buff on, buff off

By Cassandra Laffey, beauty writer 

For someone who's up on all the latest innovations in the beauty industry, I'm a bit of a Luddite when it comes to adopting technology.

Take the electric toothbrush. I've only just upgraded my manual handheld equipment for a rechargeable model, despite even my dentist recommending an electric one. I just didn't see a need, and brushing my teeth with a toothbrush just wasn't that hard, frankly.

After my initial trepidation (it's loud; it vibrates; it feels weird), I'm a convert. I love the ultra clean feeling and convenience. Although I still don't like the noise!

So when the Clarisonic Mia cleansing system landed on my desk I was sceptical. Again, how hard is it to clean your face?

Given, cleansing is one of those routines I find most annoying. Don't get me wrong, I'm religious about cleansing my face and brushing my teeth (and flossing!) twice daily. I even used to have a shower, wash my hair AND scrub off all my makeup after clubbing back in the days when the smoke was from cigarettes and not just machines. But I don't enjoy it.

As a beauty writer, this time I resolved to be an early adopter and give this little handheld cleanser a whirl. No judgement.

The Clarisonic Mia is cute, compact and requires 24 hours' charging before it gets going. It has a cordless handle housing a sensitive brush head, a compact charger and comes with a Gentle Hydro Cleanser (although you can use your own fave product) that you place on wet skin or on the brush head.

It has one button and one speed; and makes a sonic sound (300 movements per second) when working. Don't let that put you off, Clarisonic Mia feels amazing! You don't have to press too hard to receive the benefits and it feels like a fabulous face massage - so much better than cleansing with your fingers or a cloth! Just move the brush head in a circular motion on your forehead, cheeks, nose and chin. The machine automatically turns off after one minute so it's also super quick.

After my first go, my skin felt clean, but not tight, with a softness to the touch. After a week, my face looks clearer with minimal blemishes. Serums, moisturisers and other products also work more effectively after using Clarisonic Mia.

Clarisonic Mia is available from David Jones, Myer, Priceline and selected pharmacies and online at adorebeauty.com.au for $179.

www.clarisonic.com.au