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Make-up Addict’s Guide To Saving Money In Singapore

Let us face it! Your addiction to cosmetics is not doing any good to your wallet. The good news is that there are affordable hacks and cheaper alternatives out there! You just need to have the patience to find them. All in the name of beauty, here is the Make-up Addict’s Guide To Saving Money In Singapore…

1. BE FAMILIAR WITH THE BRANDS

According to an experienced make-up artist in Singapore named Nat K., the awesome and affordable beauty brands in the city are:

a. COLLECTION

With a huge public demand in United Kingdom, Collection finally made its way to Singapore. Beauty gurus on YouTube have adored their Collection Lasting Perfection Concealer that covers blemishes and flaws for up to 16 hours. So, a little application of this creamy tube can go a long way. It comes in four colors namely: light, fair, medium, and dark. It retails for S$14.90.

Image Credits: boots.com/en/Collection-Lasting-Perfection-Concealer_1436032

Aside from this, Nat recommends for you try their assorted glitter liners, as they are the best she had found. Their product prices range from S$8.90 to S$21.90.

b. CATRICE

Another brand hailing from Europe is Catrice. Catrice boats with a huge following in Switzerland and Germany. This is probably because for cheaper brands, their formulations are great as well as their packaging. The packing is sleek and minimalist. Their product prices range from S$4-13.

c. ESSENCE

A brand owned by the same European company as Catrice, essence is raved hugely in United States and Australia. This is probably the most affordable of all the brands in the list with its prices ranging from S$2.50-7.90. But, do not let the price fool you about its quality. The quality is shockingly good.

Since, one of my all-time favorite beauty products is mascara, I shall recommend the I <3 Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara. The mascara’s wand is bigger than others but you will find it easier to maneuver. The staying power is good in both warm and cold weather. The Essence I <3 Extreme Crazy Volume Mascara gives your lashes length, thickness, and darkness to increase its volume. Best of all? It retails for only S$5.50!

d. NYX

NYX has a wide array of affordable beauty products but I am personally in love with their lipsticks and lip-gloss. Whether it is matte, soft matte, or creamy, and their products are smooth and well pigmented. I have almost all of their butter glosses and I have to tell you…they smell nice! Nat shares that there blushes are both gorgeous and varied. Their product prices range from S$9-20.

2. KNOW WHERE YOU CAN FIND THEM

You guessed it! The cheaper brands are available at your local pharmacies such as Guardian and Watsons. However, NYX is available at Sephora and Watsons stores. Aside from these places, some online sellers (e.g, in Carousell) and flea markets carry these brands. To save you time and money, you just have to do your research before heading to town.

3. LENGTHEN YOUR PRODUCT’S LIFE SPAN

Maximize the longevity of your beauty product by:

a. Use every last drop of your BB or CC cream by cutting the plastic bottle into half and squeezing out the leftovers.

b. Store your oil-based products such as foundations and lipsticks in the fridge to make it last longer. This is because products with oil eventually go rancid in time.

c. I am a lipstick addict and seeing a broken lipstick, break my heart too. Not anymore! Fix smashed or broken lippies by heating them up quickly with a hairdryer or a match (full instructions – here).

4. TRY THESE ALTERNATIVES

Another way to save as a make-up addict is to find budget-friendly options for the lavish products she or he desires. For instance, if you want to get fuller and longer looking lashes, you may simply put baby powder on your mascara.

Also, you can make your own lip-gloss by mixing eyeshadow pigments with petroleum jelly. Lastly, you can find the pretty alternatives for the MAC lipsticks you have been eyeing on:

Image Credits: moneycanbuylipstick.com/2013/09/abcs-of-mac-lipstick-dupes.html

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

Awesome IKEA Hacks You Wouldn’t Want To Miss

Aside from Sephora, one of the beloved brands in Singapore and beyond is IKEA.

