This is not a sponsored post. Clarisonic has no idea who I am. I purchased this product and want to share my experience with you!
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I'm about 3 months in to my daily Clarisonic Mia 2 usage. I read a plethora of reviews, watched some review videos, and finally decided to give it a shot at the beginning of this year. One of the reasons I wanted to try the Clarisonic is because my skin was perpetually breaking out. I have combination skin, dry in parts and oily in other parts. I can deal with dryness, but I am sick of dealing with breakouts!
In the past, I tried Proactiv, generic brand proactiv, Neutrogena's 3-step acne cleansing package, "plain" Neutragena cleansers, Ponds cleansers, and some other products that I can't even remember at this point. Needless to say, I've tried a lot. And while everyones skin responds differently to products, mine did not respond well to any of the products mentioned above.
I received a sample of Purity by Philosophy in my July Birchbox. I immediately fell in love because it was gentle enough for my skin. I felt like my makeup was being cleaned off, but it wasn't stripping my skin to much. So I stuck with Philosophy products and bought a moisturizer--which I also love. I have a few other Philosophy products, like On a Clear Day and Microdelivery exfoliator, and a slew of other products that I talk about here.
What I wanted, though, was a deeper clean. And to continue to fight blemishes that would show up.
Enter: Clarisonic Mia 2.
I chose the Mia 2 for two reasons: 1. It was the only one they had at Ulta at the time and 2. It came with a sample size of Purity, my cleanser. The difference between the Mia and the Mia 2 is the speed settings. The Mia has one, the Mia 2 has, well, two.
I was so excited to try it when I got home but it needed to charge for 24 hours. So, I waited a day. In the meantime, I researched the 90 day Money Back Guarentee and Ulta's return policy. I wanted to be able to return this if it didn't work for me.
The first time I used it, I was impressed. It wasn't a harsh brushing motion, but I felt like it was firm enough to really clean my skin. I followed the "beep alerts" that tell you when to move on to a new part of your face.
I used it morning and night with my Purity cleanser for about a month or so. Once a week I would use my Microdelivery exfoliator for a deeper exfoliation. I was still seeing some break outs, and I noticed my skin felt a little dry.
I then began to use it only once a day (in the morning) and finally felt like my skin evened out. I may have been over-doing it in the beginning. . .but I had to learn somehow!
The first noticeable result was the smoothness of my face. I mean, it's incredible. I couldn't stop touching it!
The second noticeable result was the way my makeup applied. My liquid foundation went on smoother, and my makeup seemed fresher.
The third result, which wasn't noticeable to the eye, was that my facial products were penetrating deeper. I could tell my skin was cleaner. I could feel that the cream I would apply to my face would sink in a little deeper.
While these three great things were happening, one thing wasn't: my breakouts were not going away entirely. I noticed they became less frequent, but I would still experience a blemish at least once a week.
So I changed my product routine. I used to slather Hope In a Jar for Dry Skin all over my skin at night. It felt wonderful, but I am now learning it may have been too heavy for all over. I also added Clear as Day by Philosophy, into the mix. I would apply that to my problem breakout areas, and apply Hope in a Jar to my dry spots.
And the frequency of blemishes went down significantly.
So while the Clarisonic was, and is, completely helpful with cleaning and exfoliating my skin, it did not completely clear my skin of breakouts. I didn't expect it to, either. I've found that it, combined with the right products for your skin needs, is a great combination for excellent skincare.
I'm going to continue to use my Clarisonic because I love it. It's become a routine, and I really feel like I'm treating my skin well by cleansing in completely. And now that I have the right blending of products, I'm really happy with my skin.
Here is my video review:
Have you tried the Clarisonic? What did you think?

Thanks so much for your review. I have read so many reviews for the Clarisonic on Sephora's website and just could not make up my mind whether or not I wanted to try it. You may have actually convinced me to give it a try. :)
ReplyDeleteWould you have any recomendations for me? I tend to have very dry skin. If I do not put lotion on right after a shower my face feels like it will crack. I do not tend to breakout easily. But because my face is so dry I do not cleanse it with anything but water. Sometimes I will use a neutrogena wipe if it is really hot out. my main problem is my forehead. I cannot put makeup on it without it looking flakey. Even my bare minerals powder is making me look like a fish! For lotion I just use coca butter.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Lindsay
Sounds like you need a good moisturizer! Hope in a Jar (for Dry Skin) might be perfect for you. Go to Sephora, sometimes they can make little samples for you to take home and try!
DeleteAveda's Intensive Hydrating Masque was the only thing I found that helped me win the battle against my dry, flaky skin. You can use it as a moisturizer, too (just use a teensy, tiny amount!).
Deletei would also recommend boscia intense moisture pack! i have EXTREMELY sensitive skin that is normally on the oily side but gets dry and flaky because of the retin-a i use for breakouts. boscia is the ONLY brand that has worked with my skin and i've tried A LOT! the black hydration gel is what i use daily and i use the moisture pack when i need some extra help!
DeleteI have dry skin in areas too and have just started using this amazing amazing mask called Yonka anti-age time release intense moisture. I use it once a week overnight (it soaks into skin after a few minutes and you don't notice it) and when you wash it off in the morning, your skin will be so hydrated. It has really changed my skin. I also use the clarisonic Mia 2 and find that it helps with removing dry skin and the products seem to absorb more fully and quickly.
Deletelakehouseeeffect.blogspot.com
I've heard great things about Argan oil, AKA Moroccanoil. You can get it much cheaper if you look for it at natural food stores. It can clog pores though, but it should be okay on your face if you don't break out usually.
