Buzzing for the Clarisonic

I am in love with this Clarisonic Skin Care System. It based off the Sonicare electric toothbrush. Supposedly, the company found out that patients were using the toothbrush on their faces as an exfoliator so they created the Clarisonic cleanser tool. It is an oscillating brush system, which moves back and forth 300 times per second to clean pores and the skin surface.

You can use any cleanser on the brush and it's suppose to clean your face 60% better than your typical washing face method. I always feel that after using makeup, even after I wash my face, there is still makeup residue on my face, no matter how many times I scrub and even with makeup remover.

I was at Bloomingdales and this sales lady suckered me into trying the Clarisonic skin care system. I was already skeptical, but I gave her 5 min of my time. In 5 minutes, she already sold me. The brush was very soft and gentle. It only takes a minute for it to clean your face on the lowest setting. It literally felt so refreshing after I used it. I felt that I just got a facial. It was super nice and I actually felt that my skin looked better too! Crazy after only 1 minute of cleansing.

Per the Sephora website:
Here are some of the benefits this revolutionary skincare tool delivers:
- Removes makeup six times better than traditional methods.
- Clears pores and reduces the appearance of pore size.
- Cleanses so thoroughly that skincare products absorb better.
- Creates noticeably healthier-looking skin.

There are different lines of the Clarisonic brand.

1) Clarisonic Mia, $119: compact version, 1 speed
2) Clarisonic Mia 2, $149: compact, 2 speed, available on Clarisonic website, not at retailers yet
2) Clarisonic Plus, $195: 3 speeds, universal charging cradle, 1 sensitive head brush
3) Clarisonic Plus Skin, $225, 3 speeds, universal charging cradle, 1 sensitive head brush, 1 body brush

These products are also available at your local doctor's office.  The difference is that the ones based out of physician offices have an additional speed, so the Clarisonic Plus Skin has 4 speeds, however I don't think the Mia has an extra speed.

The Mia is great, small and compact, and definitely less expensive. Most people will only need one speed.  However, I don't like how it doesn't have a charger cradle... that means more clutter in the bathroom and we all know, we don't need more of that! But the the price difference, its definitely a consideration!

The Plus is great if you have more sensitive skin - it has 2 face speeds, one for sensitive skin and another for normal skin and it does come with the charge cradle.  It is larger than the Mia, so it depends on what you prefer.  The Plus Skin has an extra speed for your skin - so its face and body all in one.  This is great exfoliator for rough patches, arms, elbows, feet, etc.  The only thing is, I doubt I personally would take the time to use it for my body, but if you have some body skin issues, this may definitely help.

I'm not sure how warranties and guarantees work when you buy it at a retailer as opposed to Clarisonic.com, but on their website, they tout:

You have nothing to lose in trying any Clarisonic product. We are happy to offer a 90-day, 100% money back guarantee on our sonic cleansing systems and on our sonic infusion systems. Both the cleansing and infusion systems come with a warranty covering any manufacturer defect-related problems resulting from everyday use of the product. The warranty does not cover damage resulting from use with a voltage converter. Voltage converters or plug adapters do not guarantee voltage compatibility.

Following are the warranty terms for each Clarisonic model:

• Clarisonic Mia®: 1 year
• Clarisonic Mia 2: 2 years
• Clarisonic Classic: 2 years
• Clarisonic PLUS: 2 years
• Clarisonic PRO: 3 years for PRO models manufactured after January 2010. 2 years for PRO models manufactured before January 2010.

I heard from a store associate at Sephora that another friends and family discount (20% off) will be out for in stores soon, if you missed this one that was online, so be patient.. good things come to those who wait ;)

Have you tried this product? Are you interested in getting it?

images via sephora