Clarisonic needs no introduction – unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past decade, you’ll have heard of these nifty sonic skin cleansing devices. The latest offering, the Clarisonic Aria, comes equipped with three speeds and can be charged via a USB port – as I already own two Clarisonic models (the original Plus and Mia 2), for me, USB charging was its main selling point. The Clarisonic Aria retails at £155, however, I’d managed to catch their promotion where the purchase of any cleansing system comes with a bonus pack worth £84. I had yet to come across a better deal, so I snapped it up! There were 3 colours available – black, white, glossy pink.
Naturally, I went for glossy pink ❤
The bonus set includes: Gentle Hydro Cleanser 177ml (full size), RRP £21 Refining Skin Polish 177ml (full size), RRP £21 Delicate Brush Head, RRP £21 Normal Brush Head, RRP £21 Unfortunately one of the brush protectors had fallen off during transit, resulting in deformed bristles (brush on the right). I have contacted Clarisonic about this, hopefully they'll be able to arrange a replacement brush.
Unboxing the main unit...
What's in the box: Pink Clarisonic Aria Sensitive brush head USB enabled universal pLink charger Wall adapter (staying in the wrapper as it won't be used) Drying/charging stand Clarisonic Refreshing Gel Cleanser 30ml
The Aria's USB charging feature is long overdue; I have plenty of free USB sockets in my room, but no spare wall sockets (even the 6 socket extension is fully occupied). This means that whenever I want to charge one of my Clarisonics, I'd need to first unplug another device, plug in the Clarisonic, unplug it once fully charged, and plug the original device back in.
With the Aria, I can simply plug its charger into a USB port and leave the stand on my desk.
My Clarisonic collection:
I've had the Plus for about 4 years and the Mia 2 for over a year; both work just as well as the day they arrived. Granted, I have looked after them, but this should tell you something about their quality!
A few days ago, I received an invitation to a BzzAgent campaign for Foreo's Luna Mini, the new sonic facial cleansing brush which claims to "deep cleanse the skin, simulate blood flow and gently get rid of dead skin cells" - like the popular Clarisonic, but with silicone nodules instead of bristles. According to Foreo, the benefits of the Luna Mini are as follows:
Clearer, brighter and healthier-looking skin
New way of cleansing that is deep, yet gentle
Skin is freed of dirt, oil and makeup residue
Pores are cleansed of blemish-causing impurities
The sonic pulsations sent beneath the skin when you apply the device to your face helps to unclog dirt, oil and makeup residue from your pores. I was instantly sold and proceeded to sign up to the Luna Mini campaign. A payment of £28 was required to join, which was totally worth it considering the unit retails for £99. Colours from left to right - Magenta, Turquoise Blue, Petal Pink, Purple and Cool Gray
When my Luna Mini arrived, I practically snatched the box out of the postie's arms (he's used to it by now lol!) Out of the 5 available colours, I picked Petal Pink, of course.
The box reminds me of how Apple packages iPods.
Inside the box - the cute pebble shaped Luna Mini in Petal Pink, USB charger and Foreo authenticity card.
Now the main selling points of the Luna Mini...
More effective than washing by hand and provides visible results in just three days.I've not yet used this enough times to say for sure. So far though, my skin has taken to it well with no discomfort/irritation and felt clean after the first use.
Suitable for all skin types. There are two modes - high intensity (default) and low intensity (activated by pressing the button again), so this should be suitable for even the most sensitive of skins.
100% waterproof up to a depth of 1 metre.Can be used in the bath or shower; will be fine as long as you don't take it scuba diving!
The non abrasive silicone brush is gentler on your skin than other sonic cleansing brushes.This certainly does feel a little gentler than my Clarisonic sensitive brush head. It's also slightly more comfortable to hold than the Clarisonic Mia 2 (size comparison photo below).
The silicone doesn't absort daily grime or harbour bacteria build up, making the Luna Mini extremely hygienic.As a hygiene freak I like to keep my brushes as clean as possible, so I really like this aspect of the Luna Mini.
Integrated battery delivers up to 300 uses from a single charge, and is charged via USB.Much more convenient compared to my Clarisonic Mia 2 whose charger takes up precious socket space!
No need to replace the brush. More cost effective than Clarisonic, where it's recommended that the brush heads are replaced every 2-3 months. At £15-£20 per brush head, it's an ongoing expense one needs to be aware of.
Instructions:
I'll continue using over the next few days and report with any findings! Anyone else tempted by one of these?
