5 setting powders $35 & under to help your makeup stay the way it is from application to removal

Setting Powders

Frustrated by how your makeup slightly ruins as the seconds tick?

My hair strands love my face so much they stick to it even before the wind blows, and that’s why I can never head out without completing my makeup routine with setting powders.

If you have the same concerns as I do, consider these setting powders $35 and under so your makeup stays the way it is from application to removal.

Sephora Collection Original 12HR Setting & Mattifying Powder

Original 12HR Setting & Mattifying Powder

Price: $29

Makeup’s new ride-or-die is this multitasking powder that locks in looks for up to 12 hours while blurring pores and absorbing shine.

Forget touch-ups with this vegan-friendly formula that creates a filter-like finish that minimizes excess oil from morning ’til night.

It’s a blend that leaves a lightweight veil to set makeup and deliver all-day wear without caking or creasing.

One/Size Ultimate Setting Powder Mini

Ultimate Setting Powder Mini

Price: $30

A pocket-sized sidekick to shine, this travel-sized loose powder packs a matte punch.

No more greasy glow, just a shine-free finish that lasts through day and night.

Performance powder microspheres and surface-treated pigments deliver a weightless matte blanket over oily areas.

Simply grab the compact, dip it into the powder with a puff, and press it onto skin for oil absorption and luminosity-locking coverage.

NARS Light Reflecting Setting Powder Mini

Light Reflecting Setting Powder Mini

Price: $31

Think of this light-reflecting setting powder as a blur tool for real life.

Its featherlight, blendable formula creates an airbrushed layer over skin, minimizing the look of fine lines and imperfections.

Nars loaded it with photochromic technology that diffuses and adjusts to new lighting conditions.

With this setting powder, you can get a finish that locks your look in place all day.

Fenty Beauty Mini Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder

Mini Pro Filt'r Instant Retouch Setting Powder

Price: $35

Fenty Beauty’s Mini Pro Filt’r Instant Retouch Setting Powder is a light-as-air blend of mattifying powders that won’t cake or settle into fine lines.

Instead, this Fenty blur of makeup-setting perfection creates a soft-focus effect that blurs the look of pores, while extending your makeup’s wear all day.

Rihanna was obsessed with creating a setting powder for everyone that wouldn’t cause flashbacks in photos or videos so Pro Filt’r was born, a photo-friendly powder that stays looking natural on various skin tones.

Huda Beauty Baby Bake Loose Baking And Setting Powder

Baby Bake Loose Baking And Setting Powder

Price: $35

Last but not least, we have this super-fine loose powder that masters a luminous-matte, airbrushed finish that lasts.

The translucent shades softly smooth and blur your complexion while making makeup stay in place without caking.

It’s a setting powder that diffuses the look of fine lines and imperfections.

The sponge applicator that comes with it offers an on-the-go application for quick touch-ups, while the superfine pigments leave your skin looking flawless.

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Master a New Language Without Breaking the Bank

Learning a new language doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, I am currently learning the Korean language with my last class being scheduled today. While premium apps, private tutors, and immersion trips are great, they’re not the only ways to become fluent.

Whether you’re picking up Spanish, French, or Korean, here are some budget-friendly strategies to help you master a new language without emptying your wallet.

#1: FREE LANGUAGE APPS

There’s no shortage of free apps to help you learn a language at your own pace. Duolingo, Memrise, and Clozemaster offer interactive exercises, vocabulary drills, and gamified lessons—all for free!

Want something more structured? The free version of Anki lets you create personalized flashcards to reinforce learning.

#2: YOUTUBE UNIVERSITY

Forget expensive courses as YouTube is a goldmine of language-learning resources. Channels like “Learn French with Alexa” or “Spanish with Paul” offer free lessons for beginners to advanced learners.

The best part? You can rewind, slow down, or replay tricky sections until you nail the pronunciation.

