Skincare 101: Giving your face a break from makeup

makeup products

Makeup is a wonderful creation. It can help us look and feel more confident, polished, and put-together. But as with anything, too much of any good can be harmful.

If you’re someone who wears makeup every day, we encourage you to take a break every now and then and let your skin breathe. Here are reasons why you should give your face a break from makeup.

Your skin will thank you

The bottom line is that if you want happy and healthy skin, you need to give it a break. One of the culprits of skin outbreaks can be attributed to heavy makeup. It could be the very thing that is responsible for your little red bumps the following day.

Save money on makeup products

There’s probably a variety of cosmetics in your handbag or vanity drawer, whether you consider yourself a beauty enthusiast or a must-have trendsetter in vogue. Whatever amount of makeup you use, we can certainly all agree on one thing: cosmetics can be pricey.

A typical woman spends more than $1,000 a year on makeup products. Yes, that’s about $100 monthly. If you’re anything like us, you’re currently reading this with a little bit of disbelief. But we challenge you to prove us wrong by checking your credit card statement.

You will see a difference in your complexion
glowing complexion

Image Credits: femina.in

While there’s nothing wrong with putting on makeup every day, you should also be giving your face a break every once in a while. That’s because when you wear makeup every day and do not keep up with thorough cleansing before bed, your pores get clogged.

Over time, this can lead to blackheads, whiteheads, and various types of acne. By giving your face a break from makeup, you will see a big difference in your complexion. Your skin will be less oily, there will be lesser skin irritation, and you will look more youthful and refreshed.

Resting your face from makeup does not mean you’re lazy

There are a lot of misconceptions about skincare, and one of them is that not putting on full-face makeup means you’re lazy. Quite the contrary, it’s one of the most lovely things you can do for your skin!

When you wear makeup every day, your skin is constantly being covered up and inhibiting its “breath”. This can cause a buildup of oil and sweat, which can lead to breakouts and other skin problems. By giving your skin a rest, you’re allowing it to heal itself. So don’t feel bad about skipping a day or two of makeup; it’s an essential skincare routine.

Just like your body needs a break from working out all the time, your skin needs a break from all of the makeup. Taking some time off will help your skin recover and look better in the long run. There are plenty of ways to give your skin a break from makeup without going bare. You can use a light foundation or a tinted sun cream as a base and glide on some lip gloss to give your overall complexion a little perk!

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How to Start a Budget from Scratch

Congratulations on starting your financial journey! Creating a budget and sticking to it is no easy feat, but it is the best way to manage your finances and ensure that your money is going toward the expenses that matters most to you and your family.

Start by determining why you want a budget. Deciding on a budget can help you make informed decisions. Budgeters are almost twice as likely to report no financial worries compared to spenders. Moreover, budgeters are less likely to struggle with finances. Common reasons to create a budget include: to save more money, to reduce overspending, to eliminate couple financial disputes, to get out of debt, to break the paycheck-to-paycheck cycle, and to achieve goals.

After determining the reasons why, you want to create a budget, you must go deeper into your current spending habits. What are your spending habits as an individual and as a family? If your budget is not realistic, it is useless. Most experts recommend tracking your spending for about a month to get a clear picture of your spending habits.

The next step is to identify your financial goals. A great framework to use is the SMART method. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Timebound. For instance, you want to save S$3,000 for home renovation within six months. You will need to save about S$500 per month. Thanks to your budget, you already know that you will have an excess of S$750 per month. This will help you with your goal!

Once you have your financial goals down, decide how much you need to save (per month or per year) for each goal. Bigger expenses such as home renovation and debt repayment can take a longer time to build. You can also incorporate building an emergency fund into your budget.

The basic phases are done, and it is time to make a budget. There are many types of budgets, so you will have to choose the one that suits you best. Options include zero-based budget and 50-30-20 budget.

A zero-based budget is an approach popularized by Dave Ramsey. It involves making income minus outflow equate to S$0. With a zero-sum budget, every dollar you have is assigned a task, with some of those going into savings or other spending categories. This type of budget can be restrictive, which is not ideal for everyone.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The 50-30-20, on the other hand, divides your budget into different percentages. 50% of income is allocated toward needs, 30% to your wants, and 20% to your savings. Do your research to help you decide which budget method will make sense for you.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Inexpensive hobbies that will keep you entertained

making kimchi

Don’t you agree that we all need a little downtime sometimes? But “downtime” doesn’t have to mean vegging out in front of the TV or mindlessly scrolling through social media.

