The Best Way to Build Your Makeup Kit for Less.

Every makeup lover should have a fully stocked kit to rely on no matter what look they are trying to achieve. You should have the necessary tools for contouring, smoky eyes, and even the right stuff to create a Halloween look to die for. If you’re starting from scratch, though, it can seem quite daunting. Makeup isn’t cheap, right? Right, but don’t worry – there are plenty of easy ways you can save money while building the makeup kit of your dreams.

Remember, sites like eBay can be a great place to check for makeup deals when you’re building your kit – don’t be afraid to branch outside of department stores.

Makeup haul, just because. 

1. Skin Care
The most important piece of your makeup kit isn’t even technically makeup. It’s the skin care. Serums, wipes moisturizers, Vaseline, and even hemorrhoid creams are a must, whether you’re a professional or you just love getting your makeup right on a daily basis. You don’t need name brands when it comes to the majority of these things, but don’t scrimp on moisturizers, wipes, and serums.

2. Your Needs
Building your kit right will take time, so it’s important that you get the basics right the first time. So, it’s time to analyze what makeup tools you have now and assess what other necessities you have. Think about what items you will use most often as that is where you’ll want to spend initially. These are also the things you may want to look for quality in and spend a bit more and save on the other items you won’t use as often.

3. Cost Isn’t Everything
A small price tag doesn’t mean that the product isn’t good, nor does a large price tag mean you’re getting the best product possible. Choose brands that are priced affordably, you get high-quality makeup products at inexpensive prices. Don’t be afraid to choose a combination palette – it is far more cost effective to go down this route than it is to buy a dozen shades of eye shadow separately.

4. Bulk Buys
You should feel confident about buying certain items in bulk because it’s cheaper and you will need to change things up often. For instance, your brushes should be changed regularly to prevent any skin irritations, rashes, or acne, so don’t be afraid to buy more than you need to get a lower price. You’ll thank yourself in the future. The same can be said for mascara wands, cotton balls and buds, foam sponges, and cotton pads. Think about it, the less you spend on these items the more money you will have to spend on the right parts of your makeup kit.

5. Research
Read reviews and check out ratings on new products before you buy. This will help you avoid spending too little on products that aren’t worth it or overspending on big brands that miss the mark.

6. Brushes
This isn’t the area to save money on – your brushes should be of high quality as it will ensure your face lasts and that you get the most of your makeup. You’ll also work faster with better tools, so don’t get stingy when shopping for the perfect brushes.

7. Invest in A Box
It doesn’t matter when it’s a tool box or a tool bag, as long as you have an organized storage area for your makeup you are set. This will allow you to fully organize everything you have and prevent you from buying the same products in multiples. How on earth do you expect to keep track of everything if it’s just dumped in one big bag?

8. Foundations and Primers
While you shouldn’t go cheap on your primers, you can save money when buying foundations. You don’t need to buy the biggest brands you simply need to choose a foundation that will provide you with the right amount of coverage and that will last the entire day.

9. Brush Cleaner
We’ve already covered how important your brushes are, so make sure they live long and prosper by investing in a good brush cleaner and using them after each use. This will help extend their life and prevent any unsightly rashes or acne breakouts from occurring. Of course, it will also ensure your finished look is flawless. You should have an antibacterial spray handy, too.

10. Makeup Remover
This is another item you shouldn’t cheap out on – ensure you invest in a brand that will adequately remove the makeup and is good for your skin type. There’s nothing worse than a remover that aggravates skin and causes breakouts.

Are you constantly searching for the ultimate life hacks and money saving tips? It’s time to bookmark Bargain Hunters blog to ensure you don’t miss out on any of the amazing tips and hints on offer.

Freebie Alert | #NationalPamperingDay.

The long wait will finally be over as Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa welcomes you once again tomorrow, October 17, 2017, for another real pampering treat at the celebration of the National Pampering Day.

See you tomorrow! :)

Relieve your stress and make sure to drop by at any Nailaholics branch nearest you from 10 AM to 1 PM to get a free pampering service of your choice. You may choose to get a soothing manicure, relaxing foot massage or a calming foot spa.

And best of all, by simply participating in this year’s National Pampering Day, you will be able to support the cause of your chosen organization. You can extend your help in the rehabilitation of Marawi City by supporting World Vision, help protect our country’s rich but threatened marine and coastal resources when you support Save Philippine Seas or support The Philippine Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in preventing animal cruelty.

“With all the preparations we’ve made, we are very excited to welcome everyone tomorrow and make them feel that they deserve real pampering” said Arvin Amaro, Marketing Head of Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa. This is a once a year treat only from the number one pampering destination in the Philippines – Nailaholics.

See you all tomorrow and Happy National Pampering Day!

Visit www.nailaholics.com to check their services and find the branch nearest you. Get updates through their Facebook Page Nailaholics Nail Salon and Spa, Twitter @nailaholics and Instagram @nailaholics.

