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5 Budget-Friendly Korean Beauty Tips

Korean beauty secrets focus on the rigorous steps that you need to follow on a daily basis. They invest their time and money on flawless skin to wear less makeup. Dewy skin with tinted lips is the way their go-to look!

#1: DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Much like the tip shared by a Parisian model, renowned Korean artist Song Ji-eun is zealous when it comes to drinking water. She drinks about three liters of water daily. She believes that the act of hydration will keep her skin looking radiant. She is right!

Drinking water is essential for your body. In some cases, it may even lighten your skin! Generally speaking, it keeps your skin from cracking or drying out.

#2: FOLLOW THE 10 STEPS

Most Korean skincare regimen involves 10 steps. It includes applying sheet masks, essences, serums, moisturizers, fermented products, and sunscreen. Cleansing and exfoliating are parts of the ritual too. I am going to focus on exfoliation.

Exfoliation not only cleans out clogged pores, but also removes dead skin cells. Doing so will brighten your skin. People with sensitive skin must exfoliate once a week. While, people with less sensitive skin shall exfoliate three times a week. Consider purchasing the Palmer’s Exfoliating Facial Scrub for S$15.90.

#3: MASSAGE YOUR OWN FACE

Many Koreans prefer showering with a warm to hot temperature setting. As an avid fan of facials, I learned that the steam opens up pores. It makes it easier to remove your blackheads and other imperfections. Fortunately for South Koreans, skin clinics are rampant in their area. So, how can we mimic this convenience?

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Massage your face whenever you want to. Create circular motions with your fingers tapping your forehead, cheeks, and jaw. Massaging it can increase ciculation. It is believed that this can lead to a dewy complexion.

#4: USE A CHARCOAL FACE MASK

Buying sheet masks in South Korea is synonymous to purchasing rice in Singapore. It is a necessity! What face mask ingredient is all the rage? Well, charcoal is popular these days. Charcoal dries out your face to detoxify it from excess oils. Furthermore, it exfoliates the face to wash out other impurities. Let it sit on your face for 10 to 15 minutes.

A popular Korean brand for face sheet masks is MEDIHEAL. Its black charcoal mask retails for S$8.90 at Watsons.

#5: WEAR A TINTED LIP COLOR

Korean women prefer wearing lip tints for its many advantages. Firstly, it stays put throughout the day. You can eat two slices of pizza and still have stained lips! Secondly, brands incorporate different natural products such as plant extracts and essential oils. Lastly, it is perfect for the low-maintenance or no-makeup look.

Image Credits: Hanbyul via Flickr Creative Commons

Korea’s innisfree carries a variety of lip tints including the Eco Flower tint for S$10. It has balsam, calendula, rose, azaleas and camellia extracts make your lips look fresh and beautiful.

Sources: 1 & 2

6 Budget-Friendly Parisian Beauty Tips

French women’s minimal approach to beauty is intriguing. They stand by their effortless hairstyle and hydrated skin. What’s their secret? For starters, everything seems au naturel.

#1: DRINK LOTS OF WATER

Fashion model Céline Delaugère’s skincare routine includes Vitamin E oil, sleep, and lots of water. I am going to focus on the last element. Drinking water is essential for your body. It hyrdrates your skin and makes you look radiant. In some cases, it may even lighten your skin! Generally speaking, it keeps your skin from cracking or drying out.

Take it from a Parisian model, quench your thirst and make it a habit!

#2: CLEANSE YOUR SKIN

French girls grew up with the habit of religiously cleansing their skin before bed. One of the most coveted French products is the Collosol Eau de Lait. It has been passed on from generation to generation. However, a cheaper alternative is a gentle cleanser and face mask put on a regular basis. Try the dollar face masks available at your local Watsons.

#3: WEAR LESS MAKEUP

Discretion encapsulates the approach of French women to beauty. Their makeup must seem natural as possible. Its sole purpose is to enhance what is already there. So, everything is used in moderation. A woman with a full-face make is a rare sight in the streets of Paris.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Dabbing products is a money saver! Instead of opting for a harsh foundation, a BB cream with SPF is recommended.