DeleteI actually work for sephora and would really suggest you come in to a store near you and get some samples for a moisturizer. Also I would suggest a tinted moisturizer for your foundation or even a BB cream would help a lot for very dry skin. I hope this helps you!
DeleteI have super dry skin as well. I've been using Mario Badescu for years. They're website will do a skin analysis and recommend the correct products for your skin. They're great about giving free samples. I love their Collagen Moisturizer and their Hydrating Serum for an extra boost.
DeleteDry skin here as well. I've used Purity for about 5 years now and love it. It's super gentle on your eyes so its a good eye make up remover as well. I just recently swithed to the purity foaming face wash. Even though its extremely gentle still like original purity cream wash, I feel a deeper clean without the drying effect of a foaming wash. Im not a fan of their hope in a jar... It made me break out. I LOVE josie marans argan face oil. Usually, I am opposed to oil on my face, but this stuff soaked in and you look fantastic in the morning!
DeleteI have the big one-I think it's the Clairisonic Pro-and I love it. I think it's worth every penny.
ReplyDeleteI do not use mine every day, though. I have redness in my cheeks, and I think that the daily exfoliation makes it worse.
I would suggest that if you are going to use it once daily (and derms really recommend no more than that), that you do it at night, instead of in the morning. That way, you know all of your makeup has been removed, so possibly fewer breakouts.
I tried the Clarisonic as recommended by esthetician. I really feel that it made my acne worse and spread it around my face. I stopped using it and the problem went away. Just my two cents...
ReplyDeleteThanks for this, I was really conflicted about trying clarisonic because i have hormonal (basically only on my chin) acne and wasn't sure about how those skin types respond.
DeleteI have the same hormonal breakout problem and I too purchased the Clarisonic over Christmas. It really cleaned my face but made me breakout more. I wouldn't suggest it for people with hormonal acne. I think it would be great for people with normal or dry skin though. It is very exfoliating.
DeleteThere is a "resurfacing" period when using an exfoliator like the clarisonic. What happens is the dirt and grime deep in your skin is "released" per-say, by the deeper cleansing of the exfoliator. So it's not actually making your acne worse, it's just getting way down into your pores to clean them out. It can take a couple of weeks to start to see that reduce.
DeleteI have the knockoff Olay version, and was reassure to keep using it even if it seemed to make my skin worse, so I did...and wow! It makes a big difference if you stick with it through that resurfacing period!
I have heard really good thing about these. I think Gwyneth Paltrow uses one too! :)
ReplyDeleteI LOVE my Clasrisonic! I found that I broke out a LOT when I first started using it; however, I then read that because I was getting such a deep clean, it was drawing all of the gunk up the the surface and causing breakouts. I kept up with it and I barely breakout at all anymore. I use it twice a day with purity made simple and hope in a jar. I also use the Philosophy Microdelivery wash, LOVE! I recommend all of these products with 5 stars!
ReplyDeleteOh you are too cute! This looks like something I might need. My skin isn't awful, but could definitely use a deeper cleansing to get all my makeup off. I might check it out, thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteI have the Clarisonic Mia (1) and I LOVE it! It's the first thing that has really made my oily/acne prone skin feel nice and under control (I am 29 so Iv'e been trying things for a long time!). I agree that make up and other products go on smoother, and I use less of them. Fully worth the price!
ReplyDeleteI have had the same thoughts/experience with my Mia2. I, too, was washing with it twice a day because I was so excited but I think that was just too much. I was also glad to see you are happy with Philosophy products. I bought the same Mia special at Ulta and am loving the Purity face wash. It sounds like we have similar skin- I have tried everything and find that the milder products are much better for my skin and fight breakouts. I think the anti breakout medicated washes actually irritate my skin! Right now I'm using Neutrogena's fresh foaming cleanser and I really like their new moisturizer. How do you like the Microdelivery products from Philosphy? I have a 20% off Ulta coupon and was thinking of trying it out. Thanks!! :)
ReplyDeleteTotally off the topic, but what products do you have on your lips in that video? So pretty!
ReplyDeleteI got my Clarisonic MIa 1 last Christmas and Im almost 40. My skin was completely dry! but not many breakouts. I need a deeper clean and have my skin look young. So I used them with my Bare Escentuals cleaners which work excellent on my skin. I love my Mia because they make my skin so soft and less lines. Glad to hear that you loving yours!
ReplyDeleteI purchased my Clarsonic Pro about two years. At that time my esthetician told me after a few days y skin may feel a little dry, but it wasn't dryness, it was my pores tightning. Sure enough after a few days my skin felt dry and I knew the Clairsonic was doing its job. I use my Clarsonic once a day (in the evening) and love, love, love it! I get compliments frequently on my skin.
ReplyDeleteI should try that philosophy cleanser... i used mine with cetaphil, but i didn't see any great difference... i'm not using it right now... it's just sitting in my bathroom... i'm also kind of iffy about how clean the brush is after so many uses... maybe i should try using mine again... thanks for the review~
ReplyDeleteYou are supposed to replace the brush every 90 days, like your toothbrush. Clairisonic also recommends taking the brush head off, and cleaning it and the unit with antibacterial soap.
DeleteI have found that if you don't, it will get a soured smell. Water gets trapped under the brush head, and it will mildew. I will periodically soak mine in vinegar, or a bleach/water solution.
I was thinking about buying a Clarisonic for a while now so I probably will go and get that thing, seems to be really good! :)
ReplyDeleteI got my Clarisonic MIa 1 last Christmas and Im almost 40. My skin was completely dry! but not many breakouts. I need a deeper clean and have my skin look young. So I used them with my Bare Escentuals cleaners which work excellent on my skin. I love my Mia because they make my skin so soft and less lines. Glad to hear that you loving yours!
