Although I’m not an avid 20 pack a day smoker, the occasional cigarette in the smoking area of a pub or a few puffs after bouts of stress can quickly turn into a chain smoking habit.
But, as a Gen Z’er, having a puff on a roll up has become something of the past for many of my peers. Cigarettes have been replaced by the fruity flavoured vapes.
And, to some, they're the smoking equivalent to a can of Pringles. Once you start, you really can’t stop yourself. And neither vices are particularly healthy, whether you’re puffing or stuffing your face.
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However, with the Government cracking down on the population smoking cigarettes and puffing disposable vapes, those with a taste for nicotine have another option. It's deemed less of a financial burden and a 'healthier' option – other than quitting altogether.
Cue the IQOS ILUMA, the heat-no-burn alternative to answer the prayers of smokers and vapers who are trying to squash their cravings. After the UK launch of the latest device back in September, the IQOS team kindly sent me the ILUMA as I wanted to 1. See if I can kick my turbulent relationship with cigarettes and 2. See if the IQOS ILUMA – from Philip Morris International – is a contender in the nicotine game.
So I smoked my 'last cigarette' and got it framed to start my IQOS journey to stubbing out my roll up habit for good – hopefully. I mean, nothing is more motivating to quit your penchant for social smoking than seeing your 'dirty' habit hung up on a wall.
Apparently, it takes 14 days to kick the habit of smoking cigarettes. So, as I'm not a chimney-esque smoker, the tendency to reach for the packet of cigarettes wasn't an issue of mine while I was trialling the IQOS ILUMA. But, as I headed out for the pub I had to make the decision on whether to take the 20 packet or my blue coloured device that I had charged up.
After all, the IQOS ILUMA reduces the quantity of chemicals produced by ordinary cigarettes by 95%, so naturally that felt like the better choice for me and my lungs.
The savvy piece of tech comes with a lightweight case that's easily secured itself within my pocket. The case and device come in a number of colour ways which creates some personalisation to the product – and makes it less likely for anyone to bother you for a spare stick.
Unlike a cigarette, there is no burning involved. And while the inner primitive human inside of me often likes the look and aesthetic of lighting a cigarette with a flame, the IQOS ILUMA was quick and easy to use. Plus, I didn't have to go and make small talk in exchange for a lighter for having forgot mine.
The device is compatible with TEREA sticks that are exclusive to the IQOS ILUMA. They come in several different flavours that all have the same nicotine levels in, but vary in intensities and tastes – either classic, menthol or aromatic. Personally, I liked the Amber – that falls under classic – due to the similar aroma of a cigarette.
The tobacco sticks give almost the same sensation of having a drag of a ciggy. Although, it lacks the all of the nasty side effects of one – no more smelly hair and begone the awful stench to your hands that lingers until the next morning.
What I like about the IQOS ILUMA – that has no tar nor produces ash – is that it tells you when you're at nearly at the end of your stick with a little vibration. The sticks are thought to last about 14 puffs on average, which I found to be the case.
Despite being fond of the dramatics of stubbing out a cigarette, which I am fond of, the end of the TEREA sticks are easy to pull out and leave in the ash tray.
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At £109 for a starter kit, it may be off putting to splash out at first. But, in the long run, if you spend the £14.40 a day on a pack of cigarettes, then you'll end up saving around £3000 a year, according to IQOS.
I can’t promise that I won’t pinch a cheeky cigarette off someone in the pub smoking area in a tipsy state, it's like a rite of passage of a social butterfly's night out. However, I’ll try and bring my IQOS as a happy alternative which gives almost the same sensation as the real deal.
While it's not totally risk free, and is still addictive due to the nicotine within the sticks, it's a healthier alternative – and more sleek too.
Harry Wake, IQOS UK Spokesman shared: "The technology and resources that has gone into developing IQOS ILUMA is nothing less than extraordinary – it's a culmination of over a decade of continual research and $10.5 billion investment into smoke-free products by world-class experts in the field.
"This all adds up to a huge moment for those looking to move away from cigarettes. Everyone knows the best thing any smoker can do is to stop smoking completely – but for those who don’t, switching to less harmful alternatives like IQOS ILUMA is a far better choice.
"More than that, by switching, smokers can also save up to £3000 per year – it’s a win win, less harmful to health and better for wealth."
To find out more information on IQOS Iluma, you can access the website here
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