Clarisonic Challenge, Week 4

Dear Clarisonic Plus,


THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!  Not only have you improved my complexion by making it feel cleaner and fresher, you have somehow seemed to turn back the clock making it look healthier and younger with an improved texture, tone AND clarity.  Here I always thought it was moisture creams and drinking jugs of water that made all the difference, but you have proven that a daily exfoliation and deep clean go hand in hand with my hydration and moisturizer.  
No longer do I need to splurge on an expensive facial for my complexion to look and feel great, or to spend a little time pampering myself.  Now I have it all right at my fingertips! What more could I ask for?  Oh, I don't know, maybe the Opal Sonic Infusion System?  I think so!


Your new friend forever,


b-

Clarisonic Challenge Catch-Up: Weeks 1 & 2

So, I know I promised to fill you in on why I was doing so much cleaning in my last post, but first, I really need to catch up on my Clarisonic Challenge progress.  I mean, technically, the Clarisonic does fall under the cleaning category as well, right?


I believe the last time I posted about my Clarisonic Challenge progress, I was still having a little bit of user error on my end; you know, just getting used to the feel of things and how the Clarisonic Plus Cleansing System fit best in my regular cleansing routine.  (If you missed it, you can catch up here).  Well, I am SO glad I got over that, because the Clarisonic Plus is AMAZING!!  It has completely changed my perception of a clean face.  My 'problem' areas (on the sides of my nose and my recently irritable chin) have also seemed to take notice and straightened up far more significantly than I expected.  In a nutshell, the overall texture and tone of my complexion has improved in my opinion, and I'm relying a little less on foundation and concealer which has been a real gift in all of the recent heat.  Enough about what I think though; here, have a look for yourself!

Just after my first use of the Clarisonic Plus Cleansing System

After one week of using the Clarisonic Plus Cleansing System

I know the lighting is a little different from shot one to shot two, but check out the chin!  That is with absolutely NO makeup on (scary, I know), and I have not 'edited' anything out of the photo.  Pretty cool, huh?  What those pictures don't necessarily show is how much smoother really clean looks and feels - any flakiness is buffed away, and there's nothing but smooth, fresh, glowing skin.  

Now, wanna see week two results?  Thought so.

After two weeks of using the Clarisonic Plus Cleansing System

I know, right?  How much better does that chin look?!?  Still needs some concealer, but waaay less than I was having to use.  

Curious about how it performs in the shower now?  I have to admit that I'm not quite as sold on it for body, but part of that may have to do with my neverending ability to forget to grab it from the sink counter to take it with me to the shower.  Since the first thing I thought of when I found out you could use this gadget in the shower (after getting out all of the inappropriate jokes) was 'maybe it will help my awful speckly upper arms', I figured that would be my primary test area.  I wasn't expecting any miracles after this long of living with them, and unfortunately, I didn't exactly get one, BUT I do think they have improved a little at least.  You can check out the results below if you promise you won't shrink back in disgust.

Before Clarisonic

After Clarisonic

  
Not sure if you can really even tell a difference from the pictures, but I think they do feel a little smoother.  I'm sure this would be even more evident in photos if I could remember to bring the brush to the shower with me more often.  Oh, and I also LOVE using the Clarisonic on my back and shoulders, but that just seemed too difficult to photograph properly.


So there you have it.  In a nutshell, I don't ever want to go back to 'normal' facial cleansing at all.  I truly enjoy the feeling and results of the product waaay too much to turn back now (and the cleansers supplied with the starter kit are fab too).  I think if I could change one thing about the cleansing system at this point, it would probably be just to have an extra one devoted solely to my shower area so I could stop having to jump back out to grab it from the sink.  I'm sure some of you think I should just work on my memory, but then what fun would that be?!?

Clarisonic Challenge Kick-Off and a Coupon Code for 20% Off

After taking a minute to get all of the giggles out of my system from my initial Clarisonic post the other day, I couldn't wait to give this new gadget a try.  I mean, who wouldn't be just a bit curious as to what the results were going to be with a corporate product description that reads like it might be found in an adults only section?!?  Well, now I know why they might be pushing that comparison, because after trying it just once, this thing seems like it might be capable of doing some pretty awesome things ... FOR YOUR COMPLEXION.  

