How To Spot Fake Rich People In Singapore

Trying to spot whether a person is fake rich or not is much like asking whether a bag came from a real designer or not. You can never fully answer the question unless you take a close look at it. It is challenging to judge whether someone is an average Singaporean or a wealthy one because there are many fake rich people that can look as realistic as the authentic ones.

On that note, here are four tips to help you spot a fake rich person.

THEY NEED VALIDATION

People who attach their worth to their lavish lifestyle often need validation. They want others to share their insights on their jobs, their material possessions, or their home. They care more about how they will be perceived than the quality of the products that they will acquire.

For instance, fake rich people focus on the designer brands and not its quality. They may even own a couple of designer pieces and try to sneak in an imitation or two. It does not matter if they poke a hole in their wallets! The bigger the logo, the happier they become.

Many affluent people could not care less about the brands! They focus on comfort and quality. Unless they are aiming to make a statement, they stick to more subtle pieces.

THEY MAKE EXCUSES

Recently, notorious fake heiress Anna Sorokin was convicted of swindling about US$200,000 from New York’s elite. She often made excuses such as leaving her credit cards behind or paying next time. You have to be cautious when hanging out with someone who frequently forgets his or her wallet, which is parked in a car far from the restaurant. Fake rich people make up excuses to avoid the burden of paying.

Do not get me started with whether that car exists only in social media or in real life!

THEY WANT TO COMPETE

Observing how a person will behave when faced with someone who is experiencing success can help you filter out an insecure person. Fake rich people typically grab the chance to share their material possessions and achievements whenever they mixed in a group of people. They have a tendency to compete in order to savor the spotlight. Talk is cheap!

On the flip-side, successful people ask more questions to get insights on other people’s passions, journeys, and struggles.

THEY PURCHASE LIABILITIES

Material goods that depreciate its value over time are called liabilities. People who want to flaunt their wealth usually buy liabilities on credit or on installments. Whether they purchase a flashy entertainment set or the latest Prada bag, the fake rich would want to immediately show off their purchases to others.

Image Credits: unsplash

As we all know, it is recommended to use credit to acquire assets rather that liability. That is called a good debt!

Sources: 1 & 2

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Affordable Makeup Products That Can Compete With Luxurious Brands

Whether you are showered with smiles or hugs, the best things in life are free! What is the second best thing for makeup enthusiasts? Well, cheap yet quality cosmetics.

Times have changed for the world of makeup as many drugstore brands have amp up their game. Indie beauty brands and online cosmetics have carved out a niche of inexpensive makeup and beauty products. Read thru this list to learn more about the affordable brands that perform really well.

NYX

A true makeup enthusiast would know that NYX is pronounced as Nicks and not N-Y-X. Whether you are into pigmented powders or creamy lip formulas, NYX has different formulas for you. Its prices are among the most affordable ones available in Sephora Singapore. Hence, it is a good place to start when experimenting with your makeup looks.

Personally, I am a fan of the Lip Smocking Fun Colors collection as it is creamy and pigmented. What’s more? It is priced at about S$10 a pop! Fill your kit with NYX products like this, before splurging on luxury brands.

MAYBELLINE

Did you know that the Maybelline Company was curated by a 19-year-old entrepreneur named Thomas Lyle Williams in 1915? Well, this American brand came a long way since then! You see, drugstores are flooded with Maybelline products that do not disappoint.

For instance, long-wearing liquid lipsticks often do not live up to the expectation. Enter Maybelline SuperStay Matte Ink Liquid Lipstick! These liquid lipsticks could outlast a kissing session or an unlimited buffet. It is so clingy that the brand even created a makeup remover for it. You cannot go wrong with Maybelline SuperStay (retails for about S$17.90)!

NEUTROGENA

One of the things that my mom obsess about is body oil. From Argan oil to Coconut oil, you name it and she has it. Her go-to brand for the luxurious sheen is Neutrogena. Neutrogena, founded in 1930, was originally a cosmetics company called Natone.

Neutrogena Body Oil (about S$20) or bath oil has a heavenly scent that would take you back in time. You see, almost every bathroom in the ’90s has that musky almond scent. This product will give you a silky soft skin post-shower.

COLOURPOP

Many of us are familiar with this last inexpensive brand due its wide array of lip products. What’s more? Its products are vegan, cruelty-free, and affordable. I am referring to none other than ColourPop.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

ColourPop is available for your online consumption. Many find ColourPop No Filter Matte Concealer as their holy grail. With 30 shades and long-wearing formula, this concealer covers your dark circles and blemishes. It is only S$11.50 per piece at Lazada Singapore.