IKEA is the Swedish brainchild of Mr. Ingvar Kamprad. Well known for its modern architectural products that ooze simplicity, from furniture to plants and even Swedish meatballs, IKEA offers a wide range of items essential in your home. Most of their products are not only elegant but also affordable. That said, who would not fall in love with this brand?

From becoming a part of the IKEA family to following them on social media, these hacks could take your IKEA savings game to the next level:

1. BECOME A PART OF THE IKEA FAMILY

You would be surprise to know that IKEA offers a free discounts program with no strings attached! As an IKEA family member, you are entitled to several benefits such as special discounts, members-only savings events, monthly offers on the Swedish Food Market, and complimentary coffee or tea with each visit.

There are two kinds of membership called temporary and permanent. A temporary membership gets to enjoy the lower prices, discounted meals and complimentary drinks for a year while a permanent member who spent S$150 within a year will enjoy the full suite of benefits.

Becoming an IKEA family member is easy and quick. All you have to do is to sign up for their temporary membership at any IKEA Family kiosks located around their stores (i.e., IKEA Alexandra or IKEA Tampines) or online (i.e., here). These are the current product offers for members only are available here.

2. SHOP WITH A SATIATED STOMACH

Going inside an IKEA store may not be the best idea if you are hungry. It could lead you to splurging at the kitchenware section or at the restaurant itself. You mindlessly go to the products and the meals simply because you want to satisfy the hunger within. Personally, it is hard not to get tempted by the aroma and the looks of their food even when you are full. So, it is best to eat a large meal before heading into the store.

3. ASK FOR REPLACEMENTS

If there are missing parts or a part is defected, do not pay for extra parts. Instead, call or head to the nearest store to ask for replacements. Check the assembly manual for the name of the product and the “number” of the missing parts to communicate smoothly with the IKEA staff.

4. COME PREPARED

Before purchasing anything, it is good to read the reviews and to compare the prices so that your money would not go to waste. IKEA offers a smart way to help you save and it is called ELP. ELP stands for “Even Lower Price”.

As the name suggests, this means that the product is marked lower than before. Thus, you get more savings on various items from lighting to decorations, and so much more. Browse ELPs for yourself, here.

5. GIVE THE PERFECT PRESENT

I for one dislike it when I purchased something that is not fit to the person’s size or style because they will have to put an effort to returning and replacing it. The added effort defeats the purpose of giving the gift. And if you are planning to give a present for your friends’ housewarming then, the stakes are much higher! You must not only find an item that is suitable for the house’s look (which you might have not seen at this moment) but also for their daily needs.

Fortunately, IKEA offers Gift Cards ranging from S$20-1,000. By giving them dated gift cards, you can finally ease your worries, get the value of your money, and help them find the perfect present!

6. UPGRADE YOUR SMALL FLAT

It is no secret that most flats in Singapore are relatively small to ensure that the country’s land is maximized. That said, aside from the 5 Simple Ways To Maximize Your Small Flat Without Spending Too Much, there are other easy ways you can upgrade your flat with IKEA products.

a. Lighting

Aside from opening your blinds to let the natural light flow freely, you can add lamps and spotlight to make the interior appear larger. The adjustable JANSJÖ LED clamp spotlight is available for only $14.90 – SG50 Sale Price.

b. Mirrors

Mirrors can help open up the small space especially if it is placed behind a light source. Get a mirror that is water-resistant and adjustable by purchasing the FRÄCK for only S$19.90.

7. MAKE DIY IKEA PROJECTS

Another genius hack is to purchase cheap IKEA items that are multi-purpose. For example, you can use the DUNSÖN trolley (S$34.90) as a foldable drying rack for your socks or undergarments. All you have to do is to read the instructions – here.

Image Credits: ikeahackers.net

And, if you are a couch potato like most of us, you will never lose a remote again with this DIY project that transforms NJUTA slippers (S$1.90 – SG50 Sale Price) and TOGA place mat ($1.90) into a couch caddy.

