Oh lookee what landed in my hands just 2 days ago? 😀
Its the much acclaimed Clarisonic Mia sonic skin cleansing tool! The big Clarisonic set is available at Sephora KL for a jaw dropping RM800+ but I wasn’t about to drop that sort of money on something I wasn’t too sure about. So I did some research, talked to some people, and learned that the Clarisonic Mia is quite sufficient to start with.
The Clarisonic Mia is the Clarisonic, just more travel friendly and importantly, cheaper! Ok, cheaper being relatively speaking 🙂
There are a few colours to choose from. I dithered between white or ice blue and ice blue won. I didn’t want the Mia to be yet another iApple lookalike 😛
Clarisonic Mia Blue size
The Clarisonic Mia is very sturdy with a nice ergonomic hold. Its also a good size as you can see above and it has just 1 button to turn it on or off and its quite surprisingly weighty. The Mia comes with a sensitive brush head, which feels firm but not too soft.
You’re supposed to charge it up for 24 hours before first use. But when I pressed the on-off button, it came on so I took it for a spin (hur! hur!) the very same night. When you switch it on, it oscillates very fast – Clarisonic says its a “sonic frequency of more than 300 movements per second”. It does not feel like it is merely rotating – it vibrates and oscillates and is surprisingly gentle on my skin.
I did not use it with the sample Clarisonic cleanser provided in the box. I used the Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil Free cleanser which is relatively foamy but isn’t drying nor does it have any AHA/peeling properties. Its just a basic cleanser.
And the results on just Day 1 was quite impressive. After 1 minute… ok perhaps 2 minutes (The Clarisonic Mia turns itself off after 1 minute which is the recommended time of use) I washed my face and was very surprised to find my skin feeling very very clean. It has never felt this clean! Not squeaky clean, but almost. And smooth. I was amazed.
Also I’d noticed a cluster of blackheads on my chin in the afternoon but after my shower, I noticed that it was gone. Skin felt smoother and visibly brighter. No difference in skincare, just this tool.
Its too early yet to say if its love or if it will kill my skin so I will bring you my thoughts after a month (there will be periodic updates on Facebook and Twitter) I intend to use it everyday (once a day) with my regular skincare that I’m now using, and we’ll see if I break out or peel or just end up with better looking skin overall like Jamilla here (who sold me on getting this) 🙂
If you are already a Clarisonic fan, perhaps you could share your thoughts or tips on the best ways to use this skin cleansing tool. I’m all ears! 🙂
Paris B
Clarisonic Mia retails at US$149. I purchased mine on www.kissandmakeupny.com with a free international shipping code that was available all of last week and shared on Facebook and Twitter. Shipping was quick and it arrived safely with no issues.
xin says
June 24, 2011 at 9:35 amaahhhhh! tempted again!!!! I also want smooth and silky skin with blackheads falling off when I shower! If it is really THAT good, i am actually willing to buy it from kissnmakeupny even without free shipping 😛
ParisB says
June 24, 2011 at 10:15 amHaha let me take it for a month and see. Or don’t see me for a month then let’s meet up :p I’m not expecting a miracle but if my skin feels and looks smoother why not 😉
domncroxd says
June 26, 2011 at 7:41 pmhaha likewise xin! we can share shipping.
it sounds super positive from your first review parisB. can’t wait to see how it goes.
Wynnce says
June 24, 2011 at 9:36 amhow many days it took to arrive your place? i’m hesitating to get it from this site too coz too many negative reviews of it over the internet. so lucky you didn’t get tax for this stuff, I thought it would be charged as well..
ParisB says
June 24, 2011 at 10:17 amIt took about a week to get here. I’m aware of the negative reviews the site has gotten too and kept it in mind. However I believe many of the negative news were from a while back and a few friends have used the site before with no problems so I went ahead. I did purchase insurance for an additional $5 and there was no tax.
Reese says
June 24, 2011 at 9:42 amdo you think its suitable for sensitive skins?
ParisB says
June 24, 2011 at 10:19 amIt does have a sensitive brush head too but Mia comes packaged with a Delicate brush so you have to purchase the sensitive head separately. I’m not sure how suitable this is for very sensitive skin as I don’t belong in that category. Perhaps you could check out some reviews by anyone with sensitive skin?
Annette says
June 27, 2011 at 4:20 amI’m wondering that as well. I just bought the Olay Pro X Professional Cleansing System (supposedly a good contender for the Mia according to MUA reviews) but jeez – one use and my skin became rough, red and itchy! My skin is sensitive as well, well maybe thin would be a better word. I had to use hydrocortisone cream to settle it down.
They say the Olay brush head is softer than the standard Clarisonic brush but not softer than the Delicate. Perhaps Clarisonic with a Delicate brush would be more suitable for us sensitive skin gals? Using it every other day and working up the frequency might help too. I still don’t know whether to blow my cash on Clarisonic though. It’s… pricey.
nona says
July 6, 2011 at 8:41 pmHey reese,
ive been using clarisonic for 7 months now. i have supersensitive skin/acne prone,delicate. i bought the sensitive brushhead and delicate brush head in mycase. and i bought the clarisonic which have 2 speed. so i chose the lower speed. and i dont really press it on my face. just smooth glide. it works.
