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Clarisonic ($195.00) is one of those products you tend to hear raves about, but you take one look at the price tag and run in the other direction. But you’re always wondering, “Does it actually work? Is it worth it?”
Yes, and yes. Most definitely.
The Clarisonic Skin Care System was developed by the creators of the Sonicare toothbrush. I look at this in a similar way–the Sonicare toothbrush price tag shocked people, but it does give you a great clean. It’s a purchase that saves you money elsewhere in your life. The toothbrush kept you from going to the dentist as often for problems (or minimized problems found during your regular visits), and the Clarisonic does the same. You get a better clean, which lets other skincare products absorb better–you know, that pricey serum you purchased may have better results because of the increased absorption.
Here’s the other big reason why both sonic systems work: the timer. You’re supposed to brush your teeth for two minutes (30 seconds per side), and because the Sonicare lets you know when to switch sides, you actually brush for that length of time. Same idea on the Clarisonic; you can choose between one minute and two minutes cleansing times, and it will beep approximately every thirty seconds. We are all busy, busy people, so we often don’t think about whether we are properly cleansing. A few weeks ago, I read about a study where people who washed their hands properly with regular soap had the same amount of bacteria leftover as those who washed properly with antibacterial soap–because the key was washing your hands properly, getting underneath the nails and giving yourself enough time.
So, let me tell you how my skin has changed as a result of using this product for the past four weeks!
The Clarisonic is a beast when it comes to totally removing my face makeup. In the past, I have found most cleansers still require toner or a makeup wipe afterward to get rid of the last vestiges of foundation. This is not the case with the Clarisonic–I take a makeup wipe and it picks up nothing. It’s not scientific but that’s my little test for how effective a cleanser is.
My skin has also normalized more in the past few weeks–it is more normal, less combo, less dry. It’s just normal. I’ve always had skin that bordered on normal, but it would get a bit oily at the end of the day or I’d have some drier patches. Since I’ve started using Clarisonic, my skin is smoother and softer. I wear less foundation as a result, because I only need a sheer amount for evenness for a polished look.
I use the Clarisonic twice daily on the two minute setting; once in the shower in the AM, and then over the sink in the PM. It’s completely sealed, so it’s safe to use in the shower (it says so in the instructions!), which I think is fantastic! I usually start using the Clarisonic while I wait for the shower water to heat up, and then I finish the job in the shower. It’s easy on the skin, and it’s even easier to use.
We all know tugging, pulling, and rubbing the skin can lead to increased wrinkles. Clarisonic is a gentle cleanser that eliminates the tug and pull of your finger tips and hands. This is a huge thing for me, because I try to be gentle, but I’m never sure if I am, or if I’m still too tough on my skin! Clarisonic doesn’t make me question that; you hardly need any pressure to get the cleanser working. It’s more about connecting it to the skin’s surface than pressing or rubbing.
It has a cradle charger, much like a cordless phone (do people still have those? or are we all on cell phones now?), so you just set it inside to charge up. I find I get at least two weeks worth of twice daily usage before I need to recharge. The brush head should be replaced every three months, and they have three brush heads to choose from Normal, Sensitive, and Delicate. Again, like a toothbrush, the bristles do get worn and used, and then need to be replaced. At the same time, because you can easily replace brush heads (since you need to periodically), you can share this! You just need each person to have their own brush head, and everybody can try it. Take a permanent marker and write your initials on it so you can identify yours from his or hers.
I have always believed good skin comes from good skin care, not necessarily about using preventative creams and serums. This is a product that gets to the heart of a lot of skin care problems–cleansing–and it takes out the guesswork and makes it easy to get clean skin within minutes.
KULA
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I’ve been thinking about this for awhile now, but everytime I see the price tag I think about the massive debt that I will be in. PLUS I can already here it now coming from my sisters ” A $200 FACE SCRUB?! YOU MUST HAVE $$$!!” which honestly, I dont. But I think I will trat myself to this when Sephora does their Friends and Family sale.
lovekills
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
When is the friends and Family sale?
Does this happen every year?
Would love to know pls.
Thanks
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
November! I’ll post it when it’s live!
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
It’s the perfect item for F&F! Totally worth getting :) Early holiday gift? Yes? :)
Amanda
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
That’s really great to hear! I’ve been toying with the idea of getting this for a while, but was unsure as well. I’m so glad it’s such a great product and I’ll probably go out there and get it soon. Thanks for reviewing and sharing!
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
I’m very satisfied with it! I feel like it’s going to serve me well in the long term :)
Kelly
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Thanks for the review, I’ve been eying this one for a while and it’s going at the top of my Christmas list now! $200 isn’t that much when you use it twice daily, break it down over time and it’s pennies a day, really.
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
No problem! I agree, when you use it often and if it really does work for you, it’s definitely worth it.
Milan
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I’ve been thinking of getting this brush for some time now. I’ve heard such good things about it. That price tag is a beast though. I guess i’ll have to save up for it or put it on my Xmas list.
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
I definitely think it’s worth it! Good item for the Christmas list :D
Teresa
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I have always had good skin (thank god) but then again I never wore much makeup. I started noticing though that as I wore more makeup and more layers I started breaking out. Now that I love playing with makeup I couldn’t give it up but my skin was screaming at me to do something. I have very fragile skin so I decided to take the plunge. I have to say my skin is back to normal, no more breakouts and the best part you can use any cleanser. It is just working that much deeper into your skin. I love it, and I just bought an extra brush head and hubby gets to use it too before shaving. It has really helped him with in grown hairs. So it is pricey but I figured since both of us use it with good results it is paying off in the long run. Hope this helps!
