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CNA
40 minutes ago
- Business
- CNA
Is the reign of the US dollar ending? The situation is more nuanced than that
Despite higher prices across the United States, Mr Kenny Lim, 33, felt willing to spend a bit more during a recent trip to Los Angeles, thanks to the weaker currency. The programme executive said that, compared to his time living in the States three years ago, the cost of dining out and shopping was more affordable this time around even though the sticker prices were higher, because of the relative strength of the Singapore dollar. 'The menu prices at The Cheesecake Factory have increased, but due to the weakened US dollar, it's a bit more affordable and easier for me to decide what to eat,' said Mr Lim. 'I do monitor the currency rates, especially when there's big news happening in the US market, and I would see if there's any opportunity to exchange US dollars,' he said, noting that cards like YouTrip provide more favourable rates. Similarly, when 35-year-old Singaporean cybersecurity analyst Francisco visited the United States earlier this year, he was surprised to find that notoriously expensive New York City didn't feel quite as punishing on the wallet as it used to. Francisco found the shopping and dining there to be "slightly more affordable" compared to previous trips, so he could spend more. Francisco declined to be identified by his full name as he works for a company with a strict media policy. "It was easier to loosen purse strings knowing that the exchange rate was more favourable," he said. For instance, when Francisco rented a car for his trip, he found that a full tank of petrol cost US$50 (about S$64) compared to S$200 in Singapore. While both Mr Lim and Francisco are benefiting from the weakening US dollar, the same cannot be said for Singaporean robotics company, Augmentus, which has been negatively impacted by the situation. For businesses, especially importers, the weakening US dollar is often viewed as good news. When the US dollar begins to decline, it typically means that importing products or services priced in USD are cheaper for Singaporean companies, which can lower costs and improve margins for importers. However, while this may benefit some companies, others face higher costs, pricing issues, or uncertainty, and many end up having to rethink how they manage their money and supplies. Mr Daryl Lim, chief executive officer and co-founder of Augmentus, said that the weakening US dollar has been a challenge for his company. As a tech start-up, the weakening currency does not significantly affect Augmentus' pricing or procurement, said the 30-year-old. However, it has a major impact on the company's fundraising, as most of its capital is raised in US dollars, meaning it now receives less in Singapore dollars after converting those funds. "A lot of our funding is in USD (US dollar), so the weakening dollar has a big impact on us. Last year, 1 USD was 1.35 SGD (Singapore dollar); now it is about 1 USD to 1.28 SGD. So, it's about a 5 to 6 per cent drop. And it's pretty significant," said Mr Lim. While Augmentus has offices in both Texas and Singapore, Mr Lim said around 60 per cent of its operating expenses are in Singapore dollars. As a result, revenue received in US dollars from their US clients effectively shrinks also by about 5 to 6 per cent when converted, due to the weaker exchange rate. He added: "People think that it's cheaper now to do business in the US because of the currency weakening. However, for us ... a significant portion of our funds is in USD. We receive money in USD due to the entire venture capitalist ecosystem and from our investors as well, so it doesn't apply to us." The US dollar has long been regarded as the ultimate safe haven in times of geopolitical or financial turmoil. But on June 13, even as geopolitical conflicts are roiling across the world, the greenback sank to its lowest in more than three years. The US Dollar Index (DXY) fell to approximately 97.8, its lowest level since March 2022, representing a decline of roughly 9 to 10 per cent since the start of the year. The DYX illustrates the strength of the US dollar in relation to six major world currencies: The euro, yen, pound, Canadian dollar, Swedish krona, and Swiss franc. If the index rises, it means the US dollar is gaining strength; if it falls, the US dollar is weakening. Experts who spoke to CNA TODAY attributed the greenback's weakness largely to the US' slowing growth in comparison to other advanced economies. Mr Mahesh Sethuraman, Singapore chief executive officer of international global investing firm Saxo, said even though there have been moments since the 1980s when the US dollar weakened and analysts warned of the "demise of the dollar", this time feels "a bit more serious than past ones" because the fiscal deficit of the US has become increasingly unsustainable. Mr Sethuraman pointed to the pressure stemming from the US' twin deficits – the federal budget deficit reached US$316 billion (S$405.5 billion) in May (indicating government spending outweighing revenue) while the current account deficit hit US$303.9 billion in the fourth quarter of 2024 (indicating imports outweighing exports). These have led to a persistent strain on the dollar. According to the Congressional Budget Office (CBO), the US is projected to run a fiscal deficit of US$1.9 trillion in 2025, amounting to 6.2 per cent of the country's gross domestic product (GDP). The CBO is a non-partisan agency that provides independent economic and budgetary projections to help