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Clever Tips To Keep In Mind When Buying A New Phone

Seeing a working landline set is always nostalgic for me. Do you remember when you are limited to making calls in your living room? Well, those days are long gone. These type of sets still exist, but the majority had switched to the portable smartphones.

When choosing the best device on the block, keep these factors in mind:

UNDERSTAND WHAT YOU CAN REALISTICALLY AFFORD

Whether you are committing to a new phone on a postpaid plan or on its own, you should do your research first. Widen your knowledge to acquire the best possible specifications that money can buy. Take note of the processor, camera quality, and the batter life. You do not want to flush away your hard-earned money on devices that blow up while charging. The wise selection process will give your investment a significant amount of future-proofing.

Say you want to sign on high-end smartphones such as iPhone 7 or Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge. Wait for the discounts offered during holidays or the Great Singapore Sale. These type of smartphones hold their resale value over time. Thus, they are easy to sell if you want to upgrade.

FOCUS ON THE BATTERY LIFE

The longetivity of your potential phone depends on many factors such as its screen size and its operating system. Any phone that can withstand nine hours of straight 4G LTE browsing has a decent batter life. Other determinants of the battery life includes the batter capacity. Look for a phone with at least 3,000 mAh.

Compare the endurance of the phone that you have been eyeing for by reading various tech reviews.

IDENTIFY THE NECESSARY FEATURES

A worthy investment includes features that are both necessary and desirable. As obvious as this may sound, high-end models includes almost everything that a user can ask for. However, you shall consider mid-priced models if your sole purpose is to do simple tasks such as calling and browsing. There are countless mid-priced models that have the premium features for the fraction of the fancy model’s price.

Remember that you must not pay for something that is beyond what you need.

IGNORE THE OVERWHELMING MEGAPIXELS

Our socially connected world embraces the relay of images on popular social media platforms. This is why many users believe that the second most important feature after the battery life is the camera megapixels. Talk about taking the perfect selfie!

But, tech experts beg to differ. Some believe that you must ignore the megapixels in favor of special features such as the dual lenses and lower aperture. Keep these things in mind when you are shopping.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

BONUS: AFTER-PURCHASE CARE

To prolong the life of your beloved phone or to prevent any costly damages, you must buy a case and a glass protector. I, for one, coat my iPhone with the famed tampered glass. Doing so will boost the phone’s resale value when you are ready for an upgrade.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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

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

5 Affordable, Last-Minute Valentine’s Gifts

Tomorrow is February 14. Let us be honest! Most of us wait until the final hour to polish our gifts for Valentine’s Day. Fortunately for you, it is not too late to cook up a gift that is both sweet and cheap.

Scroll down below for valuable inspirations:

SWEET SEVEN DAYS

Image Credits: thedatingdivas.com

Do you remember the weekly medicine containers or pill boxes, which were scattered in your grandparents’ house? Purchase a few to create a simple craft. Start by filling the containers with your partner’s favorite treats. Try hitting up the dollar store or the nearby Daiso to get a cheaper deal.

Afterwards, attach these printable notes from the Dating Divas. A certified sweet-tooth will adore this charming gift.

LOVE IN A COOKIE

Who can resist the tantalizing aroma and the unique taste of the (world) Famous Amos? I sure cannot!

Famous Amos dedicated its resources to serve fresh products to Singaporeans since 1983. Their freshly baked cookies helped me to overcome the challenging days as a university student. Now, its cookies can help you survive Cupid’s holiday. Buy their personalized heart-shaped cookies. It comes prepacked in two sizes namely small (about S$13) and medium (about S$25). Choose a size that suits your lover’s preference.

THE PERFECT PEN

Image Credits: sassymamasg.com

For your husband or boyfriend who is fond of scribbling (or showing off his pen), you may present the new Pilot Metropolitan Retro Pop. The Pilot Metropolitan Retro Pop fuses the traditional fountain pen to several modern patterns. You have up to 6 vibrant looks to choose from.

The 20-dollar pen is available at Tokyu Hands. What are you waiting for? Grab it while you can.