#3: PODCASTS AND AUDIOBOOKS

Turn your daily commute or workout into a language lesson with free podcasts. “Coffee Break Languages” and “Duolingo Podcast” provide engaging and practical lessons.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

If you love stories, try listening to audiobooks in your target language. Start with children’s books for simple vocabulary and work your way up.

#4: LANGUAGE EXCHANGE

Who needs pricey tutors when you can swap skills for free? Apps like Tandem, HelloTalk, or Speaky connect you with native speakers who want to learn your language. It’s a win-win: you teach them, they teach you, and you both improve for free!

#5: LIBRARIES

Local libraries often have free language books, audiobooks, and even access to digital learning platforms. Don’t overlook free government and university websites as many offer full language courses at no cost.

#6: SPEAK IT EVERY DAY

Practice speaking as much as possible. Narrate your daily routine, describe objects around you, or even talk to yourself in the mirror. If you’re too shy, voice message yourself or use AI chatbots designed for language learners.

#7: WRITE IT DOWN

Journaling in your target language is a great way to reinforce what you’ve learned. Start with a simple sentence each day and gradually add more detail. Not sure if your grammar is correct? Use free tools like Grammarly or LanguageTool to check your work.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

IN A NUTSHELL

Fluency doesn’t require a fortune. Instead, it needs consistency, creativity, and smart use of free resources. With these budget-friendly methods, you’ll be chatting like a native in no time!

So, what language are you learning next?

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5 top-rated culinary schools to enroll yourself in if you’re serious about improving your cooking skills in 2025

people slicing vegetables

Want to pick up some cooking skills this year?

While we’re well into February, it’s still a pretty ‘new year’ so it’s not too late to start!

If you’re serious about improving your cooking skills in 2025, we’ve got a quick list of culinary schools to intro you to.

Let’s dive straight in, shall we?

Commune Kitchen

 

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Website: communekitchen.com

Google Rating: 5 (1.2K+ reviews)

Address: 182 Cecil St, #02-10/11 Frasers Tower, Singapore 069547 (Located in Frasers Tower)

First up, foodies, home cooks, and culinary novices, your kitchen odyssey awaits at Commune Kitchen.

Leave those online recipes behind and get hands-first into a cooking adventure guided by pro chefs.

From hawker stall favorites ($165 including lunch) to Chinese wok masterclasses ($165 & includes a lunch of your wok creations), Commune’s diverse class menu reads like a world tour for the taste buds.

Seasoned foodies or ladle-clutching newbies are all welcome!

ANATTA Culinary Academy

Website: anattaca.sg

Google Rating: 5 (90+ reviews)

Address: 130 Neil Rd, Level 1, Singapore 088859

Ever wished you could bake some Peranakan kuehs or season some savory Korean banchans (side dishes)?

Well, wish no more because ANATTA Culinary Academy’s class offerings let you journey through the fragrant spices of Southeast Asia to the precision of French patisserie.

Led by experienced instructors, you will pick up classic skills in baking and cooking while experimenting with health-conscious recipes that redefine what it means to eat well.

The academy also hosts parent-child courses and only kids’ classes.

Food Playground

 

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Website: foodplayground.com.sg

Google Rating: 4.9 (3.7K+ reviews)

Address: 24A Sago St, Singapore 059020

At Food Playground, their signature Cultural Cooking Class doesn’t simply teach recipes; it invites you to experience culinary traditions firsthand, from spices of Nyonya Laksa to the palm sugar-sweetened bliss of Sago Gula Melaka.

Whether you prefer the convenience of online instruction or the energy of an in-person workshop, Food Playground’s expert instructors will guide you on your chef journey.

Let’s Yori – Korean Cooking Studio

Website: yori.sg

Google Rating: 4.9 (950+ reviews)

Address: 6a Shenton Way Downtown Gallery, #03-02, Singapore 068815 (Located in OUE Downtown 1)

Craving Korean fried chicken or yearning to master kimchi-making?