Spotlight | Human Heart Nature Bare Necessity Cleansing Balm.

Cleansing is the most basic step of any skincare routine.
For me, it's cleansing twice in the evening - after an entire day of wearing makeup and spending the most part outdoors, exposed to dust, dirt, and pollution.

Double cleansing starts off with a cleansing oil or micellar water to break down the makeup, sunscreen, and excess oil on the surface of the skin, followed by a water-based cleanser for a deeper, thorough cleansing. This has been part of my bedtime routine for years now, and I must say, double cleansing plays a huge part in keeping my skin smooth and 'pore-less' (save for the days before and during my monthly period).

Now if you're the type who finds it too much a bother to cleanse your face twice, or have ultra-sensitive skin and fear that double cleansing might 'over-wash' your skin, then this product is right up your alley.

Human Heart Nature Bare Necessity Cleansing Balm.

Human Heart Nature recently launched an array of new skincare products, which includes the Bare Necessity Cleansing Balm. It's a solid balm that liquefies upon contact with the skin and melts away dirt, residue, and even long-wearing, waterproof makeup.

Product details at the bottom of the tub.

If you're familiar with Banila Co's Clean it Zero (aka the holy grail of cleansing balms and the first step of my double cleansing routine), you'll be glad to know that this product does pretty much the same thing - at half the price AND sans the mineral oil.

Comes with a small spatula.

The Bare Necessity Cleansing Balm is made with pure virgin coconut oil which easily breaks down waterproof eye makeup and even long-wearing matte lipsticks. It doesn't strip the skin of its natural moisture. Instead, it nourishes and hydrates the skin as you cleanse, making it a softer and smoother canvas for the rest of your skincare routine.

Here's what it looks like.

This cleansing balm also contains castor seed oil, known for its anti-aging and anti-inflammatory effects; sunflower seed wax, which is rich in nutrients and anti-oxidants; and mimosa flower wax which soothes the skin, makes the complexion glow, and gives this product a sweet, warm, and powdery scent.

A little goes a long way. :)

To use, simply scoop a small amount of the balm using the tiny spatula that comes with the tub. Apply it on the skin and gently massage it on your face to remove your makeup.

Bare Necessity Cleansing Balm vs. Clio Kill Black Waterproof Brush Liner
and Colourpop Ultra Matte Lip in TooLips.

As the product melts away your makeup, it also breaks down into a silky oil which you can wipe off with a cotton pad and rinse with just water. 

A small scoop on the back of my hand.

The balm emulsifies as you rinse and leaves the skin with a soft, milky feeling like a cleansing oil would. However, it does not add any excess oil nor does it make your skin look like a greased pan. 

Massage it to melt away your makeup...

I love how this balm removes makeup in a jiffy. Even Clio's Salon de Cara - one of the most resilient mascaras that I have used to date - melted away in seconds with this cleansing balm, making this whole makeup removing/cleansing process a lot easier for me. 

Tadaaa! Look, clean skin!

Sure, I still rinse my face with a water-based cleanser afterwards, but there was this one time that I was too dead-tired to go through the entire ten-step skincare routine that I hit the sack as soon as I removed all that gunk off my face. Thankfully, my face did not suffer from breakouts or irritation, nor did it feel dry or flaky the morning after.

Another thing that I love about this product - aside from the fact that it's made with all-natural ingredients - is its travel-friendly, no-spill solid formula. I can easily slip this into my carry-on without having to worry about the size (each tub weighs 40 grams), or liquid spills in my luggage.

This cleansing balm has definitely earned a spot in my skincare routine! Definitely buying another tub once I finish this one, though I don't think it will be anytime soon. :)

The Human Heart Nature Bare Necessity Cleansing Balm retails at Php 345 per tub and is available at the Human Heart Nature online store and Human Heart Nature branches nationwide.

How Working From Home Can Get You Out of Debt.

Working from home has its perks. You can roll out of bed, grab a cup of Joe and be at your desk in record time ready to start the day. And there’s no need to pull out that pressed suit each morning to make sure you meet the company's dress code. Casual wear or pajamas will do. But there’s another major benefit that may not have crossed your mind: working from home can help you get out of debt faster. Here’s how:

Working at home has tons of perks!

You'll have minimal transportation expenses.
No more leaving home an hour or two early to beat rush hour traffic and make it to your cubicle in time. Working from home allows you to save a bundle on transportation expenses, like gas, maintenance, and repairs, since your vehicle won’t spend a ton of time on the road. Plus, there won’t be much wear and tear so you’ll keep repair costs low. So, if you’re accustomed to spending $40 each week on gas and working from home allows you to cut that amount in half, you’ll free up $80 each month to put on debt.

