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5 Inexpensive Acne-Busting Products

After a long social hibernation, you are going out on a blind date. You have the perfect outfit that strikes a balance between attractive and elegant. Your threaded eyebrows are on fleek! Not to mention, you bought an irresistibly red lipstick. It seems that you are all set for your date. However, a huge zit suddenly appeared the night before. What shall you do?

Acne and pimple are nightmares to flawless skin. I, for one, have to combat these nasty visitors every hormonal cycle. Throughout the years, I have experimented with products that claim to zap zits. Fortunately for you, this list rounded up some of the best Inexpensive Acne-Busting Products in Singapore.

MY TRUSTED ALLY

One of the acne products that I cannot live without is Oxy Cover. The Oxy Cover Pimple Medication contains Benzoyl Peroxide (BP), which is stronger than other acne-busting chemicals. Its main function is to kill the bacteria and unclog pores. Since it comes in varying dosages, you need to choose a product that suits your case. For instance, Oxy 5 contains 5% Benzoyl Peroxide and treats mild to moderate pimples or acne. While Oxy 10 fights stubborn pimples or acne.

Image Credits: mentholatum.com.sg

Oxy Cover claims to kill bacteria causing pimples, unclog pores, dry up excessive oil, and cover your imperfections. Oxy 5 retails for as low as S$3.50.

THE HEALING ONE

Aside from BP, your skin can highly benefit from aloe vera. This amazing plant is versatile as it can be used on the hair, face, and body. Personally, I use aloe vera gels to tame my heat rashes and to soothe my burns. Its anti-inflammatory and hydrating properties make it suitable for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Use it to help fade your acne or pimple scars.

Image Credits: Nature Republic USA

The Nature Republic Aloe Vera Gel is a popular Korean product known worldwide. Formulated with California CCOF-certified organic aloe vera, this gel can be used by all skin types including sensitive skin. It retails for about S$3.10.

NATURE’S BEST OFFER

Some of my friends prefer natural products over modified chemicals. For a more natural option, turn to tea tree oil. Tea tree oil has innate anti-microbial properties that can disinfect your pimples or acne and minimize its inflammation.

Image Credits: thebodyshop.com

Simply pour a few drops of the oil onto a cotton pad, a clean tissue, or your fingertips. Afterwards, gently dab it directly on the affected spots. The oil shall penetrate the skin to unblock the sebaceous glands, disinfect the pores, and dry out the pimples or acne. Try The Body Shop’s Tea Tree Oil, which retails for as low as S$19.90.

THE BLEMISH BUSTER

Whether you like or not, acne or pimple leaves a mark. Maintain your healthy-looking skin by treating these spots. Spot treatments are over-the-counter acne products that can help heal your existing blemishes. Spot treatments containing Salicylic Acid (SA) can resolve and prevent lesions. Unlike BP, it does not have any effect on sebum production and does not have the ability to kill bacteria. Instead, it can be used for milder pimple or acne.

Image Credits: innisfree.com/sg

Innisfree’s Bija Anti Trouble Spot Essence contains both Salicylic Acid and Torreya Seed oil. The former helps treat blemishes, while the latter aids in healing the skin. This product retails for about S$25.

HYPED UP EXFOLIATOR

The art of maintaining an impossibly perfect and luminous skin is something that many Koreans have mastered. This is why, the rest of the world have been curious about their skin can routine. What is fascinating about their comprehensive routine is that it covers different areas including acne treatment.

Image Credits: lazada.sg

Exfoliating acids are a tried-and-tested acne-busting staple that completes the K-beauty regimen. A famous exfoliator that lives up to its hype is Cosrx’s BHA Blackhead Power Liquid. It is formulated with SA and Beta Hydroxyl Acid to deeply cleanse your pores. It costs about S$23.90 in Lazada Singapore and S$28.71 in Watsons Singapore. Shop around to get the best deal!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

Golden Rules Of Gift-Giving

One of the most pleasurable pursuits associated with any special occasion is the act of gift-giving. While some gifts can evoke positive emotions, others can come across as inappropriate. The following etiquette rules will help you avoid the common gift-giving mistakes.