Look no further than Let’s Yori (“yori” means cook in Korean), where Chef Miyoun Kim shares Korean cooking techniques refined through her years in the hospitality industry.

In her hands-on classes, you will learn recipes like Korean fried chicken, tofu kimchi stew, and even kimchi-making to ferment your own napa cabbage and cucumber varieties.

Classes start from $90.

Grà Baking Academy

Website: grabakingacademy.com

Google Rating: 4.9 (900+ reviews)

Address: 401 MacPherson Rd, #02-11/12/13 MacPherson Mall, Singapore 368125

Last but not least, if you’ve dreamed of creating flaky croissants that would make a Parisian swoon or pulling golden-crusted loaves of bread from the oven with aromas filling the whole house, visit Grà Baking Academy.

Since 2010, their instructors have shared the secrets to baking mastery, teaching aspiring dessert artists to craft sweet treats.

Their range of WSQ-certified courses offers the option to tap SkillsFuture Credits, while trial classes let newbies start their journey with a taste of easy success.

All you have to do now is take your pick 🧑‍🍳

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The Secrets of Luxury Brands

I, too, have felt the guilt of indulging in luxury, whether it is a designer bag, a statement accessory, or high-end makeup. With the hefty price tags, saving up for these purchases is a must. But luxury is not just about the cost.
It is about prestige, power, and perception.

The world’s top brands have mastered the art of desirability, transforming their products into more than just items. They are status symbols. But what really keeps luxury brands on top? Let us pull back the velvet curtain.

TIMELESS APPEAL

Even during the 2007-08 global financial crisis, luxury brands thrived. While other industries took a hit, the allure of high-end goods remained intact. Why? Luxury isn’t just about spending. It is about aspiration. No matter the economic climate, people still crave exclusivity, quality, and craftsmanship.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

POWER OF EXCLUSIVITY

Luxury is defined by rarity. The harder something is to get, the more people want it. High-end brands cultivate this through limited-edition drops, private shopping experiences, and exclusive distribution channels.

Take Burberry in the late 90s. It made the mistake of going too mainstream, flooding the market with accessible products. The result was a decline in prestige and profits. Only after scaling back and re-establishing exclusivity did Burberry reclaim its elite status. Lesson learned. Luxury thrives on limited access.

INFLUENCE OF CLOUT

In luxury, credibility is everything. That is why brands strategically leverage celebrity endorsements and influencer partnerships to reinforce their status. Nordstrom, for example, masterfully integrates influencer marketing to build hype and cultivate desirability. The right endorsement can turn a product into a cultural icon overnight.

HIDDEN ARTISANS OF LEATHER GOODS

Nestled in the hills of southern Spain, the town of Ubrique is far from the fashion capitals of Paris or Milan. No airports, no train stations. Just winding roads leading to one of the luxury industry’s best-kept secrets.

This remote village is where elite brands like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, Chanel, and Loewe craft their high-end leather goods. The artisans of Ubrique, known for their meticulous craftsmanship, create the handbags, wallets, and belts that define luxury. Despite its low profile, this tiny town remains an essential hub for the world’s top fashion houses.

EYEWEAR GIANT BEHIND MANY DESIGNER FRAMES

Ever wondered why luxury eyewear from brands like Prada, Chanel, and Versace all seem to have a similar feel? That is because most of them come from the same manufacturer, Luxottica.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Based in Milan, Luxottica designs and produces eyewear for nearly every major luxury label. It also owns iconic brands like Ray-Ban and Oakley. In short, whether you are buying a pair of Dior or Tiffany & Co. sunglasses, there is a good chance they were crafted under the same roof.

OVERPRICED TAG SCANDAL

Luxury pricing is about more than materials. It is about branding, exclusivity, and craftsmanship. But sometimes, the markups raise eyebrows.