ReplyDeleteMy skin has been super dry lately and no matter how much lotion I've put on, it's remained dry! I really think I need to try the Mia. I just might do it. Thanks for the great review!
ReplyDeleteKate...This was a post that Needed to be written!! Thank u! I have noticed 2 things for myself as far as blemishes go: when I eat dairy and too much sugar..I will get a zit. Or 2. The nasty kind that lurk under your skin..and feel like a bruise!! &..My friend asked me to try Stages of Beauty..a skincare line developed by a 20 something girl from Yale I believe. WOW. A MA ZING!! Superimpressed!! Very gentle...and all natural products. You might think of reviewing!!*:)
ReplyDeleteI too have combination skin, and I swear by the Clinique 3 step. Cleared up my breakouts in the T-zone. I use the Dry/Combination because the Oily/Combination will make my skin too dry and peel. Awesome stuff. Now I want to try the Clarisonic!
ReplyDeleteI've struggled with breakouts my whole life too, but I got a recommendation one day from a sales woman at Sephora with the same problems. She recommended Boscia, so I tried it and let me tell you, it's life changing. With my Clarisonic + Boscia, I have the best skin I've ever had!! It's definitely worth a try - plus it's all natural so even though it really works, it's also really gentle.
ReplyDeleteI actually used Purity & Hope in a Jar before Boscia, too. I thought those were great at the time, but let me tell you, Boscia definitely takes the cake!
Use this set of products: http://www.sephora.com/clear-complexion-kit-P309812?skuId=1393024
ahh boscia is the best! i use the black collection because i use prescription acne cream! boscia is the ONLY brand that doesn't make my face FREAK OUT!
DeleteI would suggest going to a dermatologist for your breakouts, even if they aren't too bad or common. I had the same issues as you and tried the same products (Proactive, etc.) and they actually made me break out more. I never had bad acne so didn't think it was serious enough to go to a dermatologist, but finally broke down and went because I thought I looked rediculous still having zits in my twenties. My dermatologist explanined there are different types of acne and mine was hormonal, which is common, and wasn't from clogged pores. He prescribed a clear gel that I put on my face daily and rarely ever get pimples, totally worth it!
ReplyDeleteMay I know what is the clear gel?
DeleteSo glad you love it! I've had the clarisonic for quite awhile now and love, love it! I use it with Bare Minerals purifying cleanser and it amazes me how deeply in cleans! I'm not too familiar with the Mia, but the Clarisonic does offer the option of using a sensitive skin brush head. I've also started using the SonicCare toothbrush and it's pretty amazing, as well!
ReplyDeleteKate- I use the clarisonic Mia 2! I have used it for about 2 months and I love it! You might want to try the new acne cleansing brush head ( http://clarisonic.com/shop/skin_cleansers_and_serums/cleanser_for_acne/index.php) AND the Acne Daily Clarifying Cleanser( http://clarisonic.com/shop/skin_cleansers_and_serums/cleanser_for_acne/index.php) When you register your MIA 2 on the clarisonic website you should get a coupon code for $25 off of $50 or more ...i will let you know what i think about the ACNE cleansing brush head ...just started using it 2 days ago
ReplyDelete* I also posted this on your small things facebook page*
I have one and used it for the first time just this morning. And no joke, in one wash I can tell a difference!
ReplyDeleteI love my Clarisonic. I've had mine for about two years. I like using the foaming Purity cleanser; it comes out as a foam from the pump. I have the same problems with breakouts. I've also found that the whole line of Garnier products work really well on my skin. They are cheaper, don't cause breakouts and address those anti-aging issues.
ReplyDeleteErin
Kate- what nail polish/color are you wearing? And what lipgloss? They are lovely! =)
ReplyDeleteDitto! I was wondering what nail polish that was, too! It's so nice and natural looking! : )
DeleteI've been using the Mia for about 2 years, and love it. It's important to wash/rinse the Mia when finished. I use an antibacterial soap to wash it after each use. The Purity cleanser by Philosophy breaks me out every time I've tried it. Almost everything in the Philosophy line does this to my face. Using Neutrogena and Paula's Choice products keeps my face clear. Hope this helps!
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it would work with the OCM that I am currently using. I've sworn off cleansers, and now only clean my face with natural oils. Sounds counter productive, but for me it really works! I no longer have the dry patches on my skin that I had (no matter now many times I exfoliated and/or moisturized), and my skin is soft. I just turned 39, and I'm routinely mistaken for much younger by other women. :)
ReplyDeleteI have been using the Clarisonic Mia for about 3 months as well! I LOVE it! One of the girls at Sephora recommended it to me. I was looking for a moisturizer and told her that I really wanted to feel like the moisturizer was being absorbed into my skin. Well, I ended up buying the Bliss Youth As We Know It Moisture Cream and the Mia and WOW what a difference. I know EXACTLY what you mean about how smooth it makes your skin feel and about feeling like the products are really being absorbed by your skin.
ReplyDeleteI love your makeup you wear i this review. I have similar coloring, would you mind sharing the colors you wear? Thanks a bunch - looking forward to it.
ReplyDeleteI received the Clarisonic Plus for Christmas 2 years ago & I L-O-V-E it! I've kinda slacked off using it lately (about once a week, if I remember!)... so bad. I've had horrible acne for many years and tried EVERYTHING available over the counter AND prescription with less than great results. Even though the Clairsonic isn't a cure-all, it definitely makes a HUGE difference- Did you see they just came out with an Acne Clarifying collection? I haven't tried it yet but, after your post about your Mia 2, I'm feeling inspired to start taking better care of my skin again. Maybe even try some of the philosophy products you mentioned, Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad to see this review. I've wanted a clarisonic mia for a while now, but find myself hesitating because of the price. I am finding my skin looks so dull, especially right now during this pregnancy. (What glow!?!?) I know exactly what you mean about products not being totally absorbed. I feel like I'm mostly moisturizing the dead cells that aren't getting exfoliated off and not deep to my skin. I think I'll be saving my pennies now until I can get one myself. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteYou have a great nail polish color on and a great gloss on your lips!
