Do You Have A Financially Toxic Friend?

Whether you notice it or not, the people whom you interact the most with are likely to shape your financial decisions. Some outcomes are less positive than others. The truth is, you may not be able to change the personalities of the people around. The only thing you can change is your exposure to these people.

Filter out toxic financial relationships by distinguishing these people from the rest:

The Dollar-Pincher

There is a huge difference between prioritizing your spending and conserving because you do not want to spend your wealth! “Dollar-Pinchers” see money as a tool that they must conserve at all cost. They aim to spend a little money as possible (i.e., synonymous to a cheapskate or a miser).

Let us be realistic. Many of us have encountered a friend who seemingly dissolves when the bill arrives. To save you from an embarrassing moment with the waiter and to keep your Dollar-Pincher quiet, you opt for paying his or her share. Doing so entails that you will spend more than your allotted budget.

The Investigator

As the name suggests, the “Investigator” digs deeper into your life to reap information that you would normally share with your trusted financial planner. He or she desires to know how much you made, saved, and spend. You need to be especially careful if the Investigator is a co-worker. You see, this type of friend is least likely to be concerned with your well being. Anything you say may be used against you.

When it comes to painting my future, I am not afraid to test the waters. I have had several occupations and there was one thing that I noticed. My Investigator friend would constantly pry into my professional life. He would ask me how much my current job offer was and how much my monthly salary is. He goes even further by asking if what was offered was higher than my previous job. Needless to say, we are no longer friends.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

The Show-Off

If you are a frequenter of various social media platforms, you probably came across a friend who has a seemingly successful life. The “Show-Off” brags about his or her financial capacity by sharing his or her local and international endeavors. It is especially hard when you are roughly the same age as your friend and you find yourself making comparisons between each other’s progress.

Regularly bombarding yourself with friends who display or tell you how great they are doing with their finances can trigger unhealthy emotional responses. You may start doubting your monetary choices or start feeling depressed with your career. Please realize that you do not need to keep up with the Show-Off! Simply focus on what you are doing right with your finances.

The Wheedler

Be careful! You do not want to be misguided by the “Wheedler”. This type of friend uses flattering words and thoughts to entice you to spend beyond the bounds of your financial capability.

To put things into perspective, let us say that you are shopping with your chum Atiqah. You wanted to buy an expensive dress that you do not really need. Instead of politely suggesting to skip on the dress, Atiqah encourages you to purchase it immediately. She continues to shower you with exaggerated pleasantry until you give in. If you cannot change the Wheedler’s ways, you must only bring the amount of cash that you are willing to spend with him or her.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

It is time to turn the tables around. Search within yourself and examine whether you have been financially toxic to others. Are you willing to change for the better?

Sources: 1 & 2

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Japanese Beauty Products That Are Worth Every Dollar

The global interest given to Japanese companies such as Shu Uemera and Shiseido paved way for the entrance of lesser-known Japanese brands. More and more Singaporeans are embracing these imported products into their vanity kits. You see, Japanese beauty products shine above the rest due to its adorable packaging and unique design.

The idea is perfectly encapsulated by Ms. Anna-Marie Solowij – the BeautyMART Co-Founder. She once said: “Their cosmetics and skincare products are exciting because they’re novel and exotic and they’re popular thanks to their high quality and innovation, for the same reason as their cars and electronics before them.”

On that note, here are 5 Japanese Beauty Products That Are Worth Every Dollar:

1. DHC DEEP CLEANSING OIL

Get it at Watsons Singapore for a discounted price of S$30.70.

A beauty product that is ever-present in the “best” lists, DHC Deep Cleansing Oil has a water-soluble formula to completely rinse any pore-clogging materials from your skin. Let say you came home from a formal wedding ceremony. Massage the product to your face using your fingertips to remove your waterproof mascara and wipe off other clingy cosmetics. You will never see a greasy residue again!

The formula is suitable for people with sensitive skin as it was made from natural ingredients and is free from Paraben or fragrance.

2. BIORÉ CLEANSING WATER MAKEUP REMOVAL

Get it at Watsons Singapore for S$18.90.

Bioré Skincare made a bold claim when they highlighted that the Cleansing Water Makeup Removal can lift off a significant amount of makeup with just one swipe! I am not entirely sure that one swipe is enough as it depends on your skin type. However, this remover will easily cleanse your face from your pores to your lashes. This is because it is enriched with natural mineral water from the Northern Japanese Alps.

