Bags and Organizers PH - Venezia Premium Organizer

After lugging my favorite everyday bag for years. I finally found its soulmate in Venezia Premium Organizers. Not only it kept my things organized, it also made rather slouchy bag appear more structured. It’s stiff but lightweight and durable. It weighs around 190 grams alone for the small size which I got and measures around 5" width x 9" length x 5" depth.

It holds my things snugly inside so it doesn’t move around even when you drop your bag. (But it’s not shockproof) I dropped my bag just the other day and relieved that my powder compact didn't break. You may find it a bit tight when fitting in your things at first but in time, the material will mold to the shape it holds.

It’s stiff but lightweight and durable. It weighs around 190 grams alone for the small size and measures around 5" width x 9" length x 5" depth.

Details as described on their Facebook: 

• No fuzz balls
• Light as a feather stiff as a board
• Precision cutter. Definitely NO SCISSORS used to achieve perfect edges 
• 100% Imported Materials from Germany

Check out my bag with and without the organizer:

Without the Venezia Bag Organizer

With the Bag Organizer

For open top bags like the LV Neverfull, Goyard Saint Louis and Balenciaga Everyday Tote, zippered top organizers available as well.
More designs, sizes and colors are available on request. Photos below are from Bags and Organizers PH

For more info and where to get them, drop them a line at:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bagsorganizersph/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bagorganizersph/

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Kilay Tales: Maybelline Tattoo Brow Tint + Maybelline Brow Precise Fiber Volumizer

I admit I was impressed with this product because not only will it shorten my makeup time in the morning but the tint lasts for days too. I was initially skeptical with the china-made versions that I see on Facebook ads but when Maybelline came up with this, I thought I might give it a try. The problem with my brows is that they are sparse with a small bald spot (from a chickenpox scar) on my left. Then I had it permanently tattooed circa 1992 (yes, I was kikay then) thinking it would solve my "pahak" dilemma but instead it faded to a slightly bluish tint several years later. Although the faded tattoo made my kilay routine easier in the morning since I already have a "built in guide" to my shape, and it lessens my amount of time shading it. Microblading is an expensive option but will just have to wait.

The Maybelline in Medium Brown I bought it at Beauty MNL for Php 449.00 promo price last August 25. Local department stores retails it for Php 599.00. You can look out every now and then for Maybelline promos. They are always generous. It comes in 3 shades, Dark Brown, Medium Brown and Light Brown.

It has a flat brush applicator with round tip. Applies smoothly and easy to draw thin or sharp corners.

The Maybelline Brow Precise Fiber Volumizer I got separately as a pasalubong and i'm using it to complement the Gel Tint. I think it is also available at the Maybelline counters. It comes in two colors, Soft Brown and Blonde.

Brow Volumizer swatch in Soft Brown.

Fills, tames, tints and adds three dimentional volume to your eyebrows. See the tiny fibers? It's what makes you brows look fuller. Please excuse the typo, its Soft Brown.

My method is to apply it in the evening so you will have enough time to concentrate on the shape. It's a bit tricky at first since I'm not used to draw eyebrows with a syrupy goop. Just move at a semi steady pace since the tint sets quickly and if it dries and you apply another layer, the dried part would peel off making it difficult to reapply. Make sure to apply it in a cleansed face with no creams or oils. If you make a mistake, just wipe it off with a damp Q-tip right away.

I didn't draw my brows after shower. I just applied the Maybelline Brow Precise Fiber Volumizer.
The Brow Volumizer did a good job of taming and adding volume to my unruly brow hairs and added a natural warm tint making it look more natural.

In the morning, I peeled it off easily without tugging my hairs. It didn't stain my pillowcase either since it dries so fast. I did my usual routine, showered but careful not to rub the brows too much and I was amazed how the color stayed put after I washed my face. However the tips and corners seems to fade since it was my first day. According to other reviews, it would get more definition in the future if i apply this at regular intervals. I didn't draw my eyebrows that morning. Yipee! I just applied the brow volumizer which was less than a minute.

The Maybelline Brow Volumizer did a good job of taming and adding volume to my unruly brow hairs and added a natural warm tint making it look more natural.

