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Japanese Beauty Products That Are Worth Every Dollar

The global interest given to Japanese companies such as Shu Uemera and Shiseido paved way for the entrance of lesser-known Japanese brands. More and more Singaporeans are embracing these imported products into their vanity kits. You see, Japanese beauty products shine above the rest due to its adorable packaging and unique design.

The idea is perfectly encapsulated by Ms. Anna-Marie Solowij – the BeautyMART Co-Founder. She once said: “Their cosmetics and skincare products are exciting because they’re novel and exotic and they’re popular thanks to their high quality and innovation, for the same reason as their cars and electronics before them.”

On that note, here are 5 Japanese Beauty Products That Are Worth Every Dollar:

1. DHC DEEP CLEANSING OIL

Get it at Watsons Singapore for a discounted price of S$30.70.

A beauty product that is ever-present in the “best” lists, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has a water-soluble formula to completely rinse any pore-clogging materials from your skin. Let say you came home from a formal wedding ceremony. Massage the product to your face using your fingertips to remove your waterproof mascara and wipe off other clingy cosmetics. You will never see a greasy residue again!

The formula is suitable for people with sensitive skin as it was made from natural ingredients and is free from Paraben or fragrance.

2. BIORÉ CLEANSING WATER MAKEUP REMOVAL

Get it at Watsons Singapore for S$18.90.

Bioré Skincare made a bold claim when they highlighted that the Cleansing Water Makeup Removal can lift off a significant amount of makeup with just one swipe! I am not entirely sure that one swipe is enough as it depends on your skin type. However, this remover will easily cleanse your face from your pores to your lashes. This is because it is enriched with natural mineral water from the Northern Japanese Alps.

The formula’s weak acidity proves that it is gentle and safe on the skin. Thus, it is suitable for young people.

3. MUJI COSMETIC PAPER

Get it at Muji Singapore branches for S$1.90.

When I was in secondary school, oil blotting papers were all the rage! It originates from Japan and has been use for years by Geisha and actors (to freshen their faces before their performances). The traditional version was made from Abaca leaf, but modern technology is able to make it from pulp or rice paper. Muji’s version is made from the former.

Image Credits: muji.com.sg

The thinness of Muji’s Cosmetic Paper makes it more efficient at absorbing oil. Furthermore, the product and its packaging is environmentally friendly. Feel free to put it on the composting bin!

4. SUMI HAIGOU SETTUKEN CHARCOAL BAR SOAP

Get it at Qoo10 Singapore for about S$23.79.

Putting black charcoal on your face may seem “unglam”, using this ingredient properly can provide many health benefits. Some of its benefits include minimizing the pores, soothing skin irritations, and cleansing oily skin. A top soap infused with activated charcoal is the Sumi Haigou Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap.

This bar soap has powder, which comes from the Kishu region of Japan. The makers begin by burning and cooling oak branches for several days. The end result is an activated charcoal powder that users claim to make their skin brighter and more even-toned. See for yourself!

5. TSUBAKI DAMAGE CARE CONDITIONER

Get it at Watsons Singapore for a discounted price of S$14.37.

Shiseido Company Limited houses a myriad of skin care, hair care, cosmetics, and fragrance brands under its roof. As one of the oldest cosmetic companies in the world, Shiseido introduced Tsubaki as its master for hair. The Tsubaki Damage Care Conditioner relies on age-old ingredients such as the Japanese camellia oil.

It is high in oleic acid to moisturize and strengthen your hair strands. It is also full of antioxidants to beat free-radical damage. Regularly using this products will help you achieve a softer and shinier “crown”.

Image Credits: facebook.com/TsubakiSG

Sources: 1 & 2

Netizens Are Going Crazy Over These Affordable Korean Cosmetics

After getting personal with the best cleansers and masks, it is time to learn about the amazing innovations in cosmetics. Make a substantial room in your vanity kit and get ready to play!

CLIO WATERPROOF BRUSH EYELINER (KILL BLACK)

Get it at Watsons Singapore for S$25.90.

Please make way for a showstopper! The Waterproof Blush Eyeliner in Kill Black embodies the inspirational slogan of not quitting. You see, this great black liner from CLIO stays all day long. It is packed with a smudge-proof formula that can withstand various weather conditions. We all know how this could help you in the humid Red Dot.

