Her GadgetMatch

I tried to use a face mask for 5 straight days and this is what happened

Will this help my skin?

Published

December 29, 2018

Isa Rodriguez

Imagine my surprise when I learned that there are women who do face masks as often as twice a day.

Yes, It’s true, and I’d normally dismiss this practice except this was top Korean skincare advice, and having quickly fallen in love with the Korean skincare ways, I was quick to give it a try. But, ain’t nobody got time for two daily face masks as that’s easily 30 minutes of the day without all the prep and cleanup that comes with it.

So, I planned to do one. And of course, since we live in the time of technology (and I still didn’t have an extra 15 minutes every day to do the actual face masks), I used the Foreo UFO to help me with this experiment — I’ll explain this later.

Time frame

What better time to try this out than the holiday season! I was basically running on little sleep (holiday deadlines and all) and a lot of stress. I was at the cusp of a breakout and tiny pimples had popped out on my forehead and chin. My face definitely needed the R&R.

I planned to do this for five straight days (a proper work week!) throughout the actual Christmas holidays because bad eating and staying up late is a sure eventuality at this time of year.

Also, I wanted my face to look fresh for the family photos. Duh.

Parameters

Attempt one face mask a day integrated into my routine, wherever it would fit.

And yes, I know that five days is such a tiny time frame to be able to see significant changes, but we’re doing this nonetheless because if it makes even a tiny difference, imagine what it could do long term.

Tools

We’re doing this the high-tech way. As mentioned, instead of boring, traditional face masks, I busted out the Foreo UFO which is an interesting little device that allows for the same face mask goodness in only a minute and a half.

Instead of a full face mask, you have these tiny masks circles that attach to the UFO

Yes, those mask circles are basically face masks in different sizes, also submerged in some face serum goodness.

Attach mask to the device like so

It also has a Foreo app and many different face mask options

The app will prescribe different treatments depending on the mask you use

This tiny puck vibrates (what people in the beauty world would call T-sonic pulsations), heats up (thermotherapy), or cools down (cryotherapy) for optimum mask absorption.

Additionally, the UFO adds LED light treatment that can help with acne, inflammation, or even collagen production — apparently, LED facials are a thing with celebs like Jessica Alba, and even the Kardashians are swearing by it.

Day 1

The whole thing seemed simple enough. Because these masks need not be on my face for 15 minutes (which is forever in precious before-bed minutes), it was an easy addition to my evening routine.

As with any device though, I needed a little time to get used to the Foreo UFO. First off, I didn’t realize it would be so messy. Adding the mask patch on the puck and squeezing out the extra serum (of course, we cannot let it go to waste!) meant my hands got goopy and some may or may not have ended up on the floor.

After initial apprehensions brought about by mess-making, the UFO was pretty straightforward to use: Pair the puck with your phone, pick the mask treatment, scan the mask barcode, and the app pretty much walks you through whatever it’s doing.

Immediately after a UFO session

The first mask I used is called the Matte Maniac which is designed for cleansing skin. I felt fully pampered before I went to bed that night as I wished the pimples forming on my forehead and chin away.

Day 2

Still at it and on this evening, I did Foreo’s Youth Junkie mask. If it wasn’t already obvious, Foreo has a whole line of masks for different skin issues. (I talk about these masks in a different article).

I’m feeling confident about the new addition to my routine now. Super easy! I could do this every time.

Day 3

I could feel my skin calming down, but this might also be a psychological reaction to knowing I’m spending more time pampering my face. Either way, it seems like the impending breakout was averted: My forehead and chin looked so much better compared to when I began the challenge.

I used the H20verdose mask because hydration is key, people!

Day 4

As with any challenge, there would always be a time when your resolve is tested. This would be that time.

It was Christmas Eve and my poor scheduling skills ended with less than ideal time to get ready for a big family celebration dinner. I wanted to do a mask before said dinner so that I’d look great in photos (yes, it was happening on this day). Obviously, I was rushing and pissed that I had one extra step to do.

I attempted to do it, and failed miserably: My Foreo UFO had low battery, which was my fault — I did play with it a whole lot after I took photos for this feature and forgot to turn it off — so I had to charge. I plugged in the UFO and there it had to stay for at least an hour. I didn’t get to finish the minute and a half that was supposedly a whole cycle as I had to go to dinner; merrymaking was to be had mask or no mask treatment.

I was also pretty sad because I used the Shimmer Freak mask which was my favorite and it seemingly went to waste. This would never have happened with a normal mask. 😅

Day 5

Because I didn’t want to waste face mask sheets, I actually saved the one from the day before to use again (Ha!). I quickly learned that wasn’t possible as the mask dried up overnight. ☹️

On to the next mask, then! I used the pearl-infused Glow Addict mask. At this point, I was getting more and more tired — it was a late night for me — and more and more annoyed: Why do I even need to scan the mask barcode (which you have to do every time) when I can just choose the mask I’m using on the app? Why does it take 90 whole seconds and not faster? Why does the mask keep detaching? (I found out that the mask can sometimes detach from the UFO when you’re rushing and being careless.)