VERDICT:

I absolutely love and recommend these two products to all disciples of "kilay is life" movement. 😂

I love this tint so much not only because it has a good color payoff, but it also cuts off my kilay time to 2 to 3 times a week, applying it only in the evening. Morning comes and I just wash, mascara and go. I also lasts long and don't need to worry about it even when I swim. However, if you prefer to have a more defined, "anastasia-like" brows, you cant achieve it with this product alone, you might need a pencil, wax or gel to line those brows with sharp definition.

The Brow Volumizer performed just as well. It keeps my brows in shape. Color payoff is also good since I prefer to have a more soft, natural looking eyebrows for my everyday look. 


P.S. This evening application is just my method. If you have lots of time in the morning, then go do it in the morning. Stain power may vary from skin to skin. I have very oily skin, by the way.

TIP: Store the tube upright so that most of the product stays at the brush tip when in use. Storing it lying down will cause the product to stick to the sides of the wand causing it to dry out and leave annoying clumps in the future.

Below are photos of the tint applied on bare skin.

Just applied.

After peeling. Day 1.

Day 2. No retouch. After showering.

Day 3. No retouch. After showering.

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Aesthetique Revitalize Microdermabrasion Device

Aesthetique Revitalize Microdermabrasion Device

This was released last year and as a product junkie and person who enjoys pampering facial treatments, I was instantly curious. Yep, just curious because I couldn't afford the hefty price tag of Php 10,000.00 for the set. But later this year, they have been offering it at Php 6,999.00 as an anniversary blowout sale for everyone. Their Facebook Page says it's until June 2, 2017 but I PM'ed them anyway to inquire further and they said it was extended until now. Hmm, that got me thinking to check Zalora too, since it's one of their authorized dealers and I do have a BDO shopping code for an up to extra 70% off. Oh well, since I have been saving for my birthday last June, I might as well give myself a treat. (As an online shopper, consider this a tip. Before you buy anything, check your emails and text messages for coupon codes that you missed, that is if you subscribed to them.) Meanwhile, in my case, I tried to encode the BDODEALS at Zalora and voila! Happy Birthday to me indeed. I got the device for Php5,600.00. That's  additional less Php1,400 almost 50% off the original price tag!
Mwah! Love you BDO, Zalora and Aesthetique.
And yes ladies, you have until the end of this month to get them there. So, go, go, go!

Box closed

Box opened

So much for the intro. I got so excited to share that with all of you. So what is this thing that got me worked up? Its a portable handheld microdermabrasion device that you can use in the comfort of your own home. This sounds like a dream come true for those who love to get diamond peel facials at the derma clinic. FYI, those treatments costs Php600 to Php800 a session. And if you do this at a regular basis, say once a month, that would be roughly about Php7,200 to Php9,600 a year and that wouldn't be enough treatments for years to come. So in my humble opinion, this device is worth the investment.

For those who aren't familiar with diamond peel, this is another form of microdermabrasion using a non invasive, mechanical cosmetic procedure with an instrument that has an abrasive diamond tip that gently loosens the dead cells, dirt, and debris while it vacuums them away. It removes excess oil, dirt, and dead cells on the surface of the skin to reveal the younger, brighter, invigorated skin cells underneath. A diamond peel can improve the appearance of fine wrinkles and lines, even out a patchy complexion, and reduce the occurrence of mild to moderate acne breakouts, which I'm really after since I have acne prone skin.  However, do not use on skin with existing acne, open wounds and warts. Word of advice, always ask your dermatologist first if you're skin is okay with microdermabrasion at home and also, if you do own the device and not sure on how to apply the correct pressure on the skin, you can always ask your dermatologist too.



Don't fret. There is an easy learning curve here because you will know how much pressure you will need apply because it's your own skin. And eventually you'll get the hang of it on your next session. I guarantee that your skin will improve if used correctly. You will only need a maximum of two sessions per week. Not necessarily the next day but skip a day or two to let your skin rest. Your regular beauty creams and moisturizer will also be absorbed better thus making it more effective. The device itself is so similar to the derma grade one that even my facial attendant was amazed on how small it was.


Package inclusions:

• 1 Microdermabrasion Device
• 1 Charging Base
• 1 Charger Adaptor
• 1 USB cable
• 2 diamond exfoliation tips (standard and fine)
• 20 Disposable spare filters
• 1 Cleaning brush
• 1 Velvet pouch
• Instruction manual

Brush and disposable filters.

Device and inclusions.

