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Surprisingly Affordable Yet Quality Japanese Brands In Singapore

Long before JPOP was mainstream, Japanese brands had been circulating the worldwide market. Valuing their historical significance, contemporary influence, and innovative style, Japan never seize to amaze its consumers. On that note, here are 4 Surprisingly Affordable Yet Quality Japanese Brands Available In Singapore…

1. MUJI

I am in love with MUJI’s products not only because of its simplicity but also because of its efficacy. Most of their products are practical such as the “CT LINEN POLY SOFT BOX OBLONG S HALF“, a foldable fabric storage box for only S$13.

Curated by Ryohin Keikaku Co., Ltd., MUJI upholds the philosophy of bringing quality products at lower prices. This is because of their intensive selection for raw materials. A testament of that are their stationery items including office supplies, packaging items, acrylic storage, desktop items, and handphone accessories with prices ranging from S$0.90-S$49. Aside from this, they also sell tasty foods and skin care products, which Japan is truly known for.

Image Credits: Paul Davidson via Flickr

MUJI has 9 outlets islandwide, click here for more details.

2. TSUBAKI

Everyone knows that a woman’s crowning glory is her hair. A shiny, smooth, and beautiful hair is the definitive characteristics of a good hair care brand. TSUBAKI fuses its Japanese roots by adding the hair ingredient of ancient times – the Camellia oil. Although it was launched in 2006, TSUBAKI has been leading the hair care brand in Japan with over 270 million units of shipments worldwide. This is due to their affordability, quality, attractive packaging, and celebrity endorsers. As it is gracing Singapore, users can surely love the effect of lustrous and frizz-free hair with regular use. TSUBAKI is available at all Watsons outlet with prices as low as S$8.90 (e.g., TSUBAKI Shining Shampoo 220ml and TSUBAKI Damage Care Conditioner 220ml).

Image Credits: www.facebook.com/TsubakiSG

3. UNIQLO

A Japanese brand that is celebrated by international clientele, UNIQLO’s shops have always something for everyone. From plain T-shirts, patterned dresses, oxford shirts, winter jackets, and undergarments…UNIQLO pieces proves to be diverse. Aside from that they are known for quality products sold at a reasonable rate. Focusing on quality helps reduce waste. With prices as low as S$4.90, UNIQLO still offers worldwide sales. Fancy a Striped 3/4 Sleeve Dress?

Image Credits: www.uniqlo.com/sg/store/women-idlf-striped-34-sleeve-dress-1444030005.htm

It is available now for S$29.90 – save S$20! Or how about a classic long sleeves for men? It is available now for S$12.90 – save S$12!

UNIQLO has 22 outlets islandwide, click here for more details.

4. HADA LABO

Dreaming of a flawless and fair skin? Dream no more. Japan has brought its special formulation to Singapore with Hada Labo’s skin care line. Hada Labo embodies an uncomplicated approach to skin care products with its motto “Nothing More, Nothing Less” being present in their ingredients and product processing. This means that each product is formulated with the suitable ingredients to meet the needs of the consumers. For example, they use Retinol for the anti-aging products and Hyaluronic Acids for the hydrating products.

Their prices are as low as S$12.90 (Retinol Lifting + Firming Lotion) and as high as S$32.90 (Arbutin White Essence). Hada Labo is available at all Watsons outlets. Here is a short clip of a Japanese skin care regimen incorporating Hada Labo’s products:

Budget-Friendly Ways To Build Your Dream Home Office

If you are waving goodbye to the office life and venturing to the exciting world of freelance or self-employment, you will find yourself in need of a home office. Luckily, due to modern technology, building a home office is easier than ever before. Here are some budget-friendly ways you can start with…

1. DO IT YOURSELF

Instead of hiring an interior designer or other professionals, decorate your office by yourself. You have the freedom to choose your working space. Be creative, as your imagination knows no bounds. For example, you may hang inspiring posters or family photos to motivate you everyday.

