Money-Saving Sephora Hacks for 2024

Sephora, born in France in the 1970s, has blossomed into a global hub for top-notch bath, cosmetics, and lifestyle treasures. With a curated collection of luxurious brands and a signature private label, Sephora has become the go-to destination for those in pursuit of the latest beauty trends.

Yet, the siren call of beauty often comes with a hefty price. In fact, Yahoo Finance found that women spend over S$1,000 on their appearance each year. As much as I love Sephora, I still value my frugality by following these few tips:

REQUEST FREE SAMPLES

While swatching cosmetics on your hands might not offer the most precise shade match, fear not! Seeking out Sephora’s Beauty Advisors for small tubs of samples can be a game-changer.

Take these samples home to experiment without the risk of ruining your flawlessly applied makeup. If the product can be squeezed out, rest assured – you’re eligible for a free sample.

UNLOCK PERKS WITH SEPHORA’S BEAUTY PASS

For those obsessed with Sephora but mindful of their budget, enrolling in a free Beauty Pass Membership is a must. The three tiers – White (Free), Black (Spend $300 a year), and Gold (Spend $1,500 per year) – bring forth enticing perks:

– Accumulate points for free beauty products from Sephora’s Rewards Boutique.
– Enjoy a complimentary brow service by Benefit Cosmetics during your birthday month.
– Double points accumulation for any purchase during your birthday month.
– Receive a free birthday gift without spending money (exclusive to Black and Gold Members).

And don’t forget, as a member, you can also politely request free samples to sweeten the deal.

MAXIMIZE ONLINE ORDERS FOR FREEBIES

Once you’ve pinpointed your go-to makeup products and no longer need to test them on your skin, consider the online route.

Sephora often rewards online shoppers with complimentary product samples for every purchase, adding an extra layer of value to your beauty haul.

OPT FOR SEPHORA’S HOUSE BRAND

Keep an eye on Sephora’s in-house brand, often a treasure trove of budget-friendly alternatives to high-end makeup. Take, for example, the Sephora Collection Smoothing Primer (S$25) and Retractable Waterproof Eyeliner (S$19)– delivering quality comparable to their pricier counterparts.

It’s a gentle reminder that the essence of good makeup lies in quality rather than a brand name.

RESIST IMPULSE PURCHASES

While the siren song of the latest makeup trends is alluring, exercising restraint can be a wise investment. Avoid the rush to Sephora for newly released products from your favorite brands.

Today’s makeup lines strive to cater to diverse skin tones, and what looks stunning on one person may not suit another. For instance, the cult-favorite Anastasia Modern Renaissance Eye Shadow Palette (S$85) might look better on some people than others.

Before splurging, consider whether the product aligns with your skin undertones, ensuring a worthwhile investment in your beauty arsenal.

IN A NUTSHELL

By incorporating these money-saving Sephora hacks into your beauty routine, you can revel in high-quality products without causing a dent in your budget.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

From securing free samples to tapping into membership perks, these strategies empower you to make informed and economical choices in the realm of beauty. Happy shopping!

Sources: 1, 2, & 3

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Smart Money Hacks for 2024

As we step into the final weeks of 2023, it’s time to break free from old financial habits and embrace money-saving strategies that can boost your income and savings.

ALWAYS HAVE A SHOPPING LIST

Heading into a grocery store without a plan can be a recipe for overspending. We’ve all been there, wandering aimlessly and ending up with a cart full of things we didn’t really need. Avoid this by always carrying a shopping list with you. Having a clear plan in place will help you stick to your budget and make wiser purchasing decisions.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

SEPARATE YOUR SAVINGS ACCOUNT

If impulse shopping has been an issue for you in the past, it’s essential to protect your savings from unnecessary spending. Keep your savings in a separate account, entirely distinct from your day-to-day spending. By creating this barrier, you make it more difficult to dip into your savings impulsively, promoting a healthier financial discipline.

MONITOR YOUR EXPENSES

Stay in control of your finances by cultivating a habit of tracking your expenses. Whenever you receive a paycheck, record it in your budget’s income category. Likewise, make sure to log every expenditure, whether it’s filling up your gas tank or treating yourself to a delightful charcuterie night. By keeping a close eye on your spending, you’ll be able to identify areas where you can save and make necessary adjustments to stay on track.

DELETE SHOPPING APPS

Did you know that 4 out of 5 Singaporeans give in to impulse purchases? With 54% of consumers admitting that shopping on mobile devices has led to increased spending, it’s time to take control. Cut down on impulsive buying by removing those shopping apps from your phone. Instead, opt for online shopping from your laptop or desktop where you can be more intentional with your purchases.