• 1 set Aesthetique Revitalize Skin care products that includes:

1. Gel Cleanser
2. Cooling Gel
3. Gel Sunblock SPF 50

Aesthetique Revitalize Skin Care Products

Aesthetique Revitalize Skin Care Products back.

How to start and store:

Initially charge for about three hours at first and then 2 hours after you have been regularly using it.

• Initially charge for about three hours at first and then 2 hours after you have been regularly using it.

• Always keep the unit in a dry place at temperatures between 65 to 80 fahrenheit and away from direct sunlight. There is a protective pouch included.

How to use:

Quick start guide

User Guide

How to clean:

• Remove the tips only from the device and clean them with warm soapy water with the brush. Do not immerse the microdermabrasion device in water. Wipe them with soft dry cloth only.
• Make sure that the tips are thoroughly dry before storing them back in the pouch or inserting them back in the device.

Warranty: One year

Additional accessories that are sold separately :

• Body tip- for body use. Yes, you can diamond peel those areas like armpit, buttocks, elbows, knees, back and stretch mark. 
• Additional filters
• Fine tip
• Standard tip
• Skincare products

Source: http://aesthetique-solutions.com/?route=information/information&information_id=7

Product images from their website:

Pros

• Hygienic and personal (Mine and only mine. You can buy another tip for another family member if they want to use)
• Portable (Using it at the comfort of your own home at your own time.)
• Affordable (Compared to P800/ session at your derma.)
• Durable tips (Very similar to the ones used at the clinics.)
• Replaceable tips (In case it gets lost or damaged)
• Effective (See results in just two weeks with 2x a week usage)

Cons

• Highly addicting
• Price (Kinda contradicts to the Pros but for a struggling starving artist like me, it does)

Website: 

Aesthetique Solutions

Authorized Dealers:

Zalora

Calyxta

Beauty MNL

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What on earth is a Bellabeat?

My Bellabeat in Leaf Urban Silver

You have probably seen its ads popping out countless of times on social media and on the web. Yes they have been aggressively marketing this product through internet advertising and has created quite a hype. But what is Bellabeat and what does it do?

Bellabeat is simply a health tracker for women. Obviously, men can't wear this. But it's a beautifully designed, lovely piece of gadget/accessory appropriately dubbed as a smart jewelry that you can wear as a necklace, bracelet or a dress clip. You will need the Leaf app (available in AppStore and GooglePlay) in order for it to work. 

It basically does the following:

• Records your daily physical activity.
• Monitors your sleep cycles.
• Facilitates your meditation. 
• Shows and alerts your stress level.
• Tracks of your monthly period and fertility cycles.

Other features:

• Smart hardware.
• Motion sensor.
• Smart vibrations.
• Secure data backup
• No charging up to 6 months of battery life (CR 2032)
• Reminds you if you are inactive with its Inactivity Alert.
• Daily customizable Smart Alarms for vitamins, pills or waking up. 
• 14 day memory when you need to change batteries. 
• Wireless sync with both iOs and Android
• Water resistant (Leaf Urban models only).
• Sustainable materials from wood composite. 
• 
  

The leaf jewelry front and back. The material looks like a piece of stone jewelry mounted on a stainless leaf shaped frame.

I'm constantly complaining nowadays on how stressed I am until I found about this health gadget that helps women focus and take control of their well being. Curiosity got into me and I did some routine background check and read some reviews and what got me hooked was that it's supposed to predict stress levels based on your lifestyle habits. It claims to be the first wearable technology that predicts it. 

The OCness in me started to tingle like Spidey's sense when it mentioned STRESS MANAGEMENT. Technically, the Leaf app analyzes and calculates the physical stress you made while you're wearing the Leaf jewelry it so it will be easier for you to predict and manage it when both are synced together. Believe me it tracks your every move. Sounds complicated but it is actually easy to use.

I asked my sister in law in the States to get one for me while they had it at 30% off during the Black Friday Sale. I just got it recently and gave it a week to test it before I wrote this review. Normally, it retails from $119.00 to $199.00 depending on the model with more accessories. I got this Leaf Urban design since its water resistant compared to the Leaf Nature which is not. But design-wise, I prefer the latter. The most basic set came with the Leaf, the Stainless Steel Chain Necklace, Genuine Leather Straps, Battery Replacement Tool and four spare screws.

Whats inside the box.  The Leaf, Stainless Steel Chain Necklace, Double Wrap Genuine Leather Straps, Battery Replacement Tool,  four spare screws and a manual..

