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thing I like: Clarisonic Mia

Clarisonic Mia, white

I bought the Clarisonic Mia last spring after reading about it on a few sites of people I trust. I read the hype from the company (your pores will be smaller! your wrinkles will be fewer! you will glow from within!) but I didn’t really believe it. I’ve been using it all summer and last week I realized that despite faithfully applying SPF 30 I’ve had way fewer breakouts than I normally would. In fact I’ve stopped worrying that I’m going to get an inconvenient pimple (is there any other kind?) before an event where I need to look halfway decent. Which is so, so nice.

I have noticed that my pores seem less horrible than they used to. I think this is the result of a consistent cleaning routine rather than the Mia working magic. But that consistency turns out to be what I needed. I never skip thoroughly washing my face because it’s convenient and quick and right within reach (no more running out of fresh wash cloths). It did seem like a lot of money to plunk down for an oversized toothbrush but I’m hereby declaring it worth it.

I briefly looked at the larger model, the Clarisonic Plus, because it can also be used as a body brush (it holds larger body brushes as well as the smaller face brushes). But I read reviews that the larger one is bulky enough that it is awkward to use on your face. I also considered the Clarisonic Classic, which is as small as the Mia but has two speeds. For the added cost I didn’t think I’d miss that feature. You can easily compare the models over at the Clarisonic site.

One thing I don’t like? The Mia is all smooth rounded lines, which actually makes it difficult to store in or near the shower. I could use a flat end so it could stand up, or at least a little loop so I could hang it. As it is you put it down and it sort of rocks or slides one way or the other.

It comes in a bunch of colors. Most of the colors are in the pastel range, and there are a few patterns that might be exclusive to specific retailers but I bought the basic white one. Since I bought mine they came out with a poppy red model and a fetching Kelly green color that would have been my choice. My other pick is the charcoal gray. You can also buy replacement brush heads, sensitive brush heads or deep pore cleaning brush heads (which I’m going to try next). I’ve seen the Mia at Sephora, Nordstrom and Ulta stores, which all have great return policies. As I type this the basic white one is being sold on Amazon for only $105.

· comments [20] · 10-4-2011 · categories:beauty · shopping ·

20 responses so far ↓

  • 1 Erin // Oct 4, 2011 at 3:33 am

    Anybody know how the Mia compares to the much cheaper Olay copy?

  • 2 Bertha // Oct 4, 2011 at 5:07 am

    Do you use this with the Clarisonic cleanser or do you use something different?

  • 3 Hilary // Oct 4, 2011 at 5:54 am

    I have not tried the Mia – I compared the options and chose to buy the Olay first, just because of the cost. But I’ve had a similar experience in that I have a much more consistent cleaning routine, and I do see a difference in my skin. I’m curious if the Mia is the same as the Olay or even better.

    It really is just a rotary toothbrush for your face!

  • 4 Carissa // Oct 4, 2011 at 6:10 am

    I have wanted one of these but could not justify the cost so I bought one of the Olay ones. I love it! I would love to know how they comapare (as it seems everyone else). I do not use the Olay cleanser though I use Neutrogena Naturals Purifying Pore Scrub (which I love!).

  • 5 Lisa Marie // Oct 4, 2011 at 6:33 am

    I LOVE my Clarisonic too! I bought the Clarisonic Plus right before the Mia came out and have been in love with the from the moment I started using it. For me, it has really helped with the changing texture of my aging almost 40- year-old face! I felt it was a splurge because of the cost, but since I don’t buy lots of other products, it has been totally worth it! Yeah for Clarisonic!

  • 6 Ahava // Oct 4, 2011 at 6:47 am

    So… it helps you create a more consistent routine. Are there any other benefits?

  • 7 Allison // Oct 4, 2011 at 7:33 am

    My mom got me the Mia (in the poppy color) for Christmas last year. I love love love it. My face feels so nice after I’ve used it and breakouts are nonexistant. Really great product.

    PS I have a hanging basket setup that hangs from my shower curtain rod, so I just pop the Mia in there and storage is no problem.

  • 8 Ellen // Oct 4, 2011 at 7:41 am

    I have the original Clarisonic, and you’ve just inspired me to start using it again! I think the reason I put it aside was that I was tired of dropping (thanks to all the curvy you mentioned).

  • 9 megan // Oct 4, 2011 at 9:41 am

    Bertha – I use my regular cleaner, Cetaphil for oily skin. I think I tossed the sample of Clarisonic cleaner that came with my brush.

    Erin and Carissa – I might have to get the Olay brush so I can post about the comparison! Here is one difference I’m a little worried about, the Olay brush spins whereas the Clarisonic brush does a very short turn back and forth quickly (more like it vibrates). I’m worried that the spinning bristles would be too harsh on my skin. Anybody tried both?