PRACTICE MINDFUL BUYING

Before you hit that “buy” button, take a moment to reflect. Ask yourself, “Is this the right time to make this purchase?” Give yourself some space between the desire to buy and actually making the purchase. Set a specific timeframe for consideration; for instance, commit to not checking out for 24 hours or even a few days after adding items to your cart. This simple money hack can be truly game-changing.

REGULAR BUDGET CHECK-INS

Whether you have ambitious financial goals as a family or just want to stay on top of your finances, communication is key. Schedule regular budget check-ins, either on a weekly or monthly basis, and involve everyone responsible for the family’s finances. By doing so, you can make informed decisions, track your progress, and work together towards achieving your financial objectives. Effective communication about family finances is vital, regardless of your specific goals.

CREATE A MINI-BUDGET FOR UNEXPECTED EXPENSES

No matter how well you manage your finances, there will inevitably be times when unexpected expenses arise. Rather than panicking and derailing your entire budget, it’s best to have a plan in place to handle these situations.

Consider creating a microbudget specifically for handling short-term unexpected expenses. Set aside a portion of your savings to serve as an emergency fund. This way, when unexpected costs arise, you can dip into this fund without disrupting your regular budget or long-term financial goals.

AVOID FREQUENT PHONE UPGRADES

Resist the temptation to constantly upgrade your mobile phone just to keep up with others. Telecommunication companies may entice you with appealing upgrade offers, but remember that you’ll end up paying for that phone through your monthly contract. Instead, focus on choosing a phone that meets your needs and holds its value over time, allowing you to save money in the long run.

REMOVE STORED CREDIT CARD INFORMATION

Increase your mindfulness and avoid impulsive online shopping by refraining from storing your credit card details on websites. When you have to enter your credit card information each time you make a purchase, it provides an essential pause to consider if the expense is necessary.

Image Credits: unsplash.com

Additionally, by not saving your details, you reduce the risk of potential hacking and unauthorized access to your accounts. Keep your online shopping experiences deliberate and secure.

Sources: 1,2, 3, & 4

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How To Fool Yourself Into Saving Money

If money could talk, my wallet would be having a farewell party. I am not exaggerating! The weight of the Yuletide Season has been hard on my budget. You see, we are constantly bombarded with flashy sales and social gatherings.

The materialistic temptations becomes harder to resist due to the year-end bargains. Not to mention, the convenience of swiping a credit card makes spending easy!

Fortunately for you, there are other strategies that you can employ to save money. See how much you can potentially save with these four money tricks!

PUSH THE AUTOPILOT

How can you spend money that you do not see? This is no “vanishing coin act”! Instead, I am referring to automating your savings. Setting up an automatic transfer to your savings account can help you fulfill your financial goals. Whether you are looking forward to the night market or the BTS concert in Thailand, your expenses can be covered by your savings.

There is truth to the phrase: pay yourself first. Allotting a portion of your income to personal savings is as easy as allocating a budget for your phone bill. Upon getting into the habit of saving, you will be able to resist the temptation of spending. Ask your bank for guidance in automating your transactions.

EVERY CENT COUNTS

As I was walking to a dollar store, I saw an elderly man leaning towards the coin he just dropped. No matter how small a currency may seem, every cent counts. It is only logical to say that keeping your loose change in the course of the year can add up to a few hundreds of dollars! So, consider developing the habit of growing your cents.

Begin by getting an empty jar. You may turn it into an arts and crafts activity by having your child decorate the surface of your jar. Afterwards, empty the contents of your wallet every three days. Pour all the loose change into your decorated money jar. By December, you may exchange these coins for bills at your local bank. Growing your money jar will not only declutter your wallet, but also grow your wealth.

REMOVE THESE NUMBERS

Let us face it! Online shopping has been more prevalent than ever. The mere fact that you can get a blanket set from IKEA Singapore within three business days only shows how convenient it is to shop. The virtual market’s prompt gratification can breed addiction. Personally speaking, a friend of mine gets various packages sent on a weekly basis. It is crazy how each one comes from different parts of the world!

You open more rooms for financial vulnerability by setting up a customer account and saving your credit card information. So, consider deleting your online shopping accounts.

Adding an extra layer of difficulty while shopping gives you more time to weigh whether you really need to purchase an item or not. If you lack courage to delete the information on your own, you may ask the help of your trusted spouse. Who knows? This third party intervention may just be the solution to avoid impulse purchases.

A SINGLE QUESTION

As I was walking inside a fast-fashion store, I realized how random purchases can take a toll into my finances. Stocking up on adorable yet unnecessary items on Daiso can affect my budget for the next day. If only you can ask yourself a single question!

Do you believe that a single question can change your spending outlook? Well, it sure is possible! Who knew that a sequence of words can convince you to leave a shop without a cart full of non-essential items.

Simply ask yourself this: “Did I need it yesterday?” If you do not need it yesterday, you probably do not need to buy it today. By asking acknowledging whether an item is a need or want can help you stick to your budget.

