January 26, 2014

Video Review: Philips' VisaPure Facial Cleansing Brush

January 26, 2014/ Nicole McIntyre

You read that right, Video Review!

Something I forgot to go into further detail about is the cleansing cycle. For every minute of deep cleansing you do (I recommend using the VisaPure once a day, max), the VisaPure pulses for half of a second after 20 seconds has passed. This quick pulse serves as an indicator and reminder to move onto the next portion of your face. After a full minute has elapsed the VisaPure automatically shuts off.

Full disclosure, I read a few other VisaPure user reviews. A couple of people have complained their device malfunctioned after three weeks of repeated use. Honestly, I can only speculate that water may've weaselled its way in somehow *cough* submersed in water *cough* *cough* and fried the wiring. I have no qualms about using the VisaPure in the shower, but I wouldn't let it make like a fish.

Then again, there could be a bunch of other potential reasons.

Want to see how well the Philips VisaPure stacks up to Clarisonic's Mia II? Check out Beauty Alchemy's comparison chart.

Between the ums, yeahs and sos I hope you enjoyed watching my review.

The Bagful breakdown:

Total amount for the Philips' VisaPure Facial Cleansing Brush:

$149.95 AUS / $184.99 USD

Value for money spent (performance and quality):

7 out of 10 bags — Despite noticing a minor improvement in my complexion, it certainly hasn't been life altering.

Would another purchase be on the horizon?:

I wouldn't mind checking out the exfoliating brush head.

*PR sample provided – Thoughts and ramblings written here are completely my own.

December 21, 2013

The non-gift guide

December 21, 2013/ Nicole McIntyre

With Christmas practically upon us, the interwebs have been aflutter with loads of gift giving ideas -- but what about you? What if you're out of ideas on what it is really want? Or, better yet, do you even want for anything?

Out of frustration from all the pressing, you blurt out gift cards. Come December 26th and the months to follow, it'll be time to Treat Yo Self.

Here are a few ideas on how to spend those gift cards you "asked" for..

Aesop's Resurrection Aromatique Hand Wash - unadulterated citrus-y goodness for your hands; I find any excuse to wash my hands with this stuff.
Bauble Bar's Dual Cone Cuff - punk chic.
Lululemon's Run: Inspire II Crop - the most comfortable pants you can't see your roos through and they stay put while you workout.
Asics' Gel Phoenix 5 - New sneaks for the gym and perhaps your New Year's resolution?
Essie's On a Silver Platter - Van Gogh in a bottle.
Daiquiri Leather Barrel Bag in Black from Bagaholics - a classic leather bag at an affordable price.
Halogen's Cat Sweater - Meow. It also comes in pink.

September 07, 2013

Another year..

September 07, 2013/ Nicole McIntyre

Another birthday.

If I close my eyes and count to thirty, I can do it in an instant. Like snapping photos, or watching the years tick by at warp speed.

0-18 was reserved for my parents, raising three kids couldn't have been easy. There were tough years and really good years -- the good ones definitely outnumbered the tough ones. What did we know (Dave and Rich included), we were just these silly kids with a roof over our heads and all the toys we could ever want or need. I'm an American girl from Plymouth, MA who never dreamt of even visiting Australia, let alone live there.

18-25 was for me. A college education, random jobs in retail, a new car, love that would fizzle after the pops and burns (I just didn't know or see it at the time).

25-30 was filled with new opportunities, new love, weddings, babies (not my own, of course), new places and new experiences. Plus, Bagful was born during these years, it's also when my career in construction took off and when I married my best friend.

30 and beyond? That's for Scott and I decide, just as long as he continues to hold my hand for all the years to come.

Here's a little throwback for you.