9 Budget-Friendly Ways To Look Younger And Beautiful

1. MAINTAIN A GOOD POSTURE

People who stand up straight would convey a figure that looks more attractive and smarter. Also, research show that it facilitates breathing, increases happiness, and improves concentration. Give it a try. It is a free boost anyway.

2. GET A LONG SIDE-SWEPT FRINGE

If you are ever going to get a haircut, ask your stylist for long side-swept bangs to cover any obvious wrinkles in your forehead.

3. CUT YOUR NAILS INTO SQUARE-OVALS

Square tips with rounded edges tend to look more youthful and clean. Cut your nails straight across then smooth the corners round with a nail file.

4. HAVE A FREE EYE-LIFT

Curl your lashes and finish it with mascara. Curly and thick looking lashes give you an instant eye-lift that makes you seem alert and younger. For best results, wash your curler with hot water or blow-dry it for at least three seconds before using it.

5. SWITCH TO CREAM

Face powder can produce fine lines and lifeless look. So, switch to BB or CC cream instead. It will give a natural radiance to your glowing skin.

6. GO FOR BERRY LIPS

Go for a color that softens your lips by being not too nude, sheer, and bright. A berry hue is just right. Also, it is universally flattering for all skin complexions. Try Clinique’s Berry Blush Butter Shine Lipstick for S$16 or Broadest Berry Chubby Stick Lip Balm for S$17.

7. TRY MIXING IT UP

Pair two solid color or two patterned clothing together to give a bold and youthful statement. For example you may pair a floral skirt print with a striped blouse.

8. WEAR CLOTHING ARTICLES THAT FIT

My mother is one of the women who buy one size larger so that the clothing is more comfortable but it is less flattering. Whether something is too tight or too loose, the result remains constant: looking larger that you really are. So, shop and wear clothes that fit you well.

9. RENEW YOUR EYEWEAR 

Image Credits: Ansel Edwards via Flickr

Image Credits: Ansel Edwards via Flickr

If you do not want to wear contact lenses, a new color of frame shape will take years off your face. A frame shape that you may try is the modern take on the cat-eye. The upward tilt has a lifting effect. For the colors of the frame, warm hues exude youthfulness.

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5 Times Drugstores Take Your Money

If you enter a drugstore to buy a shampoo and a toothpaste but end up buying S$50 worth of nail polish, buy 1 get 1 offer of contact lens solution, and holiday decors along with your needs…keep in mind that you are not alone. Most drugstores employ sneaky and clever ways to entice you with their products that are rather unnecessary.

So, be a savvy shopper by educating yourself with the 5 Times Drugstores Take Your Money through clever strategies

1. HUGE WINDOW DISPLAY

As you walk in the wall you see a flashy window display of a fever medicine and you immediately rushed in since that is what you needed and you thought that they are having a special offer on it. Not so fast! A special window display does not necessarily mean that the product is a good deal.

2. ENTICING ENTRANCE

The seasonal items such as Christmas balls for Christmas season or artificial flowers for Valentine’s Day are presented to entice the shoppers in the entrance. Even if you did not come to buy these holiday decors, you get excited because of the claimed price drops at that moment.

3. ALLURING AUTHORITIES

Some sales representative are dawned in special uniforms or even lab coats to entice you with sweet-swelling shampoos or dermatologically tested cosmetics that you did not come to buy. So, if you are there to buy sunscreen, dandruff or hair growth shampoo then go directly to the respective aisle and buy the less expensive brand, which usually contain the special active ingredient.

4. SHELF GAMES

Drugstores place complementing products together so you end up buying not just the duster refills but also new sweeper handles and other attachments. To avoid this, focus on the shelf cards and look for the special deals or the special rebate items.

5. FAR PHARMACY

Drugstores are usually designed to encourage consumers to walk in a circular layout where the “must-haves” are tempting you along the way. And the highly needed pharmacy is located the far end.

Image Credits: Mike Mozart via Flickr

Image Credits: Mike Mozart via Flickr

So, head straight to what is on the list and stick to it. You can also leave your credit card at home and bring only the certain amount of cash that is sufficient.

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How To Save Huge Money On Kid’s Clothing

Long before you give birth to your child, the desire to buy adorable child’s clothes kicks in. But, quickly growing children, changing of fashion trends, and huge deals may put a hole on your pocket. Giving your child fashionable clothes does not have to be expensive. Here are 5 Ways to Save Huge Bucks On Your Kid’s Clothing…

1. OUT WITH THE NEW

Since your toddler grows increasingly in the first few years then buying new clothes every year will surely break the bank. Try buying stylish clothes that are very cheap in thrift stores, garage sales, or online (e.g., Carousell or Gumtree).

There are a couple of neat thrift stores in Singapore namely: Praisehaven Thrift Store, New2U Thrift Shop, Oakham Market, and O-Mighty. Most of these thrift stores are donating its proceeds to charity. Visit Yelp.com.sg to read the reviews of these stores. The best part, of course, is that you’re contributing to a great cause while shopping.

2. HAND-ME-DOWNS

Hand-me-downs are totally free! Ask your family and friends (whose kids are older and bigger than yours) if you can have their children’s outgrown clothes. You will not only help your family or friends to de-clutter their space but you will also save more.

3. USE CLOTHES FOR MULTIPLE PURPOSES

Get your child leggings that she could wear during the cold weather then keep wearing them as capris the next summer. Same thing goes for dresses, you can use them as a dress or a shirt once its outgrown.

