This could be bad news for passengers on a Tuesday afternoon. This is because news has it that Grab has applied to the Competition and Consumer Commission of Singapore (CCCS) to implement a 0.32 SGD (inclusive of GST) platform fee on each ride.
What a way to end the month of July.
GRAB’S JUSTIFICATION
According to CCCS, this platform fee will enable the ride-hailing company to maintain and enhance its safety measures and operating costs. One-third of the funds collected through the platform fee will be used to provide better welfare for its drivers.
Grab’s managing director for transport, Andrew Chan, has added that with the funds collected, Grab will be looking into various enhancements. These include doubling the benefit coverage of personal accident insurance for private-hire vehicles. They are also in discussions to provide training allowance for drivers to upskill and make a greater contribution to the GrabCar Medisave Match Programme.
“We hope to seek favourable responses from our driver-partners and passengers through this public consultation process, and look forward to providing an even more enjoyable ride experience that value-adds to their everyday lives to them,” said Mr Chan.
They have also further explained that this move is in line with the ride-hailing industry as a whole. For example, Gojek has also imposed a 0.70 SGD platform fee. While other overseas ride-hailing services are also charging service or booking fees.
HEAVY INVESTMENTS ON TECH IMPROVEMENTS
To give grounds for their application to implement a platform fee, Grab has also directed the public’s attention to the heavy investments they have made on tech improvements.
Mr Chan has stated that more than 80 tech improvements were implemented on the platform in 2019. He’s referring to features like number-masking, the emergency button, and driver identity verification for its users’ safety and security. The driver telematics and heat-map also support their driver-partners’ well-being and livelihoods while they are on the roads.
APPLICATION-IN-PROGRESS
There’s nothing to worry about right now since Grab is unable to change its prices without consent from the CCCS.
In fact, after its acquisition of Uber in 2018, CCCS has issued specific directions to Grab. With the guidance in place, the company can only maintain its pre-transaction pricing, policies, and product options.
HAVE YOUR SAY IN THIS
It’s great that the public can have a say in this. Thanks to CCCS, you and I can offer our feedback on this issue from now till 11 August, by 5pm.
If you feel strongly about this implementation as a Grab user, send your feedback to CCCS via this email: [email protected].
Singapore’s worst dengue outbreak in 2013 saw 22,170 cases. However, it seems like 2020 might be outdoing the number of cases in 2013. This is because as of 23 July, there are already nearly 20,000 dengue cases! In fact, the number of cases is escalating according to the National Environment Agency (NEA)’s media release on 24 July.
The large dengue clusters are located in these areas:
Aljunied Road / Geylang Road
Bukit Panjang Ring Road
Arthur Road
Leicester Road / Potong Pasir Avenue 1
Arnasalam Chetty Road / Kim Yam Road
Therefore, let’s do our part to stop dengue and protect ourselves and loved ones with these mosquito-repellent products:
This product works wonders. Most importantly, it’s such a low-cost solution to repel mosquitoes at night for up to eight hours. If you’re sensitive to the smell, get the scented version.
We’re heading out more often these days. If you’re spending extended periods of time outdoors, drop this pack of deet-free wipes into your backpack before heading out. It has up to six hours of effectiveness with a pleasant scent of citronella oil.
#3: GOLDEN ROOSTER MOSQUITO REPELLENT PATCH (12 PCS)
On top of the mosquito repellent wipes, add on this mosquito repellent patch for extra protection outdoors. According to the packaging, it works up to 12 hours. To use, simply attach the patch on your clothes or bags.
The repellent also comes in a gel version. This environmentally-friendly product is non-toxic and contains ingredients like lemongrass, mint, essential oil, and aqua. In addition to that, it can last up to 720 hours and is effective up to an area of 150 square feet.
Need to get rid of mosquitoes fast? Baygon’s fast knockout formula anti-dengue spray has been proven to kill mosquitoes. To maximize its effects, close all windows before spraying in an upward motion. Finally, close the door and exit the room for at least 15 minutes before re-entering.
