Unboxing & Review: Panasonic Micro-Foaming Cleansing Device

My best skin ever was probably last year since I wasn't super stressed and was just basically enjoying my life as a student (again). This year, it's back to work, OT, daily commute, and reality. I wear makeup everyday, and I think it's only during Saturdays my skin gets its rest since I just mostly stay at home. That being said, my skin isn't at its best condition, but my recent skincare upgrade care of Panasonic and Philippine Primer has me enjoying the process of skin cleansing like never before. And we all know that good skincare means better skin and less need for makeup. 💜

Panasonic Micro-Foaming Cleansing Device offers total cleansing in a single unit. The micro-foam and soft brush effectively remove dirt and oil from skin. Deeply cleanse and purify pores without the irritation. (You get none of the redness, just clean skin!)

Let's unbox!
 

Charger, device with measuring cap, foam wash attachment, soft brush, and stand

(not in the photo: Operating instructions manual)
 

Panasonic Micro-Foaming Cleansing Device

This device is cordless and waterproof, and you can use it in shower. You only need to charge it for 2 hours, and it's already good for a week (with everyday use).
 

Facial cleanser compartment

This is where you put the normal amount of cleanser you use. Just a pea-sized amount is already good enough for me as it produces so much lather in just around 6 seconds. (Do not use face scrubs with this device.) Fill the measuring cap with approximately 4ml of water and pour it into the center of the attachment and watch it foam up! 😍

Foam wash attachment and soft brush

It comes with 2 attachments -  a foam wash attachment which is good for everyday use, and a soft brush which you can use once a week (initially). Once your skin has adjusted to the device, you can use the soft brush not more than once per day, depending on your skin condition.
 

Socket and AC adaptor (with universal voltage)
 

Stand

You can place the brush heads at the back of the stand for easy drying and storing. This device is easy to clean, and you can just wipe it a bit then leave it to air dry.

 

The Panasonic Micro-Foaming Cleansing Device actually has 3 functions. On the base of the device is a smooth warming makeup removal plate that heats up at approximately 43°C (low) to 48°C (high). Don't worry, it's not that hot.  It's rather soothing, and it opens up the pores to loosen up the makeup and dirt and get it ready for the next step of cleansing. Just apply makeup remover as usual then run the warming makeup removal plate over your forehead, cheeks, and chin. (Avoid the eye area as the skin is thinner there.) The device shuts down after 3 minutes to protect your skin.

What I use everyday is the foam wash attachment. I'm so amazed with the sheer amount of foam it generates! (See it in action from my IG.) Just a pea-sized amount (or the normal amount of cleanser you use) will do, and it turns your cleanser into "shaving cream foamy" levels! My skin definitely feels cleaner and softer after I use this one. Also, the micro-foam lather is able to get into the pores better that when the facial wash is concentrated then spread on the skin manually, hence the more thorough cleanse. Immediate result was brighter skin!

This device stops after 90 seconds to protect your skin so you won't overdo the cleansing, with 30 second intervals to give you ample time to cleanse each section of the face.

As for the soft brush, I use it once a week (even if I'm tempted to use it everyday). It's so soft and it feels good on my skin! I use this as an alternative to my weekly face mask scrub since it's able to exfoliate my skin very gently. On days I wear heavy, waterproof makeup, I use this at the end of the day to get every bit of the makeup off. (It works like a charm!) My skin has had less breakouts since.

The soft brush needs to be replaced once a year if used once per week, or about 3 months when used everyday.

 

Do take note that Panasonic Micro-Foaming Cleansing Device is not a miracle product that will zap all your zits away. If your acne stems from hormonal imbalance (such as those that come up when you're about to get your period), it would take more than topical skincare products to clear those out. However, if you break out because of dirt or leftover makeup you wear daily plus oiliness, this will definitely help improve your skin. This device is able to cleanse the skin really well (and very gently to boot), so when used long term, you're definitely going to have clearer skin with a softer and smoother texture.

As for me, I always look forward to using this, since it serves as my mini "me time" at the end of a long day. 😊

Price: P4,999

For more information on Panasonic:
FB: Panasonic Philippines
Instagram: @panasonic_ph
Twitter: @panasonicph

For more information on Primer:
FB: Philippine Primer
Instagram: @primerph
Twitter:@primerph

Love,
Helen

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Catrice Blush Artist Shading Palette in 010 BronzEclat

I've found my go-to blush for summer! I've raved about my Catrice Prime and Fine Professional Contouring Palette, and today I'll be sharing with you a review of the blush palette that I bring with me everyday to work.

 Catrice Blush Artist Shading Palette in 010 BronzEclat

Three harmonious and longlasting blush shades in warm bronze and apricot tones. Velvety powder which creates different effects on your face - from matt to shimmer to highlight.

