This is a post I have been dying to write for a long looooong time and only because skin care holds a special place in my heart.  Most because I hate my skin.  I have oily skin.  But like, insanely uncontrollably oily.  And huge pores.  Which everyone always says “me too”, but I feel like I could blind someone around 1pm every day if the light hits my face the right way.  I use good products, but have yet to find the one that will solve my problem for an entire day, sigh.  The struggle continues….

Either way, my skin is probably not as bad as I make it sound but let’s be real; we are all our own worst enemies when it comes to self image.  I am no exception.  My skin is 100x better than it used to be, well, because I met Pam.  Pam is an aesthetician that I still see and was lucky enough to have worked with her in my full time Hairstyling days.  The salon we worked at carried Dermalogica skin care.  Now for those who are familiar, it is a pricey line and not much to look at.  The company’s slogan is that they spend money on the ingredients not the bottle.  Touche!  High end skin care was always something of a mystery to me so I hung out in the drugstore aisles most of the time.  With one use of my first Dermalogica cleanser, I saw a noticeable different in my skins shine.  Now my entire regimen consists of Dermalogica (and sometimes Murad sneaks in).  

I’m sure you’re all fascinated and no, this is not a plug for Dermalogica, it just happens to be the line that changed it all for me!  I was getting compliments on how great my skin looked for the first time in my life!  Salon quality skin care is not something you just decide to buy one day.  A consultation with a license esthi is critical, since they actually know what they’re talking about.  Pam, luckily for me, is an education junkie, and a rare breed.  Her and I have similar skin type so she knew immediately where to start me.  I continue to get facials, waxing, dermaplaning (Google it, it will change your life!), etc etc and Pam is always there to answer my questions.  My biggest concern these days is aging.  I want to prevent what I can while I can!  It’s easier to prevent than to correct, and let me tell you those drug store products are LOADED with stripping agents that will prematurely age you, I don’t care what your dermatologist says (I’m look at you, Cetaphil!!!).  The reason those products are so cheap: the ingredients in them are cheap.  Pay attention to what you put on your skin people!  

Moving on, when I was working at Ulta, I was introduced to the Clarisonic.  Clarisonic is a pricey little hand-held facial cleansing brush that releases sonic vibrations into your skin’s surface to remove oil and product build-up, giving you a noticeably cleaner surface.  At first, all I saw was the price tag (they start at $100).  Check out their site HERE

No thank you, my hands and washcloth work fine.  Until I actually found out what they were and why they are worth every single penny.  If you respond well to pictures versus writing this image will be all you will need: 

My only point is actually the top images that show the extreme difference in how clean you can get your skin versus with your hands.  I’m sorry ladies, but this is a MUST own.  It’s like a Sonicare for your face!  Your skin is with you forever and makeup will not stop it from aging (don’t even get me started, Maybelline/Revlon/Loreal).  Taking care of your skin is the best beauty investment you’ll ever make.  

So now you’re probably thinking of Olay’s facial cleansing brush (or Ulta’s, or Revlon, or literally ANY cheaper brands) and thinking what a perfect budget-friendly solution they care.  NO NO NO!!  Do NOT buy one of them, period.  They are awful, horrible items and will actually cause your skin to age (just like that fruity scented Clean & Clear face wash).  Stay away!  Any facial cleansing brush with a brush head that SPINS need not enter your life.  A spinning brush, when pressed against the skin, will actually pull on your skin as it “cleanses” and guess where your skin’s natural elasticity goes?  Down the drain with those suds, and makes room for dryness and wrinkles!  Steer clear!  Elasticity cannot be replaced (well maybe with thousands of dollars now), so believe me when I say the Clarisonic, and it’s non-moving sonic vibrations are worth your time and money. Olay I hate you.  

Now, if there is any remote possibility that you’re considering a Clarisonic, let me tell you the difference in the models.  There are lots, and the price goes with the bells and whistles.  Each model is released in multiple colors each year, and are always available in white and baby pink.  They even make a grey one for you egomaniacs, guys!

Mia: $99 1 speed setting (honestly speed settings do not matter much), and automatic timer shuts it off after 60 seconds.  1 year warranty.

Mia2: $149 3 speed settings, automatic shut off after 60 seconds, and T-timer.  The T-timer makes this model more expensive and in my opinion worth it.  The brush will actually pulsate a couple times to let you know to move onto the next “Zone” of your face to make sure you get the entire face properly cleansed.  The Mia does not offer this so you have to guess how long you’ve spent on each “Zone”. (I explain the Zones below).  2 year warranty and travel case included.

Aria: $199 slightly larger device with 3 speed settings, 2 year warranty, T-timer and comes with a drying stand and travel case.

Plus: $225 the Mac Daddy of them all this one is the largest, and has all the features of the Aria, and can also be used with the ‘Body’ brush head.  So basically, it’s a much larger brush head that you can use to wash your entire body.  The brush heads and body handle are sold separately.  

All devices come with 1 Sensitive brush head.  Each brush head is $25 or 2/$40 (sometimes Groupon gets their hands on these–take advantage).  There are brush heads for every skin type and each will last 3 months before it needs replacing.  Luxe brushes are fancier, more expensive brush heads that have longer, more delicate bristles.  

To use: Simply remove makeup and apply your cleanser directly to the brush head and push the power button!

Zones.  Your forehead is Zone 1 (20 seconds) Your nose/chin is Zone 2 (20 seconds) and each cheek are Zones 3 and 4 (10 seconds).  This is where the beeping T-timer comes in handy!  

There’s nothing that says you can’t cleanse for more than 60 seconds just push the start button again for another 60 seconds of cleansing.  Charging is simple and charges will last for days/weeks.  I use mine (I have 3 don’t judge, I started small) every morning and every night.  This is not a sponsored blog, I wish, but I hate to see people buying a $30 knock off “Advanced Skin Care System” that is going to ruin their skin!!  Spread the word!!!

Shop Clarisonic HERE or HERE