#6: SAWADAY MOSQUITO REPELLENT AIR REFRESHER – CHAMOMILE
Sawaday Mosquito Repellent Air Freshener also comes in lemongrass scent and lavender. Similar to the NuFresh Mosquito Repellent Wipes, this product is deet-free and can last up to two months.
#7: BAYGON MOSQUITO REPELLENT LIQUID ELECTRIC REPELLER (21ML)
Peeps who are particular about smell can use this liquid electric repeller that is scentless. I’ve personally used it before and can vouch for its effectiveness. Above all, it can last up to 30 nights without mosquitoes. That’s a month of investment for only 6.75 SGD! You can get the liquid refill here.
#8: POWERPAC LED MOSQUITO POWER STRIKE PEST REPELLENT
This electric pest repellent can be mounted on the wall. It kills mosquitoes and insects instantly without chemical or noise. You can use this product at home, in the office, at the restaurant, or even in the hospital.
#9: USB POWERED LED ELECTRONIC MOSQUITO KILLER LAMP
This killer lamp uses UV light to attract mosquitoes and bugs. Once it is in close proximity, the in-built fan will suck the insects into its trapper. There is no radiation, chemical, or toxins. Available in black and white.
#10: LUCKY BABY MINI SAFETY CLIP ON FAN WITH ULTRASONIC MOSQUITO REPELLENT – LION
Don’t forget the baby in the pram! With this clip-on fan with mosquito repellent, your precious little one will be safer from mosquito bites. The fan blades are made of soft foam so it won’t hurt if your child touches it. This clip-on fan comes in assorted designs.
And since we’re on the topic of babies, why not bag this baby bed cover home as well? There’s currently a 10% off its usual price, selling at 10.74 SGD. It’s also in pretty colours like green, pink, and blue. Here’s how it looks like:
Image Credits: ezbuy
It’s also a good idea to purchase a full-cover mosquito net you can use it over your stroller or pram. The ‘backbone’ over the net helps to secure its shape. No more flimsy nets that irritate! It’s currently retailing at 6.50 SGD:
This small and compact product uses ultrasonic waves to drive away flying insects like mosquitoes within 200 square metres. You can use it indoors for 24 hours a day. It’s noiseless!
#12: JOYROOM DIGITAL MOSQUITO LIQUID HEATER REPELLENT
This is also another electric mosquito repellent to consider. The device works with natural non-toxic mosquito liquid to provide coverage up to 30 square metres. A single charge via USB can last you up to 48 hours.
Last September, Gucci first launched its beauty makeup products with its 58-piece lipstick collection in three formulations – Rouge à Lèvres Satin, Rouge à Lèvres Voile, and Baume à Lèvres. This year, the Italian luxury brand will be bringing us new products starting from 39 SGD. Keen to get your hands on some branded makeup? Here’s what to expect.
If you’ve had the habit of drawing and filling your brows, why not make a switch to the Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils? The dual-side tool comes with a spoolie brush at one of its ends, allowing you to comb and blend the colour through the brows after applying. The powdery texture will also provide your brows with flake-free matte colour that does not smudge.
Whether you’re looking to fill in those gaps for natural-looking brows or design one for a dramatic intense look, the Gucci Crayon Définition Sourcils is the trusted tool to go to. Furthermore, there are six shades to choose from: gray blond, golden blond, light blond, dark brown, auburn, and ebony. You’re bound to find one that suits you.
#2: ÉCLAT DE BEAUTÉ EFFET LUMIÈRE – GEL FACE GLOSS (43 SGD)
Image Credits: Gucci
Gucci’s Éclat De Beauté Effet Lumière is a multi-use transparent gel gloss in one universal shade to naturally highlight your eyes, cheeks, or lips. It is made using an animal-friendly, vegan formula with an oil-free texture. You can apply it directly on bare skin or over your makeup.
Always admired Korean actresses with their ‘glass skin’ that seems to be glowing from the inside out? This product might do the trick. It adds a veil of transparent illumination, creating a reflective glossy finish you desire.
