Tech Tuesday

Tech Tuesday: Foreo Luna Mini

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Foreo Luna Mini.  Image courtesy of foreo.com

No, you’re not seeing double.  I did a short review that wasn’t really a review, of the Luna mini, awhile back.  I had not yet purchased the Luna Mini, but did shortly after.  During CES 2013, I happened upon the Foreo booth.  My first thought was that it was some kind of pleasure object.  It was around other booths that fit that genre, the items are made from silicone, and they vibrate.  As I was talking to one of their representatives, I was informed that it was a new way to clean your face.  I am an avid Clarisonic user, and have said so from the beginning, but I thought I would give this a try.  I like that it is made of silicone, and that it has a non-porous surface. 

Sorry the photo quality isn’t the greatest.  Under the device is the USB cable & Authenticity card.

The package comes with the Luna Mini, USB cable, User Guide, and Authenticity Card.  It is important to register the product when you get it, just in case something goes wrong.  There is no charger or stand; the USB cable simply charges the product from your computer or other wall charger that allows USB cables.

Front: Cleaning brush surface & “on” button.
Back: Deep cleansing surface & waterproof port.

The device took awhile for me to get used to.  Not that it doesn’t now, but especially in the beginning, it felt like all I was doing was vibrating my face.  The Luna mini has two vibration power modes, and will always be on the strongest setting when it is turned on.  I have used those silicone scrubbing pads, and I thought that they cleaned better because there is more control; I could apply as much pressure as I felt necessary, and it could reach all areas of my face.  But, the more I use the Luna Mini, the more I like it.  In my opinion, the Clarisonic gives a deeper clean, but if your skin is sensitive this may be the way to go.  Because of the shape of the Luna mini, it is also difficult to get to certain areas, like the side of the nose, even turning it.  I also don’t notice any difference between the front part and the back, with the exception of texture.  I used it one time at night to see how my skin would look and feel after a long day.  It was okay; my skin felt clean, but it was not the deep clean that I needed after my skin had been attacked by the sun, pollution, etc.  I then took to using it in the morning because I don’t (necessarily) need something that abrasive after I wake, and it is a good way to start my morning routine.  My skin looks and feels nice, and is prepped for whatever life throws at it.       

Three big pros are its portability, material, and lack of a charger.  I like that I can work on my laptop and charge the device at the same time.  The one thing I really dislike is the absence of auto-shutoff after the suggested usage time.  Clarisonic, Conair facial brush, and Phillips Pure Radiance facial brush have an auto-shutoff feature.  The clear base lights up after one minute, which means it is time to turn it off.  Press and hold the button to do so.  If you don’t it will shut off after 3 minutes so you don’t overdo it.  Oh, and there is no case…for the money, the least they could have done was thrown in a bag or something to put it in for travel/storage purposes.  Overall, I give it a 7/10; it is worth trying.  You never know if something will work for you unless you do, right?     

The Luna comes in four versions: Luna, Luna mini, Luna for Men, and Luna Luxe.  Each device model is tailored to fit different needs, with varying speeds.  It is also waterproof and can be used with any cleanser.  They also have devices available for professionals as well.  Foreo recently launched the ISSA, which is a silicone toothbrush.  I have yet to get one, but am quite curious to see if it is really worth the hype.  Thoughts?

Luna.  Image
courtesy of foreo.com
Luna mini.  Image courtesy of foreo.com
Luna Luxe. Image courtesy of foreo.com
Men’s Luna. Image courtesy of foreo.com

I purchased my Luna mini at skintrends.com, which is an authorized online seller.  I do not recommend purchasing this from Amazon, since the items sold have mostly been knock-offs.  Foreo products are also available on their website, and at Sephora, both in-store and online. 

Stay beautiful!

Tech Tuesday: It’s not all Drones and Computers

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When we hear “technology” our minds go to the latest computer components, camera, gadgets, etc., but it’s not limited to just that. Technology is present in everything, and today we are talking coffee machines. No; not Keurig.  Those of you who know me know that I cannot stand Keurig.  While they offer one of the largest selections of teas and coffees for their home brewers, it pales in comparison to Tassimo in terms of quality.  We have had a Keurig since they came out, practically, and we have had to replace it numerous times.  I saw the Tassimo ages ago at Bed, Bath, and Beyond, and knew that’s what we should get.  We could forget about needing to replace a new machine constantly, and the beverages are much higher quality.  Tassimo also has Timmy’s (Tim Horton’s) coffee, and even though I’m not a huge coffee fan, I LOVE Timmy’s!!!  They really need to open one here. If I have a million dollars (it LITERALLY takes that much to open one), I would. Anyway…