inform US congressional decision-making. "Each dollar demise cycle is understandable. But this time, on top of that, you also have unpredictable behaviour from the US, and not just towards so-called enemies, but even allies," said Mr Sethuraman. Shortly after returning to the White House in January, President Donald Trump introduced a fresh round of tariffs on imports under his "Liberation Day" agenda, a move that has rattled investor confidence and added to concerns about US trade policy. Echoing Mr Sethuraman's sentiments, regional head of corporate advisory at DBS's Global Financial Markets Eileen Chia added that the US dollar is coming under pressure due to growing concerns over American fiscal management and policy direction. "Investors have also been rotating into alternative safe havens like gold," Ms Chia said. At the same time, she noted that the European Central Bank is positioning the euro to play a bigger role globally, which is further weighing on the dollar. Besides the US' slowing economic growth, the US dollar's decline has been driven by several other factors, including growing expectations that the US Federal Reserve will begin cutting interest rates later this year, despite the US labour market performing better than expected in May. Analysts have noted that the dollar's typical rally during times of global instability has been muted. Following the latest outbreak in fighting between Israel and Iran, the dollar gained only 0.25 per cent, a sign that its traditional role as a safe-haven currency may be waning. Mr Hugh Chung, chief investment officer of investment platform Endowus, said the weakening of the dollar can be seen as a loss of confidence in US exceptionalism. This refers to the ability of US corporate earnings to grow faster than those of the rest of the world, driven by innovative tech companies and productivity gains, while being backed by resilient consumption and a solid labour market. "Coming into 2025, however, we may be seeing the confidence in US exceptionalism erode as investors worry about tariff wars and their implications for the US economy and US exceptionalism," said Mr Chung. HOW THE USD BECAME THE GLOBAL CURRENCY The US dollar plays such a big role on the international stage as it is the official currency not only for the United States but also for several other nations, such as Timor-Leste. It functions as the global currency – it can be freely used or exchanged for another currency inside or outside the US. The US dollar is also the world's dominant reserve currency, held by central banks globally for international trade and financial stability. A reserve currency is a foreign currency that countries hold in significant quantities to conduct global transactions, settle debts and support the value of their own currencies. Before the US dollar was used as the global currency, the Federal Reserve Act of 1913 established the US Federal Reserve Bank to address the unreliability and instability of a currency system previously based on banknotes issued by individual banks. At the time, most developed countries pegged their currencies to gold as a way to stabilise currency exchanges. But when World War I began in 1914, many countries stopped using the gold standard to print additional paper money to finance the war, which diminished the value of their currencies. Britain endeavoured to maintain the gold standard to uphold its status as the world's leading economic and financial power, but had to start borrowing money by the third year of the war. Meanwhile, the United States became the primary lender to other nations, with many countries purchasing US bonds denominated in dollars. When Britain ultimately relinquished the gold standard in 1931, it adversely affected global traders who depended on the British pound, paving the way for the US dollar to take over as the world's main reserve currency. Then, before World War II, the United States supplied weapons and goods to Allied countries, most of which paid for them in gold. As a result, the US ended up holding most of the world's gold by the end of the war. This made it difficult for other countries to return to the gold standard, as their gold reserves had been depleted. Thus, in 1944, delegates from 44 Allied countries gathered in Bretton Woods, New Hampshire, to establish a system for managing foreign exchange that would not disadvantage any nation. After World War II ended in 1945, the Bretton Woods system effectively pegged major currencies to the US dollar, which was in turn backed by gold. Even after the system collapsed in the 1970s, when the US suspended the convertibility of the greenback to gold, the dollar remained dominant, buoyed by the strength of the US economy, deep capital markets and the country's political stability. Today, the US dollar accounts for nearly 60 per cent of global foreign exchange reserves, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), and it is used in nearly 87 per cent of foreign exchange related transactions. Much of the world's oil and commodities are also priced and traded in dollars, cementing the greenback's status as the so-called petrodollar. SOFTENING GREENBACK HAS A "MIXED IMPACT" As the US dollar continues to lose steam against major currencies, investors and policymakers around the globe are closely monitoring its potential to destabilise markets, shift trade balances, and reorder long-standing financial norms. Mr Erik Wong, portfolio manager and head of FX at Lion Global Investors, an asset management arm of OCBC Bank, said in light of prolonged US-China trade tensions and