I have no photo because I was up late decking the halls with boughs of holly and even just getting the mask done took so much effort and willpower from me. I was so sleepy I couldn’t even. 🙄

Instead, enjoy this GIF of me, shot at another time, with the UFO:

Day 6

I know I said I’d do five days but despite the ups and downs of the last few days, my face actually felt nice so I decided to continue on.

No makeup!

It may not be as obvious in the photos but I had softer, more hydrated skin and no new pimples had popped up. I was rocking the no-foundation look by this time. What you see in this last photo is actual amusement at the end result.

My takeaway

I honestly don’t think I could’ve realistically done one face mask a day. Even with the gift that is the Foreo UFO, there were days when I just doubted why I was even attempting this (see Day 4 and 5). Then again, this extra hassle is the price I pay for better skin in 1.5 minutes, as opposed to 15.

Skincare takes so much effort, something I already knew. Adding one little thing to your routine can do a lot and although I cannot definitively say that it will improve your skin, I was happy with the results even after just a week. I felt fresher, skin looked less gray and dull, and I felt like the masks contributed to stopping my breakout in its tracks — if not via all the good ingredients it introduced to my face, via the calm minute or so the UFO sessions turned out to be. Honestly, I don’t think that vibrating puck would be as relaxing as it ended up being.

While I don’t think I’ll be keeping the one face mask a day rule, I’ll definitely keep on using the Foreo UFO — just not every day, to preserve my sanity and improving skin.

Her GadgetMatch

TECNO and Angélica Dass team up for a global portrait project

Dass aims to photograph 100 people across five countries using the TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra

Published

July 8, 2026

Vincenz

TECNO has partnered with Brazilian photographer Angélica Dass in launching “100 Portraits of Becoming.”

It is a two-year global initiative that explores identity, representation, and how AI sees people.

The project officially kicked off in Nairobi, Kenya — where Dass began photographing participants using the latest TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra.

Who’s Angélica Dass?

Angélica Dass is best known for exploring identity and self-expression through portrait photography.

Her award-winning “Humanæ” project challenged conventional ideas of race and skin color by highlighting the diversity of human skin tones.

ICYMI, Dass and her project gained much recognition from:

TED
World Economic Forum
UNESCO
American Museum of Natural History
Vogue
National Geographic

Portraits beyond appearances

With this portrait project, Dass teams up with TECNO to photograph 100 people across five countries.

Rather than simply documenting faces, 100 Portraits of Becoming aims to tell the stories behind each participant. Every portrait is paired with a personal narrative about growth, identity, and life experiences. Creating what TECNO calls a “Living Archive.”

Participants are photographed in natural light, without filters, and while wearing clothing of their own choice to better reflect their authentic selves.

The collaboration also explores how AI can go beyond simply recognizing faces. Asking instead how technology can better reflect the complexity of human identity and give people more control over how they choose to be seen.

Powered by TECNO’s Universal Tone imaging

All portraits are shot using the TECNO CAMON 50 Ultra, which features the company’s Universal Tone imaging technology.

Introduced in 2023, Universal Tone is designed to improve how smartphone cameras capture different skin tones. According to TECNO, the system is built on a database covering hundreds of skin tone samples, allowing photos to produce more natural and accurate results across a wider range of complexions.

The company says the technology aligns with the project’s goal of promoting more authentic and inclusive representation in photography, especially as AI-powered imaging becomes increasingly common nowadays.

From Kenya to the world

As previously mentioned, Kenya serves as the project’s first stop. With TECNO citing the country’s growing technology ecosystem and young population as reasons for beginning there.

Over the next two years, the initiative will travel to the Philippines, Saudi Arabia, Türkiye, and Brazil. The first collection of portraits and stories expected to go live online in August.

As of writing, TECNO is currently accepting participants from the Philippines where Dass is expected to take part from August 16 until August 22, 2026.

Through 100 Portraits of Becoming, TECNO hopes to spark conversations around identity, diversity, and how technology can better reflect the people it captures—not just visually, but through their stories as well.

Her GadgetMatch

Dyson’s viral portable fan arrives in the Philippines

Published

June 23, 2026

Carolyn Ramoran Hamilton | Almost Diplomatic

If there is one Dyson launch that has generated unusual levels of anticipation this year, it is the Dyson HushJet Mini Portable Fan.

The compact cooling device quickly gained a following after its international release, reportedly selling out within a day in several markets. Now, just in time for the hottest and most humid months of the year (no thanks to climate change), it is finally arriving in the Philippines.