The formula’s weak acidity proves that it is gentle and safe on the skin. Thus, it is suitable for young people.

3. MUJI COSMETIC PAPER

Get it at Muji Singapore branches for S$1.90. 

When I was in secondary school, oil blotting papers were all the rage! It originates from Japan and has been use for years by Geisha and actors (to freshen their faces before their performances). The traditional version was made from Abaca leaf, but modern technology is able to make it from pulp or rice paper. Muji’s version is made from the former.

Image Credits: muji.com.sg

Image Credits: muji.com.sg

The thinness of Muji’s Cosmetic Paper makes it more efficient at absorbing oil. Furthermore, the product and its packaging is environmentally friendly. Feel free to put it on the composting bin!

4. SUMI HAIGOU SETTUKEN CHARCOAL BAR SOAP

Get it at Qoo10 Singapore for about S$23.79. 

Putting black charcoal on your face may seem “unglam”, using this ingredient properly can provide many health benefits. Some of its benefits include minimizing the pores, soothing skin irritations, and cleansing oily skin. A top soap infused with activated charcoal is the Sumi Haigou Settuken Charcoal Bar Soap.

This bar soap has powder, which comes from the Kishu region of Japan. The makers begin by burning and cooling oak branches for several days. The end result is an activated charcoal powder that users claim to make their skin brighter and more even-toned. See for yourself!

5. TSUBAKI DAMAGE CARE CONDITIONER

Get it at Watsons Singapore for a discounted price of S$14.37.

Shiseido Company Limited houses a myriad of skin care, hair care, cosmetics, and fragrance brands under its roof. As one of the oldest cosmetic companies in the world, Shiseido introduced Tsubaki as its master for hair. The Tsubaki Damage Care Conditioner relies on age-old ingredients such as the Japanese camellia oil.

It is high in oleic acid to moisturize and strengthen your hair strands. It is also full of antioxidants to beat free-radical damage. Regularly using this products will help you achieve a softer and shinier “crown”.

Image Credits: facebook.com/TsubakiSG

Image Credits: facebook.com/TsubakiSG

Sources: 1 & 2

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Netizens Are Going Crazy Over These Affordable Korean Cosmetics

After getting personal with the best cleansers and masks, it is time to learn about the amazing innovations in cosmetics. Make a substantial room in your vanity kit and get ready to play!

CLIO WATERPROOF BRUSH EYELINER (KILL BLACK)

Get it at Watsons Singapore for S$25.90.

Please make way for a showstopper! The Waterproof Blush Eyeliner in Kill Black embodies the inspirational slogan of not quitting. You see, this great black liner from CLIO stays all day long. It is packed with a smudge-proof formula that can withstand various weather conditions. We all know how this could help you in the humid Red Dot.

The Kill Back has a fine marker to help you create the perfect flick. The matte and opaque formula dries quickly to avoid the horrible upper-lid blotch.

BEAUTY SHOT FACE BLUR SPF 15/PA++

Get it at Etude House Singapore for S$27.90.

Bid farewell to your smoothing beauty app as I introduce the Beauty Shot Face Blur by Etude House. This lightweight cream brings you multi-blurring effects for instantly flawless skin. It claims to minimize pores and brighten complexions.

Image Credits: facebook.com/etude.gl

Image Credits: facebook.com/etude.gl

Face Blur is a handy tool for beginners to help them achieve the UV-protected primer effect.

TONY MOLY PETITE BUNNY GLOSS BAR

Get it at Lazada Singapore for only S$7.50.

Oh! I cannot describe how adorable these Tony Moly bunny glosses are. As we all know, Korean Beauty boasts its subtle colors. The tints and faces inside the Petite Bunny Gloss Bars are different. They work well over or under any type of lip product. As a standalone product, it creates an ideal everyday look. You will love how this product does not smear or crease.

The official Tony Moly stores in Singapore are situated in Jurong Point and Bugis Junction. However, you can get these glosses at Lazada Singapore.

PERIPERA AH MUCH REAL MY CUSHION BLUSHER

Get it at Lazada Singapore for S$29.12.

One of this year’s bestselling cult-favorites is Peripera’s Ah Much Real My Cushion Blusher. Showcase a post-workout flush without breaking a sweat by dabbing the product to your cheeks. This cheerfully packaged blush is easy to use due to its sponge applicator.