rising protectionism, a softer US dollar has "a mixed impact" on Singapore's economy. The Singapore dollar tends to strengthen when the greenback weakens, and the former has outperformed most Asian currencies this year due to its safe-haven appeal, he noted. As such, the Singdollar's strength has eroded the price competitiveness of the Republic's exports, especially against regional peers such as Malaysia and Vietnam. And so, leading export sectors such as electronics, logistics, and pharmaceuticals are feeling the pressure to reprice or shift production. Ms Chia from DBS's Global Financial Markets added that with the US dollar playing an integral role in trade invoicing and corporate funding worldwide, any significant volatility might stress institutions that have currency mismatches. For instance, companies that earn revenue or hold assets in US dollars but have to repay loans in stronger currencies may find themselves exposed to financial losses as their dollar holdings lose value. Mr Wong added: "A stronger SGD (Singapore dollar) helps moderate imported inflation, softening the impact of global food and energy price increases. With supply chains fragmenting, the overall effect depends on how quickly firms can adjust operations and reconfigure trade routes." Mr Cameron Systermans, head of multi asset at global consulting firm Mercer Asia, noted that a slumping US dollar usually benefits Asian and emerging markets, as investors will move their funds to these markets amid a weakening greenback. "Although looking forward, this tailwind may be partially offset by the impact of higher US tariffs," he added. Trade aside, given Singapore's substantial reserves and investments in US dollars, a weakening greenback naturally raises concerns about the potential impact on its national wealth. As of March 31, 2024, the Official Foreign Reserves managed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) was S$498 billion, and the size of state investor Temasek's net portfolio value was S$389 billion. The size of the Government's funds managed by GIC is not publicly published, but it has been reported that GIC manages well over US$100 billion (S$128.5 billion). Mr Alex Low, the principal investment specialist at investment and wealth management company PhillipCapital, said that while currency translation effects can influence reported returns, especially on US dollar-denominated assets held by GIC and Temasek, their globally diversified portfolios and long-term investment horizons provide a natural hedge. "These institutions typically adopt long-term strategies with risk-adjusted performance benchmarks," Mr Low said, adding that their robust hedging frameworks and multi-asset allocation strategies help manage exposure to currency fluctuations effectively. He noted that a weaker US dollar may also influence monetary policy calibration for MAS. Singapore lets its dollar move within a controlled range against a basket of key trading partner currencies, including the US dollar. If the greenback stays weak for a long time, it could affect this balance, and that may lead Singapore's central bank to tweak its currency policy. "MAS has already responded with a gentler slope of SGD appreciation to strike a balance between controlling inflation and supporting export competitiveness," Mr Low added. While GIC and Temasek may book short-term translation losses when converting US dollar gains into Singapore dollars, Mr Low said the weaker greenback also presents opportunities, making US assets more attractively priced for future acquisition. As for the impact of the US dollar's slide on Singapore's reserves, experts said the effects are likely to be limited in the short term and must be seen in the context of broader structural shifts. The weakening US dollar reflects more profound questions about long-term US economic policies rather than an immediate threat to Singapore's holdings, experts added. Mr Song Seng Wun, economic advisor at CGS International Securities Singapore noted that "nothing changes overnight", and the dollar remains deeply embedded in the global system. Mr Sethuraman added: "Even as the dollar weakens, the question remains how much is it going to weaken? Regardless, I don't think that's going to change the fundamental life of Singaporeans." He noted that the recent slump is a reflection of the US' "unreliability". A weaker USD and stronger SGD can affect the kind of businesses Singapore attracts, especially in manufacturing, which can impact hiring in the sector. "We do have an economic problem, and it is not because of the dollar weakness. Instead, it is what's causing the dollar weakness, which is the unreliability and unpredictability of US international trade policies," said Mr Sethuraman. "What the market is telling the world is that if the US remains as unreliable as it is now, then we need to think of alternatives." WILL THE GREENBACK CONTINUE ITS GLOBAL REIGN? While recent trends may suggest the US dollar is losing its grip as the global currency, most experts agreed that it remains firmly entrenched as the world's dominant reserve currency with no credible alternative on the horizon. "It's very difficult because the US dollar is still the currency of trade for the global economy. It's still the reserve currency for the world," said Mr Song. Agreeing, Mr Wong from Lion Global Investors said the dollar remains dominant but "its status is being questioned more openly than at any time since the end of Bretton Woods". He also noted a growing trend of diversification, with investors and central banks increasingly turning