Before I start, I just wanted you to know what this review was about. I wrote a review a while back on the differences between the spinbrush pro (and the different models) as well as the oil of olay version of the spinbrush. In this review I am comparing and contrasting them (this was before I bought one) to figure out which one would work best for me... I hope by reading this, you will have a better understanding of your options before purchasing a spinbrush...
I was very skeptical of this brush to begin with…. but I finally pulled the trigger after much consultation from my dermatologist. For any of those wondering, my dermatologist herself told me 1) this brush will make a huge difference regarding the health of my skin 2) that the Oil of Olay Spinbrush is just as good as the Clarisonic. That was her honest professional medical answer... So now I will give you my opinion on each of the two models.
The brush head: the brush heads differ on a few levels and I honestly feel that the The Clarisonic brush is superior. The Clarisonic brush head is much larger, even when comparing the smallest size Clarisonic MIA model to the Oil of Olay Spinbrush. The Clarisonic also has the optionality of different removable heads, one of them specifically for sensitive skin. I use this one. The drugstore versions do not have this optionality. After trying both Clarisonic brush heads (the regular and sensitive), I prefer the sensitive. I also feel the bristles on the Clarisonic model are softer and higher quality.
Cleaning power: About equal, but different. The Clarisonic uses a sonic oscillation system while the Oil of Olay Spinbrush uses a nonsonic rotating brush. The Oil of Olay version doesn’t really vibrate like the Clarisonic but just sort of spins around in circles. When using the Clarisonic you simply move it in circular motions around your face as the brush vibrates. The Spinbrush doesn’t necessarily work in that fashion since its already spinning around. They do feel different in my opinion. Probably both get you to the same place but I prefer the Clarisonic. I also think its much more effortless than the cheaper Oil of Olay brush. One thing that blew me away was not only how well it worked on my face- but also the eczema and tiny red bumps on my arms, after a few scrubs- GONE!
Charging: Clarisonic charges either in a base (if you buy the larger models) or in a simple handle attachment if you buy the MIA (that’s what I have). The Oil of Olay is battery operated- and this SUCKS! I have to change the batteries every two to three times of use (depending on how long I use it, which often varies). Yes, I do have rechargeable batteries, but still can be rather frustrating changing them SO often. This is why there is such aclassic difference in price, though. You get more with the higher quality, you just have to be willing to spend more too.
Models: The Clarisonic comes in 5, yes 5, confusing models. What is the difference in all of them? Why do we need 5 models? They differ in speeds, size, battery life, attachments they come with, and warranty. They range from $119 to $225. There is the MIA (both the MIA 1 and MIA 2). This is the most compact and does not come with a charging cradle but a charging link. The classic comes with a charging cradle. And the Plus and Pro models have 3 speeds and are for the face and body. I think this is all mumbo jumbo and all you need is the MIA. You really dont need different speeds and you can use the regular brush head on your body as well. Unless you really want a standup cradle I would purchase the MIA for $119. The higher models also come with more Clarisonic skin care products. You don’t need to use their products. Use your own favorite products. The Oil of Olay only has one to chose from, with no models to choose from. It is very standard and really comes with NO bells and whistles.
Body functionality: The Oil of Olay Spinbrush is very tiny, almost too tiny for the body. I think you can use the MIA Clarisonic for body even though its not marketed that way. You can really tell the difference in price here because the Clarisonic is well built, and sturdy... but the Olay version doesnt fit in your hand as nice, and its not as well built as the other models.