With temperatures continuing to climb, the timing feels almost inevitable. Lightweight and designed for use on the move, the HushJet™ Mini brings Dyson’s airflow technology into a portable format that fits easily into everyday life—whether commuting through the city, attending outdoor events, traveling, or spending long days under the sun.

Its appeal extends beyond functionality. Finished in Dyson’s Stone/Blush colorway, the device combines cooling performance with a sleek aesthetic that feels at home alongside the accessories people already carry daily.

The new Dyson HushJet Mini is your new companion against heat and humidity.

The launch also marks one of the most accessible entry points into the Dyson ecosystem. Priced at PhP6,499, the HushJet Mini offers consumers a practical way to experience the brand’s engineering and design in a product built for everyday use.

Given the strong demand seen overseas, interest is expected to be high when the fan officially launches in the Philippines.

Where, when, and how to get your own Dyson HushJet

The Dyson HushJet Mini Portable Fan in Stone/Blush will be available beginning June 25, 2026 at 3 p.m. at participating Dyson stores, including Mall of Asia, Podium, Greenbelt 5, and One Bonifacio High Street.

For those hoping to get their hands on one, it may be worth keeping a close eye on Dyson Philippines’ official social media channels and Dyson.ph. If international demand is any indication, this could be one of the season’s most sought-after releases.

Her GadgetMatch

Dyson is making it very easy to upgrade everything this May

Published

May 11, 2026

Carolyn Ramoran Hamilton | Almost Diplomatic

From a three-day takeover at SM Megamall to an exclusive Super Brand Day on Lazada, the brand is bringing its best deals and newest launches together in one compelling window.
If you’ve been quietly adding Dyson products to your wishlist and waiting for the right moment, May is making a rather strong case for itself.

The brand has two major events lined up in quick succession — a one-day sale on Lazada on May 11, followed by a three-day immersive experience at SM Megamall from May 15 to 17 — and together, they cover just about every reason you’d want to upgrade your home or beauty routine.

First stop: Lazada’s Super Brand Day, May 11

Kicking things off is Dyson’s Super Brand Day on Lazada, a one-day event that brings the brand’s most recognisable products together with vouchers worth up to ₱5,000 off, free shipping, and installment options of up to six months.

The floor care lineup leads with some of the sharpest discounts of the sale. The Dyson V8 Slim Fluffy moves from PhP28,900 to PhP19,230 after discounts, while the Dyson WashG1 sees the biggest drop of the day — from PhP45,900 down to PhP31,130, unlocking PhP14,770 in savings on the wet floor cleaner that makes a compelling case against the mop-and-bucket. For those who want both, the wet-and-dry pairing suddenly becomes a very reasonable investment.
Environmental control gets a moment too. The Dyson Cool AM07 tower fan drops from PhP29,500 toPhP20,240 — a saving of up to PhP9,260, and a timely one given the country’s reliably unrelenting heat.

With Mother’s Day arriving on May 11 itself, the hair care lineup feels particularly well-timed. The Dyson Supersonic HD15 in Nickel Copper lands at PhP19,930 from PhP29,900, while the Dyson Airwrap i.d. in Ceramic Patina drops to PhP27,782 from PhP36,900 — the kind of gift that feels equal parts indulgent and practical. The Dyson Airstrait in Ceramic Pink and the Dyson Corrale round out the lineup at PhP26,120 and PhP25,320 respectively.

The full sale is available via the official Dyson LazMall flagship, where vouchers can be accessed ahead of checkout at Dyson’s online storeDyson’s online store.

Then: the Trade to Upgrade experience at SM Megamall, May 15 to 17

For those who prefer to experience the technology in person — or have an old machine they’ve been meaning to do something about — Dyson is transforming the Mega Fashion Hall of SM Megamall into a three-day hub of live demonstrations, expert sessions, and exclusive deals.

The centrepiece is the Trade to Upgrade program, which lets guests bring in their old machines — any brand, working or not — and trade them in for exclusive discounts on Dyson products. It’s a rare opportunity to finally make that long-overdue switch without the full sticker shock.

Each day of the event has its own focus. Day 1 opens with the launch of the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai, an intelligent floor care innovation with real-time stain detection and precision cleaning capabilities. Dyson Experts will be on hand for live demos throughout the day.

Day 2 shifts to beauty, with the Dyson Supersonic Travel taking centre stage — a smaller, lighter version of the iconic hair dryer that delivers the same performance in a more portable form. Celebrity hairstylists will be running live styling sessions for those curious about what the machine can do.

Day 3 brings a limited-edition drop: the Ceramic Apricot colorway across Dyson’s styling range, alongside masterclasses and guest appearances from top local stylists. Those ready to invest in a full beauty upgrade will also find the Dyson Airwrap i.d. in Ceramic Patina available at up to 30% off through the Trade to Upgrade program — making it one of the more compelling deals of the entire event.

Catch the full experience at the Mega Fashion Hall, SM Megamall, from May 15 to 17, 2026.