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DeleteI have one of these and I love it. My face feels so much better after using it.
ReplyDeleteYour makeup looks so dewey and pretty in your clarisonic video. Can you do a post on what products you use or a tutorial on how you apply your makeup (all, not just eyes)? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI love my MIA. i got it as a birthday present back in October & fell in love!!! if you order it online you get a free personalization too. So mine says my nickname, than i loved it so much that i got my best friend one with her name on it too!! like you said, I am not sure how i ever lived without it before. It truly is a difference, & it is waterproof so u can use it in the shower if you dont want to take the time to wash your face after!! amazing :)
ReplyDeleteHappy Friday
Thank you for your review and for spending the bucks to try it! I am surprised that Proactive didn't help you. My breakouts were deep and very painful and never ending. But I started Proactive about 10 years ago and haven't stopped. I don't get ANY breakouts while using it -- it has changed my life. And now Proactive sells something similar to the clarisonic, so I may try that with Proactive products. And I'm not a proactive spokesperson -- wish I was so I could get it for free. Anyway, good luck with your pursuit, and thank you so much for reviewing that product! I love your site :)
ReplyDeleteI am 60 and started using a MIA in Jan. Love it-it is some of the best money I have ever spent because like you said, it makes my products penetrate better and my make up looks so much better because of it.
ReplyDeleteWatched demo on Today show-a reporter washed 1/2 of her face normally and used the MIA on the other half. Then she used a makeup wipe and she still had tons of makeup left on the side she had only used a cleaner on and none on the MIA side. Pretty amazing.
I have a Mia as well. I found out the hard way that I am allergic to Proactiv. I have tried everything. My skin keeps breaking out. I have not tried Purity. I will give it a shot and let you know. What are you using for spot breakouts? What foundation do you use? I feel like my slides off my face.
ReplyDeleteThanks,
Wendy
hi wendy!
Deletei tried murad after using & breaking out from proactive, & i've never looked back. it's reasonably priced & can be purchased online at their site, or in beauty supply stores. good luck!
Kate,
ReplyDeleteCan you use any products while using the Mia?
Yep! Whatever products you want!
DeleteI bought the Mia about 6 months ago and I do like it. Like you said it really makes your skin feel smoother. I have used all the Philosophy products for several years and I LOVE them. I use Hope in a Jar for my daytime moisturizer but at night I would totally recommend When Hope is Not Enough nighttime revitalizer. It is much thicker but not at all greasy. It just absorbs into your skin and makes it so supple.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the post, I've been debating getting one for a while. May have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the honest review! I have been looking to get a Clarisonic as well but was worried since I have similar problems with my skin. I have had horrible breakouts and even cystic acne for years. I have tried all the same products you listed and still had problems.
ReplyDeleteA couple months ago I was picked for additional box through Birchbox of all Vichy products and fell in love!!! My face has never felt smoother or been as clear in almost 20 years of acne problems. Since switching to Vichy I have only had two small breakouts and both times were from using a new type of BB cream. I use the 3 in 1 Cleansing Milk and it is awesome. Removes ALL makeup residue (even the stuff you didn't realize was there) and my skin feels baby soft. I can't recommend this stuff enough.
I am 24 and I have had combination skin and acne my entire life. I tried everything you did, among others like prescription pills from the dermatologist. I've never tried the Mia or Philosophy products. I'll have to give these a shot! Thank you for the review!
ReplyDeleteHi,i've actually been wanting to try it myself! My sister got the "generic" version and likes it. I think i may go for it! I too have combination skin and love philosophy products!
ReplyDeletewww.fashionmavenmommy.com
i LOVE my clarisonic! try the CeraVe cleansers....they are really good...recommended by my dermatologist!
ReplyDeleteSo I can see you are getting tons of comments suggesting products so I hate to add another one to the list but I must. I also continued to suffer from acne in my late 20s and stumbled upon MD Formulations at Ulta a few years ago. They have products targeted for adult acne. Unfortunately, Ulta no longer carries the products but you can purchase them from different internet sites or the Bare Minerals site. Not sure how they are related but they sell them on their main site. I made the mistake of trying to some other products around the end of last year b/c my skin had been doing so well for so long---not a good idea! Went back the the MD Formulations routine and things are clear again. I purchased the Olay cleansing brush last year b/c didn't want to spend the money on the Clarisonic but still tempted to see if any different. Love the reviews!
ReplyDeleteI purchased it last year and returned it when I realized that despite using it as gently as I could I saw some broken capillaries. I've never been prone to them and I've always had pretty bullet proof oily skin. I do use a microfiber cloth in the evenings to take off my makeup before I cleanse. I've found that as we get older our skin will naturally thin out so I've backed off the more intense chemical exfoliants. I used to be a hard core Paula's Choice user and her products are amazing. Now though I tend to lean towards more natural options that still take into account the skin's preferred PH level. Juice organics brightening cleanser and avalon organics vitamin c toner (that I doctor with tea tree oil). At night I apply argan oil all over and in the daytime I use devita spf30.
ReplyDeleteI love my Mia 2 ... too! Another great feature of the Mia 2 that I didn't see mentioned is that it comes with a carrying case! I travel a lot, and the case really helps keep it safe.