to gold, the euro and, in some cases, the Chinese renminbi as alternative stores of value. "However, no alternative currently matches the depth, liquidity and legal protections that the dollar provides," said Mr Wong. "De-dollarisation or diversification is real, but it is happening slowly and primarily as a defensive measure". De-dollarisation refers to the gradual move by countries and institutions to reduce their reliance on the US dollar in trade, finance and reserves, often by using alternative currencies or assets such as the euro, yuan, or gold. Mr Song noted that this shift away from the greenback is unlikely to occur in the near future, or even within the next 40 years. Such a transition, he said, would require a complex alignment of multiple economic and geopolitical factors. "(It) would require the US to gradually lose its role as a modern economy in the world as others increase their dominance. "It's clearly contingent upon the role the US economy plays in global trade and global finance. If their role was to diminish, the US dollar will also diminish alongside it as an economic superpower," said Mr Song. While several currencies appear poised to challenge the US dollar's dominance, experts said that taking over the role of the global reserve currency is far from straightforward. Mr Low said that while the euro is the "closest contender", it remains constrained by fragmented fiscal policies. Even though the European Union has the power of a large economy, the fact remains that it comprises 20 different countries with varying debt levels and fiscal policies, Mr Sethuraman noted. "For example, I am comfortable lending to Germany, but I may not be comfortable lending to Greece … They don't have the advantage of a unified one-country system like the US," he said. "There is no obvious substitute for the dollar as a global currency at the moment," said Mr Sethuraman. As for the Chinese renminbi, which has gained some traction in bilateral trade, experts noted that it lacks capital account convertibility, meaning it is not easy to move money in and out of China freely. This makes it a less viable candidate for global reserve status. "China clearly does not want its currency to be at the mercy of trading floors in New York, London, Tokyo or even Singapore," said Mr Song. "So I think they're being very, very careful about how much of the Chinese currency is allowed to circulate abroad." As to whether the Singdollar could ever become the global currency, given its strength and status as a safe haven in the region, experts said that it is unlikely to happen, given the country's small size. Mr Isaac Lim, the chief market strategist at digital brokerage Moomoo Singapore said it is "highly likely" for the SGD to match USD in the short term. But "even if it hypothetically did, this wouldn't necessarily indicate equal economic strength between the two countries," he added. He noted that the US constitutes 25 per cent of global gross domestic product, and its currency is utilised in nearly 87 per cent of all foreign exchange-related transactions. He added that the US is a free and open economy, highly attractive to foreign investors, with a liquid financial system and a currency that remains the most widely accepted and easily convertible in the world. "While the SGD has gradually appreciated, supported by strong trade surpluses and prudent fiscal and monetary policies, it would take a really long time for the SGD to ever match up to the factors that would allow for it to be the global reserve currency." SHORT-TERM GAIN, LONG-TERM IMPLICATIONS FOR BUSINESSES The impact of a weakening US dollar on businesses is mixed, offering both opportunities and challenges, and is far more nuanced than it might initially appear, experts said. "Companies with USD-denominated imports will benefit from cheaper input costs and improved competitiveness, while firms holding USD debt will enjoy lower debt costs," said Ms Chia. "With stronger SGD purchasing power, businesses with ample cash may find this an opportune time to expand overseas and make foreign acquisitions at relative discounts," she added. However, she noted that export-oriented businesses, such as manufacturers and commodities traders that typically invoice in US dollars will see their margins squeezed. To mitigate such risks, Ms Chia said her team has been advising clients to proactively hedge their exposure to the US dollar so that they protect the value of their incoming payments. This includes matching foreign currency inflows with outflows, or using financial instruments such as options or forward contracts to lock in present exchange rates and protect themselves against future declines in the US dollar. Mr Ken Lin, managing director of steel process centre Kawarin Enterprise said the currency situation has been a mixed bag for his business, offering some benefits while also creating operational challenges. The weaker greenback has had a "noticeable impact", particularly in areas where the company transacts in US dollars, such as when procuring raw materials like steel, which are usually priced in US dollars, he said. On this aspect, there has been some "short-term relief" for his business, though it is also dependent on suppliers' pricing behaviour and contract structures. But at the same time, Mr Lim said that the exchange rate movements have added a layer of complexity to pricing discussions. "We've had to re-evaluate certain quotations and consider hedging for longer-term contracts. In some cases, clients are expecting more competitive pricing from us due to the stronger