Jenn says
June 24, 2011 at 9:47 amTempting!! :O
Waiting eagerly for your review! Hehehe!! 😀
ParisB says
June 24, 2011 at 10:20 amCome back in a month or so! 😉
giddy tigress says
June 24, 2011 at 9:52 amOooh, that’s a great Christmas present! Will start dropping hints soon! hee!!!
ParisB says
June 24, 2011 at 10:20 amHehe or when there’s another visit state side!
Foong Jin says
June 24, 2011 at 9:56 amI was very tempted also, but the RM500 (+-) price tag is too hefty for an impulse purchase! Instead I went to The Body Shop to get the mini facial brush as (a very poor, manual, non-electronic) substitute, whilst keeping this on the KIV list. Now that you’re going to review it in depth, I have a bad feeling that this might just be my next big purchase. My skin might be happy about it, but my wallet definitely won’t. :/
ParisB says
June 24, 2011 at 10:22 amI got the Loreal perfect clean with a scrublet. It does a low tech version which is nice but like an electric toothbrush cleans teeth better so does this 🙂 maybe it’s time to set aside a little money each month just in case you decide to give into temptation at some point 😉 or I might hate this too after a month you know 😉
Hanny says
June 24, 2011 at 10:18 amEeeeks! I want this!!! I have a big problem with blackheads and stuff. But the price… hmmm… back to the extractor, I guess.
ParisB says
June 24, 2011 at 10:24 amWhen you have a regular paycheck it’s easier to save up for this 🙂 or maybe Ang pow money and stuff 😉
lyn says
June 24, 2011 at 10:22 amOMG… I swear I’m gonna faint from the anxiety of waiting! I want mine NOW!!!
ParisB says
June 24, 2011 at 10:24 amHaha I reckon with the timing you should get yours next week 😉 my box came a little battered but contents were fine including the Nars!
Ju says
June 24, 2011 at 10:46 amdid u need to buy an international adapter to charge this one? do u think it will help unclog pores? i often get whiteheads and blackheads
ParisB says
June 24, 2011 at 10:55 amYes if you buy it from the USA you will need an adapter as it will not fit into our plugpoints. I use a travel adapter I always have on hand. Its early days yet for me so I cannot say how effective this will be but there are loads of reviews online that I read through which helped me decide. My suggestion is to read some reviews and see what they say. From an initial point of view I’d say yes it will help unclog and keep pores clog free with regular use. But as with everything mileage may vary.
Kate says
June 24, 2011 at 11:31 amOooh it so happens I’m eagerly awaiting mine to arrive soon! Can’t wait to get my hands on it 😀
ParisB says
June 27, 2011 at 10:43 amHopefully you get it soon and like it! 😉
Ling says
June 24, 2011 at 12:30 pmI have the Clarisonic full set, thanks to my friend who came back from US last month! I love it a lot! I think it really do wonders to skin. Less blackheads and whiteheads, skin are more radiant and even, notice a little reduction on pigmentations, too. At first, I plan to use it once a day, but after few days, I couldn’t help but use it morning and night! My set comes with the normal, sensitive and delicate brushhead, but I’ve only used the normal brushhead, it’s soft enough for my sensitive skin, providing I don’t stay too long on the more sensitive parts of my face. The body brushhead is good but it drains the battery very fast, so I had only try it twice.
Problem now is my skin are getting a lot better, which contrasted my tired eyes by a ton!
ParisB says
June 27, 2011 at 10:43 amThanks for sharing Ling! After a few days, I can attest to skin that’s looking brighter and better but am waiting to see if anything breaks out 😛
Denise says
June 24, 2011 at 12:32 pmI’ve been debating with myself about this for so long. Do I need this? Can I live without it? So many good reviews have me tempted. I’ll be following your Tweets for updates on this and I’ll wait for your month-after review too!
ParisB says
June 27, 2011 at 10:44 amI will tell you now that you can live without it. Most of us have. But if you have the funds then its likely to be worth the splurge 🙂
espenine says
June 24, 2011 at 1:17 pmI have just completed my 1 month trial with the Mia so just to share some thoughts. I have sensitive skin, so I started using the delicate brush head every other day as part of the night time cleansing routine.
Mia is a seriously a godsend for clogged pores, white/black heads! After the 1 minute of sonic cleansing, skin feels really smooth & clean. My sensitive skin did feel some sore sensation during first week of usage, like it was still vibrating for 5 minutes even though Mia only cleans for 1 min.
Now that I have used it for a month, the sensation has gone. There has been no skin peeling or breakouts during this 1 month. Only cleaner pores! 🙂
I am thinking of increasing my usage of Mia to once a day but since I have other exfoliating products, e.g. scrubs, peeling gels, I want to use them up first. Somehow other exfoliating products just don’t produce such impressive cleaning effect. I am now undecided if I should just solely use Mia or have a mixture. I shall keep on trying different options. 🙂
Annette says
June 27, 2011 at 4:25 amThanks so much for your review! Very insightful for us sensitive skin gals. I might seriously consider getting this now.