ReplyDeleteAnother product recommendation for dry skin: I live in Nevada, in the high desert near Lake Tahoe, which is SUPER dry, and turned my normal skin into dry skin. I am a fan of Kiehls Midnuight Recovery Serum. It is an oil, which did scare me intially, but it is amazing and my skin has never looked better!
Kate, I feel your pain! For so long I struggled with breakouts as well (definitely worse than high school!) I haven't tried the Mia 2 but I do get chemical peels every 3 months and it is so worth it--this has improved my skin immensely. I also tried Proactiv (which is way overrated!) and had no luck. I am now using a Bare Minerals cleanser and it is perfect for my combination skin. I too have dry spots and this cleanser leaves my skin feeling so smoothe and not dry in the least bit. Thanks for your review and LOVE your blog!
ReplyDeleteBeth
Love the concept of the Mia, but it was a little out of my budget so I got the Olay version instead. Obviously I can't compare to the Mia, but I love the clean, smooth feeling it gives me.
ReplyDeleteOn another note, my husband used to have terrible acne all the time. About a year ago, we started using pure honey (bought at the farmer's market) as a face wash and exfoliating with a washcloth. After about two weeks of this daily routine, his acne had completely cleared up and has never returned, even though he doesn't wash his face nearly as regularly anymore. I'll forever be singing the praises of the honey wash. Also, virgin coconut oil is the best moisturizer I've found :)
I would really like to get a Mia, but I was confused about which cleansers the product works with. Can you use anything? I currently use ProActiv, which works really well for me except for the ton of blackheads I keep getting and I was hoping that the clarasonic could give a deeper clean.
ReplyDeleteRetin-A is the only thing that has ever worked for me!
ReplyDeleteI love mine! I use it every night with my Laura Mercier skin polish! Its amazing!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate for sharing. When I was reading about your skin I felt like you were talking about mine. Combination skin and breakouts. Last fall I started using Purity and microdelivery from Philosophy. I love it, but I'm still getting breakouts. I'll have to try the products you mentioned. Maybe even pick me up one of those clarisonics.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the help.
I also have a Mia and I loved it at first, but I started to notice that my break outs have gotten worse. I too has using Purity cleanser. I did some searching online and I read that because it is "sonic" it can spread the acne around to other parts of your face. So I started to use an acne wash from Neutrogena. Nothing has seemed to make a difference so I stopped using it. I use a moisturizer by Mary Kay made for oily-combination skin so don't think that is the problem. Any suggestions?
ReplyDeleteI don't know how long you've used it, but I have read that the first month or so of using it regularly can cause breakouts, because your skin is flushing out all the toxins. After awhile, so I've heard, that should clear up. Just a thought!
DeleteI love my Clarisonic so much I want to marry it.
ReplyDeleteAs I was reading the top part of your blog, I was thinking you needed to try purity. So glad you like it. I have been using pholilosophy for awhile and love it!! I used to use many products too, proactiv and Clinique. Love that I can take my eye makeup off with purity also. Also love the fragrances. Pure grace is my favorite!!
ReplyDeleteBrittany
Kate, I feel your pain! Breakouts are the most frustrating thing to deal with on top of combination skin. I've tried everything under the sun from Neutrogena, Dermalogica, Cetaphil, Origins, Sensai, Liz Earle, I could go on & on. While having lunch with a friend, she made the craziest recommendation, to try baby products! She was ranting and raving about a line called California Baby that she swore had changed her skin care routine. I've been using these products for almost a year with my Clarisonic & my skin has never looked or felt better!!! They have something for everyone so of you're ever looking to switch up your skincare routine, I don't think you'd regret it!
ReplyDeleteMay I ask what type/colour of lip product you use? I love the colour! Is this the same product you used in your recent post about the braided bun?
ReplyDeleteYou really need to give the Clarisonic longer than 3 months. I bought mine over a year ago and was expecting miracles, but ended up with worse skin at first. Even though I knew about this "purge" stage, I stopped using it because I just could not stand what it was doing to my skin and swore something was off. I decided to give it a second chance a few weeks later, using it only once a day with no other products(other than Purity cleanser and Hope in a Jar moisturizer...my favs too! Before I was using it twice a day with other scrubs/exfoliators). The second time around I had an experience similar to yours (some more softness, cleaner feeling, etc.), but nothing amazing. Well, it's been about 8 months and the overall results HAVE been amazing! However, I really didn't notice a major difference for about 6 months. I truly believe that if you can get past the initial "purge" breakouts and let the Clarisonic work its magic for a while, over time you will realize you have amazing skin. STICK WITH IT!!!!
ReplyDeleteI've suffered with acne since high school and am a former Proactiv user. Years ago I switched the Clinique Acne Solutions line b/c I hated the automatic shipment required by the Proactive products, but I could never quite get my acne under control. As I have entered my mid-twenties, most of my breakouts were the hormonal variety around the chin that you described. For the past month, however, I have ditched all of my acne products in favor of old fashioned castor oil. It sounds crazy, but it's working! At night, I use my Purpose cleanser and pour a dime-sized amount of castor oil on a damp washcloth and massage onto my face. In the morning, I wash once again with Purpose cleanser, moisturize, put on my makeup and go about my day. Although I have been conditioned to keep oil based products away from my face, the castor oil is apparently an anti-infammatory and an anti-microbial. Thus, it has evened out my complexion and combats the bacteria that causes breakouts. The seborrheic dermatitis (flakiness around my nose) has also disappeared. It may not work for everyone, but it's a cheap trick to try!
ReplyDeleteI love my Mia too! I love how clean and soft my face feels after using it. I might have to purchase some philosophy products now too :) and by the way, your Mia must be workin' because your skin looks flawless!
