For years, my friends have been telling me about how wonderful their Clarisonic is and how I should just hurry up already and buy one. But, I’m a Taurus. I’m very stubborn. I’m always like, “Why do you have to be so bougie? Why is a washcloth not enough for you?” because I mean, come on, this line sells anywhere from $100 to $200. Do we really need to add something like that to our routine? I’ve been using Shiseido‘s manual brush for over a decade. How could this battery-operated one be any better?

And here’s another thing that kept me hesitant. When I read online reviews, it was all these people raving about the wonders of this brush. But, it always sounded like they were frankly barbarians when it came to skincare. I was quick to think, “Yes, this is working because you are actually caring about skincare for the first time in your life and taking care of your skin. You’re no longer crashing with makeup on or washing your face with scented antibacterial Bath & Body Works hand soap“. And I was like, if it takes buying a stupid fancy product to pressure people into changing their wicked ways, then so be it. But, I’m not a barbarian. I don’t need anything like this…

Well, I have one now. David gave me one on birthday. Take my advice, be very careful when it comes to what you look at online during those weeks that lead up to your birthday. A loved one may think you are “birthday shopping” even in reality if you were just looking at something, because, well, you can. Over the past year, my skin has been a mess and the dermatologist stuff is working but I also feel like I could “do more”. So, this led me to a few acne forums, etc. which lead me to a few Clarisonic reviews which had me looking at their prices online and BAM, now I’m an owner of a Clarisonic Mia 2.

I thought I’d share my experience, from a skeptic’s angle. I’ve been using the brush for a couple of month and here’s my thoughts:

Day 1– It took me a bit to figure it out (which says more about me than it does the device). I have to remember to not use pressure like I do with my manual Shiseido brush. It does feel good to use. I was actually really surprised the next day to see that the blackheads around my nose were completely gone. Usually, they disappear after a few nights of using an acid, but this was quick.

Day 2 – Used it again and getting used to it. Except the next day I noticed some dryness. I decided to start using it every other night because I use chemical exfoliants too. I’m trying to not literally scrub my face off.

Week 1 – After using this every other night with a foaming cleanser, I don’t know if it is a coincidence or what, my skin looks much better. It feels smoother. My post-acne marks are fading. I’m actually astonished by how much I’m loving this device.

Week 2 – Still using it every other night. My skin feels so much smoother and is actually so much smoother. With the every other day routine, I don’t have any dryness or sensitivity.

Week 3 – This product comes with a case and it’s easy to travel with. I’ve continued to use it every other night and I still really like the results. I’m finding it holds a charge for about a 1 to 1.5 weeks.

Week 4 – I felt brave and started to use this every night. Well, it’s still too much for me and I was left with a dry, peeling face (remember I use prescription exfoliants). So, I went back to every other day. I think this is what works for me. In fact, I could be OK using this like 2-3 nights a week.

I’ve continued to use it. It’s been about three months.

Conclusion – Once I figured out how to use this for me – not press down when using this, don’t use it nightly – I like it. I’m totally aware that I over exfoliate and that comes with its own set of issues. I use this on nights I don’t use Retin A, my skin does look better. Is it the brush? Probably not but I’m not going to complain about having better looking skin. Is a Clarisonic a must have? Well, in my opinion, if you have skincare issues, see a dermatologist. BUT, the Clarisonic is a nice luxury. It leaves my skin smooth and looking clearer. I would have never bought this for myself but I’m happy that I have one.

I’ve included an “after” pic below. This is after a really sweaty summer day. There’s no face makeup, just a goth-y ColourPop lipstick and smeared shadow. My skin is clear but I’ve put a lot of money and effort into making it that way.

I will say that I think people are overusing this brush and that comes with its own set of issues. It takes some trial and error to figure out what works for you. If it hurts, leaves your skin sensitive, scaly or increases acne – you’re using it too much. It’s OK to back off. I have to remind myself this as well.

If you’re wondering what the difference is with all these Clarisonics, the site will tell you. I’m not a Clarisonic salesperson, I don’t understand this stuff. I have a Mia 2 which means there are two speeds and I don’t know why I would want that. I’m totally confused why anyone would have anything other than the cheapest, Mia. I have never used the additional speed-setting. In fact, my skin is sort of sensitive to this thing. I just want whatever the “slowest” sonic-ness is.

Other thoughts – The brush is easy to clean. I haven’t had to replace the brush head yet. I only have to recharge it every 1-2 weeks and it charges quickly. I like that the Mia 2 has a travel case (and the Mia doesn’t).

The Clarisonic Mia 2 retails for $150 at Nordstrom and Sephora. The Mia is about $100. And then come in all sorts of colors and gift sets. The color I have is “Seabreeze”.

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*Product purchased by my spouse. Pics are mine. Post contains affiliate links. Thanks!