Singdollar versus US dollar." Likewise, Mr John Kong, who is involved in the manufacture of steel building materials and imports steel from the region, noted that the weakening US dollar is not as beneficial as one might think. "(It) will result in short-term gains, but also have long-term implications. You might incur significant losses if you don't manage it well," he said. Mr Kong added that even with a weaker US dollar, the company must be agile and use the situation to its advantage, as its projects depend heavily on timing. "I may have a project that takes two years to complete, so I need to plan carefully when and how to hedge the cost of steel," he said. "You won't buy anything until near delivery, maybe a year or six months before, because you don't know where the rates will be. But by then, you've already committed to the project pricing based on a certain USD rate. So again, it's a gamble." Mr Pierre Yap, a food manufacturer in Singapore who procures his supplies in US dollars, said he has felt the negative impact of the weakening dollar acutely. His overseas suppliers, whose costs are in their local currencies, have seen their earnings fall when converting US dollar revenues back to their home currencies, due to the weaker greenback. This squeeze on margins has prompted many to renegotiate prices, leading to increased procurement costs on his end, Mr Yap said. He cited how one supplier, contracted to deliver a fixed quantity of products over five months at a set US dollar price, began pushing for renegotiation when the US dollar weakened in value. As the US dollar continued to decline, other international buyers were willing to pay more for the same goods, which added pressure on him to do the same, he added. "Either we pay more in US dollar terms or the supplier will supply other countries and void our contract," said Mr Yap, who noted that the price of procurement has risen from US$13 to US$15.40 in three months. LOOKING AHEAD Mr Systermans noted that while the weaker US dollar might typically encourage consumer spending as imported goods have become cheaper, this hasn't led to a strong surge in demand thus far. This is likely a reflection of consumers being more cautious about the overall economic outlook at home and internationally, he said. For those who have investment portfolios with US-denominated assets, Mr Lim of Moomoo Singapore said the key is not to panic. "Dollar-cost averaging into US assets still makes sense, particularly for quality companies with strong fundamentals and global earnings," said Mr Lim. This means investing a fixed sum each month into US investment assets such as stocks and bonds – as the US dollar weakens, the same investment sum will be able to purchase a higher amount of assets and vice versa. At the same time, he suggested that investors could consider increasing their exposure to other currencies or regions that may benefit from a weaker USD. Endowus's Mr Chung agreed, adding that gold could be an option too. "With concerns over USD stability, rising fiscal debt and geopolitical concerns, gold can play a role in a portfolio as a store of value," he said. Mr Lim noted: "Additionally, there is now a growing consensus that gold could very well be the only true risk-free asset in the markets." Whether investors are looking to hold or sell their gold, Mr Lim said it depends on the "original intent" of their investment. "For those who purchased gold as a long-term hedge, it remains a sound defensive asset," he said. "However, if gold now represents a disproportionately large share of the portfolio, some rebalancing may be warranted to manage risk exposure." He added that other precious metals, such as silver and platinum, and commodities such as oil also deserve attention. Investment managers noted that their savvier clients are increasingly looking beyond traditional safe-haven assets as well. "We are seeing complementary interest in alternatives such as short-duration bonds, multi-currency income funds and tokenised assets," said Mr Low. He noted that while Bitcoin and other digital assets are also gaining traction among younger and tech-savvy investors, "their volatility and regulatory uncertainty currently limit their safe-haven appeal". As a rule of thumb, investors should focus less on reacting to short-term currency swings and more on building resilience through diversification, said Mr Chung.
Gizmodo
14 hours ago
- Business
- Gizmodo
Nobody Thought a VPN This Good Could Be This Cheap
Obtaining a VPN at a budget-friendly price often means making compromises. Well, not with PIA. This renowned provider has significantly reduced its prices, making it the most affordable VPN currently available. You won't believe the discount the provider has come up with. It's an 82% discount with two free months for the biennial plans. When you do the math, you save $255 compared to the monthly plan. Sounds unreal, but it's true. Save $255 on PIA VPN Today PIA VPN $255 Discount Explained Private Internet Access was never too pricey to begin with. However, its monthly plan at $11.99 per month isn't remarkably affordable. Now, imagine spending this amount of money for 26 months straight: sounds ludicrous! That's why PIA has introduced a discount that slashes the price by 82% and includes two free months. As a result, you'll spend only $56.94 for the first 26 months. Even after the initial offer, PIA will charge you this much annually! This still results in ample savings compared to the standard monthly price. Private Internet Access hasn't forgotten to include a 30-day money-back