#4: GO FOR A SIGNATURE RED

You can either go for a bold lip color or a flashy eye makeup. Remember that less is more! Do your research when it comes to choosing your signature red lipstick. Personally, I prefer Mac’s Russian Red matte lipstick. It complements my skin perfectly and adds a layer of drama to a seemingly simple attire.

A red lip with little makeup can often be worn with anything. It is a staple in the French beauty scene.

#5: TAME YOUR LASHES

French women never go without adding a good curl to their eyelashes. Some even apply lash conditioner or serums to promote growth and thickness. Nonetheless, you must always carry a tube of mascara in your bag. Consider buying the L’Oreal Paris False Lash Miss Manga Mascara (costing S$22.90).

#6: ACCEPT YOUR IMPERFECTIONS

One of the things that I admire from French beauty is their innate philosophy of embracing imperfections. They put emphasis on the unique aspects of their face and shy away from plastic surgeries. Instead of focusing on your small teeth, you highlight your huge smile.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Accepting your “flaws” is how you make a statement!

Sources: 1 , 2, & 3

Free Beauty Samples To Request Now

In the money driven world we live in, people value receiving something for free. This is why companies introduce “free beauty samples”. Free beauty samples benefit not only its consumers, but also its manufacturers.

You are given the opportunity to test out products without having to waste your money on a full-sized bottle. These beauty samples come in handy while travelling and while on-the-go. On the other hand, companies directly give the products to you in the hopes that you will like their products. The increasing admiration towards the product may lead to increase in sales.

Singapore is blessed with companies who are more than happy to share their products. Check out these free beauty samples that you can request now:

#1: FOR EXPERIENTIAL ENTHUSIASTS

Website: samplestore.com

As a preschool teacher, we are taught that many people learn best through their experiences. Experiencing a product or a service directly is essential for modern consumers. This is where Sample Store comes in.

Sample Store lets you immerse yourself with up to four samples on a daily basis. You read that right! Get free samples delivered to your doorsteps through SingPost. Start by signing up at samplestore.com and by choosing from their wide product selection. Post product reviews in their website to earn more points and redeem more products.

You are free to explore more than 300 brands, but you can only receive one sample per product in a certain time.

#2: FOR MAKEUP JUNKIES

Website: sephora.sg

Sephora is a place that serves as a haven for makeup addicts. It houses some of the best beauty brands out there! What’s more? Its online store offers free samples upon checkout. Simply comply with the mechanics.

Here are the basic rules that you must follow:

a. Add a saple to your bag at checkout.
b. Only one sample may be added to each order.
c. Samples are available while supplies last.
d. If a sample goes out of stock, Sephora will provide a substitute.
e. Samples are not available during sale periods.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The current samples circulating the website include products from Make Up Forever, Kat Von D, Hourglass, Becca, and Fresh. You may receive samples of bigger sizes and of higher values by availing the Premium Sample. You can add a Premium Sample when your total bill ranks up to S$120 (i.e., before shipping and after applying the discounts).

#3: FOR HARDWORKING EYES

Website: kao.com

KAO corporation has a variety of products ranging from a sanitary napkin to a steam eye mask. The latter is an interesting one!

It goes without saying that eye strain is common in our screen-dependant society. What better way to refreshen your hardworking eyes that by receiving a free “hot” eye mask. Simply request a sample by completing a questionnaire. It is a rather lengthly form compared to the ones available on this list. Furthemore, they are releasing limited samples.

Here are the other terms and conditions:

a. Sample consists of 1 piece of Steam Eye Mask.
b. Each residential address is limited to one sample request.
c. Please allow 4-5 weeks for delivery of the sample.
d. Entries with incomplete addresses will be deemed invalid.
e. This free sample request is only available for applicants residing in Singapore.