Image Credits: instructables.com/id/IKEA-HACK-couch-caddy

You can also put magazines or beverages in these assorted colored slippers. 🙂

8. FOLLOW THE DEALS

Come prepared before you walk inside the store’s door by stalking them on social media. Get the inside scoop of their product launches, store activities, and latest deals on furniture, toys, kitchenware, plants, and so much more by following facebook.com/IKEASingapore.

Currently, the page shares that “SG50 Sale” is ongoing until August 23. With massive discounts of 50% off storewide, you can certainly make the most out of your dollars!

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

Incredible Ways You Can Save As Parents Of A Newborn Baby

Knowing that pregnancy bills, documents, clothing, accessories, and so much more can cost more than S$10,000 in total, parents in Singapore must find savvy ways to manage their money because a baby will depend on them in everything. Here are some incredible ways to save money along the way:

1. SAY “YES” TO BREASTFEEDING

One of the empowering things that only women can do is to breastfeed their baby. As much as you can, opt for breastfeeding because it will not only be healthy but also be able to save you as low as S$1,500 per year.

To help you draw milk, you may use an electric breast pump but it comes with an expensive price tag of S$90-500. So, it is best to borrow a breast pump from a friend but make sure to change the plastic attachments. You can buy those for far less.

2. SAVE ON CLOTHES

Start saving for baby clothes by asking your friends and family if you can have their child’s outgrown clothes. You will not only help your friends or family members to de-clutter their space but you will also save more. Believe me when I say that babies can have sudden growth spurts so, it is unnecessary to buy loads of baby clothes in advance. It goes the same for shoes, as socks will be sufficient to keep their cute toes warm.

Also, you may invest two big T-shirts rather than bibs. All you have to do is to look for T-shirts that fits a baby (i.e., 1-2 years older than yours) while you are in a flea market. Then, use these big T-shirts while your baby is feeding instead of a bib.

3. SAY “NO” TO FANCY BABY TOYS

Several parents came to the conclusion that babies are not hard to please. In fact, their favorite “toys” such as plastic cups, cardboard boxes, and utensils often come with friendly price tags. They are not even the traditional toys! Buying a toy for less and still make your baby happy is such a win-win situation. You may even try to make your own toys such as a rattle made with a jar and a few coins.

4. SAVE ON FOOD

Preparing homemade baby food is simple, quick, and less costly. Having this power over your child’s food choices, you will be able to know exactly how much nutrition he or she is getting.

Before you begin feeding your baby, make sure that he or she is ready for solid food. It is recommended to wait for at least 6 months to feed solid food while you must wait until 10 months to feed them with gas-inducing foods such as broccoli, wheat, cauliflower, garlic, onions, beans, and dairy products. Be cautious of the common allergens as well.

Nonetheless, here are the recipes you can try for babies aged 6 months and beyond:

a. Carrots Baby Food (Recipe costs as low as S$0.80)

b. Peach Purée Baby Food (Recipe costs as low as S$2)

c. Pea Puree (Recipe costs as low as S$1.80)

Image Credits: Kim Love via Flickr (CC Attribution-ShareAlike)

Sources: 1 ,2 & 3

5 Ways To Save Loads Of Cash On Your Website Or Blog

First impressions are highly important and if we are talking about the World Wide Web, your first impression starts with your website or blog’s home page. To vamp up your home page, you can hire a web designer to create your template, purchase Ads to increase traffic, or even hire a Social Media Manager. But, that will all cost you loads of money. Avoid this by taking charge and following these tips:

1. BE HANDS-ON

As I said, instead of hiring professionals to do the job for you, commit several hours in developing this craft. Write the contents of your website or blog yourself and take advantage of the free templates available online. Pushing all the work to the experts does not only cost you money but also time.

2. TRY FREE WEBSITE MANAGERS

There are softwares that act as website managers, they are called Content Management System or CMS. CMS keeps track of your content such as simple text, images, music, and so on. It does not need major tech skills or digital knowledge to get started. They already have the template, plug-ins, and coding for you. All you have to do is download them. There are reliably free ones such as Joomla! and WordPress.com.