Source: Allure

 

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6 Helpful Tips To Put A Halt On Impulsive Purchases

As you dig thru the pile of the items that you regret purchasing, you realize that you have one recurring problem. You keep on engaging on impulse purchases! Your credit cards do not seem to help you either. Instead, it invites you to shop more as if it calls out your name.

How can you reduce this tendency to shop without forethought? Well, start by planning ahead.

#1: IT PAYS TO PLAN AHEAD

When it comes to eliminating your unwanted expenses, it pays to plan ahead. Make a list of all the items that you need to purchase before shopping. Make it a habit to plan for upcoming occasions, birthdays, and other large purchases.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Equipping yourself with this list as you shop around ensures that your purchases are more deliberate and less spontaneous. Furthermore, you may anticipate the upcoming clearance sales and other promotions.

#2: PINPOINT YOUR TRIGGERS

Take control over your shopping habits by monitoring your urges. Using a piece of paper or your handphone’s notes, mark each time you experience the urge to purchase. Describe the situation and the feelings attached to it. This helps you to increase your awareness while you shop.

Be aware of the different symptoms such as faster heart rate or a change in breathing. Becoming more aware of the changes in your body and mind can help you control the urge.

#3: IT TAKES 30 DAYS

You heard about contemplating for 24 hours before committing to a purchase. However, have you heard about the 30-day waiting period? Yes! You read that right. Stick your wish-list on your refrigerator and put a date to each item. You must wait for a month before making a purchase.

The mechanics may sound easy, but it takes a lot of patience and self-control to overcome the urge at first. These feelings are valid and can fade soon. You will take delight sketching out items off the list! The only exemptions to the 30-day period are groceries and other necessities.

#4: AVOID THE TEMPTATIONS

A surefire-way to reduce your impulse buys is to avoid going to shopping areas or shopping websites. Do not even go to dollar or budget stores as you might get trap in the process.

When purchasing, follow a list religiously. Get out as quickly as you can afterwards. Avoid walking around the shopping center for entertainment and find other ways to stimulate fun.

#5: IT IS ALL ABOUT THE BUDGET

Trimming down your expenses does not mean that you have to take out the fun. Give yourself a “splurge budget” that you can follow thru each month.

Decide whether you are willing to allot a budget for a new clothing item or a fancy restaurant date each month. Whatever it is, ensure that you are willing to spend a discretionary amount every once in a while. Take it as a way to reward yourself for straightening your finances. It is healthier that way!

#6: DO NOT MIX WITH THE WRONG CROWD

Surrounding yourself with people who are addicted to retail therapy may not be the best idea. It is easy to get out of track when your shopping buddies convince you that all the outfits you have tried looks great!

Image Credits: pixabay.comIf you want to shop with your friends, do it with people who have savvy spending habit. This way, you will be able to tell spend your money in a frugal manner.

Sources: 1 & 2

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The Top Tattoo Parlors In Singapore

A couple of years ago, my sister came back from work embellished with an artistic surprise. She had a huge “COFFEE” tattoo emphasized with a black ink. You can just imagine the violent reaction of my conservative Asian mother. Fortunately for my sister, she eventually warmed to the idea of having tattoos. Nonetheless, it was an impulsive decision that my sister regretted later on.

Tattoos are permanent markings on the skin etched by inks and needles. Selecting a talented tattoo artist is crucial in the tattoo process. The same can be said in selecting the right design for you. Thus, you must take your time and do your research before booking an appointment.

Whether you have been itching to get a tattoo or just want to try it out, Singapore is filled with talented artists that can turn your dream into reality. You will be proud of these three tattoo parlors.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#1: FAMILIAR STRANGERS

With a feature on Channel News Asia, you can attest that Familiar Strangers is one of the leading tattoo parlors in Singapore. It is renowned for creating quality tattoos with skillful artists headed by Mr. Whopper Tan. Mr. Tan, the owner, has a good sense of humor. His mere name alone can entice you with either giggles or hunger. This is why clients are more relaxed while being serviced.

Image Credits: facebook.com/Familiar-Strangers-Tattoo-Studio-Singapore-146520875359634

Services at Familiar Strangers include Japanese Irezumi Body Suit, Word Tattoos, Old School Flash Tattoos, and more. You can even customize a design. What’s more? You can have your tattoo revamped when you are not satisfied with the initial service (i.e., free of charge within 60 days). Tattoo prices depend on the tattoo sizes and the difficulty of the designs. However, its minimum fee is around S$100.

Location: 20 Upper Circular Road, The Riverwalk #01-10, Singapore 058416
Contact: +65 9760 4147

#2: IMAGINE TATTOO STUDIO

You cannot simply win “Best in Realism” and “Best in Cover-ups” at 2009 Singapore without proving how talented you really are. That is the talent exuded by Aelvin Lim. He runs the Imagine Tattoo Studio and has been providing excellent tattoo services for more than 7 years. His specialty includes artistically recreating animal and human faces. That being said, you can get the face of your idols inked forever. Whether you want to put your BTS bias or David Beckham’s face on your skin, you can consult the tattoo artists at Imagine Tattoo Studio.