guarantee, either. This enables a prompt refund if you're unsatisfied. Antivirus + Dedicated IP Discounts As part of its flash sale, the VPN has discounted its antivirus and dedicated IP addresses. Its competitive antivirus now costs $34.80 for two years, while a dedicated IP costs $60 for two years. It's worth noting that PIA Antivirus is primarily designed for use on PCs. However, its dedicated IP addresses can be used on a plethora of devices. PIA offers them in 25 locations, so there's plenty to choose from if you decide. As a gift, Private Internet Access includes 500 GB of pCloud for free for a year. We reviewed pCloud and were thoroughly impressed. At under $57 for 24 months, PIA offers one of the top VPN packages you can find. Features Rundown There's not much you can buy at $2 per month, except if you shop on Temu. PIA doesn't skimp on necessary VPN features, despite its nearly free price. You'll get unlimited device protection and a no-log policy, for example. PIA also introduced MultiHop, which doubles your encryption. People love using the VPN for streaming and torrenting. Meanwhile, it's phenomenal for those on the dark web who seek full onion over VPN support. Private Internet Access is compatible with nearly all devices, and each app version offers robust security. From 256-bit GCM encryption to IP and DNS leak protection, you can expect everything in this neat package. Bear in mind that Private Internet Access periodically alters its price. This is a unique opportunity to enjoy a world-class VPN and spend peanuts. See the offer at Private Internet Access
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Never pay monthly for cloud storage again with this 2TB lifetime deal
The following content is brought to you by Mashable partners. If you buy a product featured here, we may earn an affiliate commission or other compensation. TL;DR: Score 2TB of cloud storage for life with this deal from FileJump Cloud Storage, now just $69.97 (reg. $467) through July 20. Ever feel like your phone is a digital junk drawer filled with photos, videos, and files you keep meaning to organize? Whether you're the go-to family photographer or juggling work files for your side hustle, it's time to find a permanent space for your data. FileJump Cloud Storage provides 2TB of lifetime cloud storage for just $69.97 — no monthly fees, no catches — but you need to act fast. This deal only runs through July 20. Ditch the monthly cloud storage fees with this lifetime plan from FileJump Whether you're ready to stop spending a fortune on monthly cloud storage fees or finally take the initiative to safeguard your files in the cloud, let FileJump help. You can securely save files of all formats — from images and videos to MS Excel files — with this handy service, making it ideal for both personal and professional use. Uploading is easy with FileJump's drag-and-drop interface. Simply drop them into your FileJump dashboard and relax knowing they're securely stored. You can then access them at any time, from anywhere. FileJump offers built-in preview support so you can check out your content without having to download it. Speaking of downloading, you'll enjoy unlimited downloads and no speed caps for a seamless experience. Need to share something? That's easy too, with the option to share files or folders using secure links. This lifetime subscription with 2TB of storage is only available to new FileJump users, who will enjoy the ample storage, unlimited downloads, and 15GB per file upload. Keep your important files safe with this lifetime subscription to FileJump Cloud Storage, now only $69.97 (reg. $467) until July 20. StackSocial prices subject to change. Opens in a new window Credit: FileJump FileJump 2TB Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $69.97 $467 Save $397.03 Get Deal
The Sun
2 days ago
- Health
- The Sun
BYOMA review: I tried BYOMA's budget-friendly barrier boosting range to fix my skin damage
WHEN you're after a glowing complexion, it's enticing to overuse exfoliants and harsh products to speed up results. Unfortunately, I've fallen victim to this temptation. BUY FROM BOOTS Overloading your skin with potent products can cause damage to your skin barrier, which will leave you with red, irritated skin instead of the perfect summer glow you were aiming for. Luckily, I came across BYOMA. The brand claims that it's 'dedicated to boosting your skin barrier by repairing, restoring and regenerating the skin's structure and barrier function." BYOMA's refreshingly simple product range seemed just what I needed to reduce my skin's sensitivity. Pros Affordable Recyclable packaging Refills available Gentle formulas Science-backed ingredients Suitable for sensitive skin Suitable for teenagers Cons Formulas could be more hydrating Pump mechanism takes too long to work Rating: 7/10 How I tested BYOMA skincare Not one to do things by halves, I decided to ditch my current skincare routine for a week and switch to a simple, four-step routine from BYOMA. The brand recommends starting with a gentle cleanser, followed by a toner or face mist, and finishing off with a serum and a moisturiser. The products included in my streamlined routine (in the order I used them) are the Creamy Jelly Cleanser, Balancing Face Mist, Hydrating Serum, and Moisturising Rich Cream. BYOMA review: Quickfire Q&A What products are available from BYOMA? BYOMA divides its products into skincare and body categories. Think cleansers, toners, moisturisers and SPF for a complete routine. It also has handy kits and bundles that are great for travelling. How much does BYOMA