2. USE WHAT YOU ALREADY HAVE

Recycle and repurpose your old furniture or decorative materials. Buried in your attic or closets are useful yet forgotten things such as lamps, chairs, or notebooks. Seek for these things. Then, reinvent these forgotten treasures by fixing and painting on them. Not only did you save more money but you also saved Mother Earth. 🙂

If purchasing for other items is necessary, consider to…

3. PURCHASE FURNITURE ONLINE

Looking for stylish yet inexpensive furniture? Then, GROUPON.sg is the website for you! They currently offer a wide selection of discounted furniture but, here are some of my top picks:

a. The classically beautiful Funika 3-Tier 2-Tone Reversible Bookcase priced at S$25.90 (38% off). Available here.

b. The assorted colors of Bolton Swivel Chair with Armrest priced at S$79 (47% off). Available here.

c. The space-saving Set of 2 Folding Chairs priced at $29.90 (30% off). Available here.

d. The maple colored 2-Tier Desk priced at S$59 (54% off). Available here.

4. BARGAIN AT THE FLEA MARKETS

It is possible to buy unique yet affordable pieces of electronics, rags, stationery, paintings, and furniture at Singapore’s flea markets and thrift shops. Some of the known fleas include MAAD (Market of Artists and Designers), Zouk Flea & Easy, and China Square Central Sunday Flea Market.

5. LASTLY, SHOP DURING SALES

To save more money, list down everything that you need for your home office. Then, buy these items one by one once the sale comes up. It is okay to take your time in building up your ideal haven since you are the master of your own time. One of the large-scale brand that offer quality products at low prices is IKEA Singapore. And, they occasionally have special product offers. For example, you may add a tampered glass VITTSJÖ laptop support to your home office for only S$19.90 (U.P. S$39.90).

Image Credits: Jeremy Levine via Flickr

Building your own home office may take time, money, and effort but, once you found something you truly love (whether it be blogging or web designing), all of these will be well worth it. 🙂

5 Ways To Have Flawless Skin For Less

Skip Skin or Face Treatments that cost for more than S$300 by rejuvenating your skin with simple kitchen ingredients available at your own home. Isn’t it amazing that you can get flawless skin for less?

1. FIGHT BUG BITES, PIMPLES, AND RASHES

Aside from cleaning your teeth or fixing small holes in your walls, toothpaste can be used as a handy tool to remove bug bites, reduce pimples, and eliminate itchy skin rashes. All you have to do is apply an ample amount of plain white toothpaste on your bug bites or pimple and allow it to stay on your skin over night. Rinse it off immediately in the morning.

2. FRESHEN YOUR SKIN

Consisting of 95% water, it comes as no surprise that cucumbers help freshen and moisturize the skin. Also, cucumber pulp can help improve your skin’s complexion especially if you have redness or irritation. So, place at least two cucumber slices in a plastic bag and let it freeze in the fridge overnight. Remove it from the fridge the next morning and place two slices in your eyes for 10 minutes. Guaranteed instant freshness and less puffy eyes indeed!

3. EXFOLIATE YOUR SKIN

Coffee is not only delicious but also skin smoothening. Exfoliate your skin by mixing coffee grounds with your body lotion. Just dip a wet cloth into your leftover coffee grounds. Massage it from your neck down to your body to wash off the dead skin.

4. REDUCE ACNE, WRINKLES, AND AGE SPOTS

A natural antiseptic (i.e., prevents the growth of disease-causing microorganisms), sea salt helps to reduce acne, wrinkles, and age spots. What a powerful ingredient! Try it at home by adding one tablespoon of sea salt in a 16-ounce bottle of warm water. Spray the solution to a cloth then apply it on your skin. Buy the Origins organic sea salt (500g) for only S$2.80 at Natural.sg.

5. HELP MAKE SKIN LESS OILY

Lemon and sugar are the perfect duo to help make your skin less oily. Like sea salt, lemon is a natural antiseptic that is good for removing bacteria and dirt from the pores. While sugar acts as an active ingredient to open up the pores so that the lemon’s juice can seep in. Simply use half of the lemon and sprinkle sugar on top. Apply this on your face to help get rid of blackheads and acne – leaving you to look more radiant than ever before!

Image Credits: Heather via Flickr

Sources: AllYou and Lifehack

10 Tips To Eat Healthier And Save More Money

Healthy eating is an active choice to improve one’s lifestyle. It is not about total dietary restriction and remaining thin. Rather, it is about having more energy and feeling better about YOU!