Do I really need to spend $119 on a brush to wash my face? No. You don’t need to. But it will get your skin cleaner and you will likely see improvement- like I have after using for just a few days. The brush removes significantly more dirt, oil and makeup than manual cleansing. Both brushes will help to loosen impurities from your pores alot more effectively than your fingertips rubbing soap on your face. However, this does not eliminate the need to exfoliate on a regular basis. The simple fact is that results from either brush are going to be better than not using one at all. The Oil of Olay clearly provides more value at $30. Although I cannot say for sure, it doesn’t feel as though it will last for years and years like the Clarisonic does. The Spinbrush is a bit flimsier in your hands than the Clarisonic. I have had my MIA for about a year now and I love it. I would recommend it to every woman really. Especially those women who are obsessed with new facial products, those who keep their skin a top priority and also those who have needs and maintenance when it comes to keeping their skin glowing. If you have dry skin, if you suffer from serious acne or a few blemishes, if you have large pores- this brush will be a godsend. Like I stated earlier, I saw results within DAYS of using this. Keeping in mind, I was using the Nutregena Wave beforehand, which I thought was just the greatest thing... NOT. It doesnt stand a chance against my Clarisonic, not even close. Plus I got sick of spending money on those expensive pads that you needed to attach. I dont have that problem with this- I can use any product i want, and can change them anytime I want. Well worth every penny ladies! Honestly! < continued >>
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
I have had my Clarisonic now for about a year and unfortunately dropped it on the bathroom floor and it stopped working (it still buzzes but doesn't vibrate to clean your skin, so obviously something is loose inside). I tried to contact the (then) distributor without success and tried again last week, to now find that L'Oreal Luxury are now the Australian agents. Great, I thought - a big company who would be able to help. Wrong. After speaking with their Consumer Affairs line today I am so much more than disappointed - unfortunately they say you cannot repair the handset as it is a sealed unit, so the only option available if they stop working is to buy another one. I think not! A really great product but I can't understand why, as it is an expensive unit, that it is unrepairable!! Not happy.
I love the Clarisonic but the intensity switch quit working after only two months of use. I still use it on the lowest intensity, but I wish that I could adjust it. It truly helps refine the pores and make your skin much more supple.
More reviews by sofiathegreatest
i got a pretty good deal on the Clarisonic Plus on ebay and am super happy with it, the cleansers that it came with (mine came with small samples and two large full size cleansers) are pretty much rubbish so i am using it with my Emma Hardie miracle balm. This cleaning system is pretty impressive, currently i am pregnant and my skin started breaking out quite badly due to hormonal changes in my body. Thanks to this product my skin cleared somewhat, not everything disappeared but i don't have those angry red spots any more and the clean feeling after having used this is simply superb, yes it doesn't strip my skin of oils so it never felt dry after using it.
I don't think everyone needs to get the PLus edition as my husband has the MIA (i am forcing him to use it as he has large pores) and from what i see the difference is so small, it's not worth overpaying 80 pounds for the PLUS one. Plus i like that the MIA comes in different colours and my husband doesn't feel emasculated as i got him the Black edition one:)
More reviews by xsamanthaashley
A lot of people who had acne prone skin / problematic skin did claim that this truly changed their skin for the better, but bare in mind that I don't have acne prone skin and hence might lead to a different experience that you might possibly go through. I went through several phases before finding a suitable way for the Clarisonic to fit my skin type.
the breaking in phase
the too much of a good thing is never good phase
the solution phase
to read more please refer to the full review on my blog!
Ashley
http://samantha--ashley.blogspot.sg/2013/03/bye-bye-clogged-pores.html
I love this product more than anything, it's a miracle worker. I've always felt insecure about my skin after I got out of high-school, it became really bad scars, scabs, I felt ashamed to look in the mirror until I purchased this product. Before I purchased this product I did a lot of researching. I was worried whether if this product would make me break out more or will it work due to the reviews I've read. I knew I wanted the best so I got the Plus which you can use on face and body. It cleared up my skin, my other face products I was using worked very well. My skin started to clear up the pores got smaller, complexity, skin felt smooth and clean also tighten. I feel more comfortable without make up because my skin is improving so much and I've only been using it for a week.
More reviews by BrigitteBardot
I will update when I have used all the different features, but so far I like this. I think it really does help get my skin cleaner and clearer. Is it a miracle worker? I don't think so, but if you are very into skin care or can find a good deal on it, I recommend it.
I wasn't sure I needed this, since I was already taking good care of my skin. With this tool my skin feels even softer and cleaner. The body brush for the body is a luxury as it makes my skin oh so soft!!! It's like a spa day everday ;)
Ok, so this brush is not a miracle worker, but it does deliver the cleanest, softest skin ever.
What more can you ask for? I love mine!
I don't have much to say about this that anyone hasn't said already but this is done a TON to clear up my adult acne. I regret not purchasing it sooner. I have been wanting this for YEARS but never wanted to buy it. Welp, I hit the jackpot on ebay and found a man selling his wive's clarisonic because she didn't like it. It was gently used. Knowing what I know now, I would purchase one at full price in a heartbeat.