#4: FOR DELICATE SKIN

Website: cetaphil.com.sg

Having sensitive skin is an issue that I had to tackle throughout my life. I lean towards gentle cleansers and organic soaps. Countless hours where spent on testing products that may or may not work for my skin. Not to mention, the prices these products are tagged with. In the course of my determined search, I found an affordable product that I completely swear by. It is none other than Cetaphil.

Cetaphil offers a broad selection of skin care products for babies and adults. Thus, you choose the right product to suit your skin type (e.g., Oily Skin Cleanser for oily skin). Receive a Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser by answering a quick online form.

Now, let us move on to your baby’s regimen. Cetaphil baby is specially formulated for your beloved’s delicate skin. These products are dermatologically tested to help your child maintain a smooth skin and a healthy hair. Receive a Cetaphil Baby Skincare by answering a quick online form.

5 Everyday Items That You Must Splurge On

EARPHONES

I have learned my lesson. I will no longer waste my money on seemingly fashionable yet cheap earphones. I got tired of replacing the ones that I recently bought at an artsy bazaar or a festive market. So, I focused on browsing some premium earphones. It made a huge difference! In fact, my current earphones has been with me for about two years.

Consider making the switch! Look for an earphones that possess amazing sound quality, decent microphone sensitivity, and well-made wires. I know that some people prefer flat wires to prevent the hassle of tangled wires. Note that there are certain brands with lifetime warranty such as JLab Audio. Before making a purchase, educate yourself about these things by reading online reviews.

PRESCRIPTION SPECTACLES

Half of my life was spent on constant trips to the nearby optical shops. Changing my look became a subtle hobby of mine. I either steer away or hop aboard the bandwagon when it comes to the style of my frames. I cannot be the only one!

The prevalence of shortsightedness or Myopia among Singaporean children was considered as one of the highest in the world. For a trait embedded in our genes, many of us are in need of prescription eye-wear. A lifetime eye-wear supply may poke a hole in your pocket, but it does not have to!

Purchasing your specs online may be cheaper and more convenient. However, it may not withstand the test of time. You will have to constantly replace your frames or lenses to compensate for its lack of quality. It is a good idea to invest on quality prescription spectacles that your specialist recommends.

COSMETICS

The beauty industry generates billions each year. I cannot deny how crazy consumers can get when Sephora Singapore announced their Christmas Sale that offer up to 50% off. Brands such as Too Faced, Urban Decay, Fresh, Nyx, and Tarte can be easily spotted in the sale racks. For a makeup enthusiast such as myself, I quickly grabbed the shopping basket!

Why is it important for you to purchase high-quality cosmetics? For starters, it is something that you apply to your face on a daily basis. It is hard to hide an irritated or a wounded face due to cheap makeup. Invest on high-end products every once in a while. Pretty soon, you will see your collection growing and your skin glowing. Consider foundations or tinted moisturizers from Laura Mercier, Bare Minerals, and Bobbi Brown.

KITCHEN KNIVES

Rather than frequenting the restaurants or hawker centres, cooking for your family can stretch your dollars. Knives are among the essential tools in the kitchen. The basic collection includes a chef’s knife, a serrated knife, and a paring knife. A dull knife takes you back to the caveman era. While, a sharp knife can last you for a lifetime. Remember that all blades can be sharpened. However, some blades dull faster than others.

Look for reliable knives that may last you for a lifetime. Consider notable brands such as Victorinox and Cangshan.

SOCKS

Socks are prevalent in the workplace and school environments. Students and employees regularly change their socks to accompany their trusty shoes. I remember using antimicrobial socks to prevent foot odor during my Physical Education class. You read that right! Socks are essential to protect your feet from odor, blisters, and unwanted microorganisms. This is why you spare no expense in finding a durable pair.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

With an article of clothing that you must wear everyday, ensure that you are comfortable throughout the day. Opt for thin socks to provide you cushion and style. While thick wool socks shall provide you the warmth and longevity.

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

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

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

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