Take Dior’s 2024 controversy. Reports surfaced that a subcontractor was paid as little as 53 euros per bag, while the same bag retailed for 2,600 euros. Dior denied the claims, stating that its pricing aligned with industry standards. True or not, the scandal reignited the debate. Are luxury prices justified, or just a product of brilliant marketing?

IN A NUTSHELL

Luxury brands aren’t just selling products. They are selling dreams. Through exclusivity, influencer power, and strategic pricing, they maintain an aura of prestige that keeps consumers craving more.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

The secret of luxury lies not just in what you buy but in what it represents.

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

 

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Latest WFH internships posted from 3 to 7 February 2025

an ipad, keyboard, and cup on a red blanket

We’re swinging into the first week of February with WFH internship opportunities in marketing, social media, and more.

Have a look and apply accordingly!

Good luck 🍀

#1: Y Art Project – Marketing and Admin Intern

whyartprojects.com

Website: whyartprojects.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $400 – 600 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Proficient in BOTH Chinese and English, with excellent bilingual communication and writing skills.
  • Familiar with Chinese social media platforms; prior experience in social media management is preferred.
  • Interested in the art field, with a good sense of aesthetics and design skills (experience with design software such as Canva, and Photoshop is a plus).
  • Detail-oriented and responsible, capable of completing tasks independently.
  • Remote work; must have good time management skills and self-discipline.
Key Responsibilities
  • Social Media Management: Manage and operate Chinese social media accounts (multiple Xiaohongshu accounts), including content writing, publishing, and engagement.
  • Administrative Support: Assist with basic administrative tasks such as document organization and scheduling.
  • Design Support: Participate in the design and production of promotional materials and social media content.
  • Marketing Promotion: Assist in planning and executing online and offline marketing activities to enhance brand awareness.
How to apply?

View the job post here and send your resume (in Chinese or English) to [email protected] and indicate “Internship Application – [Your Name]” in the email subject. If you have previous design works, please attach them.

#2: Upsight – Internships in Marketing, Partnerships & Events

theupsight.com

Website: theupsight.com

Allowance / Remuneration: $600 – 800 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Singaporeans / PRs
  • Students currently enrolled in a university or polytechnic or awaiting entry to a university
  • Passionate individuals with an interest in mobility, sustainability, and industry engagement
  • Self-starters with strong communication and organizational skills
  • For partnerships interns, go-getters with a keen interest in partnerships and business development
  • For marketing interns, creative thinkers with a keen interest in marketing and content creation
  • For events interns, organized individuals with a keen interest in events management, and ideally some experience in events and project coordination
  • Available from now until mid-April on a full-time/part-time basis (at least 30 hours a week)
Key Responsibilities

Position 1: Partnerships & Ecosystem Engagement Intern

  • Outreach to corporates and industry groups to drive participation in the event
  • Coordinate co-marketing opportunities with sponsors, exhibitors, speakers, and other key stakeholders
  • Organise free-to-attend educational talks for visitors
  • Support other business development activities

Position 2: Digital & Social Media Marketing Intern

  • Produce engaging content for TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, X, and LinkedIn for both B2B and B2C audiences
  • Develop and execute UGC (User-Generated Content) partnerships with content creators
  • Invite relevant influencers, content creators, and ambassadors to attend and cover the event
  • Curate articles and blog posts on EV trends, policy, and innovation
  • Conduct interviews with industry experts, speakers, and exhibitors for content
  • Manage social media and Google ad campaigns
  • Track and analyze campaign performance (Google & social media analytics)

Position 3: Event Experience & Operations Intern

  • Assist with event logistics, on-site coordination, and venue setup
  • Ensure a seamless event experience for attendees and exhibitors
  • Support speaker and exhibitor management
  • Undertake other administrative tasks as required
How to apply?

View the job post here and apply via theupsight.com/careers.