#3: GUCCI POUDRE DE BEAUTÉ MAT NATUREL – FACE POWDER (95 SGD)
Image Credits: Gucci
The Gucci Poudre De Beauté Mat Naturel is a lightweight face powder made up of a combination of micro reflecting lamellar powders. The beauty powder spreads smoothly on the skin surface, giving you a mattified natural complexion. It comes with a soft sponge applicator.
You may use it on its own or on top of your foundation to set the makeup for the day. There are twelve shades to choose from: pale yellow, pale beige, pale pink, light beige, light pink-beige, medium beige, light-medium beige, medium-dark beige, dark beige, deep bronze, dark brown, and deep brown.
Here’s your chance to create a warm and healthy-looking skin with Gucci’s Poudre De Beauté Éclat Soleil. Texture wise, it’s soft, silky, and creamy to the touch. However, it’s not heavy. In fact, the thin film formula is easy to apply with an integrated applicator. There’s also a light and floral scent that accompanies the product.
The art of bronzing is actually different from contouring, though it’s commonly used interchangeably. If you’re not a makeup nazi, then read this guide on how to apply bronzer to your face in 60 seconds. And yes, the bronzer powder is available in five shades: fair, light, medium, tan, and dark.
Gucci makeup products will be available at all Gucci beauty counters and online at Tangs.
Does the idea of heading out put you off at times? Having to put on a mask, head out, and join the long queue at the restaurant just to get our tummies filled isn’t all that glorious. If that’s you, you will find what we’re going to introduce to you extremely useful! We’re referring to make-your-own meal kits with brands like IPPUDO, Ajumma’s, and more.
You can now whip up your favourite foods at any time of the day you like. Six in the morning? No problem. 12 midnight? We’ve got you. Read on!
#1: IPPUDO
We would totally love a piping-hot bowl of ramen on a rainy day. Not talking about instant ones here. It’s the ramen kits from IPPUDO. Here’s your chance to be a home chef with their first-ever home cooking ramen meal kit! It will take only less than 20 minutes to prepare the Hakata-style ramen.
Not the right time to make a trip to Korea right now but allow your taste buds to! In case you’re wondering, the name ‘ajumma’ written as ‘아줌마’ in Korean refers to a married or middle-aged woman. In the local context, it’s equivalent to ‘aunty’. Let Korean ‘aunty’ show you what they’ve got.
They’ve termed their DIY meal kits as survival kits:
At this point, we think it’s apt to include some sweet treats. Chef Janice Wong created this concept to help people find joy in baking at home. You can shop her premix recipes if you like or try her DIY kits.
There are currently four DIY kits available at the time of writing:
Quentin’s cook-it-yourself kits cannot be left out. They are currently running a sale off their kits. In addition to that, if you purchase two cook-it-yourself kits, you will get a free premix powder. Check out using promo code <QUENTINSCIY> to enjoy the offer. Each kit serves about four to six people (unless otherwise stated).
They have seven kits in total but we will give three a shout-out:
Making pizza can be lots of fun, especially if you have kids who want to be part of the cooking experience. Order a DIY pizza kit from Bella Pizza and begin baking pizza fuss-free! It comes in a single size (18 SGD) or double size (25 SGD). If you’re up for a slightly different visual and taste from the classic pizza, Bella Pizza also has DIY calzone kits for you to choose from.
For mummies-to-be, congratulations! While the joy of being able to hold your child in your arms excites you, there are sorrows that come with pregnancy too. We’re referring to the issues that come with pregnancy like acne, pigmentation, eczema, stretch marks, and hair problems. Except maybe for stretch marks, most of them are temporary woes so don’t sweat over it!
Ladies who are planning their pregnancy journey may also find this useful.
#1: ACNE BREAKOUTS
Image Credits: Medical News Today
It’s like going through teenage years all over again with acne breakouts. According to dermatologist Dr Wang Yi Shi of W Skin and Laser Clinic, acne outbreaks are more common during early pregnancy. This is most likely because of hormonal changes that happen during pregnancy which trigger the oil glands on the face to become more active. The increase in sebum may cause clogged pores.
