I am LOVING all of the comments and questions from last week’s beauty gadget blog! Will do my best to tackle them in a timely fashion, starting with the question I get asked on almost a daily basis (I kid not): What do you think of the Clarisonic?
For those of you who’ve been living in the dark ages with your little old washcloth, this cult cleansing device from the makers of the Sonicare toothbrush boasts a soft, rotating brush that purports to remove six times more dirt and makeup than manual cleansing. I’ve been using the Clarisonic off and on for several years, and while I COULD live without it (there, I said it.), I definitely believe in its benefits:
- The Clarisonic does a bang up job at keeping pores free and clear—that’s huge if you’re oily and/or prone to breakouts. It’s also fabulous during the hot, sticky summer, which is when I use mine most.
- On the flip side, the Clarisonic buffs away dead skin cells and dry patches, which is essential for absorbing serums and moisturizers properly. If your skin ever feels bumpy or looks dull, chances are you aren’t exfoliating enough.
- That said, if you’re sensitive, the Clarisonic is ideal as a gentle yet effective alternative to gritty or chemical exfoliants. Kind of like that washcloth.
- An oft-overlooked bonus of the Clarisonic: the lymphatic drainage massage provides. I use it in the morning to de-puff and increase circulation for a natural, healthy glow.
- Finally, the Clarisonic feels like a mini facial every time, which is what I love most about it.
So there you have it. If any of the above has you swooning, then the Clarisonic is definitely worth considering. The recent launch of the Clarisonic Mia ($149), a smaller, portable, more affordable version of the Clarisonic Classic ($195), makes it even more tempting.
If you already own a Clarisonic, please weigh in below!
Filed Under: clarisonic mia, exfoliate, facial, lymphatic drainage massage, pores, sensitive skin
Ok…so is there a downside (other than $$$) to the Clarisonic? All the points you made sound fabulous yet you said you could live without it. Is there a reason you don’t use it everyday? Just curious.
I’ve said it before, and will whimper it until I die: I will go to the grave clutching my Clarisonic Classic.
I agree 100%! My Clarisonic has “done a bang up job” of keeping my pores clean. Thanks for confirming, Bets! xoxo
Robyn, good question! Though I’d rather not live without my Clarisonic, I have pretty normal skin (minus the sunspots) that isn’t oily or patchy so I prob don’t see as many of the benefits as most users. Also: I’m obsessed with scrubs to I’d get in some serious exfoliation either way.
My 2 cents…I love, love, love my face after I’ve washed with my Clarisonic. I think it’s made my skin feel and look younger. Really + truly. I totally think the massage bene alone is worth it. I don’t know if it’s really cleaned out my pores exponentially more than my washcloth did {?} But regardless, my face does feel cleaner when I use it. The ONLY drag is that I don’t like spending any time on my getting ready routine and the recommended scrub time is 2 mins. So that’s when I don’t use it…when I’m in a rush or just feeling particularly impatient. {Or lazy. Ha.}
Okay, totally great point Erin. Lack of time is the biggest reason why I skip mine sometimes, too!
Wow, never knew about this thingy. I love Sonicare for my teeth, so why not for the face? Thanks Beauty Bets!
Kirst, this would actually be PERFECT for your sensitive skin. I’ll have to bring my Mia next time I’m in Boulder!
I have had mine for a year, and I drooled after it for years before that.
Normal complexion, with a few broken capallaires (sp??) due to smoking and sun – (I no longer smoke:) – I am 35. I travel for work, and have moved from MN to AZ in the last year and work in Salt Lake City – I also don’t sleep much when on the road.
SOO – this has been a lifesaver – my broken capillaries have faded (I had explored lasers before for them) – I have no dry spots, and my skin looks better then it did when I was in my late 20s – if I get a blemish, I use it both AM and PM and the blemish is gone in 2 days – if not I only use when I shower – I had a facial for the first time in a year and the lady was amazed at my pores.
I also have the body attachment – I use that twice a week – and love that also. I tell everyone I know that it is the BEST THING ever -
I love the clarsonic and it will be on my christmas list this year. Seriously. For now, its a special treat when I get my facials every 8 weeks. I love how it feels and really think it makes a big difference.
Clearly I have been taking my Clarisonic for granted! I think I’ll have to give it some extra love this week and see what it does for my skin—broken capillaries and all!
I was shocked at how clean my skin felt after the first two days I began using it. But yes, the laziness bug bites hard when I’m so exhausted at night. As if it’s really hard work. But you all have inspired me to get religious about it again. Thank you. One quick question – what’s the best way to clean the brush? Make that two questions – how often do you replace the head? Thank you!
I replace my brush every 3 months – and I honestly do not clean them… wouldn’t think it would be needed as you are using soap while cleaning your face –
The best face cleanser I have found is Aubrey Organics Rose Moqueta – very gentle…
I concur with McKristie – I don’t really clean my brush so much as rinse it with clean water after I’ve washed my face (you could prob put it in the dishwasher for a deep clean). I only use mine in the shower, once a day, so I haven’t had to replace them as often. It’s kind of like a toothbrush: If you notice the bristles softening and splaying out, time for a new one!
I want one.
Thanks so much. Now I don’t feel bad about not cleaning my brush!
I am dying to get my hands on one of these! Just curious, how do you ladies wash your eye makeup off? With the Clarisonic or w/ a washcloth?
Jennifer – This is one reason I only use the clarisonic in the morning, in the shower, when I’m not wearing any makeup. I know that the Clarisonic is intended to help remove makeup, but you wouldn’t want to use it ON your eyes—and I for one need a one-step facial cleanser!
I’m getting mine this week :-) YAY! SO excited!! My girlfriends that use at night passed this along: use eyemakeup remover first, use the brush with cleanser second, then rub remaining cleanser around eyes to remove residue of eye makeup before rinsing.
why haven’t i heard of this before? it certainly sounds worth trying… how does it compare to the cheapo versions in drugstores that sell for $20 then you buy the cleanser pads to go with them?
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I love love love my classic-hubby brought it home from the detmatolgist 3 mos ago (his face breaks out from shaving) and I have taken it over-it makes my skin feel fantastic/soft, clean, glowing! I also love how, as a mom, its my ‘spa’ moment (or 2 minutes) of the day!!! 100% recommendation!
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How does this compare to the Olay Professionals cleansing brush that I see advertised in all of the magazines? I’ve heard positive things about both!
Megan -
I have tried Olay’s version and it doesn’t even compare to the Clarisonic – the oscillation isn’t as effective, the bristles are super soft, and the overall quality reflects the price. I say save the $30 and put it toward a Mia!
I asked for and received the Mia for Christmas 2011. I break out after using. Bought the delicate brush. Have tried several times and still break out. I am 52, and use moisturizer day and night, try to get facials once or twice a year. I would like to try the Clarisonic again, but my skin is doing good now, so I’m nervous about breaking out. Has anyone had breakout issues with Clarisonic? Tried using less often. but still broke out. Just wondering if I am the only one with the issues.
Correction. Received last Christmas – 2010