3. USE COPYRIGHT SAFE AND COST-FREE PHOTOS

To beautify your home page and your articles, you must put high-definition photos that are free – as much as possible. For the professional looking images that do not cost a cent, I recommend: Flickr, Morgue File, and Pixabay.

Although most of the photos on these websites are free, you must click each image individually to determine if it is available under Creative Commons or public domain. It has to be under public domain or copyright safe because getting images off the Internet without permission can get you sued for thousands of dollars!

4. FIND AN INEXPENSIVE DOMAIN NAME REGISTAR

When an individual visits your business, the Internet is the first place they will look for. Having your own domain name (e.g., InsertWebsiteName.com or InsertBlogName.net) enables visitors to locate your business faster. Furthermore, it let’s you create an impressive online presence that is both professional and unique looking. For cheaper rates, go to Godaddy. Do not let the name deceive you! Godaddy is one of the popular domain registrars that has the following affordable rates:

Screen-grabbed from https://sg.godaddy.com/

5. BUILD THE TRAFFIC YOURSELF

Build the website or blog traffic by yourself through gaining followers and friends on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. This may take a slower pace than paid services but it is certainly more genuine. That is why relationships built on social media lasts long.

Image Credits: PublicDomainPictures via Pixabay with CC0 Public Domain

Image Credits: FirmBee via Pixabay with CC0 Public Domain

Use your website as a way to inspire others or a way to generate profit by taking charge. Upon your reign, you will be able to minimize the cost of errors and find efficient cost solutions.

Sources: 1 & 2

Bored? Here Are 4 Ways You Can Make And Save Money Right Now!

Boredom is unavoidable. It can happen to anyone at some period of time. With this period, you can either waste your time on non-sense facades or get your creative juices flowing! I would rather choose the latter.

Do something productive with your time while earning and saving money with these 4 simple ways:

1. KEEP TRACK OF YOUR PERSONAL FINANCES

Having a good amount of time to spare can be efficient if you utilize it to organize your personal finances. Start by tracking your bi-weekly and monthly income and expenses. Then, review your monthly budget. Contemplate if the budget is enough or overboard.

Image Credit: 401 (K) 2012 via Flikr

Afterwards, you must review different strategies to improve your budget. These strategies may include cutting down expense categories, limiting your shopping trips, or using coupons.

2. INEXPENSIVE INTERACTIONS

If you are trying to defeat boredom while living frugally, you must practice inexpensive ways to socialize or interact with the people who are important to you.

For instance, you can save more money while having the equal amount of fun when you are having your friends over at your house.

Image Credits: Alex Bellink via Flickr with CC License

You can also score free and delicious home cooked meals at your parents’ house. Of course, that comes with having a quality time with them.

3. ANSWER ONLINE SURVEYS

Bring your boredom to your advantage by answering online surveys while making decent money out of it. Answering online surveys is a type of freelance work done during your own convenience. However, it is important to highlight that several companies pay a couple of dollars while others compensate you with gift cards or rewards (e.g., iTunes or Amazon gift card).

Image Credits: 401(K) 2012 via Flickr with CC License Attribution-ShareAlike

Suggested online companies that conduct surveys are: SurveyMonkey, Opinion Outpost, and SurveySpot.

4. BUILD A BLOG

Share your thoughts and the things you are passionate about while making loyal followers and extra money through a blog. In order to get started, your blog must have a thematic niche such as fashion, finance, or parenting. Preoccupy your time by improving the blog’s design and content. Then, start earning by placing advertisements or becoming an affiliate partner.

Curious on how much a successful blogger can make? Well, they can earn as much as S$5,000 a day. Not bad for something that might have been a by-product of boredom! 🙂

Image Credits: Mike Licht via Flickr with CC License

Sources: 1, 2 , & 3

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