Babbles About...Clarisonic Mia (Review) PART 2

Hi Babblers :)

In my last post, I wrote about my initial experience with the Clarisonic Mia. I'd been lusting after the sonic facial cleansing brush for quite some time, worried about the breakouts some users experience. When Santa delivered a bright pink Mia Christmas morning, I was about to find out if it was going to be heavenly skin or the dreaded breakouts for me.

Initial Impressions

Initial impressions were really good. My skin felt sumptuously smooth and cleaner than ever. My pores appeared to be diminishing and my skin looked generally brighter. However, after a few days my skin broke out with sore cystic sports on my cheeks. After reading how many users experience a purging phase of breakouts before their skin calms down, I decided to persevere.

Six Weeks On

After about three (LONG) weeks, my skin calmed down considerably. Although my skin did break out in the first few weeks, it was not the worst I have ever experienced (a dangerous liaison with the oil cleansing method wins the prize for that - note the worst thing I ever did to my skin). I did have quite a few sore, cystic spots but only on my cheeks. Although this is a nightmare to conceal, I was worried my whole face would take a hit. It was a bit of a relief when it didn't :)

After a few weeks the spots had disappeared and my skin felt back to normal...well better than normal. The Clarisonic is quite addictive as it does leave my skin feeling smoother and properly clean. I was suffering to some bumpiness under my skin - like spots that never quite came to anything, and this has improved drastically. I've also noticed that my skin is less oily than normal. I used to find that by the end of the day, my skin was quite shiny. This has really improved with the use of the Clarisonic. I've also found that products sink in in more easily. I had to be quite cautious about using moisturiser before as my make up would tend to slide off.

I have fallen in love with the Clarisonic. I've seen great improvement in my skin, particularly to the overall texture. I'm glad that I stuck with it and my skin does feel better for it.

A few things I've learned -

Charging: the unit takes 18 hours to charge and this lasts me about ten days. At first I wasn't sure if it was ever fully charged as it takes so long! 

Brush cleaning: the brush head is prone to staining. I wash my brush every time I use it using antibacterial wash to counteract this, although the instructions advice to wash it about using it.

Make-up removal: I remove my make-up prior to using the clarisonic using Soap & Glory's Peaches and Clean (see review). I think this saves the brush from getting too stained.

Exfoliation:One common misconception about the Clarisonic is that exfoliates the skin. Whilst undoubtedly there is a slight exfoliating action, there is still a need for a regular exfoliator. I've been using the Monu Micro Exfoliant.

Brush Heads: I've been using the delicate brush head which I believe is their most gentle.They last 3-4 months. I received a few different heads so once I've tried them all, I'll post a review.

Overall, I'd recommend the Clarisonic Mia. I know there are more expensive versions but this seems to do the job for me. My sources tell me that Santa bought mine from QVC for around £100 which is great value as you get 3 extra heads. 

Have you tried the Clarisonic?