It comes in two leaf designs, the Leaf Urban and Leaf Nature. The Shell is a separate device that helps you listen to your baby's heartbeat if your'e pregnant but that's another story.

Like I mentioned earlier, it's versatile design and construction allows you to wear it as a necklace, bracelet or a clip. It comes in two leaf designs, the Leaf Urban and Leaf Nature in black, gray and natural color with Silver or Rose Gold combos. You can buy the pricier set that comes with both Silver and Rose Gold Tone clips, necklaces and different colored straps or purchase them separately as additional accessories. I opted for the Silver Tone set only since I wear silver toned jewelry most of the time and it's within my budget. It goes pretty well with my everyday outfits but in case if it doesn't, I can still wear it as a clip under my shirt, on my bra and it doesn't fall off. Admittedly, I'm addicted to wearing it often as if it were a part of my anatomy. (Except when I shower or when I'm swimming.) 

Pull the plastic tab to activate.

The Leaf jewelry and the Leaf app.

When you get your brand new Leaf, you need to pull off the plastic tab that activates the batteries and sync it with your app. Just follow the app instructions and your Leaf will vibrate briefly when it pairs with your phone. Set up your basic Profile and other preferences. Take note that you will need to input the data manually at first since the Leaf is getting to know you and your routines. In my case, it took me about three days of manually putting in the details when I realized that you need to do this only about once. After this, you will just have to tap to sync it everyday to get the readings on the app. In my case, I usually sync it in the morning when I wake up. Remember to sync every time you make changes in your preferences in the app so the leaf will remember it next time. You may sync it as often as you like. DOUBLE TAP the leaf every time you sync. I didn't get this at first and I thought my Leaf was broken. 

So let me take you to each interface:

Once you open the app, it will take you to an interface that will look like this (2017 version)

The Activity (orange), Sleep (purple) and Period (peach) tracking and guided Meditation (mint) exercises and Stress Awareness (salmon) tabs will help you understand your body, take control of your health and hopefully uncover your hidden superpowers. Tapping the tabs will take you to the following:

 ACTIVITY 

The Leaf tracks my day's number of steps, my active time, distance and calories burned.
I sync it each time I made new steps so it will show up in the app.

The Activity tabs shows the records of activities that the Leaf has counted while you were doing your usual routine whether running, dancing, biking or just simply walking in the mall. You get real time overview of your daily activities, steps taken and calories burned, and understand how your movements affect your health. You can customize your activities and set your goals and adjust them according to your preference. Like mine, I set my activity goal to 12,000 steps per day or roughly 9 kilometer and burn more or less 400 to 600 calories depending whether I walk or run. 

 SLEEP 

The chart shows when and what time I had light sleep and deep sleep. The yellow bar shows the time I was awake.
It also assesses the quality of my sleep at the bottom part. Don't get stressed out if you find yourself having "Disturbed Sleep" like in my mine (but slept for 8:21 hours).
Focus on the number of hours you slept. My goal is 8. 

What amazes me is the Sleep tracking feature. We spend up to a third of our lives sleeping so it's important to get it right. The Leaf monitors your sleep and helps you understand what your body goes through during the night, so you can get better rest and wake up easier. It accurately tells what time you fell asleep, what time you woke up and my favorite, how well you have slept. Yes, you will need to wear it while sleeping. I wear the Leaf securely clipped on my shirt (they also recommended it that way) and it does not bother me at all. It also vibrates gently to wake me up in the morning.

 MEDITATION 

It has built in session recordings that you can download for free (internet needed) and listen to.
It tracks your Duration and Sessions. 

I don't use the Meditation feature often because I listen to Coldplay as my meditation. 😁Hehehe. 😄 Honestly, music is my happy pill. But seriously, the Meditation sessions has breathing exercises that is beneficial and tremendously effective in de-stressing one self, find calm, and regain our focus. Quite useful once in a while.

 STRESS 

By swiping left or right, you can see the summary of your activities, sleep, meditation sessions and period cycles and assess your stress level in this tab.

Our activity levels, sleep quality and reproductive health all affect how stressed we feel. By monitoring these elements Leaf Urban can create an overview of your lifestyle and detect patterns that may cause stress before it takes a toll on you. (Source: Bellabeat)

 PERIOD 

It tracks your period, fertile days and ovulation.