How to deal with it
If you’re facing such issues, try to go on days without makeup. This is because makeup traps the pores which in turn result in more acne breakouts and skin irritations. You may also need to switch up your skin cleaning routine with products like topical antibiotic gels and topical salicylic acid. However, if you’re unsure of how to proceed, just make an appointment with a skin clinic.
#2: PIGMENTATIONS
Image Credits: Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore
Currently at your fourth or fifth month of pregnancy and spotting irregular pigmentation marks on your face? Don’t be too stressed about it. These pigmentation marks also known as melasma, chloasma, or pregnancy mask come about as a result of the changes in your hormones. It should clear up slowly over time after you’ve given birth. This also applies to the ‘linea nigra’, a brownish line along the central abdomen.
How to deal with it
While the pregnancy mask is likely to go away, you may help prevent it by avoiding too much sun exposure. Also, use a sunscreen of minimum SPF 30 if you know you will be coming into contact with the harmful sun rays.
#3: ECZEMA
Image Credits: Medical News Today
As your tummy gets bigger over the months, the skin around the lower abdomen expands. This can cause itchy skin or eczema that may disrupt your sleep if left unattended.
How to deal with it
You should probably change to a gentler skin cleanser and apply moisturizer to the affected areas regularly.
#4: STRETCH MARKS
Image Credits: SmartParents
Stretch marks associated with pregnancy are almost unavoidable. But understanding it is a first step to minimizing the damage. Do you know how stretch marks appear? As a result of your abdomen increasing dramatically in size, the middle layer of the skin (dermis) is torn.
How to deal with it
Since there is almost no cure for stretch marks relating to pregnancy, you can at least lessen the effect by keeping the skin around the abdomen soft, supple, and more resistant. To do that, exfoliate the skin once or twice a week before applying your preferred daily moisturizer.
We’ve also heard of the benefits of Bio-Oil against scars, stretch marks, and uneven skin tone. Furthermore, it is suitable for all skin types so decide if you want to give it a go?
#5: HAIR PROBLEMS
Image Credits: Baby Magazine
Again, all thanks to hormonal changes during pregnancy, you may notice hair loss or even thickening. The good news is that these changes are most likely not here to stay. But, a change in products used may be necessary.
How to deal with it
Depending on your hair conditions, you may need to purchase new hair products to tackle the problems. Also, according to Dr Wang, people with sensitive and itchy scalps or broken skin on their scalp should avoid colouring their hair. Even organic hair colour brands can contain strong and toxic chemicals which may lead to allergic reactions. Better to be safe than sorry!
For the husbands out there who want to thank their wives for this really tough journey they are embarking on, how about giving them a practical pregnancy gift set? We think Clarins’ Beautiful Pregnancy Set is a collection of must-haves for mummies-to-be.
Here’s what you get for 193 SGD:
Image Credits: Clarins
The Beautiful Pregnancy Set includes:
Body Partner Stretch Mark Expert (175ml) x 1 A gentle stretch mark cream that addresses stretch marks caused by pregnancy and weight fluctuations. This fast-absorbing, plant-based formula blended with minimal ingredients chosen precisely for their highly effective properties helps target stretch marks and gently comforts the skin.
Tonic Body Treatment Oil (100ml) x 1 Essential body care to tone and improve skin elasticity and firmness. Made from 100% pure plant extracts, this fine, lightweight oil is recommended to prevent the appearance of stretch marks. It is also recommended during a period of weight loss. Leaves skin satin-soft and supple.
Exfoliating Body Scrub (100ml) x 1 The first essential step to prevent dull-looking skin by refining and smoothing the skin’s texture.
Energizing Leg Emulsion (125ml) x 1 An ultra-refreshing leg emulsion that instantly soothes the feeling of tired, heavy legs. It can even be applied over stockings. It is non-sticky, does not stain, and consists of natural plant extracts and essential oils.
Hydra-Essentiel Light Cream (15ml) x 1 A luxurious light cream that plumps dehydrated skin with intense moisture and keeps it there for all-day hydration.
Clarins Soother x 1
Pregnancy Book by Jacques & Olivier Courtin-Clarins x 1 A face and body beauty guide by Clarins for women before and after childbirth.
