Who is Clarisonic? &
What is a Clarisonic?
Clarisonic is a Seattle based company that was founded in 2004. Little did the world know that it was going to introduce the first mass-marketed deep cleansing facial device that would take the skincare industry by a storm. The holder of the sonic technology patent is actually the same person who took the world of oral hygiene for a spin in the early 2000s, also more well known as the Sonicare electric toothbrush.
Although the Clarisonic did not take off in 2004, it was soon noted as an Oprah favorite in 2007 and collected Allure, InStyle, and Elle beauty awards in 2011. The year 2012 is notably the Clarisonic’s prime, as one of the most requested presents during that holiday season.
For the next 4-5 years there were many renditions of the device made, such as an eye device, a travel model, and even one made exclusively just for the body (get your mind out of the gutter!) used for pedicures and body exfoliation.
Why were they able to reel in revenue so quickly, but is virtually unheard of now?
The downfall of a technology company in a bustling industry is still much of a mystery for many people. However, I find it less of a mystery but more of a trend. With instability in markets, consumers will generally want to purchase items that are more investment based.
During this time the market was just starting to recover from the 2008 crash and therefore really spearheaded a ‘minimalism’ approach to purchasing power. Not only does hype die down over time, it’s also because these devices with proper care are meant to last a long time. So therefore, purchasing one should last you at least 3-5 years.
Also, let’s not forget about emerging competition during this time as well, such as the Clinique cleansing brush and the Foreo Luna. (I actually have both of these devices as well, so if you would like a review/comparison please do let me know.)
What’s so special?
So, what exactly made this device so ground breaking for nearly a decade?
Clarisonic uses it’s patented sonic technology to clean 6x better than any hand and cleanser alone. It was also marketed as removing long-wear makeup 89% better than makeup removal wipes.
In an attempt to make their patented devices relevant again over a decade later. Clarisonic launched the MIA Prima and the MIA Smart editions in 2018.
There were two reasons for this:
1. Consolidation: by limiting the variety, it is less likely to confuse the consumer
2. Improving Technology: as technology becomes more advanced and more connected, allowing the device to connect to an app serves as a constant reminder to use the device itself
Prior to 2018, Clarisonic was offering 3-5 different variations of their brushes. Consumers who were looking to invest in their first face cleansing device will often get confused when there are just too many options to choose from. It makes it really hard to distinguish which is the best and right device for them.
Recommended Use?
What can it do?
It is marketed as a 3-in-1 device that cleanses, massages, and applies face base.
When should you use it?
The brush can be used up to twice per day on wet skin with emulsified cleanser.
Is the device safe for use in shower?
Yes, the device is safe — it’s waterproof, but make sure not to charge it near water.
So, is the Clarisonic MIA Smart ($169) worth it in 2020?
My short answer is yes, but please read further for my four reasons as to why.
Top 4 Reasons To Buy A Clarisonic MIA Smart:
1. First Facial Cleansing Device with Bluetooth Technology(2018).
The Clarisonic MIA Smart utilizes bluetooth technology in order to sync the brush up with the Clarisonic App. The App is quite useful, there are many helpful features on there such as setting a schedule or using a particular mode and how.
If you switch between brush heads for different reasons it’ll automatically arrange itself to the proper settings when in Smart mode .
-there are multiple modes of cleansing on here, each comes with a guide
-individual cleansing alarms can be scheduled
-shows the clean-life of your brush head, to ensure bacteria free cleansing
-provides up to date information with regards to battery life
2. Clarisonic MIA Smart uses a sonic technology that is more well suited for sensitive skin.
There have been instances where other types of cleansing devices could be the cause of dermatitis and/or eczema.
3. Get a deep clean, similar to ones in the spa prior to extractions.
My favorite way to utilize this facial device is to take a hot shower and follow-up with this device paired with a gentle foaming cleanser. This way it allows for my pores to be exposed to enable the sonic technology to loosen up dead skin, break up debris buildup and lift up excess sebum. Therefore while cleansing it’ll allow for a thorough exfoliation of dead skin, removal of black heads and to help prevent white heads, in the long run.
4. Smart model has more uses.
By paying a $70 premium you’re able to use the brush for a lot of other different things, such as using a foundation brush head($39), an anti-aging firming sculptor($59), and the awakening eye massager($59).
This is where I disagree.
Clarisonic Suggested Usage (MIA Smart):
-Connect & Pair with your Clarisonic App
-Start your customized cleansing routine: wet face or brush, apply cleanser to face or brush, turn on Clarisonic device, and move in circular motions on skin.
-Choose from Gentle or Daily cleansing mode and a Smart mode to run every applicator and routine.
-Rinse skin and brush head and pat dry.
-Recommended use up to two times per day.
-Device is water-resistant and can be used in the shower.
Where it states, “Recommended use up to two times per day” is where I find the problem to lie. Clarisonic recommends this for daily use, but I beg to differ. As someone who had suffered from dermatitis for almost two years I almost always err on the side of caution now. My skin has been pretty congested due to the quarantine guidelines. It could be due to a few reasons such as lack of exfoliation, dietary choices, or even mental and emotional stress. So I decided to pull out my trusty Clarisonic MIA Smart that I haven’t used in a good few years. At first I thought that I could perhaps handle 3 times a week, but later found out that it caused too much tightness in my chin. I experienced a temporary dry patch and very mild stinging for just a couple of days. The redness and itch in the skin had healed and resurfaced within 5 days.
Additionally, especially those that have more irritated skin should start maybe only once a week to prevent further thinning of the lipid layer. The layers of skin need to recover more before being taken away; this is a similar idea to usage of Retin-A — where there needs to be a healing period for juicy fatty acid lipids to make an active recovery.
What I would recommend:
If you’ve never utilized a cleansing brush before, please acclimate your skin to this tool. Use it once or twice a week until your skin gets a little bit more use to it.
Since I am currently erring on the side of caution, I am only going to continue using this twice a week on the gentle cleansing setting. I also supplement my skincare routine with other treatment products that I will eventually review in the coming weeks.
Additionally, I would recommend that the makeup removal process be it’s own step. Although the Clarisonic does present statistics regarding more effective makeup removal, in my opinion nothing beats a cleansing oil/balm in melting makeup. Once the cleansing oil has been removed, a double cleanse can commence with an emulsified cleanser on the Clarisonic. This will allow for a thorough removal of makeup and proper cleaning of the skin itself.
Overall: Although the Clarisonic MIA Smart only gets used 1-2 times a week in my collection, it is a worthy investment because it really helps to resurface your skin evenly and thoroughly. This is a tool that could be considered an alternative to exfoliating products. It allows for sonic vibrations to loosen up dead skin, sebum, and debris — while also providing physical bristles to exfoliate the surface of the skin in the process.
Link To Purchase: Clarisonic MIA Smart ($169)
Disclaimer: Please note that all images unmarked are my own and those marked are credited and not intended for any copyright infringement. If you would like to use my images please just ask for permission. All images and links are affiliated, meaning that with every purchase it will generate a tiny commission for the referral. This post is not sponsored and not paid for, all opinions are my own and always will be.
Additional sources of reference:
https://fashionista.com/2016/09/clarisonic-brushes-downfall-layoffs
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/clarisonic-unveils-the-next-generation-in-beauty-devices-with-launch-of-mia-smart-and-mia-prima-300693547.html