Being a big fan of BB creams, I was thrilled when I was chosen to be Fr3b’s featured blogger in the Jayeon Miyin Natural Skin Care workshop, where 4 bloggers get to tailor make our own natural BB cream, cleansing oil, body and face soap by custom blending the shade, texture and natural ingredients. (more…)

If you know me, you know that I am always up for a good bargain (or two). Budgeting does not necessitate a compromise on style and quality - many generic or mass market brands are as good as, if not better than their brand name counterparts. The allure of designer brands are in part a masterful machination of the marketers and advertisers who work their emotional magic into campaigns so that we feel a certain way when we buy into their brands. Now that we are smack in the midst of a recession, the best feeling is one of extra moolah in the bank. In the course of reviewing different brands of cosmetics and skincare, I have discovered to my surprise that sometimes generic and mass market brands give designer brands a run for their money. ZA for example, (I absolutely love this brand for its performance and price) has a two way powder which trumps at least two other expensive two way powders I’ve tried. Fancl cleansing oil works just as well as the much more expensive Shu Uemura A/O Cleansing Oil. Johnson Clean and Clear Facial Wash is one of the best basic facial cleanser I’ve used. Here’s some of my own tips for indulging and yet saving money in the process-

1. I love trying out new toiletries and find it friendlier on the pocket and my attention span when I purchase them in a travel or sample size. I find these mostly in Watsons, Guardian and CK.
2. I recommend fr3b for their free skincare samples.
3. Instead of buying books, borrow from the library or book mooch.
4. Check out the Salvation Army store at 500 Upper Bukit Timah Road Singapore 678106 Operating hours: 10.00am - 6.00pm (Mon - Thu), 10.00am - 9.00pm (Fri - Sat).
5. I look out for sales like a hawk, though this takes a little discipline on one’s part. My all time sales mantra is - never buy it just because it is on sale or cheap. Buy it if you would buy it anyway if it was on full price retail. That is real savings.
6. DIY for basics like hair masks.
7. If you cannot afford to carry a designer bag but must carry one, please do not carry a fake. There are affordable options like That Bag I want and Be a Fashionista.
8. You could make your own bag. Learn to sew here.
9. 30 easy ways to save money from Dumb Little Man.
10. 50 ways to be a recessionista from Times Online.

What are your style budget tips?

I’ve been given these two skincare items from Fruits and Passion - this brand is not available here and I think the closest store of proximity to Singapore is in Hong Kong.

Fruits and Passion Avocado Butter

The scent of the Avocado butter (for body) is a delight - it’s pleasant and light. I find the texture a little too heavy for tropical use, but it was great for heels and elbows.

Fruits and Passion Radiance Cream

The Radiance cream (red) is meant for combination or oily skin. There is another version (green) meant for dry skin. The smell is very light and almost undetectable, and the texture light and easily absorbed into the skin without much massaging.

The description on the site says -

This non-greasy essence combines a number of benefits to create healthy-looking skin. It moisturizes, invigorates devitalized skin, and contains hydrolyzed plant proteins that create a protective, firming film. It tones the skin and gives your complexion a shimmering radiance.

The only thing I didn’t like about it is it does not contain SPF or PA.

Shall check out the store when we fly there in August. Somehow I am still more drawn towards Skinfood. The packaging, perhaps?