Price of Beauty: How Much Does Your Beauty Regimen Cost You Each Month?

Looking good isn’t just about vanity…it’s about confidence and self-esteem. The way we present ourselves can influence how others perceive us and even open doors to opportunities we desire. But at what cost does this pursuit of beauty come? Let’s delve into the numbers and explore ways to maintain our appearance without breaking the bank.

The skincare and beauty industry is thriving, raking in over US$90 billion (about S$120 billion) globally. In Singapore alone, the average woman spends approximately S$270 per month on toiletries, fitness classes, and occasional pampering sessions like facials or massages, according to a survey by UOB.

This investment in personal care contributes significantly to Singapore’s premium beauty sector, which reached an estimated worth of S$947.5 million in 2021, up from S$799 million in 2015, as reported by Euromonitor.

However, the allure of luxury brands often leads consumers to overspend. Fancy packaging, celebrity endorsements, and perceived quality can inflate prices, making it challenging to stick to a budget.

Reflecting on personal spending habits, I find myself allocating around S$120 per month for essentials like foot spas, waxing, haircuts, and skincare/makeup purchases, excluding clothing expenses. It’s easy to overlook these costs, but failing to budget for them can lead to financial strain.

To avoid overspending on beauty and wellness products, consider implementing these strategies:

Image Credits: unsplash.com

1. Shop with a Plan: Outline what you need to purchase and set a budget before browsing.

2. Compare Prices: Research and compare prices across different retailers to find the best deals.

3. Implement a Cooling-Off Period: Delay impulse purchases by adding items to your cart and revisiting them after a set time or sleep on it before finalizing the purchase.

4. Space Out Salon Visits: Opt for quality over quantity when it comes to salon treatments. Consider stretching out appointments to reduce overall spending without sacrificing results.

5. Avoid Boredom Shopping: Set dedicated time slots for online shopping and stick to your budget to prevent impulse buys.

6. Prioritize Quality Over Price: Invest in essential products that suit your needs and skin type, even if they come with a higher price tag. Look for Sephora discounts or promotions to save money without compromising on quality.

By adopting these practices, you can maintain your beauty routine without overspending or jeopardizing your financial well-being. Remember, looking good should enhance your confidence, not drain your bank account!

Sources: 1 & 2

 

 

Read More...

Get rid of wrinkles in 2022 with these uncommon eye creams

BIOSSANCE eye cream

Wrinkles are an inevitable aspect of growing older. Our skin grows weaker, rougher, and less supple as we age, making it less capable of defending itself from external threats. As a result creases and lines appear on the skin.

While we believe in accepting our bodies’ natural development as we grow older, we understand those who wish to prevent or eliminate under-eye wrinkles. No one wants to appear old in front of the public’s eye, right?

In order to reduce wrinkles, you will need to take care of your under-eyes and have a skincare routine that includes the right eye cream. It’s common to have wrinkles and fine lines in our 30s when collagen levels begin to drop in our 20s so don’t be too hard on yourself.

If you’re seeking to lessen the signs of aging, we’ve got you covered. Get rid of wrinkles in 2022 with these uncommon eye creams we’re about to introduce to you.

SkinBetter InterFuse Treatment Eye Cream

SkinBetter InterFuse Treatment Eye Cream

Price: S$160

SkinBetter InterFuse Treatment Eye Cream won the Prevention Beauty Award last year and it’s not hard to understand why. It contains a specific peptide designed to soften the look of crow’s feet nearly instantly. Through a combination of caffeine and an extremely specialized yeast extract, it reduces the appearance of under-eye puffiness while also offering antioxidant and skin brightening properties. If you want to use a dynamic mix of humectants to get rid of dullness and lock in hydration, look no further.

Neocutis Lumière Bio-Restorative Eye Cream

Neocutis Lumière Bio-Restorative Eye Cream

Price: S$132

A revitalizing, line-smoothing eye cream that targets the sensitive eye region with growth factors to minimize the effect of facial wrinkles, crow’s feet, puffiness, and under-eye dullness. It hydrates the skin with Sodium Hyaluronate and soothes the tender eye zone with Bisabolol, a skin-conditioning component found in chamomile extract, to help ease the indications of tiredness.