Catrice Blush Artist Shading Palette in 010 BronzEclat wasn't my first choice among the 3 shades that were available. I imagined this working for morenas, but not for me. My initial pick was 030 Rock 'N' Rose which had 3 pink shades in it, but I was recommended to get 010 BronzEclat instead. Intriguing...so I gave in! I thought that if I couldn't use the darkest shade, it was okay since I liked the peachy blush and highlighter anyway.

Swatches:

The first matte shade was the darkest among the three and it looked pretty intense in the pan, but it actually comes of as a reddish brown blush. I won't use this as a contour though as I find it too warm/red. As blush, it would work just fine and it would look natural on morena skin, but it's also wearable for those with light skin. (I know, I was surprised, too!) The texture of this powder isn't soft or creamy. It's similar to their contour palette, so you'd need to build up the color with several swipes. The middle shade is a shimmery peach shade; it's definitely pretty, but it's not very pigmented as well. The highlight shade complements the rest of the palette and gives your cheeks a pretty sheen.

And because I'm lazy, I just run my blush brush along all 3 shades to get this finish:
 

I initially had a hard time when I tried to use the three shades separately (like as contour-blush-highlight) since I lack blending skills, but my lazy technique of using all three shades in one go gave me amazing results. Haha! Hello, glowing cheeks! 😍 After discovering that trick, now this is my go-to everyday blush. It's handy to bring around because of its compact packaging, and it gives me a good shot of color when I'm already feeling stressed or haggard at work.

As for the packaging, it's simple and I like how you can immediately see all the shades inside. It's not flimsy as well. I once dropped my makeup bag (with this in it) and when I nervously checked if my powder and this blush was shattered...thankfully they're all intact. Whew! 😌 The only downside is that it's easily scratched and the lettering on the cover fades, but that's not too important for me.

I like it and I think it gives good value for money - you get three wearable shades for the price of one, and it would take a long time to finish this up.

Price: P499

Available at Watsons/SM Beauty

Love,
Helen
 

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Mondays Made Better with The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf!

Who loves Mondays? ✋ Back when I was still studying, the only thing I dreaded during Mondays was the traffic from QC to Ayala (struggle is real), but I loved going to class! (What a nerd.) Now that I'm working, I rarely get Monday blues since I'm happy where I'm at. 😊 To give Mondays that added PUSH!, that boost of momentum - The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf (CBTL) brings back their well-loved promo Mondays Made Better!

For all Mondays until June 5, get your week off to a sweet start and enjoy an Ice Blended drink for only P100! 😍 (You save around P65, so what are you still waiting for? GO!) The refreshing blast of ice, the rich coffee flavor, and the smooth, creamy texture of the CBTL favorite is just the right combination to perk up your week, starting with Monday!

There are various Ice Blended drinks that deserve to be celebrated, each of which is lovingly handcrafted to breathe fun and excitement into your day. Aside from the bestselling varieties made from the world's top quality coffee, some have also been made with base flavors like tea, vanilla, or a variety of fruits for an experience like no other.

☑ April 10 - Mocha Ice Blended

☑ April 17 - Matcha Green Tea Ice Blended

☑ April 24 - White Chocolate Dream Ice Blended

☑ May 1 - Double Chocolate & Pure Double Chocolate Ice Blended

☑ May 8 - Vanilla & Pure Vanilla Ice Blended

My teammates and I go to CBTL in UP Technohub every Monday! The only time we skipped was May 1 since we didn't have work. Haha 🙊 This is our post-lunch bonding moment, and I'm the one who always reminds them that Monday is Coffee Bean Day! Their points also go into my CBTL Swirl Card. Mwahaha! 😈 Hoarder lang.

And because I love spoiling you...

🌟 May 15 - Mango & Sunrise Ice Blended (because you can ask the barista what Ice Blended drink will be featured the following Monday!) 😋

Swirl Rewards Cardholders earn twice the amount of points on the featured beverage every Monday. Facebook and Instagram followers who share the good Monday vibes to others also stand to win prizes, ranging from gift certificates, all the way to a year's supply of The Original Iced Blended beverages! 😮

The Mondays Made Better promo is available at all CBTL branches nationwide (except the CBTL Coffee Bar). Every upcoming featured beverage will be revealed first on social media, so watch out for the announcements - you just might find a new favorite! 💜

For more information:

VISIT www.coffeebean.com.ph

LIKE The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf® (Philippines) on Facebook

FOLLOW @CBTLPH on Instagram

Love,
Helen

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Date Idea: Afternoon Tea Experience at Le Petit Soufflé

I've been to Le Petit Soufflé twice before in Century City Mall, and the place is totally charming. I'm so happy now that they have a new branch in SM Megamall! I've only tried a handful of dishes from their menu of comfort food classics with a twist, and they're definitely memorable and worth coming back to.
 

