In October, I bought a Clarisonic. I had walked out of an eyebrow appointment on Weybridge High Street, Space NK caught my eye, and I knew I had found my moment.
A little early for a Christmas present for myself, but that's what I told myself it was, as I flung the door open and announced, for all to hear - "I need a Clarisonic".
I chose a Clarisonic Mia - they are £120. No matter where you look in the UK, they are £120. I had the bright idea of looking on ebay for one. The problem with ebay is that they all seemed to be from the USA, therefore they have a different plug, and their voltage isn't the same as ours. It made me unsure, and I didn't particularly want the hassle of an adaptor.
For those who aren't familiar with a Clarisonic, it is a brush that massages the skin, and is used for cleansing. It uses a sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second. The 'Mia' is the most compact option in the Clarisonic range. It is cordless - so I take it in the shower, portable - I've started taking it everywhere if staying away, and it lasts for about a week before it needs recharging - which is really convenient if just away for a few days.
Apparently manually cleansing the skin isn't as effective as we once thought, which is fairly disheartening to hear. If you can't justify buying a Clarisonic, but feel your skin isn't clean enough after one cleanse, then cleanse again - double cleansing is very beneficial.
Clarisonic claim that by using the brush, the skin is cleansed 6x more effectively than by cleansing with your hands alone, in 60 seconds. Products, such as serums and moisturisers, are more effectively absorbed because the skin is better prepared. And impurities are gently massaged away from pores for cleaner and healthier skin.
I delayed in writing this blog, because for the first two weeks of using the Mia, I had breakouts on my chin. After doing a little research I realised this is not particularly unusual. It's an adjustment for the skin - a really deep cleanse - so everything comes to the surface. It stimulates circulation, you can really feel that it does, the skin seems to glow.
I initially was distressed, to see that a 'sensitive' rather than 'normal' brush-head was supplied, but having used it repeatedly, I think for my skin, the sensitive option is exactly what I need. The brush-head needs to be replaced every few months.
I use the brush in the following way, this hasn't necessarily been suggested by Clarisonic, it's just a guideline of what is working for me. I have been using Dermalogica's Special Cleansing Gel with it, but any cleanser that you lather onto your face with water, and splash off would work perfectly. Mixing a little cleanser with a few drops of water in my hands, I rub all over my face and cleanse. While the cleanser is still all over the skin I use the Clarisonic all over my face and neck, and if in the shower, my chest too. It doesn't have to be moved around madly - just slowly around the face. It's excellent for circulation, you can feel that it is.
The facts below I found on the Clarisonic section of lookfantastic.com
Clinical studies prove:
6 times more make up removal.
Twice as effective at removing grease and dirt.
61% better absorption of vitamin C after cleansing compared with manual cleansing.
After 8 weeks there is a greater improvement in the reduction of the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on the side of the face where the Clarisonic was used.
81% of participants reported better than previous shaving methods with softer skin and reduced irritation.
83% of participants reported healthier skin.
70% of participants reported fewer blemishes.
69% of participants reported fewer dry patches.
68% reported decreased appearance of pore size.
My friend India got married in November, I bought her a Clarisonic, she said it was the best wedding gift she could ever have imagined - I am aware this is not a thoughtful gift for her husband, but I did check with him first!!
Links to Clarisonic Products -
www.spacenk.co.uk/clarisonic (worth buying from Space NK if you have their N.Dulge rewards card, instantly £5.00 back)
www.lookfantastic.co.uk/clarisonic (free worldwide shipping)
www.feelunique.com/clarisonic (free worldwide shipping)
My beauty blog - www.blusherandblogging.com