RULE #1: RECOGNIZE YOUR HOST

When you get invited to someone’s home, it is a delightful gesture to bring a token of appreciation in exchange of the invite. Recognize the efforts that your host has poured to this special day. This token should not be extravagant! Simply bring a bottle of wine, a bouquet of flowers, or a box of doughnuts. Any gifts that are appropriate to the holiday’s theme will suffice too.

RULE #2: TAP INTO YOUR CULTURE

Singapore prides itself as a country practicing racial harmony. Hence, you may be invited to selected holidays that you do not usually celebrate. Keep in mind that not all cultures celebrate a particular occasion in the same way. So, do your homework before purchasing a gift. What is appropriate to give in a Traditional Chinese wedding may not be necessary in a Malay wedding.

RULE #3: EXTEND YOUR SINCERE GRATITUDE

Image Credits: pixabay.com

What should you do when someone gives you a present and you do not have anything in return? For starters, you shall not dwell on the fact that you do not have a gift for him or her. Instead, focus on showing the person that you appreciate this gesture. Extend your sincere gratitude by sending a thank you note or by sending a gift at a later date.

RULE #4: NO NEED TO RECIPROCATE

Most of us are compelled to provide someone with gift of equal value. This can be a trap since value is not easy to assess! When giving presents, you should ideally spend what you feel comfortable with.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Remember that the thought that goes into a gift is the most important thing. A Do-It-Yourself gift can be a great option that not only provides a cheaper alternative, but also speaks volume about your love.

Sources: 1 & 2

Hunt For A Roommate While Keeping Your Sanity

With the soaring property rates, shared accommodation has become more and more popular in Singapore. Living with roommates is an economical choice, which is often necessary. However, living with someone else is complicated. You need to strike a balance between different personalities and accept the differences in living habits. It may be challenging at first, but you will get the hang of it.

To help you keep your sanity, here are three “roommate hunting” tips:

THE SELECTION PROCESS

They say that prevention is better than cure. Prevent personality conflicts from brewing by choosing a roommate carefully. Get to know the person or people that you are moving in with before you make a decision. Are your living habits compatible to the other tenants? Make sure that you like the space for what it is.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Alternatively, you may visit websites that offer information about your potential roommates. For instance, Easy Roommate lets you upload a profile of yourself and contact some possible roommates. Its search feature can easily provide you an idea of the desirable locations and its local amenities. Give it a try!

THE SHOWDOWN OF EXPECTATIONS

Whenever two or more people are interacting on a regular basis, conflicts are bound to happen. Whether you are settling with your partner or sharing a room with a friend, that is just how life goes. When this happens, remain calm and deal with the conflict in a healthy manner. Discuss the matter with him or her and reach a compromise.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Manage your expectations by clearing everything out. If you need or want something from your roommate, you must speak up. Setting up rules and expectations earlier on is the best thing to do.

THE SERIOUS TALK

You must talk about management of space in the beginning of your relationship with the roomies. Many people assume that they can leave their items in a shared space, while others find it annoying. Others are happy to share their food in the common fridge, while most people demand permission. Some people may be okay with you walking in when the door is unlocked. However, others would appreciate a knock before opening a door. These are just of the differences that you may encounter.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

So, establish your needs and wants regarding space and encourage others to do the same. They shall reciprocate the amount of respect you give.

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Pricey Perfume

Whether you are attracted to musky or floral scents, your perfume is your signature. Get the most out of your money by lengthening your perfume’s longevity. Here are seven tips to help you in your quest.

1. KNOW WHERE TO SHOP

Saving money starts with shopping for perfume at bargain prices. A list of top places to raid will not be complete without mentioning Mustafa Centre. Mustafa Centre offers an array of product selections. If you are buying fragrances in bulk, go to Level 1. There, you will find different fragrances, household items, books, cosmetics, electronics, shoes, watches, and so much more.

Most people go to Mustafa to shop in bulk due to its competitive prices. This way, they had increased their savings.

2. THRIVE IN THE DARK

Some things thrive in the dark. Extend the privilege of going “incognito” to your fragrance. By storing your perfume in dark and cool places (e.g., inside cabinets or shelves), you are ensuring its longevity. Exposing your products to heat and humidity can break down its components. So, avoid damp or warm places such as your bathroom.

3. FOCUS ON PULSE POINTS

Let me take a quick moment to enlighten you about pulse points. Pulse points highlight the areas where your blood vessels are the closest to the skin. Heat activates the perfume. Thus, the pulse points on your body are the best places to spritz a scent due to the warmth of your blood. Choose two target areas to which you can apply your scent on.