There are plenty of inexpensive hobbies you can consider picking up to keep you entertained. From going DIY to cooking and baking, we’ve got you covered. So, go ahead and add one (or more!) of these activities to your list of things to do in your free time.

Go DIY

There is plenty of fun, inexpensive hobbies you can pick up during your free time. For example, you could try doing DIY projects around the house. This could involve anything from painting a room to re-upholstering a chair. You get to be creative and will also be saving money by doing the work yourself!

Collecting things

There’s something about collecting things that’s appealing. Maybe it’s the sense of order and organization or the fact that you can flaunt your collection to others. Whatever the reason, collecting is a great way to spend your free time. And, best of all, you don’t have to empty your wallet to do it. There are lots of collections that can be started for just a few dollars. Here are a few to get the ball rolling:

  • Stamps
  • Coffee mugs
  • Beer cans/bottles
  • Vintage postcards
  • Tiny plastic figurines
Cooking and baking
asian_family_cooking_together_at_home

Image Credits: healthline.com

Cooking and baking are wonderful hobbies to consider if you’re looking for something affordable and satisfying. Not only will you save money on dining out, but you will also get to enjoy the delicious fruits of your labor.

There is an abundance of simple recipes out there that are excellent for beginners. Start by browsing through some online recipe collections or checking out the public library for cookbooks. You can also find tons of cooking and baking tutorials on YouTube if you need some visual help.

Fermenting food and drinks

When it comes to picking up a new hobby on a budget, fermenting your collection of food and drinks is a superb option. It is relatively inexpensive to get started, but it’s also a fun and rewarding process. Plus, you will end up with delicious and healthy probiotic-rich foods and drinks that you can enjoy all year round!

If you enjoy Korean cuisines, why not try Korean ferments such as kkakdugi, or radish cube kimchi? It requires fewer processes and is a little more forgiving than kimchi made with napa cabbage. Additionally, it doesn’t need to ferment for very long, so the end product will be ready and palatable in a few days.

Now that you know a few inexpensive hobbies to pick up, it’s time to get started! These activities can help you blow off some steam after a long day, or they can simply be a fun way to spend your free time. No matter what you choose, make sure to have fun and enjoy yourself. Who knows? You might even find new talent in one of these hobbies where you can capitalize it into a side income!

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How to handle work rejection like a pro

a woman thinking in front of her laptop

You’ve just been rejected from your dream job. Now what?

It can be tough to rebound after a rejection, but it’s important to remember that it’s not the end of the world. In fact, it can be a learning experience that makes you even stronger in the long run. In this article, we will share some tips on how to handle work rejection like a pro.

Rejection is only the beginning

You’re not alone if you’ve ever applied for a job and been rejected. In actuality, it’s estimated that around 75% of all job applications result in rejection.

But just because you didn’t get the job doesn’t mean your career is over. Most successful people have faced rejection at some point in their lives. The key is to learn from your mistakes and keep moving forward.

Remember that rejection is only the beginning. Don’t take it personally because recruiters receive hundreds (if not thousands) of applications for every open position, so it’s inevitable that some resumes will be overlooked. Keep your chin up and focus on your next opportunity.

What to do after a work rejection
a laptop, coffee mug, and notepad on a desk

Image Credits: unsplash.com

First, take a deep breath and relax. You’re going to get through this so don’t dwell on the rejection. It’s natural to feel disappointed, but don’t let that get in the way of your plans.

It’s essential to keep your spirits up, so play on your strengths and remind yourself that there are plenty of other jobs out there. If there’s a practical tip you need, that is to network, network, network. Get in touch with your contacts, make new ones, and see if they know of any other openings.

Also, keep busy. An empty mind will only lead to unnecessary wandering thoughts that can steer you in a negative direction. Get back to your job search, update your resume, or sign up for some classes to beef up your skillsets. Don’t give up. The job market is tough, but that doesn’t mean you should give up on your ideal position. Chin up, career hunter!