    Ahava – I have not broken out since I’ve started using it. I exercise regularly and wear sunscreen every single day. Despite my most careful cleaning before the Mia I’d always be battling pimples on one spot on my face or the other. Not having to worry about breakouts is really wonderful.

    Ellen – Yes, I have some suction cup baskets and mine sits in one of those, but I still wish it was better thought out. I mean, it spends at least 23 1/2 hours every day not in use :)

  • 10 Lindsey // Oct 4, 2011 at 10:07 am

    It’s funny that you used the phrase “oversized toothbrush,” because that’s what I thought at first, too! I read so many recommendations, I finally went into Nordstrom’s and bought it after testing it out. If I didn’t like it, I could return it to the store for a full refund. But I don’t think I’ll ever let this thing go. I have not had a breakout since I started using it, and former scars from cheek acne are almost gone! Ladies, this is seriously worth it.

  • 11 Amy in StL // Oct 4, 2011 at 11:28 am

    I’ve considered buying it for some time but about 5 years ago I was diagnosed with rosacea – instead of just annoying acne that seemed to get worse the more I worked at getting rid of it. I tried the Neutrogena wave which has a soft pad that rotates and it made my face hella worse; so I’m afraid to invest in a Clarisonic and find that after about a month my face hates it. It’s actually amazing that my face seems to break out with about 90% of what I buy at Sephora or elsewhere. So, I’m wondering if anyone with rosacea can speak to this…. anyone???

  • 12 Nancy M. // Oct 4, 2011 at 1:35 pm

    I love my Clarisonic! It clears up my skin the next day after I notice bumps surfacing. Like Megan, I don’t use the cleanser that it came with, just use one that works for your skin.

    My cousin bought the Olay one, and really likes it, and she has VERY sensitive skin.

    I agree with you Megan, about how it’s so round and slippery. I’ve dropped it quite a few times. I keep it in a drawer now :)

  • 13 tallin // Oct 4, 2011 at 1:43 pm

    love mine! really cuts down on how oily my skin gets by the day’s end.

    also check out skinstore . com. they regularly run 20% off promotions…and looks like the mia’s are $119 at the regular price now!

  • 14 dottie chang // Oct 5, 2011 at 2:38 am

    the deep pore cleansing brush is great but it is only a sometimes brush, don’t get greedy and start using it instead of your daily brush because it will irritate your skin!

  • 15 mamichan // Oct 5, 2011 at 10:30 am

    For storage – I slide mine between the bathroom wall and my towel bar – works great!

  • 16 Misty // Oct 5, 2011 at 12:45 pm

    I’ve been wondering about that, and considering buying it. I bought the Olay kit at Costco for somewhere around $40 a while back and it does a pretty good job dealing with my acne-prone 31-year-old skin. I still get a few blemishes, but usually not the cystic ones I used to have. I liked the cleanser that it came with, but I’ve used it with a few and they all seem to work about the same.

    I’d love to know if the Clarisonic is even better.

  • 17 Jackie W. // Oct 5, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    Man I wish I got the same results as you all did! I’ve been using mine for about 2 months now and I really haven’t noticed much of a difference at all! Everyone told me to buy it so I finally did (Clairsonic Mia) and I use it EVERY night without fail. It is awkward on my nose and I don’t feel like it really gets in there. I still break out and I am SO careful with my skin. I even use some REALLY expensive prescription creams from my dermatologist. Maybe it’s gotten a TINY bit better, but I want great results like everyone else has!! :(( I’ll just keep using it and hope something different happens!

    jackiesaves.blogspot.com

  • 18 tallin // Oct 6, 2011 at 10:26 am

    @jackie

    If you’re getting a lot of breakouts, ask your dermatologist about a topical cream like Duac
    (benzoyl peroxide & clindamycin).

    Prior to getting an Rx for it, I was using my Clarisonic twice a day and seeing minimal results (skin felt less oily), but was still experiencing breakouts. Now I still use the brush twice a day and the Duac a few times a week, and my skin looks so much better than it used to!

  • 19 Nicole // Oct 12, 2011 at 7:19 pm

    Amy in StL, I have rosacea and the clarisonic mia (blue brush heads) with a bit of CeraVe cleanser has helped my skin a lot. I still flush but the acne and the general redness has greatly dimished. I’m down to a few spider veins that I might bite the bullet and get zapped by the laser. YMMV, I love my Mia.

  • 20 megan // Oct 12, 2011 at 8:27 pm

    Thanks Nicole!

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