This French-Japanese inspired restaurant draws inspiration from the kitsch and class of French cafés in Japan. I'm excited for their latest offering - a one-of-a-kind Afternoon Tea experience!

The fancy pastries that will be served are from the Workshop, a bespoke bakery concept within the Le Petit Soufflé branch in the Mega Fashion Hall. (I can imagine my dad hoarding breads and pastries here!) 🍞

The French Afternoon Tea experience includes lavender lemon tea, orange and almond scones served with homemade clotted cream and orange jam, a camembert and apple tartine, cheese profiteroles, a croissant served with butter and jam, foie gras and raspberry L’opera, a salted caramel and Valrhona Guanaja cone, and fairy floss.  

The Japanese Afternoon Tea experience includes a matcha genmai cha, a matcha scone served with adzuki red bean paste and homemade clotted cream, furikake, chasyu and mayo tartine, a matcha and black sesame cheese puff, a croissant with butter and jam, a matcha l’opera, a red bean and cream cone, and fairy floss. 

The British Afternoon Tea experience includes earl grey and orange tea, macadamia and Valrhona dark chocolate scones served with homemade clotted cream and raspberry jam, a meat and pea pie, mushroom and cheese gougères, croissants with butter and jam, sticky date pudding, a strawberry truffle cone, and fairy floss.

Each tea set is composed of 7 different kinds of pastries and tea for two, and is priced at P795 (exclusive of service charge). The Le Petit Soufflé's High Tea is available from 2:00PM to 5:00PM daily. Now you know where to go on your next date! 😍

Facebook: Le Petit Soufflé and Workshop_ph

Instagram: @lepetitsouffleph and @workshop_ph

Love,

Helen

Let's keep in touch!
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That one thing you CAN'T do in Kushikatsu Daruma, Uptown Mall BGC!

Ever dreamed of feasting on isaw or squid balls without fearing for your health? I have! (Well not exactly isaw, but those sweet corn, squid balls, and fish balls. LOL) Whenever I get out of work, there are tons of street food vendors selling fried snacks for cheap and they all smell delicious, especially after a long day at work. But I never, ever dared to try them out since I'm scared I might get sick. Also, let's not get started on that dreaded double dipping habit...

Finally, there is a new restaurant in Uptown Mall BGC that shares my sentiments. Haha! Kushikatsu Daruma serves perfection on a skewer stick. As OC as they are, NO DOUBLE DIPPING is allowed here, much to my delight! This traces back to their Japanese roots, where meals are shared among strangers and hygiene is of prime importance.

I can fondly recount one fateful moment my teammate asked me, "LC (laway conscious) ka ba?" To which I replied with conviction, "Super!" 😂

A kushikatsu is a Japanese delicacy that comprises of deep-fried skewered meat and vegetables. Kushikatsu Daruma is an iconic restaurant in the famous Dotonburi area of Osaka that serves the best kushikatsu in Japan. Just a look at their mascot (which is inspired by their company president!) reveals something: His eyes are crossed and his arms folded over his chest, while he carries a skewer stick on each hand. The intensity of the expression his face is promising, because one may surmise that if the restaurant’s chefs put this much intensity into their cooking, then the food must really be exceptional.

And while the concept of a kushikatsu sounds pretty straightforward, to learn how cook a proper Japanese skewer requires at least one month of intensive training in Japan! In fact, the restaurant flew 5 Filipino chefs to train and learn the exact techniques of mixing batter, breading, frying.

The ambiance inside the restaurant is quirky and fun, and it's where you would want to chill after work. Sometimes, all a weary and tired soul wants is a simple and delicious meal. No frills, just some honest to goodness gastronomic goodness. This is the place that serves simple food that also happens to be highly addictive. One or two sticks is never enough!

These skewer sticks are served with a sweet yet tart mystery umami sauce, even the franchisers don’t know the ingredients of. This special sauce is regularly flown in from Osaka to Manila in order to guarantee a truly authentic Kushikatsu experience.

Kushikatsu Daruma served 36 different skewers during its launch, ranging from pork, to beef, to chicken, and will include slightly more exotic menu items such as the chicken intestines, and the chicken heart. The skewers can be enjoyed on their own or with rice (either Chahan AKA Japanese fried rice or plain Japanese rice).

Those who are unsure of where to start have the option to try their sets, for kushikatsu beginners and experienced eaters alike.

• Beginner Level set includes 9 sticks: the classic kushikatsu, prawns, chicken with garlic, chikuwa, tsukane (chicken meatballs), tonkatsu (porkloin), leeks, potato, and camambert cheese.
• Advanced Level set includes 11 sticks: the classic kushikatsu, chicken heart, chicken intestine, pork intestine, chicken gizzard, garlic, lady finger, gyoza, white onion, leeks, and tonkatsu.