ParisB says
June 27, 2011 at 10:46 amThanks for sharing Espenine! I have to agree with how clean my skin feels after using the Clarisonic. I do get some whiteheads and blackheads appearing though they do go away quite quickly. I don’t feel sensitive but that might be our different skins. Glad it worked so well for you. I’m hoping it will for me too!
s says
June 24, 2011 at 1:46 pmstop. tempting. me! grrr… i suppose my l’oreal perfect clean scrublet will have to do for now… until i get a proper job haha!
ParisB says
June 27, 2011 at 10:47 amLOL! I was using the L’Oreal Scrublet too! It actually does a pretty good job – a manual Clarisonic as it were 🙂
ying says
August 9, 2011 at 5:10 pmMay i know where to buy this loreal scrublet in KL?
ParisB says
August 9, 2011 at 5:18 pmHi Ying, its not available yet here in Malaysia. I’m uncertain about its availability in Singapore.
beetrice says
June 24, 2011 at 1:49 pmdarn…so tempted to try, but the price tag….errkkss…who knows, I may just cave in after this!
ParisB says
June 27, 2011 at 10:49 amHaha! Sephora SG has the big set available too but no Mia 🙂
Monstro says
June 24, 2011 at 2:15 pmOoh I have a friend coming back from the US year end–dunno whether to bite the bullet and get it? Hate the adapter thingie though. Wish we had the same voltage world wide!! Let me know how you like it later on too yar?
ParisB says
June 27, 2011 at 10:50 amYes yes! The adapter kills me but luckily they have international voltage so we don’t have to worry about frying the Clarisonic. You only have to get a plug adapter not a voltage regulator 😉 I’ll definitely share what I think about this
Tine says
June 24, 2011 at 3:01 pmHaha you bit the bullet! I have the Clarisonic Plus, which means I can use it for the body. A bit of a waste really, because I ended up using it a heck lot less than the face. Should have gotten the Mia instead.
Just a word of caution: try not to use it everyday. At least, not when you first start using it, that is. Everyone, including my mum and aunt (who had the Clarisonic waaaay before I did. Tsk tsk :P) raved about using it everyday. I did, and it created massive havoc on my skin. Had to stop for a month before resuming to only twice a week. But other than that, it’s a pretty nifty tool!
Shay says
June 24, 2011 at 10:14 pmYes, I agree not using it everyday. I used my clarisonic pro every night when I first got it. Within first week, I got bumps here and there. Those bumps are not exactly acne for me. I got similar if I use too much/too rich skin care.
I think the clarisonic really makes the skin care absorb better and thus even when I did not overdo the skin care, I get such effects.
ParisB says
June 27, 2011 at 10:51 amYes I just had to see what’s so wonderful about this gadget. I’m glad I did! 😀 I kept your experience in mind actually. I was a little worried to use it everyday but thus far, used once everyday, its been ok for me *whew*
Shay says
June 27, 2011 at 7:37 pmThat’s great!! Enjoy it. 🙂
Jamilla Camel says
June 24, 2011 at 3:23 pmI use the delicate brush head with my Clarisonic. Got it as a birthday pressie from my other half (saved me a bomb, but I got him a watch for HIS BD!).
Really works – I’m so happy with my skin.
ParisB says
June 27, 2011 at 10:51 amWhat a lovely gift! You sold me on its effectiveness and I hope to have as wondrous a result!
Amex says
June 24, 2011 at 3:45 pmI’ve had the Mia for a few months now. It’s great for cleansing the skin but more so if you wear make up. I use a cleansing oil beforehand and then use the Mia together with a normal cleanser after. Skin feels really smooth and clean. The great bit about the Mia is that it switches off after 1 min so you don’t over cleanse your skin. It also feels to me that serums and creams absorb much better after using the Mia (cleaner pores, better absorption?).
I’d say it’s worth the money but the price they’re selling the full sized Mia at Sephora KL is high. It’s possible to get a better deal online, even with shipping factored in (I got mine shipped from the US with an additional 20% off the normal price).
ParisB says
June 27, 2011 at 10:53 amI have to agree with you about the better absorbtion of skincare. I feel that way too after using the Mia. I also think the cleansing brush also helps stimulate and massage our skin improving circulation thus making it look better 🙂
Lindy says
July 7, 2011 at 2:25 pmAmex, which website did u get yours from?
I’m so tempted to get one too…if only ParisB can get free shipping code again.
Amanda says
June 24, 2011 at 4:26 pmI’ve had my Mia since Oct last year. When I first got it, I used it twice a day. I did have a breakout on the first week but that’s all. My skin conditions have definitely improved a lot. Now I only use it once a day in the evening with Cetaphil. The sensitive brush works very well with my sensitive skin. I love Mia 🙂 I bring it with me on vacation, business trips and even on a weekend getaway.
ParisB says
June 27, 2011 at 10:54 amThanks for sharing about the sensitive brush! I’m wondering if I should use it twice a day now 😉 I love how portable the Mia is. I took it away for the weekend and it was great for removing all that sweat and dirt you get from pottering around the city.