When you get rejected from a job, it can feel like the world is ending. But it’s not. You’re going to be okay. Don’t let a little setback derail your entire job hunt. Stay focused on your goals and what you want to achieve. If you’re feeling stressfully overwhelmed, take a break! Step away from your computer and go for a walk or take a short nap to re-energize yourself. Just make sure you don’t take too long of a break or you will lose momentum. Rejection is only the end if you let it be. Keep your head up and stay motivated, and you will eventually find the job of your dreams.

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No Cost Ways to Relax After a Long Day at Work

Lately, I have been swamped with work. I switched from having an 8-hour shift to a 12-hour shift. As my body adjusts to the longer hours and the added demands of the workload, I realized how stress can affect my body and mind.

We cannot deny how important work is. With Singapore’s modern go-go-go society, people can be constantly put in the “fight or flight” mode. Relaxation is essential to slow things down and to take care of your overall health and wellbeing.

From gently rolling a ball under your feet to drinking green tea while soaking your toes in a relaxing foot bath, these are some of the no cost ways to relax after a tiring day at work.

#1: STROLL DOWN THE BOARDWALK

A quick stroll around the block combines physical activity with a change of scenery, which can act as your weapon against worries. You can end your day by walking to your favorite park. If Changi Boardwalk or Changi Point Coastal Walk is nearby, you can even enjoy the sunset. The stunning sunset over the coastline is a bonus. Best of all? Admission is free.

#2: TAKE A NAP ON A FORT

Forts are childhood staple for a reason! They are fun to build and are cozy to sleep on. Make an adult version of a fort by arranging your soft blankets, favorite book, and delicious snacks.

#3: SOAK YOUR TIRED TOES

With all the heavy lifting that your feet do all day, it is about time to give it the extra love it deserves. Use your available bath salts, bubbly foot bath, or simply sit on the edge of the bathtub filled with a few inches of relaxing hot water. Finish it off by massaging your feet with lotion.

#4: BE SURE TO DRINK YOUR GREENS

Help reduce your body’s stress responses by drinking green tea to reap the benefits of L-Theanine. Enjoy the earthy colors of your drink as you relax in your couch with your favorite TV show.

#5: MEDITATE IN SILENCE

Forget about spending hundreds of dollars on a week-long silent retreat overseas! You can meditate in five minutes or less with visualization techniques. Give it a go before a nerve-racking meeting or after you end your shift.

#6: STRETCH OUT

Put your head between your knees or stand and hang your head and arms toward your toes. Doing these stretches can lessen your reactivity to the fight-or-flight response and provide restorative effects to your autonomic nervous system (ANS).

#7: TAKE YOUR FRUSTRATION OUT ON A STRESS BALL

It is okay to be angry at times. Stress can bring rage, and what is important is how you manage your fiery emotions. It might be tempting to throw your laptop away but squeezing a stress ball is a less costly and safer option. You can also gently roll the ball under your feet to calm you down.

#8: WRITE IT DOWN

Putting your feelings down serves as an outlet to release what is on your mind. Try journaling about your work problems, pet peeves, relationship conflicts, debt, and so on. You might just get a new perspective upon seeing what you have written down.

#9: LISTEN TO YOUR FAVORITE SONGS

Soothe your soul by creating a playlist of songs that will best calm you down. Listening to music has relaxation benefits. So, try listening to music during your commute back home. If you are not going to bother anyone else, go ahead and sing along. You know you want to!

#10: DANCE AROUND

If dancing is your passion, try dancing to your favorite tunes once you are at home. Losing yourself to the beat can help you take the edge off. Dancing gets the blood flowing for a re-energizing rush of oxygen.

#11: TELL YOUR FAVORITE CHILDHOOD STORY

Relive your happy moments and create new ones by sharing your memorable childhood story with your loved ones. Not only will this bring a smile to your face, but it is a wonderful way to bond with your child before bedtime.

#12: ENJOY SOME MILK AND COOKIES

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Eating milk and cookies is not only reserved for the Yuletide season. It turns out, consuming milk and cookies can help you relax because the carbohydrates in the cookies combine with tryptophan. According to a study published in Nutritional Health, tryptophan is an amino acid found in dairy foods, which can induce a feeling of relaxation.

Sources: 1 & 2

 

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