#3: Shadee.Care Ltd – Social Media Intern

shadee.care

Website: shadee.care

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,500 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Experience and knowledge in promoting on different social media platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Discord, Lemon8, etc.
  • Proven track record of increasing followers on social media
  • Experience and knowledge of AI, WordPress, Canva, Adobe software, and other video or media creation tools.
  • Technical knowledge, set-up, and link Canva to IG, Lemon8, TikTok, and Facebook.
  • Good in writing, video, and gif creation
  • Knowledge in mental health, psychology, or counseling
  • Up to date with ongoing Gen Z and Millennial trends
  • Familiar with fandoms, movies, K-pop, Billboard, gaming, anime, and everything that trends with youths.
  • Good interpersonal relation skills and working in a team
  • Maturity and responsibility to work with other organization partners in the public and private sectors.
  • Have a personal laptop and be able to work remotely
  • Disciplined, independent, and able to meet deadlines.
Key Responsibilities
  • Plan social media schedule, coordinate content submission, write captions, edit posts, and upload.
  • Engagement with targeted social media segments and partners to increase reach and followers.
  • Measure and analyze the  performance of social media algorithms
  • Create original digital content and videos for the different media.
  • Ideate and repurpose existing content into short-form and long-form videos
  • Set up new social media channels, and tools and troubleshoot existing platforms and systems.
  • Create evolving social media best practices to engage Gen Z and Millennials
  • Work on outreach campaigns with stakeholders to ensure their success.
How to apply?

View the job post here and apply for this position by submitting your CV and experience to [email protected]

#4: Blue Genie – eCommerce Intern

 

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Website: kore.com.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $400 – 600 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Diploma in Marketing Management or Diploma in E-commerce and Retail or University student studying Marketing or Business.
  • A team player
  • Committed and serious about the job
Key Responsibilities
  • To handle Shopify and Shoppe for the Singapore Market
  • Load new products on Shopify and Shoppe and make sure the products are listed accurately and the information on the website and Shoppe is accurate at all times.
  • Manage incoming customer inquiries and fulfill orders on Shopify and Shoppe.
  • Assist in driving marketing initiatives by managing email campaigns and analyzing backend performance data on Shopify and Shoppe to support overall marketing efforts.
  • Handle customer feedback and service queries.
  • To plan and execute Ads and Promotions on Shoppe
  • Any other tasks as required
How to apply?

View the job post here and write to Rajani Patel via this link.

#5: Validus Capital Pte Ltd – Data Analytics Intern

validus.sg

Website: validus.sg

Allowance / Remuneration: $800 – 1,200 monthly

Job Qualifications
  • Currently pursuing or having pursued a degree in a relevant field such as Data Science, Statistics, Computer Science, or a related discipline.
  • Strong analytical skills and the ability to work with large datasets.
  • Proficient in MS Office tools, including Excel, PowerPoint, and Word.
  • Familiarity with data extraction, cleaning, and manipulation techniques.
  • Knowledge of basic programming concepts, preferably in Python, will be considered a plus.
  • Excellent attention to detail and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
  • Effective communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Self-motivated with a passion for data analysis and problem-solving.
  • Prior experience or coursework in data analytics or related fields will be advantageous.
  • Familiarity with Power BI or other data visualization tools is a plus but not mandatory.
Key Responsibilities
  • Conduct basic exploratory data analysis (EDA) on the lending portfolio dataset.
  • Extract and clean data from various sources, ensuring data accuracy and integrity.
  • Assist in creating reports and actionable dashboards using MS Office tools, primarily MS Excel and Power BI, and Google Sheets.
  • Assist the data team in identifying data quality issues, anomalies, and trends.
  • Support data-driven decision-making by providing insights and visualizations derived from the analysis.
  • Undertake specific predefined sub-tasks in data science that contribute to the predictive modeling work for the credit underwriting algorithm build or monitoring.
How to apply?

View the job post here and apply for this position by emailing your CV to [email protected]

Editor’s note: These positions are selected based on the “remote” tag, but some are hybrid ones and you may need to report physically to the office. For more details, contact the employer directly.

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