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6 Undeniable Reasons Why You Should Buy Luxury Makeup

Over the last decade, the beauty industry has exploded into a multi-billion-dollar industry. Dermatologists, beauty experts, and celebrities alike are launching their own high-end beauty brands. Not to mention, drugstore makeup widened their range of beauty products. You have probably once thought why do some makeup products, which all appear to be similar at first glance, carry different price tags?

Well, some products may seem like an investment, but the benefits are vast. If you are considering investing in luxury or high-end makeup, here are some reasons why it is beneficial to spend more on the products that you apply to your face.

#1: PRODUCTS ARE LONGER LASTING

You will keep reaping the rewards for much longer when you invest in luxury facial serum, body oil, or fragrances. Luxury brands offer richer, deeper, and more premium kind of beauty experience that comes with longer lasting results. When you invest in high-end beauty, you pay for ingredients that are meant to last.

#2: BETTER INGREDIENTS WERE USED

Drugstore beauty brands may have active ingredients such as retinol, hyaluronic acid, and glycerin. However, the amount can be negligible compared to luxury brands. Luxury brands offer pure, authentic ingredients, which may be harder to source. While both high-priced and low-priced products can have the same ingredients, the former tend to have more potent ingredients.

Karen Kagha, a Los Angeles-based board-certified dermatologist, shared that she “like for the ingredients and studies/results to inform my opinion about a product’s performance.” She highlighted that many luxury brand names have combined effective ingredients and great branding over the years.

#3: QUALIFIED CONSULTANTS ARE READY TO HELP

When purchasing luxury makeup, there is always somebody qualified to help you both before and after the sale. Whether you are in the physical store or purchasing online, you can chat or live chat with the beauty consultant to help you find a product that suits your skin best. Apart from the premium ingredients, you are investing in the expertise of these beauty consultants too.

Some of the typical queries of customers are finding the right color to purchase the right foundation and finding the correct style of lipstick to suit one’s lips. Brands that offer beauty products at a cheaper rate are generally self-serving and provide no aftercare if you need further help afterwards.

#4: PRODUCTS COME WITH QUALITY PACKAGING AND APPLICATORS

Luxury makeup looks more pleasing when you pull them out of your bag. Apart from its attractive exterior, it is unlikely that high-end makeup will come with a smashed palette, product faults, and broken mechanism. These products come with quality brushes or appropriate applicators instead of the standard widely produced sponges. These applicators make a dramatic difference in how your face will look and how well you apply the products.

#5: LUXURY CAN MAKE YOU FEEL GOOD

Strategic marketing is a big part of luxury brands. Luxury brands spend a chunk of their budget to entice customers all over the world. The packaging or how the product dispenses can make the consumer feel good about their makeup. The feeling of exclusivity and value should not be discounted as it can help boost someone’s overall confidence!

#6: WE ALL DESERVE A BIT OF LUXURY

Whether you have been saving up for a luxury makeup item or have extra money to spend, you deserve a bit of luxury. With the mask mandate slowly easing, our face is the first thing that people see when we meet them. Take care of your face by putting quality products that will last long. Do not be shy to walk inside the luxury beauty stores at The Shoppes Marina Bay Sands and simply enjoy the experience. If you have enough money saved up and you are not hurting your credit score, you can treat yourself to luxury beauty items every once in a while.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Start and end your day feeling beautiful – because you are!

Sources: 1, 2, 3, & 4

How to Overcome the Fear of Trying New Things (Again)

The new Year of the Rabbit is the perfect time to take the leap by learning or trying something new. You can take up ceramics, learn French, start a book club, plant a seed, go back to the dating scene, or try indoor rock-climbing. As for me, I have to learn how to drive again.

I started learning how to drive in 2016 and encountered several accidents in the first few years. As time passed, I became more fearful and started to avoid driving by myself. I do not want to quit just yet. I am slowly regaining the confidence I once had.

The thing that no one mentions about stretching yourself is that it really sucks sometimes. Yes, trying new things is exciting, but it can also be terrifying and embarrassing. Getting over the initial fear of trying new things and actually having fun is part of the journey.

On that note, here are four strategies you can apply to overcome the fear of trying new things.

#1: JUMP WITH THE RIGHT MINDSET

People tend to approach a new experience in two ways – wanting to learn a skill or wanting to master it. The former encourages the learner to make mistakes and figure out how to do the process while having an enjoyable time. While the latter finds delight in doing well, impressing others, and discovering their natural talent in something.

Learning a new skill and having the ability to laugh at your own mistakes takes off the pressure. Creating mishaps is part of the process. For instance, you want to finish a marathon. Running in under two hours can be your goal, but getting in shape and meeting new friends are worthy outcomes too.