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
That’s awesome! I’m so glad it’s helping your skin, Teresa :) I tried to get the boyfriend to use it, but he didn’t care for it. He said it tickled his scruff!
Jen
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I bought the Clarisonic 2 months ago and I love it!! My moisturizer and makeup go on much smoother and I justified the price as the sonicare toothbrush, which I have had for yrs., is just over 100.00 so the clarisonic is less than double the price and can be used for face, neck, or any area on your body.
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
YAY! It’s so good to hear from others who have tried it and loved it :)
Exactly!! I think once you compare its usage to the Sonicare toothbrush, it makes more sense.
Amy
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
I bought my Clarisonic two weeks ago and so far I love it. I have dry acne prone skin and my skin is brighter and the pores on my nose are smaller already. It was a splurge, but I found it on sale and also bought the pink color, so I felt better that some of my money will support breast cancer research. Also when I registered my brush online with Clarisonic, they offered to send me a complimentary brush head, so I feel like my investment ended up to be quite a deal.
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
Nice! I have to register mine soon, too :D
whitnee
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
have you tried all of the brush heads? what is delicate skin for? do you use that near the eyes? i would have thought all of the brushes would be for delicate skin.
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
I only have the one it came with, which I think is the sensitive one. I presume it’s just based on the softness. They all feel soft, but your skin may be more prone to irritation than mine, so you might need the softest of them all.
Amanda23
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Oh yay! I bought mine like a year ago and at first I couldn’t really tell a difference, but now wow! I really don’t have to wear foundation as much anymore. My skin feels so soft and looks super radiant! I love this brush!!! Definitely a good investment!!! Highly recommended!!!
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
That’s so great! It’s awesome to hear from REALLY long time users :)
Ariana
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
My dermatologist recommended that I buy this so I did. I didn’t notice anything dramatically different about my skin except that it feels much nicer because all the dead skin cells are gone. I still have moderate acne breakouts and this seems to help a bit, but it by no means totally treated my acne. I’ve been using it now for about 5 months, every day when I wash my face. I think I just have really weird skin that nothing seems to work for!
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
It sucks that it hasn’t treated your acne yet! I expect since you have a derm, you’ve already considered ingredients or one of your skin products as a culprit!
Janelle
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
What a coincidence! My best friend & I took a trip to Sephora last week & we were talking to the SA about it. Man, I wish I still worked there so I could use my discount to buy it. It looks like a dream come true, but honestly, I can’t spend that much on skin care right now. =/
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
Aww! I hope you’ll be able to get it in the future. It’s a great product, definitely worth the money, but it’s an investment and not cheap by any means!
Tanya
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
LOL this is at the top of my christmas wish list as well :) I asked for the pink version though!!! I really really hope that someone who “loves” me gets this for me!
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
The pink version is so cute!! :)
Cat
Thursday, October 16, 2008
Pursebuzz had a review on this. You can chk it out on youtube. She had a coupon code with beautychoice.com for $30 off. That means the brush would cost you 165.00. Dont know if it expired but its worth a try. The Coupon Code: pursebuzz9994
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
Oh yeah, good call :)
Ashley
Thursday, October 16, 2008
THAAANK you Chrisitne! I have been waiting for you to do this review, because I trust your judgement when it comes to beauty products.
Christine
Friday, October 17, 2008
No problem, Ashley :) I’m honored!
linz
Friday, October 17, 2008
I bought one about a year ago and I love it. My skin is softer and I don’t have to wear nearly as much foundation. Plus I love that it makes me more inclined to wash my face every single morning and night because that two minute timer makes it seem easier to me. The only thing I haven’t been quite sure about is which cleanser to use with it. I have pretty typical combo skin w/the occasional breakout in t-zone area and don’t know of a cleanser that has the right “consistency” in conjunction with the clarisonic. Any ideas? Thanks
Christine
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Hey Linz!
I’m a bit confused on the cleanser bit – and what about exfoliation? I mean, can I use it with an exfoliating scrub?! So I’m still figuring that out. I use it mostly with Philosophy’s Purity cleanser, though. I imagine most cleansers would work fine with it, however!
linz
Monday, October 27, 2008
That’s my confusion too Christine. I use a Patricia Wexler exfoliating cleanser and I’ve used that with the Clarisonic. I hope that’s ok. Now that you say it, I think Purity is a great one for it. Thanks for brainstorming with me :)
Christine
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
No problem, Linz! I do like to work an exfoliating product into my skin before I use the Clarisonic – maybe thirty seconds or so, and then I’ll use the Clarisonic with it!
prettycupcake
Friday, October 24, 2008
I have a question! Do you HAVE to use the products that it comes with?
Christine
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Nope, not at all!
Nicci
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
I got the kit with the body brush included. I don’t use the body brush as often…seems like it would take awhile to clean/scrub my whole body with it but the regular one is so nice on my face. I feel like I am always getting a deep cleaning and I love the adjustable speeds. Sometimes I use the fastest speed and go over my face quickly. This is a great gift idea for birthday or Christmas. I was looking at this for a year and got it as a gift for Xmas. It was the best present, very practical!!