Biossance Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

BIOSSANCE Squalane + Marine Algae Eye Cream

Price: S$81

In as little as a week, this moisturizing eye cream with Marine Algae Complex decreases the sight of wrinkles and fine lines. It improves the appearance of skin around the eye by lifting, firming, and smoothing it. Powered by paracress and marine algae, consistent use will result in dramatically better skin and the perception of a rejuvenated look. The melt-in texture moisturizes deeply and creates a crease-free foundation for makeup, while the natural pink tone boosts your complexion without the use of mica.

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Retinol Eye Cream

La Roche-Posay Redermic R Anti-Ageing Retinol Eye Cream

Sale Price: S$46.90

This anti-aging eye cream helps to minimize the appearance of crow’s feet wrinkles and circles under the eyes. Pure retinol, a vitamin A derivative that skin experts suggest, is included in its distinct formulation. It stimulates epidermal cell renewal and reduces lines and wrinkles when applied. It also contains La Roche-Posay thermal spring water, a calming water from France that has a unique blend of minerals, trace elements, and a concentration of selenium, a powerful antioxidant.

Peter Thomas Roth Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Eye Cream

Vital-E Microbiome Age Defense Eye Cream

Price: S$85

Anti-pollution, prebiotic, and probiotic components are used in this eye treatment to help minimize external aging and provide the image of freshness. Gamma E Antioxidant Technology combats the aging impacts of outside pollutants and weather conditions, which can disturb the microbiome of the skin. At the same time, Butterfly Ginger Root Extract is used to cleanse the skin that has been subjected to pollution and blue light from electronic gadgets.

Supergoop! Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40 PA+++

Bright-Eyed 100% Mineral Eye Cream SPF 40 PA+++

Sale Price: S$44

Because the skin surrounding your eyes is finer and more fragile, it is more susceptible to sun damage and hyperpigmentation. That is precisely why you need this non-nano, 100% zinc oxide daytime eye cream with sun protection elements that enhance and shield the under-eye region from UV rays and blue light. This quick-absorbing eye cream also comes with a skin-brightening hue that refreshes, preserves, and readies weary eyes before your makeup routine.

RéVive Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream Ultra Retexturizing Hydrator

RÉVIVE Moisturizing Renewal Eye Cream - Ultra Retexturizing Hydrator

Price: approx. S$266

The sensitive region around the eyes is prone to the first signs of aging, which is why a strong cream like RéVive’s is so crucial in your skincare routine. This revolutionary product, which contains the brand’s Restorative Eye Complex, aims to stimulate cell regeneration to retexturize and firm up the eye area. A potent mix of moisturizers works to reduce the sight of fine lines and wrinkles while also hydrating the skin at the same time.

Sunday Riley Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream

SUNDAY RILEY Auto Correct Brightening and Depuffing Eye Contour Cream

Price: S$99

This cream rapidly brightens and lifts dark circles and puffiness using caffeine and Brazilian ginseng root extract so you can revive sleepy eyes. Concentrated horse chestnut and acamella oleracea extracts effectively erase the sight of crow’s feet and fine wrinkles. It also has lutein, an antioxidant-rich pigment, giving the delicate skin around the eyes a dazzling shine, while cocoa and shea butter, watermelon rind extract, and Sodium PCA hydrate it. To reap the instant benefits, try it today!

Read More...

5 best multitasking beauty products under S$55

innisfree-black-tea-youth-enhancing-line

2020 has gone by in a flash, and we’ve already marched into March. Just because the earth is slowly completing its revolution around the sun doesn’t mean that you have to look older by the day.

There are many beauty products out in the market that have been developed to work alongside your routine. Whether you’re looking to fix up your skin as you focus on your tasks approaching the end of the 1st quarter of 2021, or you’re looking for that special glow, there are affordable options for you.

Here are the five best multitasking beauty products under S$55 that won’t break your bank.

#1: Fresh Beauty Kombucha Cleansing Treatment

 FRESH Kombucha Cleansing Treatment

Price: S$36

This treatment isn’t your average cleanser. It’s a beauty multitasker that harnesses different products’ power and concentrates it all down into one affordable bottle. 

Along with the classic feature that naturally wipes the impurities, makeup, and pollution away, you will also get an added boost of 24-hour triple pollution defence against outdoor and indoor digital light.

Perhaps most unique about this cleanser is how it repairs your skin at the cellular microbiota level with a natural ingredient called prebiotic insulin. Sourced from chicory roots, it has properties that will help balance your skin.