#2: REMEMBER THAT IT’S OKAY TO NOT LOVE IT RIGHT AWAY

No matter what new skill you are trying to learn, it is more likely that you won’t have a blast at the beginning. Organizational behavior researcher Keith Rollag once highlighted: “From an evolutionary standpoint, trying new things, for much of human history, could have been dangerous. Your performance can have a big impact on your status.” Status affects our ability to get the resources we need to survive. The fear of trying new things was an issue of survival.

One of the challenges of starting new experiences, joining new groups, and meeting new people is the anxiety of being the newcomer. Not loving the process right away is not a sign that you have made a terrible mistake. Instead, it is part of being human.

#3: DON’T CONFUSE YOUR FEELINGS

Anxiety and excitement are two sides of the same coin. Ever notice that all these feelings manifest in the same way? Whether you are nervous or excited, you get butterflies in your stomach and sweaty palms. You pace back and forth. Notice a man in his first job interview and compare it with a man who is about to propose. Both men feel adrenaline coursing through their veins. The body interprets the high-stakes situation in the same way.

This just shows that the brain is creating the story we tell ourselves. Bringing awareness to this fact will help us to manage our feelings better.

#4: BREAK IT DOWN INTO SMALL PARTS

The best way to deal with your current situation is to break down a task into manageable steps. When Michael Phelps competed in the Beijing Olympics, he had to swim with visual challenges. His goggles began filling with water the moment he dove in the 200-meter butterfly race. He recalled the race in an interview with CBS News:

“They started filling up more and more and more. And about 75 meters left in the race, I could see nothing. I couldn’t see the black line. I couldn’t see the T. I couldn’t see anything. I was purely going by stroke count. And I couldn’t take my goggles off because they were underneath two swim caps.”

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Despite not being able to see where he was and where he was going, he counted the strokes. He bagged the gold medal in that race and broke the world record. Breaking down the task into several parts motivated him to finish the race. A person who is learning how to drive can start by learning the safety protocols and theoretical background of driving, before practicing in an actual driving course.

Learning takes time and your journey is uniquely yours.

Sources: 1 & 2

How to Create a Strong Christmas Budget

Do you want to scale back on Christmas spending this 2022? Money might be tight this year or you just want to save more. Here is how you can enjoy the holiday season on a budget! Discover our top ways to save money with these money-saving ideas.

#1: CREATE A CHRISTMAS BUDGET

A Christmas budget will help dictate your spending habits. Start by listing your monthly income. All money your household brings in each month is income. This will include your side jobs. Then, write down your expenses.

Include all gifting expenses, saving goals, essentials, and non-essentials such as entertainment and restaurant budget. Lastly, you must subtract your expenses from your income to equal zero. Having zero as the end amount means that every dollar needs a job! There will be no room for accidental spending as every dollar will be put to effective use.

#2: SHOP EARLY

Do not wait for the best year-end promotions to start your Christmas shopping. Sales come all year long! Grab Christmas decorations on clearance in February. When you are mindful of your list throughout the year, you will be able to spread out you’re spending and stress.

If you missed the chance of shopping early this year, remember that January 2023 provides another opportunity!

#3: CHOOSE TIME OVER MONEY

As the old saying goes, “It’s the thought that counts.” The thought of spending time together is better than any physical gift. You can save money this year by being intentional and present in whatever way you can. Value experiences over gifts and clutter.

#4: GIVE FEWER GIFTS

Cut down your gift list! Trim down the list because you are obliged to give to everyone in your social circles. You have to be strategic when it comes to choosing whom to give your presents to. You cannot just pass gifts around at a family gathering and skip some people.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

#5: USE CASH

Instead of charging your Christmas gifts to a credit card, reduce your expenses by buying gift cards or by using cash. Having cash will ensure that you are mindful with your spending. Stick to your shopping list and your budget! This avoids credit card bill shock in January. You do not want to start the year by paying interest on your debts.

#6: BUY ONLINE WHEN YOU CAN

Buying online will ensure that you skip the transportation fee. You can even have the gift delivered directly to your recipient. If you are buying gifts online, look for flash sales and coupon codes. Often, you will be rewarded with a percentage off. Just make sure that you are buying from a reputable website.

#7: CRAFT HOMEMADE GIFTS

Consider making presents instead of buying them. It is best to stock up on craft items while they are on sale. If you plan to create handmade Christmas gifts, start earlier in the year. You can make gift baskets, soaps, bath salts, baking mixes, and succulents.

Image Credits: pixabay.com

Let your kids join your Christmas DIY activities to ignite their creativity and awaken the spirit of Christmas!

Sources: 1 & 2

4 Spectacular, New Places to Explore in Singapore

Grab your favorite cup of hot chocolate or peppermint mocha and treat yourself with a trip to these spectacular, new places in Singapore! Let the good times roll with your friends and family members ’tis Yuletide season.