If you find it difficult at first, fear not because you are not alone. Taking this healthier road one step at a time will surely go a long way. Once you embraced healthier eating, you cannot only be fitter but also richer. As you cut back the unnecessary, you can save more money for important things such as your child’s allowance. On that note, here are 10 Tips To Eat Healthier And Save More Money…

CONSUME LESS SUGAR AND STARCH

1. Reduce sugar in fruit juices by diluting it with water. Even if it does not contain added sugar such as the pure fruit juices, it is still good to practice this.

2. A bottle of Strawberry Jam at FairPrice retails for about S$3-9.80. You can save that and reduce guar consumption by using minimum amounts of jam or any spread. Apply it thinly and evenly.

GO FOR REDUCED FATS

3. Did you know that Marigold’s Non Fat Yoghurt is available for S$1.85 while Meiji’s Low Fat Yoghurt is only S$1/pc at FairPrice. Also, milk containing less fat are either the same price or even cheaper than the other types. The point is, you can choose reduced-fat varieties of milk and yoghurt without sacrificing the price.

4. If you are preparing meat, remove the visible fat and the skin off the chicken before you cook.

CONSUME LESS SODIUM

5. You can either reduce or not use salt at all when you are cooking. But, if you want to add more flavors, use iodized salt instead.

6. Want to save more on salt? Gradually reduce the salt you add in your cooking and buy food with lower sodium levels.

INCREASE FIBER INTAKE

7. Eat about 3-4 servings of fruits daily. Banana, orange, and guava are just some of the fruits rich in fiber.

8. It is a known fact that leafy greens are more affordable than lean meat. To eat healthier, eat smaller servings of meat with larger servings of vegetables.

OTHERS

9. Cook more homemade meals instead of buying take-away. For example, cook fish by steaming, grilling, or pan-frying it. Shy away from deep fried food.

10. Lastly, it is no surprise that beer or any alcoholic drinks should be cut down. The recommended consumption should be no more than 3 drinks for men and no more than 2 drinks for women. Reducing your alcohol consumption will not only control your weight but it will also save you more money and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

Image Credits: nutrition education via Flickr

Source: HeartFoundation.org.nz

Budget-Friendly Ways To Look Taller Instantly

Dreaming of growing a few inches more? But, as they say: some things cannot be changed – natural height included. Lucky for you, there are easy and cheap ways to appear taller in less than an hour!

1. DRESS WISE

FOR WOMEN:

a. Use Smart Color Play

Light colors for the shoes such as nude can help elongate your legs while solid colored tops create a visual feast without shortening the person’s perceived height. Befriend the colors inside your closet and do these simple tricks:

Image Credits: en.paperblog.com

b. Go For V-necks

Blouse, t-shirt, or any top with V-necklines can make you look taller and leaner as it creates a vertical line drawing attention to the person’s face. A budget-friendly H&M V-neck shirt retails for S$7-10.

FOR MEN:

a. Opt For Dark Pants

Dark colored pants make your legs look long and slim. So, if you want to appear taller and lean, opt for dark black or navy jeans.

b. Wear Fitted Clothes

Avoid baggy clothing and go for nicely fitted clothing as it reveals the body’s silhouette. Wearing a suit that fit can produce a lengthening illusion of your whole body.

FOR BOTH:

a. Go For Vertical Lines

Try to wear clothing with vertical lines while avoiding those with horizontal lines. Not only will you look taller but you will also look thinner because the lines make people perceive the height more than the width.

b. Style A Monochromatic Look

Wear a look that has the same color or shade from head-to-toe (e.g., all white everything). This will create fewer segments to your body that will lead to an illusion of maximum height.

2. GOOD POSTURE

Stand or sit up straight. Good posture is not only free but it can make a huge difference in how others perceive your length. Also, you will look more sharp and engaged.

3. ENHANCE YOUR HAIR

Style your hair to add extra height and volume around your face. But, do not go overboard and have a famous 80s big do! Feeling more adventurous? Cut your hair shorter as long locks can overwhelm the height. How much would a trim at salons in HDBs cost you? Only S$6-15 – go for it!

4. EAT RIGHT

Food rich in calcium such as yogurt, milk, spinach, and soybean help the bones to grow. While food rich in vitamin D such as fish, cereal, and mushroom help muscle growth. Lastly, food rich in protein such as peas, broccoli, and nuts help the whole body to grow. Know more here.

Image Credits: Frank Steiner via Flickr

Source: About Style

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