cost? Prices start from £9.99 for its Creamy Jelly Cleanser. What we loved? The majority of the products are affordable. You can recycle most of the packaging, and some products have refills. The formulas avoid unnecessary additives and fragrances, making them great for sensitive or teenage skin, and they are designed to support the skin barrier. What we didn't: The opaque packaging makes it hard to see how much product is left. If you have specific skin concerns like acne or melasma, you may find the products too gentle. BYOMA review: The Nitty Gritty First impressions The neon colours and modern design of these bottles make them look very cool on my vanity. The functionality of the Balancing Face Mist and Moisturising Rich Cream packaging could be improved upon. That being said, all of the products go for under £14, so, in a way, you get what you pay for with the packaging (which is better than losing out on the quality of the formulas). Does it deliver? BYOMA Creamy Jelly Cleanser, £9.99 BUY FROM BOOTS As someone who can be a little heavy-handed with make-up and diligently applies SPF (the best anti-ageing tip you could ask for), my cleanser has a lot to remove at the end of the day. I'm very picky with my cleansers, and can't stand it when they leave a residue on my skin. I don't use a cleanser in the morning, so my first time using the Creamy Jelly Cleanser was after a long day at work. The texture of the cleanser is a thick, gel-like consistency, which isn't something I'm used to. As someone with dry skin, I usually opt for cream cleansers, so this was different, and I wasn't sure how well it would work with my skin type. Once I wet my face with warm water and started working the cleanser into my skin, it changed into a light, creamy lather that did a decent job of removing makeup. I went in for a second round because there were still remnants of eye makeup leftover, and this time my skin felt completely clean. One thing that stood out to me when cleansing my face is that this product has a light, slightly chemical scent. This is actually a good thing, however, as it means it hasn't been laced with irritating fragrances that will exacerbate my skin barrier problems. As I have dry skin, some cleansers can leave my skin feeling uncomfortably tight afterwards. As my skin was already feeling like this, I was worried switching up products might make things worse. However, I'm happy to say that's not the case as the cleanser is free from soap, alcohol, and fragrance. The rich hydrating ceramides, liquorice root and green tea extracts cleaned my skin without causing dehydration. BYOMA Balancing Face Mist, £11.99 BUY FROM BOOTS After my face was properly cleansed, the next step in my new routine was the Balancing Face Mist. It took a while for me to get the spray function of this product to start working, and a fair bit of cajoling to get the product to spritz. However, once it started working, I was pleasantly surprised by the refreshing feeling the mist gave my skin. I find most spritzes to be over-fragranced, so the fragrance-free formula was a welcome change of pace. The mist is quite heavy, so it probably wouldn't work well over heavy makeup, but it worked great as a midday refresher on makeup-free days. I used the mist both before I applied serum and moisturiser to ensure my dry skin was getting as much hydration as possible. BYOMA Hydrating Serum, £12.99 BUY FROM BOOTS Squalene isn't a product I've used before, but I've had plenty of friends wax lyrical about its glow-enhancing benefits, which is something this BYOMA serum provides in spades. The serum has a light, milky consistency that feels soothing and silky and leaves my skin with a distinct radiance that lasts throughout the day. I have very dry skin and lean on thick moisturisers to help my skin stay hydrated, but there was one day I forgot to apply moisturiser and could barely tell the difference at the end of the day. The only qualm I have about this product is that, while it is very affordable, if you were to apply the recommended four to six drops daily, I don't think the serum would last very long. BYOMA Moisturising Rich Cream, £14.99 BUY FROM BOOTS The fourth and final step in my barrier boosting regimen was the Moisturising Rich Cream. I had similar issues to the mist with this product and had to spend a bit of time fiddling with the pump to get it to work. My complaints ended there, as I thoroughly enjoyed this moisturiser and can see it becoming a staple in my routine. Perfect for warm weather, this cream is light-yet-hydrating, working with the serum to give me a long-lasting glow. I like to wear medium-coverage foundation to work, and this cream sits wonderfully under makeup, not pilling and also warding off dry patches throughout the day. On evenings when my skin felt particularly dry, I did crave the feeling of a thicker cream, but that might be habit on my end, as my skin felt adequately hydrated throughout the week. After a week of sticking with this gentle, pared-back routine, I can definitely see and feel a difference in my skin. After the test, my skin now feels a lot calmer, and the texture has softened. The few red bumps have cleared up, and my complexion definitely has more of a glow than it did before. While the range was great for the morning, there were a couple of times at night when I was craving products with a thicker consistency that were more hydrating. But my skin is extraordinarily dry, so others might not feel the same. How to tell if you have skin barrier damage? Repairing your skin barrier is about more than the products you