The creamy formula will brighten your face and leave it with a soft finish. All these are achieved while hydrating your skin.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Korean Beauty Products That Are Worth Every Dollar

The clamor for Korean beauty products skyrocketed in the recent years. As with any trend, the volume of said products boomed as the global obsession grew. Let us filter out the mediocre products and leave with these amazing products (i.e., which are under S$20).

TONY MOLY STRAWBERRY 3-STEP NOSE PACK

Get it at Lazada Singapore for only S$8.37. 

The official Tony Moly stores in Singapore are situated in Jurong Point and Bugis Junction. Here, you will find the Strawberry 3-Step Nose Pack that exudes a delicious milky strawberry scent.

The nose pack has been on trend way back in the ’90s. This Korean rendition stands out as it cleanses your pores and tackles your blackheads, while moisturizing your skin. All these are possible because the product was enriched with witch hazel, lemon, sage leaf, and green tea extract.

ELIZAVECCA MILKY PIGGY CARBONATED BUBBLE CLAY MASK

Get it at Althea Singapore for a discounted price of S$14.40.

From the makers of the painful Hell-Pore Clean Up Mask comes the funky Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask. The Elizavecca Milky Piggy Carbonated Bubble Clay Mask took the Internet by storm due to its fizzy and foamy nature. Watch as it cleanses Vivienne Fung’s face:

To maximize the results, the mask is meant to stay in your skin for five minutes until the bubbles are generated.

BANILA CO. CLEAN IT ZERO

Get it at Changi Airport for S$19.70. 

Are you hunting for a facial cleanser, which is supported by positive consumer reviews? Look no further than the Clean It Zero. This “scoopable” cleanser starts out as a solid balm and later turns into an oil when you massage it to your skin. It boasts with papaya extract – a gentle exfoliating ingredient that will give you a glowing complexion. No need to brighten your face with a beauty app!

Lastly, it claims to remove even the clingiest of makeup looks!

HOLIKA HOLIKA GOLDEN MONKEY GLAMOUR LIP 3-STEP KIT

Get it Althea Singapore for a discounted price of S$2.70. 

Ready to renew your pout? Ladies and gentlemen of all skin types can benefit from the Golden Monkey Glamour 3-Step Kit.

Holika Holika_Golden Monkey Glamour Lip 3 StepAs I have insanely chapped lips, this lip mask buzzes music to my ears. You have heard of a face and a lip mask works similarly. Apply it to your beloved lips to exfoliate and hydrate it.

Sources:1 & 2

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Amazingly Free Things To Do On Your Off Days

To help you recharge and reignite your passion for life, I listed 15 inspiring things to do when your day off comes. All these activities do not cost a cent!

1. Witness the magnificent aerial view of the city by stepping into the ION Sky. ION Orchard’s observatory is open from 3 to 6 PM daily.

2. If you rarely take time away from work, take this as an opportunity to tone up your body. Begin by brisk walking at the nearby park.

3. Brush up your skills by taking open online classes from institutions around the world. Coursera is a popular platform that offers classes from prestigious universities such as Princeton and National University of Singapore.

4. Listen to your favorite type of music by building your own playlist at Spotify. Take the 7-day free trial.

5. Savor a spotless kitchen by cleaning all your utensils and electrical equipment. Do not forget to switch off these equipment before you start cleaning.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

6. Learn how to make an Origami Paper Crane. This creative skill is not only a good conversation starter, but it is also handy in parties.

7. Lay like a couch potato by employing a movie marathon. Watch the entire Star Wars series for approximately 13 hours or the Lord of the Rings trilogy for about 11 hours.

8. Arrange your living environment according to the principles of “Feng Shui” to help you feel more balanced.

9. Go to the nearby public library. Here, you may read books that will help you to improve your career.

10. Start saving for your future by opening a savings account. If you already have one, you may dedicate this day to making a significant deposit to your account.

11. Watch the glorious sunset with your special someone. Capture the moment by posting it on your social media platforms.

12. Enjoy outdoor movie screenings (and occasional free snacks) with Movie Mob. It is a drive-in event, which is held in various areas. Check out the next screening at facebook.com/apemoviemob.

13. Create homemade spa treatments by using the materials that are available to you. Nothing beats beauty time!

14. Take a relaxing stroll at the MacRitchie Reservoir’s Treetop Walk. This will enable you to connect with nature.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Image Credits: pixabay.com

15. If you are deeply attached to your handphone (like the rest of us), you may want to declare a device-free day. Allow yourself to live in the present moment. Fully enjoy the day with your friends and family.

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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