You won't eat out as much.
It’s not uncommon for coworkers to ditch the office at lunchtime or order takeout. The only problem is buying lunch each day adds up. And if money’s already tight, this expensive habit could be contributing to your rising debt load. To put this into perspective, spending $10 on lunch each day will cost you $50 per day, or $200 per month. But if you’re working from home, you’ll be less inclined to leave your desk as the kitchen is only a few seconds away.

After-school care may not be required.
Depending on your work arrangement, you may be able to cut the day short and avoid paying for after-school care, which can be costly. But this will require stellar time management skills and works better when you have older children.

You can workout at home.
Instead of joining the gym, head to your garage or roll out the exercise mat in your living room and get to work. There are tons of programs you can stream directly from your smartphone or computer to your television. Or you can blare your favorite tunes and march to the beat of your own drum. Either way, you’ll save a nice chunk of cash on that gym membership.

Some side hustles have low start-up costs.
Looking to start a business from the comforts of your own home to supplement your income? Many online businesses, like consulting, writing and e-commerce operations, can help you earn the funds needed to reach your debt-payoff goals faster.

You won't spend as much on apparel and footwear.
At some point, you may have to put on professional attire and head out for an important meeting. But purchasing an entire wardrobe and the appropriate footwear can be costly. Luckily, working from home allows you to scale back and use the money saved to pay down debt. Even better, you won’t have to deal with that weekly dry cleaning bill. And your formal footwear should last much longer if it spends more time in the closet than on your feet.

You may qualify for the home office deduction.
If you’re an independent contractor or run a business from your home, you may qualify for the home office deduction. This means you can deduct a percentage of your home used in business on your tax return. See IRS Publication 587 to learn more.

As a last resort (or if you want to amplify your debt payoff efforts), you can seek help from these top debt relief companies. They may have solutions available that will allow you to reach the finish line faster.

How To Advance Your Yoga Practice.

Yoga is one of the best ways to improve your physical, mental and emotional health. Not only is it a great strength and cardio workout, but it also can improve your overall mood and energy levels. If you've been doing yoga for awhile, you might feel like you're stagnant in your practice. It's easy to begin to get used to your yoga routine.

Just because you've been doing yoga for a while doesn't mean that you don't have room left to grow in your yoga practice. To help you better develop as a yoga practitioner, here are some tips on how to advance your yoga practice.

Photo credit: Veith House.

Change Up Your Routine
It's good to go to the same classes on a regular basis. This keeps you in shape and ensures that you continue to enjoy the mental health aspects that yoga has to offer. However, while having a routine can be healthy, it can also be a bit boring.

If you feel like you're in a yoga rut, consider trying some new classes or styles. If you always go to the same power yoga class, consider trying a hot yoga class. You can also try more daring forms of yoga, such as partner or aerial yoga. You don't have to give up your regular classes, but throwing some new styles of yoga into the mix can be very beneficial in advancing your practice.

Invest In Some New Gear
One of the simplest ways to get excited about your practice again is by investing in some fun new gear. If you're using a simple mat, consider investing in a nicer one that will better cushion and support you while you move through poses. A few new outfits for class can also help you to feel better and more confident in class.

Change Up Your Diet 
If you do yoga regularly but feel like you aren't moving forward in your practice, your diet could be to blame. It's hard to exercise your way out of a poor diet. Most yoga professionals recommend a plant-based, low-fat diet for maximum performance in yoga classes. While you don't have to become a complete vegan, it is a good idea to add more fruits and vegetables into your daily eating plan. It's also a smart idea to cut back on fat and dairy if you really want to improve yoga performance.

Go Abroad
Yoga-based vacations are becoming increasingly popular. They're a great way to get reignite the spark that you have for your yoga practice. One of the most popular destinations for yoga retreats is India, which is where the practice was born. There are many travel groups that offer packages for visits to India, such as Kensington Tours. There are also many yoga retreats based in the US and the surrounding islands. These retreats are a great way to be around other yoga devotees and to expand your practice.

Consider Teacher Training
For many practitioners of yoga, training as a yoga instructor is an inevitable undertaking. There are few yoga devotees who don't eventually undergo teacher training after years of practicing yoga. Even if you don't plan to teach yoga professionally, teacher training is an amazing opportunity for anyone who's passionate about yoga. These courses usually only last for a few weeks, but they're very intensive. Students spend all day doing yoga and taking classes on the science behind the yoga lifestyle. It's a great opportunity to really take your yoga practice to the next level.

Take A Break
It might sound counterproductive, but taking a few weeks away can sometimes help if you're feeling frustrated with your yoga practice. However, don't let this break turn into you just lazing on the couch and snacking on junk food. Instead, try some other athletic classes, such as Pilates or spinning. During your break from yoga, you can explore different forms of exercise and enjoy being a beginner again. When you return to the yoga studio, you'll have a new sense of excitement for your practice.

If you follow these tips, you can reignite the spark that you have for yoga. No matter who you are, it's normal to occasionally get bored with something you do regularly.