ReplyDeleteLove my Mia! Love Purity Cleanser too! As for break outs, use Hope in a Bottle by Philosphy. It is great!
ReplyDeleteOk so my skin is pretty under control but around the corners of my nose I have a ton of clogged pores! Any suggestions? Would clarisonic help this?
ReplyDeleteI love my Mia!! I use to typically in the morning, but if I'm going to wear alot of makeup I use it at night too. I acne prone skin as well and I noticed a huge difference when I started using it. I use mine with the Murad acne system because I was not happy with any other cleasers. If you haven't tried a clarisonic product you must. They have different strength brushes as well. It's amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteI want to thank you from the bottom of my heart!! I'm 32 years old and I feel like a break out like a 16 year old. It is hampering my husband and I's relationship cause i feel so ugly. I have always looked at this product but worried it would be too much. But you really set me to buy one. I too use purity and love it. So i can't wait to try this and the clear as day. I would love to feel pretty again. I thank you and am now fully embarassed, lol.
ReplyDeleteKate,
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned yours had 2 speeds and there is a model with just one speed. Do you use both speeds? Do you feel like getting the 2 speeds is worth it?
You should try a product line by Rodan + Fields called Unblemish. They're the doctors who created Proactive. The stuff is amazing.
ReplyDeleteDani
danibrooke42{at}gmail{dot}com
Its so weird that I came home from a day of shopping with my 12 year old and fnd this post. Here in Texas we have a store called Beauty Brands but no Ulta that I know of. I just spent 30 minutes with her looking at the China Glaze polishes on sale when a woman came up to us and asked if she could show us a demonstration using something called a clarisonic. After showing it to us I was really impressed and bought one with an extra brush for us to share. Thanks for the post.
ReplyDeleteHas anyone ever tried the products offered on acne.com? They are amazing! I have delt with acne for years, but have not had great success with all the usual products (think Proactive) I use the cleanser, treatment gel, lotion and have added in the AHA. Although the products caused some breakouts at first, I think everything was being brought to the surface. I finally have smooth skin! I really like that the products have not caused redness or breakouts, also they come in large bottles. The AHA makes skin very smooth and is a good anti-aging lotion, just remember sunscreen!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kate, you are the go to woman! I have been looking into different cleansing tools as I was talking to my pedicurist about facials that give a deep clean and steam. After reading your review and watching your video, I have decided to splurge and try the Mia. I just ordered mine from Birchbox and grabbed some Purity too! :) Thanks!
ReplyDeleteMy skin is very similar to what you have described. I started using Emu oil at night and my skin has fewer breakouts than ever!!
ReplyDeleteHi! I've been enjoying your blog for quite a while now. You are so dang cute! Anyway, have you ever tried using witch hazel after cleansing your face in the evening? It's a astringent made from the witch hazel plant, and is good for soothing minor cuts, scrapes, AND for clearing up acne. I have combination skin, and would constantly break out on my chin. I tried witch hazel and it immediately cleared up. No joke.Just wet a cotton ball and wipe over your face. The nice thing is that it's super duper cheap since it's not a regular beauty product. You can find it with all the first-aid stuff, like bandaids and rubbing alcohol. Try it! Especially since it's about $3 for a big bottle.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I learned when selling mark. products is that you should not moisturize at night. Especially if you have acne problems. You can use gels that are moisturizing, if you feel like you have to moisturize, but the lotion type moisturizers are going to cause more break outs than benefits.
ReplyDeleteKate... Kick Birchbox to the curb and upgrade to New Beauty's Test tube. WAYYYYYY better than birch and you get a Fantastic magazine with it and better, bigger samples.
ReplyDeleteUr lip color is very pretty. Would love to know the color, please
ReplyDeleteI got a Clarisonic for Christmas and I love it! I seriously want to be a spokesperson for their company. For oily skin, I'm loving Murad's Oil Control Mattifier. That stuff is amazing. I did a little review of it on my blog, so check it out if you want!
ReplyDeleteLove your blog! I'm your newest follower :)
www.willhiteswords.blogspot.com
I've used the Clarisonic before and I loved it. It's so expensive though. I noticed that Oil of Olay came out with it's own Clarisonic wannabe and decided to try that. I can honestly say that I can't tell a difference between the two. The only feature the Oil of Olay one doesn't have is the beeping to let you know when to move on to a different part of your face. My skin feels and looks and feels so much healthier. I use it at night to make sure I get all my makeup off and I love it!
ReplyDeleteHi! I've had my Clarisonic Pro for 2 years and can't live without it. It is so tough too. I drop it all the time and runs just as well. I had a problem with my charger a few months ago and Clarisonic sent me a new one for free with 2 day shipping. My dermatologist constantly reminds me to keep a spray bottle with hydrogen peroxide in the shower and spray the brush and handle of the Clarisonic really well every few days to kill bacteria. He also warns people about Philosophy products. I loved Purity as well but still had a few small bumps that wouldn't go away and apparently Philosophy uses a certain oil in most of their products that can cause those small breakouts. He told me to switch to a different cleanser for 10 days to see if they went away and they were gone in 4 days. I still use Purity occasionally and the micro delivery wash but if I use the purity everyday the blemishes come back. The hope in the jar has the same ingredient so you may be sensitive to that too. Not everyone is sensitive to it, but maybe test it out.
ReplyDeletei don't own a clarisonic but i would love to try it if given a chance.=)
ReplyDeleteAfter reading your post about this, I decided to buy mine at Ulta. I had a 20% off store-wide coupon and thought, "Why not?!" I. LOVE. THIS. ITEM. I have been able to tell a difference in my skin since I bought it and started using it on Saturday. I have large pores and have noticed a tremendous difference in the size--knowing that pores will not get smaller. I bought the MIA 2. I tend to be heavy handed--press too hard onto my skin--so the two speeds were appropriate. Thank you for this review!!