The Tassimo comes in different sizes depending on your needs, and range from $99.99-169.99.  The only drawback is that you can’t get just hot water.  You also can’t adjust the fluid amount since everything is preset, but that just makes for a higher quality beverage.  The T-Discs have a barcode that the brewer reads. I was lucky enough to find a new CBTL Caffitaly at Out of the Closet (for only $18.00!), so I get hot water that way.  And yes, your microwave will do just fine 😉  Some of the drinks, like cappuccinos and some of the coffees and hot chocolates also come with milk discs that are shelf safe. There is no need to refrigerate them.  I also love that the peppermint mocha comes as two separate discs.  The coffee is in one and the peppermint mocha syrup is in the other. It makes for amazing peppermint hot chocolate! We have been using the Tassimo 1-3 times daily for about a year, and its just about time to descale.  The machine is low maintenance, and the drinks come out perfectly every time.

T20.  Image courtesy of tassimodirect.com
T47.  Image courtesy of tassimodirect.com

T55.  Image courtesy of tassimodirect.com

Tech Tuesday: KiiTAG 2

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Life n Soul, who brought the world the KiiTAG and amazing Bluetooth headsets, has something new up its sleeve.  While at CES, there were a number of inventions that would make daily life that much easier.  The KiiTAG 2, which is a CES 2015 Best of Innovations Award honoree, is one of those.  It is important to note that the item is not currently for sale.  Their Kickstarter has launched, and I sincerely hope they are able to reach their goal. 
Image courtesy of Kickstarter & Life n Soul
Developed by Founder/CEO Ronny Tsai, the KiiTAG 2 is an all-in-one that is equipped with a flash drive, key finder, voice memo recorder, mini power bank, and so much more!  He wanted to create an all-in-one, pocket-sized device that would provide several functions without weighing down one’s pocket or purse.  Up to four shortcuts can be made on the KiiTAG 2, such as the “fake phone call” (which will give you an excuse to leave a date, for instance, if it starts to go south) or phone finder, all of which can be synced to the dedicated KiiTAG 2 app.  The app, compatible with Android and iOS devices, allows everything to be stored and managed in one place.    
You can support the project on Kickstarter by clicking here.  The KiiTAG 2 will retail for $79.99 and $89.99 for the 8GB and 16GB, respectively.  However, if you decide to back the project, you can get the 8GB for the special price of $60, or the 16GB for $70.  If you live in the United States, shipping is free! 

Tech Tuesday: "You Spin Me Right Round" featuring Clarisonic

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I cannot even being to express how much I love my Clarisonic.  I have the original (I think at one time it was called the “Classic”) in white.  You know, the bulkier, heavier device with its own mount.  Despite its bulk and weight, it has been great for my skin, and 5 (give or take) years later it still works like a charm.  The beep and pause, both of which are still present in the newer versions, let the user know that it’s time to change areas on the face.  After realizing I would be traveling quite a bit more than usual, I figured if one is good, then two must be better.  I purchased the Mia 2 when all Clarisonic devices went on sale at Sephora awhile back.  They no longer carry it in yellow, which is the color I chose.  Another plus with both devices is the charge, which is phenomenal!  One full charge easily lasts me a month on the original device, and the same goes for the Mia 2.  The biggest difference, aside from the obvious changes that come with product development such as:  beep tone, size, and weight, is that the Mia 2 comes with a travel case.  It seems trivial, but makes all the difference.  I don’t have to worry about the device being damaged or contaminated, since it is completely enclosed.  Here’s how it goes for shorter trips:  24-hour charge, place the Mia 2 in the case, and toss it in my carry-on! No need to include the charger.  The Mia 2 also has two speeds, giving your skin a deeper cleanse when it needs it.   Clarisonic works even if you have sensitive skin.

I get sporadic breakouts, and the medication I am on (coupled with the aging process) has caused dry patches near my temples.  I only began to notice this when I stopped using my Clarisonic, simply because I was lazy.  Within two days, my skin was noticeably different, and the dry patches were all but gone!  During the winter months, I need something a little bit more hydrating, so I couple my Clarisonic with Boots No. 7 Beautiful Skin Melting Gel Cleanser at night, followed by a toner, face oil, serum, and moisturizer.  In the morning, I use Clarisonic with Sunday Riley Ceramic Skin Cleanser, followed by toner, face oil, SPF, and moisturizer.  In the event that I have broken out, I add a spritz of calamine lotion to my moisturizer.
   

Image property of Clarisonic on Amazon.com

Apparently some people have noticed “skin purging”, and break out the first few times they have used it.  Personally, I have never experienced this, and highly recommend that a dermatologist be contacted if that happens.

Do you love Clarisonic as much as I do?  Is there something else on the market that is comparable?  List your opinions in the comments below, or send me a message.

Stay beautiful!