use, so we asked Dr Ross Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, to give us his expertise on how to treat a damaged skin barrier, as well as how you can avoid it happening again. While a damaged skin barrier can look different for different people, Dr Perry says the 'signs of a damaged skin barrier can include sensitivity, breakouts, dryness, redness, lacklustre and dull-looking skin. "When the skin barrier is damaged, it struggles to keep germs, bacteria and irritants away from the skin, leading to a lack of moisture and skin problems'. How do I repair a damaged skin barrier? When you've damaged your skin barrier, it's easy to freak out and worry that the damage will last forever, but Dr Perry says, 'The good news is that you can repair the skin barrier'. But how do you go about doing so? Dr Perry advises, 'First of all, look at your lifestyle, are you eating a balanced diet, using SPF and drinking plenty of water? "Look at your alcohol intake and keep it to a minimum, and make sure you're getting enough sleep at night and exercising regularly, as all of these will affect the skin's barrier." "If you're suffering from dry, itchy skin, it might be time to change your moisturiser to a slightly thicker one'. On top of lifestyle changes, Dr Perry says genetics play a part too, but there's little you can do on that front. In terms of products to incorporate into your skincare regime, Dr Perry advises, 'Look for products containing ceramides, free fatty acids, natural moisturising factors and niacinamide. "Also, water-retaining ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin and panthenol will support your skin's ability to retain moisture'. How long does it take to repair a damaged skin barrier? Dr Perry advises that while recovery will vary for everyone, hopefully it shouldn't take too long. 'Everyone's skin is different, and it's all dependent on how much damage we're looking at. "A severe acne flare-up isn't going to go away overnight and needs time to heal. "Rashes, dry patches, and dull-looking skin will recover much quicker, after two to three weeks'. To help your skin as much as possible, Dr Perry says 'go back to basics with skincare, which includes a gentle face cleanser, an antioxidant-rich serum, followed by a barrier-rich moisturiser and broad spectrum SPF'. Can a damaged skin barrier cause acne? Barrier damage isn't the first thing people think of when treating acne, but Dr Perry says it can be a contributor. 'Once the skin barrier is damaged, it makes the skin more susceptible to allowing more germs and dirt to penetrate'. What kind of products should I be avoiding if I have a damaged skin barrier? Many of the most popular skincare products on the market can wreak havoc on your skin barrier if used incorrectly. Dr Perry says, 'Cleansers containing ingredients such as sodium lauryl sulfate or any kind of detergent or soap can damage the skin's barrier by stripping the skin of its natural oils." The other kinds of products you should avoid are 'strong retinols and chemical exfoliators, which can cause the skin to be more sensitive and dry." "You need to be focusing on mild, gentle, fragrance-free products'. 'You will notice when your skin has healed. Acne will clear up, inflammation reduced, moisture restored and sensitivity will be minimal. "Skin will regain its glow and look fresher in appearance'.
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Nothing's ultra-affordable CMF Buds Pro 2 hit their best price on Amazon
The CMF Buds Pro 2 are 32% off at Amazon $22 off (32%) Amazon has slashed the affordable CMF Buds Pro 2 down to their best price on Amazon. That's a pretty rare promo you might not want to pass up, especially if you're seeking an affordable pair of earbuds with decent sound and battery life. This is a limited-time promo, so act fast and save while you can. Buy at Amazon Receive the latest mobile news Subscribe By subscribing you agree to our terms and conditions and privacy policy Who said you must pay top dollar to get a decent pair of wireless earbuds? There are plenty of affordable options to go for, such as the CMF Buds Pro 2. Normally priced at just under $70, these bad boys are down by a whopping 32% right now across four colorways! That brings them down to their best price on Amazon—a limited-time promo you won't want to pass far as we know, the last time these budget earbuds got such a solid price cut was back in April, making this sale not just super attractive but also quite rare. So, if you're looking for your next everyday buds, we suggest you check out this deal let's get one thing straight right off the bat: these earbuds are far less impressive than the AirPods Pro 2 or any other of the best wireless earbuds . However, they easily rival many of the top sub-$100 models on the market, featuring a comfortable design and good sound we've pointed out in our CMF Buds Pro 2 review, they deliver decent bass, mostly clear highs, and a (somewhat) wide soundstage. As if that's not enough, they let you customize your audio experience through the companion app's life is quite solid, too. On a single charge, you can expect these buddies to last up to six and a half hours with ANC (yep, they have active noise cancellation!) or a total of 26 hours with the charging things considered, the CMF Buds Pro 2 are definitely among the better ultra-affordable earbuds. They might not have the best ANC or sound quality, but they're pretty solid for their price. The best part about them? You can save 32% with Amazon's latest limited-time sale! Act fast and save big while it lasts.