#2: AHC Age Defense Real Eye Cream for Face

AHC Age Defense Real Eye Cream for Face 40ml

Sale Price: S$40.80

We all know that Korean skincare products are some of the best available. That’s why you should pay attention to AHC’s eye cream, a 2-in-1 product that works to anti-age your eyes and face.

What’s even better is that it is clinically proven to reduce 7 wrinkle types in precisely 7 days. You don’t have to wait seven days, however, to feel hydrated instantly. For an extra touch of luxury, you can enjoy the newly added gold in its formula.

#3: Laneige Water Sleeping Mask EX Sleeping Microbiome™

LANEIGE Water Sleeping Mask EX Sleeping Micro Biome™

Price: S$45

When it comes to hard work, our bodies deserve a good rest. Luckily, Laneige has come up with its Water Sleeping Mask EX, which is sure to bring you refreshing hydration and texture while you get your shuteye.

The new version of the iconic mask comes with unique ingredients like squalene, Sleeping Microbiome™, and a probiotic complex that will ensure restoration and the utmost health of your skin’s condition.

Even if you don’t get the recommended eight hours of sleep, this Laneige mask will guarantee you look like you did. Worth every penny, isn’t it?

#4: Innisfree Black Tea Youth Enhancing Ampoule Special Set

Black Tea Youth Enhancing Ampoule Special Set

Price: S$51

Tea has so many health benefits that make it a perfect drink. Now, imagine the properties of tea inside your skincare.

Just as you might envision, the Jeju Black Tea inside Innisfree’s Ampoule Special Set comes with a special Reset Concentrate™ that attacks the five classic signs of skin fatigue.

If you’ve ever experienced dullness, texture issues, sensitivity and would love better overall skin, the youth-enhancing ampoule products will be perfect for that glow you’ve been searching for. 

#5: Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

GLOW RECIPE Watermelon Glow Niacinamide Dew Drops

Price: S$52

Speaking of glow, there’s nothing better than giving our skin a natural radiance and brightness. That’s why this skincare and makeup hybrid from Glow Recipe excels beyond all expectations to give your skin that dewy look.

You can choose to use it as a primer, a highlighter, or a foundation mixer to give you an entirely desirable reflective complexion. Rest assured that this beauty multi-tasker comes without mica, glitter, or grey cast.

Read More...

Makeup Addict’s Guide To Saving More Money

From all walks of life, makeup addicts are not afraid to widen their collection of beauty products. Fortunately, you do not have to spend too much to feel like a million bucks! Save money by employing these simple hacks below.

#1: EXPERIMENT WITH COLORS AND SHADES

Play the role of a beauty scientist without having to wear a lab gown by mixing your cosmetics. A YouTuber named Safiya Nyagaard explored the possibilities of fusing her nude lipsticks and her eye shadow palettes. It resulted to her favorite product – the Franken lipstick.

Without spending a cent on additional colors, you can achieve your dream products! Mix or melt a couple of your lipstick, eye shadow, and foundation together to create a new look. This will come in handy when you buy a product that you regret. For instance, I bought a “hot pink” lipstick recently. I bought it mainly due to its organic formulation. To make it more wearable, I layer it with a pinkish nude shade.

#2: USE YOUR BRUSH, NOT YOUR FINGERS

There is a reason why makeup artists have distinct brushes for specific purposes! For starters, using a brush allows you to precisely apply the product where you intend it to be. Furthermore, using fingers primarily may result to wastage of the product.

I have to admit that I am one of those people who find it easier to apply foundation using my fingers. I seem to control the blending better using this technique. However, I frequently have to wipe off a pea-sized amount with tissue. The seemingly small amounts add up!

#3: GIVE DRUGSTORE BRANDS A CHANCE

It is tempting to purchase the latest products available at Sephora, especially if you have a loyalty card. Constantly searching for high-end products can lead to overlooking the drugstore counterparts and its potential savings. Give drugstore products a fair chance!

A true makeup addict knows that the drugstore brands are stepping up their game as they launch quality collections with competitive formulas. You may notice that some drugstore brands collaborate with famous celebrities. Take a look at the neutral capsule created by Gigi Hadid for Maybelline.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Maybelline along with Wet n Wild, Essence, and L’oreal are some of the best drugstore brands out there. Do not be afraid to explore cheaper dupes of your favorite high-end products!

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...

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

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

Image Credits: facebook.com/TsubakiSG

Sources: 1 & 2

Read More...