ReplyDeleteI have have been using the Mia2 now for about 2 1/2 weeks, and I also am in love with this product. Like some, I am also skeptical about spending that much money for something I'm not sure will work. Just like you said, my skin is softer, has a brighter tone, and any blemishes are gone. I use the Mia 2 with the Clinique 3-step daily. I notice my skin is absorbing more of the lotion, and toner. I recommend this product to anyone! Kate, thanks for sharing- I've just not began to follow your blog- you're too cute, with great style!
ReplyDeleteI read your blog when I have time between raising my son and going to school. I have been noticing that your skin has been looking great. Glowing infact. I will have to try a Mia someday. Thanks for your reviews.
ReplyDeleteWhat lipstick/gloss are you wearing in the video? I love it and it's be great for the spring.
ReplyDeleteHi! Okay I work for clarisonic and I'm so glad you did a review on it!! The only thing I want to say to you (and everyone else) is DONT use exfoliating cleansers with any clarisonic!! The purpose of the clarisonic is to exfoliate and adding an exfoliating cleanser is wayyy to much for your delicate facial skin to handle and it can cause breakouts and redness! I'm glad you're loving your Mia! :)
ReplyDeleteCan you hook her readers up with a discount? :)
DeleteJust a note on the Purity cleanser...... I did some research on it, as it sounded like something I might like to try. I searched on beautypedia.com (a consumer expert in cosmetics) and she said absolutely horrible things about this product, including how damaging it is on the cellar level to skin. Just FYI!
ReplyDeleteI use Lancome products, you may want to look into that?! Have good reviews and very helpful customer service at our Dillards location here locally.
DeleteLink?
DeleteBehind on reading the bloggers I follow and was surprised to see your review. I just purchased mine on Monday (16th) and have been using it once a day, I too am in love with this product and look forward to how it will help improve my skin as time moves forward. Thanks for 'resurring' me that the product was well worth the money ;0)
ReplyDeleteI have had the Clarisonic for about a year now, and I love it! I've never seen a review by anyone that wasn't on the Clarisonic website, so I was excited to see yours. Although it hasn't produced the miracles in my skin that I was hoping for, (I was hoping to get rid of redness and blackheads) I have noticed that my skin is so smooth and soft after using it. I'm now researching skin care products to up the results, which is how I found this review. I have the one with the body brush attachment, and I have noticed that skin softening body washes actually seem to soften my skin after using the Clarisonic, something they never did before. I've also used it for a few other things: when my sinuses are acting up, or if I get an earache, I turn it on and use it backwards (with the hard side, not the brush) on the pressure areas. It seems to help, lol. Also, my baby has some cradle cap on his head, so I've been putting a little baby oil on his head and using the sensitive brush on him. That seems to help too! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Kate, I want to thank you for your review of the Clarasonic Mia 2. I have been going back and forth about buying this for awhile now. I have similar skin and your review was very helpful to me! I am going to try it out!
ReplyDeleteYou should try Cetaphil! Everything I've tried either broke me out more or dried my skin out. I've always had combination skin, but I recently was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and my skin was showing the side effects even after I began treatment for it. Cetaphil was gentle enough for my extremely dry cheeks yet cleansed my face enough to keep my t-zone break out free. I also like it because it doesn't burn if it gets in your eyes. I still have to exfoliate, so I'm thinking about trying the Clarasonic. Thanks for the review!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the review...am now looking at buying a Clarisonic as I am truly far too lazy to spend a lot of time on facials etc and now I'm in my 40s, my skin needs more help to shed. I have to say, the purity cleanser by philosophy is one of the best for my sensitive skin I have ever tried (& I've tried a LOT!). It deep cleans without drying - hoorah! Oily areas & dry areas sorted in one swoop. :-) As for the break outs, my Dermalogica Skin Smoothing Cream is awesome. It is perfect almost all year round, except when it gets really hot then I switch to something a little lighter, like their Active Moist. As you say, it is about finding the right balance for your own skin.
ReplyDeleteKate - I'm in love with you blog! I recently bought a Mia 2 and am so glad I did!
ReplyDeleteI see many people are asking about products and would like to add my two cents... I think it's important to also invest in a good skincare line to go with the Mia. I recently started buying Arbonne products because of their ingredients - no cancer causing parabens, no animal by-products, etc! Many products out there are made with these ingredients, so if you're giving yourself a deep clean with the Mia and getting junk out of your pores... you need to be cleansing & moisturizing with healthy and pure products.
Yes, Arbonne is more expensive - but find yourself a good consultant, become friends, have a party, and you will get great deals!!! Or if you just want to justify the cost - remind yourself that you wear your skin everyday and you're stuck with it forever - so it's ok to spend more!
Since day 1 of using my Mia (with Arbonne Re9 skincare) I have had NO break-outs and it's actually improved the areas where I used to have break-outs & scaring! I truly believe Arbonne is working better because it's absorbing better as result of using my Mia.
You can read more about Arbonne here: http://www.arbonne.com/products/
FYI I'm not an arbonne rep - I just believe in sharing beauty secrets ;)
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I will get mine too! Thanks for the review:) however you may want to be careful bout philosophy products due to the sulfates and parabens which may cause mor harm than good in the long run
ReplyDeleteThis is good to know. I have tried everything from Burts Bees but way to oily. I’ve tried every product too at whole foods almost. I do the at home facial with the Riiviva Microdermabrasion tool for my acne scarring and it’s terrific. Its here at http://www.riiviva.com.