The Kill Back has a fine marker to help you create the perfect flick. The matte and opaque formula dries quickly to avoid the horrible upper-lid blotch.

BEAUTY SHOT FACE BLUR SPF 15/PA++

Get it at Etude House Singapore for S$27.90.

Bid farewell to your smoothing beauty app as I introduce the Beauty Shot Face Blur by Etude House. This lightweight cream brings you multi-blurring effects for instantly flawless skin. It claims to minimize pores and brighten complexions.

Image Credits: facebook.com/etude.gl

Face Blur is a handy tool for beginners to help them achieve the UV-protected primer effect.

TONY MOLY PETITE BUNNY GLOSS BAR

Get it at Lazada Singapore for only S$7.50.

Oh! I cannot describe how adorable these Tony Moly bunny glosses are. As we all know, Korean Beauty boasts its subtle colors. The tints and faces inside the Petite Bunny Gloss Bars are different. They work well over or under any type of lip product. As a standalone product, it creates an ideal everyday look. You will love how this product does not smear or crease.

The official Tony Moly stores in Singapore are situated in Jurong Point and Bugis Junction. However, you can get these glosses at Lazada Singapore.

PERIPERA AH MUCH REAL MY CUSHION BLUSHER

Get it at Lazada Singapore for S$29.12.

One of this year’s bestselling cult-favorites is Peripera’s Ah Much Real My Cushion Blusher. Showcase a post-workout flush without breaking a sweat by dabbing the product to your cheeks. This cheerfully packaged blush is easy to use due to its sponge applicator.

The creamy formula will brighten your face and leave it with a soft finish. All these are achieved while hydrating your skin.

Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/commerce/products/904782866256498/?rid=321506254528190&rt=6

Image Credits: facebook.com/commerce/products/904782866256498/?rid=321506254528190&rt=6

Sources: 1 & 2

How To Decorate Your Home On A Tight Budget

Minor decorating projects can freshen up your nest without breaking the bank. Try one or two of these Do-It-Yourself ideas for an instant upgrade!

AN EYE-CATCHING NAPKIN

Are you tired of your dull satin napkins? Well, you can liven up your dining table by adding ombre linens. Ombre is a display of similar tones. Start by gathering your plain white linens and by soaking them in water. Brush the fabric paint from the bottom. Put water as you move up the linen. Do you notice how the tones gradually transition from light to dark?

Complete the faded look by drying and ironing each one. These napkins can double as place-mats too!

A PLUSHY PILLOW FIGHT

If you are down for a plushy pillow party, please read along. Instead of rounding up your store-bought throw pillows, you can customize on your own. Prepare sewing pins, scissors, fabrics, ironing cloth, buttons, and hem tape. You can purchase hem tape at your nearest Spotlight store. The instant hem tape will cost you about S$8.

Follow this Mr. Kate YouTube tutorial to create a cozy pillow without the ability to sew.

A ONE OF A KIND “LAMP”

Add sophistication to your romantic dinner with a quick lighting trick. Simply pop a LED tealight inside a wine glass and cover it with a paper shade. Battery-operated light is a safer alternative, which does not have the risk of stimulating a fire. The 8-piece STÖPEN tealight from IKEA costs S$12.90.

Print and cut along this template on a piece of 8.5″ by 11″ paper. I recommend that you use a scrapbook paper as it is vibrant and sturdy.

AN ARTISTIC CHEST

Locate your old wooden cabinet such as the RAST from IKEA (S$59). The RAST acts as a blank canvas due to its untouched pine wood exterior. You can spruce things up in two ways – going bold or going classy. Achieve the first route by painting everything with high-gloss orange hues.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Lastly, you can tone things down by painting the chest white. Add gold pulls for a fancy touch. This design goes well with any bedroom.

Source: GH

Korean Beauty Products That Are Worth Every Dollar

The clamor for Korean beauty products skyrocketed in the recent years. As with any trend, the volume of said products boomed as the global obsession grew. Let us filter out the mediocre products and leave with these amazing products (i.e., which are under S$20).