Image Credits: shadesofglam.com

Do not over do it! Personally, I prefer putting some on my wrists and on the back of my knees. The aforementioned warmth shall aid in evaporating the alcoholic carrier that most perfumes come in. Moreover, it will help release the fragrance more effectively.

4. PUT SOME PETROLEUM JELLY

Pure petroleum jelly such as Vaseline seem to be a holy grail for many beauty enthusiasts. It can be used in lash extensions, lip balms, and fragrances. Yes! You read that right. You can make your scent last longer by rubbing this product on your pulse points before spraying a layer of perfume on top. This quick hack will only use a minute of your time.

Perfume gets stronger when put on “oily” skin. It works by trapping moisture of your skin and by trapping the alcohol-based scents.

5. CHOOSE THE WOODSY BASE

Perfumes are made up of notes, which are separated into three layers: top, middle, and base. The top note is the first scent that is activated upon spraying the fragrance. It typically fades away in a minute. Then, the middle or heart note will stay for a longer period of time. When both notes evaporate, the base note shall remain.

For a better staying power, stick to perfumes with woodsy base notes. Scents with citrus base notes tend to disappear the fastest!

6. SPRITZ IT ON YOUR BRUSH

Whether you believe it or not, your hair has the ability to trap scents better than your skin. Spraying some of your signature scent on your hair will help it linger throughout the day. I am not saying that you must directly apply the perfume on your scalp. I, for one, have a sensitive scalp. Instead, you must spray it on your hairbrush and wait for it to dry up.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Comb the smell through your hair strands. Doing this will still distribute the scent evenly and will minimize the contact of alcohol to your scalp.

7. BONUS TIP: STOP RUBBING THE SCENT ON YOUR WRISTS

Rubbing the scent on one’s wrists and distributing it on the neck is a typical move that your mother or grandmother employs. Stop doing this! Rubbing your wrists together forces the top notes to break down. The scent will disappear at a faster rate. Please, just let your perfume sit.

Sources: 1 & 2

Apple Company’s Most Expensive Fails

Despite how devoted you are to Apple and its products, your beloved company has its flaws. It is far from perfect! Even the most luxurious iPhone of all time has its decent share of criticism from its first buyers. Thus, this list will shed a light to its darkest paths.

1980: APPLE III

Imagine being instructed to lift and drop your computer about 6 inches to reset the chips that are coming out of the circuit board. It sounds ridiculous to perform this task at a time where Genius Bars exist. However, Apple III users were madly disappointed in the 80’s. You see, Apple III was plagued with hardware issues including faulty circuit boards and heating issues. The company had to recall every existing machine on the market (about 14,000 units). Then, the machine was re-marketed with new parts a year later.

1983: THE LISA

Every possible list of Apple flops will include “The Lisa”. Released in 1983, the Apple Lisa was known for being the first commercial computer to be sold with a graphical user interface and a mouse. The main drawback of this machine is its insane price-tag of US$9,995 (about S$13,700).

The steep price proved to be unreachable for many customers! It only sold 100,000 units before the model was discontinued. Furthermore, Apple released one of its most iconic products in 1984. This product is none other than the first Macintosh computer.

1993: MACINTOSH TV

The Macintosh TV was a failed product attempt that launched in 1993. On paper, combining a computer hardware with the experience of watching a television sounds like a great idea. However, they were not able to execute it well.

The Macintosh TV resembled a Macintosh LC 500 series computer with a TV tuner card. Users were able to hook it up to a cable line or an antenna. The major problem is: you cannot use the television while using the computer. As expected, Apple only sold 10,000 Macintosh TVs. The product was discontinued in three months time.

1993: NEWTON MESSAGEPAD

When your product gets mocked by a cartoon as popular as The Simpsons, you will realize what type of impact you evoke on your users. Take Apple’s Newton MessagePad as an example. The company’s take on the PDA was innovative, but it was pretty expensive. It retailed for S$700 (S$960) in 1993. Moreover, its handwriting recognition feature rarely works!

Image Credits: pixabay.com

When Steve Jobs returned in the late 90’s, he focused much of his energy on phones and tablets. You will see this pan out throughout the years.

Sources: 1 & 2

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