Leaf’s period tracking and fertility calendar help you understand your body’s natural rhythms and cycles, it predicts your periods and give you valuable feedback about your reproductive health. So you’ll always know what’s going on, whatever the time of the month. (Source: Bellabeat)

 SMART ALARMS 

Note: You will need to sync your Leaf after every change to the alarm’s settings as this will transfer the new settings onto the Leaf itself.

Alarms (Source: Bellabeat)

Your leaf has the ability to have 3 alarms set up along with one daily recurring alarm that you can use as a pill reminder. When your Leaf vibrates for an alarm, it will vibrate with 5 consecutive longer vibrations. The pill reminder will vibrate with 4 longer vibrations.To access this feature, you will need to go into the app’ Settings, select the Leaf that you wish to set an alarm on and then select the Alarms label. Then it’s simply a matter of adjusting the time you want your Leaf to vibrate, setting a name for the alarm, setting the days that you wish to have the alarm repeat on and turn it on.

Inactivity Alert will trigger vibration on the Leaf if you are not moving enough.
You should also set up a Do not disturb period to tell the Leaf not to vibrate when you are usually sleeping. Having this turned on will make the inactivity alert not work during the set hours, but any alarms that you have set will still go off.

Inactivity Alert (Source: Bellabeat)

You can set up your Leaf to remind you to be more active if you have not been moving for a certain period of time. To do this, go into the app’s Settings, select the Leaf that you wish to remind you to move and then press the Inactivity alert label. Depending on the level you select there, your Leaf will remind you to move more or less often, by vibrating consecutively with 8 short vibrations when you’ve been inactive.

Keep in mind that you will need to do a certain number of steps to not have the Leaf remind you to be more active and the exact number depends on your usual activity levels.

 WAYS TO WEAR YOUR BELLABEAT  

Worn as Bracelet.

It comes with genuine leather strap in Capuccino. Looks rather good with you other accessories don't you think?

Worn as Clip

Either clipped on shirt or pants, its snug enough that doesn't move around nor ruin or puncture the cloth. It doesn't require any pins.

Worn as Necklace

Adjustable high grade stainless steel necklace.

What to love:
It looks really stylish and so nice and functional too. It has what I need for now. It's also versatile since it can be worn as necklace, bracelet and clip. It comes in different color variants too (if I have the budget I'd get them all). Good quality sustainable materials. Easy to operate. Easy to find inexpensive replacement CR 2032 batteries. 

True to their company mission: Women are constantly under pressure about their appearance. They are expected to look and act a certain way, to be thinner, to look younger and sexier, to follow trends and look up to idealized forms of femininity. We believe that women need to focus on their own strengths, their own capabilities, and their own beauty.

The future of health care lies in prevention, not correction. By obtaining data from people, we can predict and improve their lives and prevent irrevocable consequences. The biggest challenge in preventive health care is changing the way people see health. Our future focus is to shape new mindsets and behaviors with the help of our products. Together we can change people’s perceptions about health and inspire them to live better, healthier lives.

Pros:

• For a health tracker with all that features plus with a stylish and versatile looks, this would be worth investing if you are serious and diligent enough to use its functions. It is useful for an active woman who is concerned of her well being. It covers most essential health issues that should be aware of like exercise, sleep, meditation, menstrual period and stress management.  

Cons: 

• However it's features would not be enough if, say, you're a professional athlete or an individual competing for a game. It doesn't provide a timer or count laps for swimming (it's not waterproof, it's just water resistant) or gather comprehensive detailed information of your other important athletic data like heart rating etc. You might be considering getting a Fitbit or other professional health tracker instead. (Fitbit doesn't have Period tracking by the way.)

• It is pricey but considering of getting this or a Fitbit or an Apple Watch, this would be the least priced gadget with the basic health tracker features a woman might need. If you have the Apple Watch, forget about getting this. You would probably download a more complete set of health tracking apps than the Leaf, unless you really want one because it looks pretty on the wrist (compared to the bulky Apple Watch). 

• I would have wanted to have the heart tracker feature soon. 
• Make it waterproof with a secured strap for swimming.
• I wonder if they can come up on how to track emotional stress too? Just a thought. 

Let me know what you think.

Shop at https://webshop.bellabeat.com/

Lovely snapshots from their Instagram

#bellabeat #leafurban #healthtracker #review

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