ReplyDeleteDo you have any recommendations as to what avenue to take for mositurizing with out all the oily residue that happens when I use oils. Thanks
I think this product is a gimmick that really doesn't do much of anything. I used it for about three months and I mostly just broke out. I have not noticed any kind of a change in skin texture, pore size or any of the other things they say it does. And the lotions they sell with it are really cheap and nasty, the equivalent of Dollar Store travel lotions--low-grade ingredients and chemicals. Spend your $150 on some decent face cream instead.
ReplyDeleteI've been blessed with having good skin. Bought the Clarisonic Pro through a recommendation from a skin aesthetician at a spa in AZ who had AMAZING skin using the Clarisonic. So I purchashed one. Now I have crazy AMAZZZING skin that glows! I am 55 and there is nothing better than getting comments on how good my skin looks! The BEST product routine I use is drinking LOTS of WATER, eat lots of fruits & veggies, easy on the sweets & caffeine, and eat salmon 3 times a week! I believe beauty starts on the INSIDE of our bodies!!!
ReplyDeleteI wanna buy Clarisonic, however I'm not sure which would work best for me. I have combination/oily skin and I'm very acne prone! I also have acne on my chest and back which I would love to get rid of. Would you recommend the Mia or the Pro? And what cleanser would you recommend I use it with?
ReplyDeleteEvery time when I use it, I feel like my skin is cleaner and more beautiful. Like I again 18
ReplyDeleteI am 36 with combination skin that occasionally breaks out, so I was looking for something that moisturizes without adding a bunch of extra oil. My wife (who is SO beautiful and also has combination skin) recommended the Lady Soma Renew Serum that she uses. This really works! My skin is feeling and looking better. I am so satisfied that I have recommended it to family and friends, something I rarely do. My wife always gets mistaken for someone who is at least 10 years younger than she really is. I imagine that is due to her taking good care of her skin and good genetics, but I must say that I think the hyaluronic acid in the Lady Soma Renew Serum helps to keep her (and me) moisturized and to keep the fine lines at bay.
ReplyDeleteAmazing review - do you mind if I put it on my site www.clarisonicreview.co.uk
ReplyDeleteI've rather geekily compiled a list of the best Clarisonic Reviews on the web.
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Murad is good for acne. Clarisonic shouldn't be used in my opinion, for those who suffer w acne, but 1-2 a week, and a regular soft bristle like from Olay in short speed once a day and at night because that is when the body is relaxed n ur good cells fight better. Doing a mask that does not over dry skin at least twice a week is good. Do research on non overdrying acne care, and avoid proactiv, because that does overdry. Murad cleared out my skin. Good to steam face at least 15 minutes before washing with any cleanser w or w/out brush to get deep into pores, n then rinse w cold water to seal pores. Drinking lots of H2o and apple cider vinegar w tea helps also to clear up acne. It's a choice of healthy habits to have healthy skin. For dry acne proned skin, make sure to do research on products before buying them. Desperate to getting rid of it can cause lots of money wasted n condition to worsen. :)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! It’s something I have never thought about, really, but it makes a whole lot of sense.
ReplyDeletep/skincare.html/]how do you get rid of acne
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Thank you so much for your review. I'm putting the Clarisonic on my Christmas list. I use to get break outs and spend way too much money on products, but now I use Cetaphil so it balances out your natural PH of your skin. But the most amazing product that has made my pores smaller, evened out my skin tone and wrinkles have softened and most deminished. :-). I use NeriumAD and in all my over 30 yrs in cosmetology and working in a Med Spa have NEVER seen this results with a product. That is why I now use a gental cleanser because NeriumAD is my Night time Anti-Aging treatment that I apply to my face, as a eye cream, on my neck, chest and tops of my hands. (on my hands my spots have disappeared) If you would like to watch a video and a gallery slides of the amazing results of so many customers, and if you have any questions please feel free to contact me. I really love how NeriumAD has helped so many of my friends and family and if you want to see some of my own results go to Ladonna Fasig on Facebook and look me up. My website to learn more or order NeriumAD is: http://Ladonnaf.nerium.com
ReplyDeleteI have combination and sensitive skin. It's been hard to find a skin product for me. Recently I've been looking for a cream to use for both during the day and night. I have tried the Made from Earth Vitamin C Moisturizer one for a week and am absolutely in love with this. And its organic without chemicals! When I put it on, it feels light and refreshing with no scent.
ReplyDeleteIt has the perfect amount of moisturizer so my face feels hydrated and I don't need to constantly reapply nor wiping oil off my face. I have not found any other product fits my skin so well and I'll stick with this one for a while!
I don't really get any acne, but I have an oily forehead (because of my bangs) and a sometimes oily sometimes sensitive nose. Everything else is fine I think. I used to use Clean and Clear but I didn't like it anymore. Right now I'm just using a washcloth and soap. Would you recommend this for me?
ReplyDeleteI have combination skin- oily T zone and subject to the monthly breakout. My skin has been remarkably improved since using Citrus Clear Acne wash. I love it so much that I think I am in about my 4th year! I have tried most every drugstore and department store brand, but I am never leaving Citrus Clear again.
ReplyDeleteI just bought the Mia 2 and found your review to be very helpful. I am 43 years old but started experiencing acne breakouts when I was about 35. (I had barely had acne as a teen and never had it through my twenties and early thirties). I tried to treat it for a few years with various products but ultimately went to see a dermatologist. I was put on a low dose antibiotic and was given some medicated creams. They all worked and my skin cleared up to flawless within a few months. I noticed you are doing what I originally did in buying a lot of expensive products. I would recommend seeing a dermatologist instead.
ReplyDelete