#1: STROLL DOWN ORCHARD ROAD

From now until January 2, 2023, Orchard Road glistens with streetlights and big Christmas trees. Take beautiful pictures with your loved ones as the entire stretch is dazzled with fairy lights, towering Christmas trees, and plenty of festive props. You can start from Plaza Singapura and end at Tanglin Mall.

Image Credits: facebook.com/VisitSingaporeANZ

Head down to Tanglin Mall for some winter wonderland glamour. This mall is a popular attraction for kids and young at heart. Near here is the Forum The Shopping Mall, which has pink neon lights decor that glows magically at night. While strolling some more, you will see Wheelock Place. Wheelock Place will draw you to its star-shaped illuminations suspended within its structure. Lastly, you will experience luxury with ION Orchard’s enormous star-shaped tree topper from Dior. This is your perfect backdrop for an IG snap!

#2: WITNESS THE CHANGI AIRPORT CONNECTOR

Witness the Changi Airport Connector light up in bioluminescence until Jan. 31, 2023. The 3-kilometer-long festive installation is called the Dino Glow. The Dino Glow greets its guests with a trail of 1,100 levitating jellyfish beneath the T2 Skytrain tracks. Along the park connector are 4,000 dandelions and 3,600 mushrooms, which leads to a 40-meter tunnel of lighted arches. The dinosaurs at Jurassic Mile are also decked out in festive gear. The light-up runs daily from 7pm to 1am.

Image Credits: Changi Airport Group

Apart from these, there will also be local food, burgers, and desserts. Some are blue too! There will be blueberry bubble tea and blue donburis. The food trucks are open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from now until Jan. 1, 2023 at 5pm to 10pm.

#3: APPRECIATE HYPERREALISTIC ART AT ARTSCIENCE MUSEUM

Patricia Piccinini: We Are Connected exhibition reimagines reality at ArtScience Museum until Jan. 29, 2023. It features more than forty artworks and installations by contemporary artist Patricia Piccinini. Guests will be amazed by the strange reality where human-animal hybrids exist. Through her life-like sculptures, Patricia explores the advancements in biotechnology such as genetic engineering. Ticket prices range from S$16 to S$21.

Other activities at ArtScience Museum include the guided tours of the exhibition, which are available in Mandarin and English. Additional fees apply.

#4: PLAY AT THE GREAT BAY FIESTA

The Great Bay Fiesta displays attractions at Marina Bay, which runs from now until Jan. 1, 2023. The 20,000-square meter space includes four main event segments: The Great Cirque des Cascades, The Great World Carnival, The Great Food Fiesta, and Ice Magic: The Great Fantasy on Ice.

As someone who has never watched circus acts before, you will be impressed by the various performing acts that the Great Cirque des Cascades offers throughout its 80-minute runtime.

Image Credits: facebook.com/cheekiemonkies

At -10 degrees, Ice Magic: The Great Fantasy on Ice is the closest winter experience you can have in Singapore. The indoor ice playground will delight your children and their peers. Admission to the Great Bay Fiesta is priced from S$10. Additional payment applies for the activities.

How to Be a Good Money Influence on Your Friends

Friendships can benefit you in encouraging you to live healthier, elevating your quality of life, and lifting your self-esteem. Your friends should help you to be the best person you can be. You should do the same. Here are a few tips on becoming a good financial influence on your friends.

#1: SHARE YOUR EXPERIENCES WITH OTHERS

In 2013, researchers found that solitary experiences brought just as little happiness as the material things. Social experiences, on the other hand, were more valuable to the participants. Compared to possessions, we worry less about what others will think of our experiences, and they do not generate the same kind of regret. Consider sharing your experiences with your close friends and family members.

#2: SPEND MONEY ON THE RIGHT PEOPLE

A 2011 study showed that participants who recalled spending $20 on someone close to them reported feeling more positive emotion than those who recalled spending $20 on an acquaintance. Spending money on the right people is important for your financial health.

Allocate your dollars so your friends or family members can benefit without you feeling detached or drained.

#3: PAY YOUR BILLS ON TIME

Serve as a good example by paying your bills on time every month. Paying your bills on time helps you avoid late fees and prioritizes essential spending. On-time payment history can also lift your credit score and improve your interest rates.

#4: SAVE MONEY TO AFFORD BIG PURCHASES

Can you imagine constantly asking your friends for money? Certain kinds of loans and debts can drown you. Big purchases such as purchasing appliances and furniture can best be completed by cash.

When you buy in cash, you avoid generating interest and creating a debt that requires years to pay back. In the meantime, you can save money in your bank account and watch the power of compound interest.

#5: SET SMART GOALS

A person with financial goals can provide a good direction for himself and those around him. Setting goals helps you lay out your “why”. It also gives you something to work towards for.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

As you set your financial goals, keep in mind that you want them to be SMART. Break down your big goals into small, easily digestible chunks.

Sources: 1 & 2

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