Image Credits:pixabay.com

Saving money does not have to be a chore! May these easy tricks help you reach your savings faster than you would have thought.

Sources: 1 & 2 

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4 Things You Shouldn’t Put In Your Wallet

Whether you are keeping your loose cash or EZ-link card, there are certain items that you want or need to carry in your wallet on a daily basis. This article will not dwell on that. Instead, it is focusing on the significant items that you need to leave out.

#1: RECEIPTS

Do not deny it! I am sure that you are guilty of keeping some receipts inside your wallet. Keeping receipts is valid as long as you are planning to exchange a product, authenticate its warranty, or reimburse it for work. Unless you have a valid reason to keep the long strips of paper, you have to throw it all away! Reduce your clutter by digitally organizing your receipts using apps like Shoeboxed.

#2: SENSITIVE PASSWORDS

As hacking becomes rampant nowadays, I can only stress how important it is to keep your passwords safe. It may seem like a functional idea to keep all your precious belongings (e.g., money, credit cards, or passwords) in one place, but it can make you vulnerable to fraud or identity theft. It is best to find a notebook or an app that will keep your passwords protected.

#3: HUGE AMOUNTS OF MONEY

Carrying huge amounts of money around town can be dangerous. It may seem obvious to most of us, but there are some people who are opposed to having bank accounts or safety deposits. Once your wallet is stolen or misplaced, it may be hard to recover the lost money. For this reason, I encourage you to reconsider opening a bank account or purchasing a safety deposit.

#4: CHOP CARDS

A chop or stamp card is a simple marketing tool used to spread the buzz about a particular establishment. When a customer visits the store and makes a purchase, he or she will be rewarded through the card. If you frequently visit an establishment then, picking up their chop card is a good idea. Moreover, you will be able to support the local businesses.

Image Credits: luvmilo.com

If the chances of using the chop card or visiting the store are slim then, you must stop kidding yourself! Throw it away and create a valuable space in your wallet.

Sources: 1 & 2

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Must Read: Simple Money Hacks To Improve Your Financial Life Now

You deserve to achieve understanding, awareness, and especially control over your life. Everyone does. And, “Psychology Of Love, Money, & Life” book might just be the answer!

Money is one of the book’s three sections. Adding the Psychological factor, you will be able to realize that money has effects on your well-being and that you can control its effects. You hold your financial present and future!

So, take a peek inside some of the valuable tips you can get from the #PLMLBook…

1. GAIN PLEASURE FROM MONEY THROUGH ANTICIPATION

If you want to gain positive feelings toward your spending then, ensure that you always have something to look forward to. Let us say you get a raise, treat yourself by buying the designer bag you have been wanting for months. The anticipation of purchase, no matter how small the item is, can increase pleasure enormously.

2. SAVE UP FOR TRAVEL FUND

If you are in a Long Distance Relationship, it can be very expensive. Which is why it is essential to follow a strict budget to save up for your travels. Be responsible enough to spend your money only to what is necessary.

3. SHALL YOU BUY IT OR NOT? STOP THINKING! TAKE THE SWIFT TEST INSTEAD.

When you are thinking twice on purchasing an item especially an article of clothing, ask yourself if you are willing to try it on the dressing room swiftly at that particular moment. If there is no sense of immediate excitement, do not bother to buy it.

4. ONE SIZE MAY NOT FIT ALL

Everybody’s financial situation is unique to the person so, be wary of the “one-size-fits-all” investment strategies from media’s financial gurus. Many factors such as your consumer personality, financial goals, age, etc. should be considered. This is why it is best to listen to your personal financial adviser instead.

5. AVOID THE STATUS QUO BIAS

As I was looking for a new laptop online, my choice leaned towards the brand that I’ve been using for 4 years – the MacBook. Although its competitor had touch screen, 360 bendable monitor, and it’s running on the new Windows software that enables you to download countless of Apps. Certainly, for functionality, the latter was the best choice but I still preferred Macintosh.

This cognitive bias is called the status quo bias. It occurs when you are more likely to prefer the product that you know more of even if there are better options available. Changing your buying habits to avoid this cognitive bias start with the awareness!

Image Credits: misspsychobabble.blogspot.com

Image Credits: misspsychobabble.blogspot.com

Psychology of Love, Money, & Life is now available on Google Play Books, Kobo, Amazon (Kindle), Apple IBooks, and M1 Learning Centre. Find the platform and price that suits you best!

This is written by Anna Agoncillo. She graduated under Cardiff Metropolitan University (UK) with Honors. Combining her passion for psychology and writing, she started a successful blog called “Miss Psychobabble” and has contributed to other platforms including Bored Panda, Psychology Matters Asia, Thought Catalog, Money Digest, and so much more.

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