My Mia 2

   

     A few months ago I decided to take the plunge and purchase a Clarisonic brush.  It was expensive – the Mia 2 retails for $149.  I had been hearing really great things about the brushes forever, but I was never quite convinced it would make that much of a difference in my skin.  I was told the brush basically acted as a really deep exfoliator, and I had been using a salicylic acid scrub along with a simple washcloth morning and night religiously since 9^th grade.  I felt my skincare products were doing their jobs just fine on their own without the help of an expensive, high-tech gadget.  However, as I mentioned before, one of my 2013 resolutions was to take better care of my skin and therefore I needed to assess how effective my current routine was. 

     My morning routine had previously consisted of wetting my face, applying whatever 2% salicylic acid face wash we had in the shower, scrubbing it around for a minute or so, and then rinsing off the soap with the help of a washcloth.  At night, I would scrub off all my makeup with the (same) washcloth, then wash my face with another dose of the salicylic acid scrub, and rinse.  As I learned more about my skin, I discovered my routine committed the following sins. 

      1)      While my skin was acne-prone, the 2% salicylic acid was too harsh for my dry, sensitive skin.

      2)       Using an old washcloth several days in a row introduced all the more bacteria into my skin.

      3)       Using said washcloth also stretches, pulls, and tugs at your skin, which over time may lead to wrinkles.

     So, despite the price tag, I went ahead and got the Mia 2.  I had a 20% off coupon from Ulta, and while I’m not quite sure I was supposed to be able to apply this discount towards my Clarisonic, the saleslady allowed me to do so.  Unfortunately, they only had the white model available in the store at that time so I had to go with that one.  I decided the white model was the most Audrey (referring, of course, to Audrey Hepburn, who was always clean, simple, and sophisticated) which made me feel better about not having any other color options.  The Mia 2 also came with a sensitive brush head, the “universal voltage charger”, a traveling case, and a 1oz tube of the refreshing gel cleanser. 

     Off I went with my purchase back home to start preparing for my first experience with my Clarisonic.  I was slightly disappointed when I discovered I had to let the brush charge for a full 24 hours prior to the first usage.  Apparently, without charging it fully before using it for the first time, it can shorten the battery life.  I don’t really understand why that is, but since batteries and any type physics that has to do with electricity is not my strong suit, I’ll just take that the company’s word for it.  So 24 hours later, I came home from dinner that night and used my brush for the first time.  I removed my makeup with a makeup removing wipe, wet my face, and applied the refreshing gel cleanser.  Starting with my chin and nose, I gently drew tiny circles over my skin as the brush oscillated over my pores for 10 seconds.  I then moved on to my forehead for 10 seconds, then to each cheek for 5 seconds each.    It felt really nice, sort of like a mini facial massage.  I rinsed my face, pat dry my skin, and right away I could feel a difference in my skin - it was softer. 

     I continued to use it once a day over the next month, and each time I felt so pampered.  I continued to notice how my skin became progressively softer and my pores became slightly smaller.  It could be in my head, but I truly believe my lotions and potions I apply to my face really do sink in a little deeper as my skin is more thoroughly clean after cleansing with my Clarisonic.    I definitely think the brush is worth the money, although looking back I may have chosen to go with the original Mia – the major difference is the Mia 2 has 2 speeds and the Mia has only 1, and I don’t really notice the difference between the two.  Also, the Mia does not come with the traveling case.

     I honestly look forward to washing my face every morning and especially every night with my Clarisonic.  There is just something so soothing about massaging my face with the little brush, and sometimes I swear I can feel the grime from the day being pulled out from my skin, like a little vacuum cleaner is sweeping over my face.  A key step in my nighttime ritual, this effort acts as a cue for my body that it’s time to wind down, relax, and fall asleep.