Their services include portraits, tribal art, cover art, and so on. Prices depend on the tattoo’s design, size, and color. Contact Imagine Tattoo Studio at +65 9107 9181 for more information.

Location: 3B Trengganu Street, Singapore 058457
Contact: [email protected]

#3: ALIVE TATTOO STUDIO

Serving professional tattoo services at reasonable prices for more than a decade, Alive Tattoo Studio has become one of the most reliable tattoo parlors in Singapore. Its main draw is the UV Tattoo. Aside from that, it is strategically located at Chinatown and operates daily. How convenient is that?

Much like the two tattoo studios on this list, Alive Tattoo Studio offers a range of prices depending on the tattoo’s design and size. If you want a temporary display of artistic expression, you may consider putting an airbrush tattoo for as low as S$10! Airbrush tattoos are fast drying, waterproof, and easy to remove. These can last from 2 days to a week.

Image Credits: facebook.com/AliveTattooStudio

What I like most about Alive is that you do not have to book an appointment in advance. You may visit them anytime to get a free consultation!

Location: 211 New Bridge Road, Lucky Chinatown #B2-03, Singapore 059432
Contact: +65 6238 5747 / +65 9777 6587

Sources: 1 & 2

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Everything You Need To Know About Daiso

Most of us have shopped in Yano Shoten without even knowing. You read right! Daiso, our go-to budget store, was once called Yano Shoten. It was named after its founder – Mr. Hirotake Yano.

ITS RICH HISTORY

From humble beginnings to a myriad of setbacks, Hirotake Yano’s path to success is not a straightforward route. He and his wife survived the economic downturn of the past decade and become one of Japan’s inspiring stories.

He has failed many times in past and thought that nothing he will ever try would succeed. He said: “During the inflation era, I thought many times about quitting. It seemed absurd to sell things at a fixed price. I kept going because I thought there was nothing else I could do.”

His willingness to move forward led him to multiple jobs and a chance encounter with a mobile merchandiser. He started working for him. Years later, he established his own store called Yano Shoten where goods were displayed on a wooden stand.

In 1977, he changed the company’s name to the brand we know and love – the Daiso Industries. Daiso introduced the universal price of ¥100. Why would he sell everything for ¥100? Well, he simply does not want to tag a number of products with different prices! Tagging was a time consuming task for him and his wife. Thanks to his effort to save time, we were able to save our money!

Daiso, which translates to “big warehouse, is far from ordinary. The company Yano founded has no business plan, no budget, and no quarterly results. Through it all, Yano believes that he is just an ordinary man.

ITS LOCAL PRICE

In Singapore, everything Daiso sells go for two dollars. Whether you are purchasing a bag of chips or a bulk of cotton buds, you can expect to pay the same price. This enables the shoppers to anticipate their total costs. Furthermore, your eyes will be spoiled with choices!

On the other hand, our neighboring country Malaysia has to pay RM5.90 (about S$1.93) per item. Imagine if the exchange rate is in our favor! This means that we can get cheaper Daiso items in Malaysia instead.

ITS SOURCE OF GOODS

Daiso has a wealth of outlets scattered throughout the globe and a wealth of goods scattered throughout the aisles. With over 100,000 goods offered, you can expect that a good portion comes from overseas. Although majority of the goods are made from Japan, approximately forty percent of goods are outsourced.

To save the cost of production, can you guess where most of the items come from? You are right! Many of which hail from China.

ITS DYNAMIC PRICES

Did you know that not every Daiso product is priced the same? Lucky for us, anything we pick up inside a Daiso costs S$2. However, overseas outlets experience dynamic pricing.

For instance, majority of the products in Daiso Australia are set at a standard price of AU$2.80. While, other items cost more. The same goes for Daiso Philippines. Consumers get to enjoy products from PHP88 and up.

Use the steady price of two dollars to your advantage by tracking the amount of items you fling inside your basket!

ITS SUCCESS STORY

Mr. Yano attributes his success to his ability to source out a variety of products. From quality essentials to quirky must-haves, everything sells for S$2! Moreover, people’s desire for deals remains to be the driving force of Daiso.

Image Credits: Flickr Creative Commons via Kai Hendry

Let me close this article with a nugget of wisdom from the man himself.

“Business is like climbing a mountain. The lesson of climbing a mountain is that there are always struggles and hard times. When you reach the top you get a sense of gratitude towards the mountain.”

Sources: 1, 2 & 3

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