4. BORROW OR SEW YOUR OWN

For occasions that require special outfits such as Halloween, weddings or other formal parties that you only wear once a year, you can just borrow costumes to save loads of space and money. If you are good in sewing, use your creativity to sew your own “princess or prince” costume for Halloween.

5. KEEP IT SIMPLE 

Avoid buying a matching set because it is more costly and it limits your options. Instead, buy solid colored pants and simple patterned skirts that you can mix and match with funky shirts. You will save more buy these items during clearance sales.

Image Credits: mahalie stackpole via Flickr

Image Credits: mahalie stackpole via Flickr

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Score Great Deals At Flea Markets In Just 5 Steps

1. NARROW DOWN WHAT YOU WANT

Know what you want to buy before coming in to the flea markets. A whole area of second hand and budget-friendly items can be overwhelming so it is best to come prepared. The more focused you are, the easier it is to avoid impulse purchases.

2. MEASURE AND RE-MEASURE

To avoid buying furniture that does not fit your home, measure the room dimensions accurately by using a tape measure and a ruler. If you want to match an item with the room then take a picture or bring a fabric piece with you as you buy.

3. TIME IS ESSENTIAL

You will get the best selection in the first few hours of sale but vendors are reluctant to negotiate early one. So, if you want to save more then wait until the final day. But, expect your selection to be slimmer.

4. DO RESEARCH

Be sure to do your online research before shopping in the flea markets. This way you will be able to spot if the item is overpriced. Then if it is, use your bargain powers to sway the price.

5. GET CREATIVE

The items for sale may be multi-purposed. For example you are looking for a sideboard to put your dishes in, but a dresser/drawer has a better price. Grab the gorgeous dresser instead since you may use it as a sideboard.

Image Credits: US CPSC  via Flickr

Image Credits: US CPSC via Flickr

 

BONUS! Here are some of the recommended and unique flea markets you shall visit…

A. MAAD (Market of Artists and Designers)

MAAD houses pet-friendly and budget-friendly items for the whole family. Their innovative creators are from independent and are known for artsy fashion and artisan stationary pieces. Here you will find a wide array of crafts, plush toys, handmade jewelry, and paintings. The price range starts from S$10 to S$50. Visit museum.red-dot.sg/maad/ for more information.
B. ZOUK FLEA & EASY

Zouk, one of the famous clubs in Singapore, organizes a flea once every three months. From trendy pre-loved threads to hipster rags at bargain prices, Zouk Flea & Easy offers an eclectic flea experience.Blogshops are welcome to participate! Visit zoukclub.com for more.

C. CHINA SQUARE CENTRAL (CSC)

CSC has a Sunday flea market that offers DVDs, souvenirs, and electronics for less. Aside from that, comic book junkies can grab the later issues and action figures at CSC’s Level 2. Price range starts from S$5 to S$30.

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7-Day Spending Cleanse Ideas You Must Try

It is amazing to start the Lunar New Year with a clean financial slate and increased savings. So, begin the year with a 2015 spending cleanse: short yet impactful exercise to help you clear your mind, focus on your goals, and improve your buying habits. There are no excuses because a short-term intervention (7 days) is a good place to start.

In just a week, your financial awareness can help you stop spending on unnecessary items and eventually help you break the bad habits. Try these 3 Spending Cleanse Ideas and come out more motivated, focused, and richer.

You must first figure out a budget plan that helps reach your financial goals before starting the cleanse. Seek guidance from family, friends, or YouNeedABudget.com.

1. ELIMINATE THE UNNECESSARY

Plan: Identify a category where you are overspending then, slash that problem area.

Purpose: To allocate more money for shopping, emergency fund, and savings.

If you a person who does not pack for lunch and only go for local restaurants, gourmet counters, and coffee shops everyday then your expenses can take about S$450 of your income. With this cleanse, you will have to go on cold turkey and avoid buying for outside food for 7 days. You will find yourself save more afterwards.

Just by reducing expenses in one category such as switching back to basic cell phone plan; you can save up for your dreams in just a few years. It is so simple! There is no sense if you go back to your unpleasant ways.

2. HAVE AN “AUTO-SAVE” SYSTEM

Plan: Program regular account transfers to help you reach your goals while having a busy schedule.

Purpose: To save money for retirement, emergency fund, and vacations before you spend it all.

Contemplate upon your budget and begin writing a list of the things you want to save for from your needs (e.g., emergency fund) to your wants (e.g., Christmas vacation in Paris). Divide your income to the needs first then, divide what is left to your wants. You need at least two bank accounts: one for your needs and one for your wants. The next step is to set up automatic transfers or direct deposits that will move your money into each account on payday.

3. NO MORE PLASTIC CARDS

Plan: Withdraw the week’s spending from the bank in cash. When it is gone…it is gone.

Purpose: Saying no to credit cards will cut down the impulse purchases.

Most people talk about how important their long-term financial goals are but their regular buying decisions do not support their goals. This cleanse will have you keep your credit and debit cards at home so you can easily notice when you are losing money for every purchase. Before the week begins you must spare 25% of your income and divide it to your spending categories and put all in different envelopes.

Image Credits: wikihow.com/Do-Envelope-Budgeting

Image Credits: wikihow.com/Do-Envelope-Budgeting

This will be your only allowance for the whole 7 days and all for purchases shall only come from it. Research showed that the act of relying to cash for spending makes you savor the paying process, think more, and spend less. Trust me, it works.

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