of you can contribute a decent amount of money to use for special occasions or milestones.

Your total couple fund will dictate the nature (i.e., place, time, or itinerary) and the budget of your date. You can enjoy a dinner at the Singapore Flyer or a weekend trip to Bali!

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

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

When both of you are really determined to reach your goals, nothing can stop you.

4. BE PRESENT

As cliché as this may sound, your presence is enough to make someone feel appreciated. Spend quality time with your special someone without breaking the bank with these ideas:

a. Learn A Skill

There is nothing sweeter than sharing your interests to your partner. If you are a fan of cooking and baking then, teach him or her the basic recipes and techniques. But, if neither of you have an expertise, lookup free online tutorials and make DIY projects together.

b. Enjoy A Romantic Date Night

Get to know each other while playing the infamous childhood game of Truth or Dare. Or, learn a lot about his or her boiling points while playing poker and wage it with anything other than money (e.g., kisses or cupcakes).

c. Go To Illusionary Museums

Indulge your partner’s addiction for Selfies by taking good photos inside the illusionary museums in Singapore such as Trick Eye Museum and Alive Museum. These unique places boast with eye-catching 3D and 4D artworks, which combine 3D painting techniques, installations, and state-of-the-art technologies to make things appear real.

Get the most out of your money at the Trick Eye Museum by buying tickets online to get 15% discount and by going on 31 October onward as a new batch of artworks will be available then. Tickets to both museums range from S$17-S$25 each.

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

Image Credits: instagram.com/agoncilloanna

There is absolutely nothing wrong about staying frugal while dating! After all, you are investing on your future as a couple. 🙂

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