BEE MY VALENTINE

Some people are extremely particular about their cosmetics and skin products. Take the safer route by leaning towards all-natural products. Let name drop a brand, which I swear by.

Burt’s Bees, a cosmetics company available at Sephora, manufactures its products using natural ingredients. What’s more? These products are packaged using recycled materials. Create a cute card by topping it off with the phrase “Bee my Valentine”. Plaster a 10-dollar signature Burt’s Bees lip balm to add embellishment to this card.

RELAXING “ME TIME”

The best way to reward your workaholic lover is by giving the present of an enjoyable bath time filled with relaxing fragrance. Achieve that by making bath bombs that are similar to the ones sold at the shopping malls. Make different types of bath bombs with this tutorial.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

If you are really short of time, just purchase a box of bath bombs at Lush Singapore.

4 Things That Millennials Don’t Mind Paying For

Oh how exciting is the progressive generation of the Millennials! Scholars defined the beginning of Generation Y as 1977 – 1981 while its end as 2002 – 2008. As you welcome 2017 with open arms, you will be amazed to know that they have more buying power than any other surviving generations.

The Millennials’ spending patterns are certainly unique to them.

#1: SMARTPHONES

Due to the heavy emphasis on economy in the Lion City, it is normal for students to possess part-time jobs to boost their allowances. These part-time jobs serve as an additional revenue to finance entertainment, travel, and school needs.

When I was a student, I worked every weekend in a Pilates studio along the stretch of the crowded Orchard Road. The money that I earned was wasted on cosmetics, movie tickets, and clothing. Boosting my perceived social status was on the top priority. Saving money merely followed.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

I remembered exchanging conversations with a friend of mine who only took the job at Häagen-Dazs to purchase the Samsung handphone that he has been eyeing on. Like my friend, having a cool smartphone is a must for the younger generations. They just cannot function without their trusty gadgets! Furthermore, smartphones usually serve as a means of communicating with others. We all know how much Millennials love to dwell and share their lives on social media.

#2: COSMETICS

I can attest to the undeniable trend of young women embracing the wonders of cosmetics. In United States alone, the expected revenue for the beauty industry was expected to exceed US$62 billion (about S$89 billion). Personally, I adore treating my face as a canvas as with many Singaporean women.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Whenever I am out with my sisters or with my friends, a trip to the nearby Sephora is always a part of the “to-do list”. My sister (a certified member of the Generation Y) did not mind if she spent S$68 on Benefit’s limited collection called Dolly Darling. She knew how happy I would be if I saw my favorite Hoola Matte Bronzer and POREfessional Face Primer. My face sparkled with glee as I opened this precious holiday collection. . Do you enjoy makeup as much as I do?

#3: HEALTHY FOOD

I came from a family whose mindset valued essence of health and wellness. Some of my relatives are Licensed Doctors, Fitness Instructors, and other healthcare professionals. I try my hardest to make healthier choices due to my exposure to this kind of environment. Apart from myself, are other Millennials keen on changing their food regimen for the better? The answer is YES.

According to a Forbes article: “Millennials still prefer cheaper food, and want it to be convenient. But they are also more willing to pay for fresh and healthy food, and are willing to go to great lengths to find it.”

More than the previous generations, Millennials were more likely to seek organic food. Investing on organic produce that is GMO-free and freshly grown with fewer pesticides sounds like a good idea yet pricey idea. Do not get me wrong! If you know where to look, you can get affordable organic vegetables and fruits in local grocery stores or online shops.

#4: EXPRESS DELIVERY

Patience is not exactly a part of every Millennial’s vocabulary. It is the rise of the digital age. We all want things instantaneously and in our own terms. Sometimes, we act like raging children whose main mantra shouts: “I want it. I want it right now!” This behavior was supported by the Shop.org survey. It found that Millennials, compared to other generations, were more likely to pay extra for same-day delivery on their online purchases.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Are you an avid fan of express delivery? Search through your previous receipts to find out more about your spending habits.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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