A word of warning though - No double dipping! You only get one shot at coating your entire skewer, so keep that in mind! 😀

Now you won't have to fly to Osaka and fall in insanely long lines just to have a taste of authentic Japanese kushikatsu. 😋 And we have The Tasteless Group (who's also behind Le Petit Souffle) to thank for that! 👍

Kushikatsu Daruma

Address: 2nd Floor, Uptown Mall, Bonifacio Global City, Taguig City

Phone: (02) 946 7374

Store hours: Open everyday from 11:30AM to 3:00AM

Facebook: Kushikatsu Daruma Philippines

Love,

Helen

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TICKLES is now open at SM North EDSA + Haul!

Tickles has just opened their flagship store in SM North EDSA last April 27 and I couldn't be more ecstatic since it's so close to home! 😁 In case you're wondering, this IS the iconic homegrown novelty shop that's been around since 1979! Yup, that means my parents could have shopped here, and now we can shop together for quirky gifts and fun knick-knacks!

Tickles has rebranded their stores with its new retro European circus theme, where almost all corners are colorful, highly-detailed, and definitely Instagrammable. I went there yesterday together with my Dad and sister, and the store was packed. So many people! It was hard to take photos, but all good since everyone was laughing, happy, and all smiles. 😊

This is my favorite section of Tickles! Their food-themed plushies are the cutest and they're calorie-free! 😋 For a shop that has been around for generations, you'll be surprised how on-trend their novelty items are. In an effort to offer more exciting, unique, and homegrown merchandise, Tickles now designs and manufactures many of their gift items.

No boyfriend? No problem! Haha 😂

Cute items for your dog and/or cat loving friends 🐱

This poop hat suits my sister well. LOL I made her wear it.

Papa. HAHA He's the cutest! 💙

Tickles also carries a lot of practical stuff like these travel kits. (And because you know how I shop, I scouted the store for items that I can actually use in my haul which you'll see below!)

Hair accessories - gotta love those cat ears headbands, pompom headbands (!!!), pompom hair ties, and more colorful hair ties!

My dad was telling me to get the GIANT comb. LOL

Coin banks for whatever you're saving up for! Great gift idea 👍

"Travel Fund" or "Our Wedding Fund?"

Not to be missed are these bouncy balls by the counter...

And now, my haul! 😍

I had P2,000 to spend, so I made sure to make the most out of it! 💛

Bubbles (P90 each)

Because a good tita never forgets her pamangkins. Haha

Pencils with Novelty Erasers (P125)

My dad was the one who placed this inside my basket. 😮 When I asked why, he said it's because he couldn't find erasers at home when he needed it.

Multi-Screwdriver Torch (P185)

Also for my Dad. This one looks handy to have around at home.

Our Wedding Fund Coin Bank (P295)

Not for me, but for my sister! Our parents are getting older, so go get married! Haha 😂

Pink Pompom Headband (P120)

Also my sister's. She already has a pair of pink pompom earrings. This one's really cute, but I doubt she'd wear it outside. When I asked her why she got this, she said so she could wash her face with ease. Sosyal!

Pouch (P195)

This can double as a small pouch or coin purse. It looks like a pack of snack/dog food. Cute! I got this for my youngest sister who loves dogs.

Chocolate Mirror (P90)

Also for my sister. (I have 5 sisters, go figure.) We all do our makeup in the living room since the lighting's way better there than inside our room, and they seem to have a mirror shortage. Haha! I hope this solves their agawan ng salamin.

Steel Utensils Set (P165 each)

This was an accidental twinning moment. I got myself a set, and I wanted to get another one for my younger sister since we'd soon be working in the same office much to her delight and to my dismay. Haha. I told my sister to get the other design, but I didn't notice that we had the identical set until I got home. Nooooo! 😅

Bag Organizer (P180)

I've always wanted something like this, but have just not gotten around buying it. Finally I did, in the most boring and practical color. HAHA That's me!

Clown Mouth Mask (P200)

Because I'm tired of commuters not covering their mouths when they sneeze and cough. Ako na ang magaadjust. So don't get offended when I suddenly whip out my clown mask! 😜

Pink Crystal Bouncy Ball (P30)

Because I'm sad and this makes me happy. Don't judge me. Hehehe! My sisters thought I got this for my niece, but it's mine!

Tickles has a mission to bring "Happiness All Year Round" and I can say that they've certainly accomplished it. 😆

Tickles is located at Glorietta 4, Greenbelt 1, Power Plant Mall, SM Megamall A, SM North EDSA, Trinoma, UP Town Center, Alabang Town Center, Market! Market!, Robinsons Place Manila, and Ayala Center Cebu.

Facebook: Tickles_ph

Twitter and Instagram: @tickles_PH

Love,
Helen

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