The Clarisonic Plus, which I received through the Vogue Influencers Network, comes packaged with a facial attachment, body attachment, universal charger, three different cleansers (specific to different skin types), and a body scrub.  It also comes with a very descriptive instruction manual that specifies where and how to use everything. 

It does not, however, come with a third hand which might have been helpful with my first usage attempt.  Needless to say, it was not the most graceful process I've ever had, but I was also dealing with some other variables including not having my contact lenses in at the time.  (Note: If you wear glasses/contacts, please read the instructions and do a 'dry run' first until you know what the heck it is you're doing, also have all items you'll need located so you don't end up running around blindly with a soap trail behind you).


Once I had navigated through things a little better, and was actually able to get a feel for how the process was supposed to flow going forward, I had time to inspect my face again, and was almost taken aback by the initial results.  This cleansing tool seems to be the equivalent of a basic facial from what I can tell - really.  First of all, my face felt so clean, and was so smooth just from that one (turbulent) use, and any of the flakiness that I usually seem to have on the sides of my nose were gone.  Seriously, the closest thing I can compare it to was the last facial I had a a spa (before they put all of the serums and stuff on).  I obviously don't look 10 years younger now, and still need my 'can't live without it' concealer/brightener, but I'm really looking forward to putting this face & body brush to the test to (all giggles aside) see what it can really do.


I've already started taking pictures, so watch out for before and after shots over the next few weeks.  Wouldn't it be great to actually see an improvement?  I know I would LOVE to look and feel like I've had a facial every day.  Oh, and if you're interested, it's still not too late to take the 'Clarisonic Challenge' right along with me.  You can get 20% off all Clarisonic products at http://www.clarisonic.com by using coupon code "VogMag" on orders of $149 or more (effective 7/14/11 - 7/29/11, 11:59PDT).


Ciao for now!  

Clarisonic Cleansing System: For All of the Dirty Girls (and Boys) Out There. Plus a Coupon Code for 20% Off!

Oh Vogue Influencer Network, how lovely you are .... I think.  Always ahead of the curve with the latest and greatest in beauty, fashion, exclusive events, and ... vibrating body cleansers?!?!?  Yep, that's right.  My current task is to try out the Clarisonic Plus Skin Cleansing System, or as they call it, "Take the Clarisonic Challenge", and experience the "sonic difference."  Have you ever heard of this new gadget (and are you drawing the same parallels I am?), because I don't recall hearing anything about a new battery charged body brush that isn't sold to anyone under 18; and to be honest, I'm not really sure whether I should be slightly frightened, or consider it my new best friend.  Either way, the box showed up on my doorstep today, and I suppose I am going to be trying it over the next few weeks, so I can ... er, share my experiences with you while trying not to put quotes around everything that comes across like a double entendre.  


So far, I have read that this targeted cleaning pistol (hehe) is supposed to use sonic technology - I assume this means electricity/power - to "gently, yet thoroughly, cleanse 6X better than using your hands alone" (tee hee).  By removing more dirt, oil and makeup, creams and serums are able to work more effectively.    


Oh, and to make sure everyone's needs are covered, there are 3 different varieties available:  


1. The Clarisonic PLUS (which I will be trying out) -- With three speeds and a body mode, the PLUS is ideal for cleansing the face and areas of the body needing extra attention (tee hee hee). 



2.  The Clarisonic Mia Mini -- Available in a variety of colors, Mia pairs powerful sonic cleansing benefits with a single-speed, compact design. 




3. The Clarisonic Opal Sonic Infusion System -- A palm-sized device, Opal uses a micro-massage motion to infuse serum more thoroughly than manual application for younger looking eyes. (Oh right, eyes. Yes, that's exactly where I thought that was going).


Any questions?  Good, then I'll just be keeping you posted on my results.


Now that I've gotten through that, the other important thing I have to tell you is that you can try these products our for yourself!  For a limited time, you can save 20% on all Clarisonic products at: http://www.clarisonic.com by using coupon code "VogMag" on orders of $149 or more.  (Offer is effective 7/14/11 through 7/24/11 11:50PDT).  So, why leave all the fun to me?  Go grab one for yourself and create a"sonic experience" of your own!