TONY MOLY STRAWBERRY 3-STEP NOSE PACK

Get it at Lazada Singapore for only S$8.37.

The official Tony Moly stores in Singapore are situated in Jurong Point and Bugis Junction. Here, you will find the Strawberry 3-Step Nose Pack that exudes a delicious milky strawberry scent.

The nose pack has been on trend way back in the ’90s. This Korean rendition stands out as it cleanses your pores and tackles your blackheads, while moisturizing your skin. All these are possible because the product was enriched with witch hazel, lemon, sage leaf, and green tea extract.

ELIZAVECCA MILKY PIGGY CARBONATED BUBBLE CLAY MASK

Get it at Althea Singapore for a discounted price of S$14.40.

From the makers of the painful Hell-Pore Clean Up Mask comes the funky Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask. The Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask took the Internet by storm due to its fizzy and foamy nature. Watch as it cleanses Vivienne Fung’s face:

To maximize the results, the mask is meant to stay in your skin for five minutes until the bubbles are generated.

BANILA CO. CLEAN IT ZERO

Get it at Changi Airport for S$19.70.

Are you hunting for a facial cleanser, which is supported by positive consumer reviews? Look no further than the Clean It Zero. This “scoopable” cleanser starts out as a solid balm and later turns into an oil when you massage it to your skin. It boasts with papaya extract – a gentle exfoliating ingredient that will give you a glowing complexion. No need to brighten your face with a beauty app!

Lastly, it claims to remove even the clingiest of makeup looks!

HOLIKA HOLIKA GOLDEN MONKEY GLAMOUR LIP 3-STEP KIT

Get it Althea Singapore for a discounted price of S$2.70.

Ready to renew your pout? Ladies and gentlemen of all skin types can benefit from the Golden Monkey Glamour 3-Step Kit.

As I have insanely chapped lips, this lip mask buzzes music to my ears. You have heard of a face and a lip mask works similarly. Apply it to your beloved lips to exfoliate and hydrate it.

Sources:1 & 2

The Contemporary Social Media And Financial Affairs

Here is how social media platforms can blend well with your personal monetary affairs.

YOU CAN CREATE A BUSINESS REPUTATION.

Content meets entrepreneurship as modern technology allows you to craft an online business persona. Use social media platforms to reach as many consumers as you can. You are free to advertise your products or service, but be wary of oversharing. Oversharing information may cost you plenty of money.

As Robert Siciliano, the online security expert for McAfee, once said: “Online reputation management and mitigation companies are a booming business because people just can’t stop posting things they shouldn’t, which often have long-term negative effects on their personal and professional lives.”

EDUCATORS CAN SHARE ENLIGHTENING VIDEOS ABOUT MONEY.

To increase mutual engagement between the financial literacy material and the students, educators can present a video inside and outside the classroom. Video sharing websites such as YouTube allows lecturers to upload their lessons, which can easily be shared by the students. This enables the students to process the money issues at their own pace.

Turn up the kinesthetic facet up a notch by asking your students to create a video to supplement their assigments related to budgeting or managing debts. This activity will connect them more to the lessons that you are teaching.

YOU CAN USE YOUR PROFILE AS A LEVERAGE.

One of the “online rules” that you must live by is to assume that your posts are all public. This assumption will make you accountable for your actions. After all, your employer may be stalking your every virtual move.

If you despise your job or your boss, it may be tempting to rant endlessly on Facebook. Posting does not cost a cent! However, doing so could sabotage your career. Do you remember the former NTUC Assistant Director who got fired due to her racist comments on Facebook? Well, NTUC’s Membership Partnership & Alliance took immediate actions as they have zero tolerance for racism. On that note, never post anything negative or unpleasant about your previous or current employer. Always use common sense!

FINANCIAL EXPERTS CAN EASILY COMMUNICATE WITH YOU.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Experts provide significant financial education that will benefit you throughout your lives. This is where the power of social media comes in. Social media platforms present a tremendous opportunity to reach diverse generations, especially the Millennials. Millennials use technology to learn about their personal money matters. So, use specific hashtag such as #financialaid or #guidetobudgeting to expand the discussion to more users.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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