The Mia, Day 1

As a child your mind is like a sponge, eager to absorb any and everything. It is during these earlier stages that you form opinions, views and preferences based off these individual experiences, and as the experience/situation is repeated over and over again your notion or inclination only gets further cemented. I know, I know, what does this have to do with beaute and what's with the deep introspective, philosophical talk?! I'm privileged enough to have a vivacious, whip-smart cousin, and for circumstances beyond either of our control we haven't always had the most warm, intimate rapport (this is where those childhood experiences come in). However on a twist of fate I'm honored to have her visiting me this week, and in an effort to start a new beginning we will be co-authoring this weeks posts. And did I mention that this brilliant cousin is a dermatologist? Oh yes! So get ready for two expert opinions!

Taking advantage of Sephora's V.I.B. 20% off event, we picked up the Clarisonic Mia Skin Care Brush over the weekend and decided to put their claims to the test. At a $150 a pop we wanted to make sure this professional gadget goes the extra mile. For those of you not familiar with this tool allow me to give you a brief introduction. Borrowing from the sonic technology of your favorite toothbrush, the Mia is a soft, cordless brush that moves back and forth at more than 300 times per second to remove makeup six times better than traditional methods. Worried about irritation? The brush comes in 3 styles designed by skin type: normal, sensitive and delicate. And the claims? Clarisonic promises cleaner, smaller pores and healthier looking skin that is so thoroughly clean that your skincare products will work better. So we will be reporting to you from the frontlines of my brightly lit bathroom where we will be test driving the Mia for the next 5 days.

Immediately/Day 1

Methodology: We followed the prescribed directions and washed for a total of 50 seconds, spending 10 seconds on each cheek, 20 seconds on the forehead and the nose/chin. (Note the brush automatically turns itself off after a minute). You can use any cleanser with the brush, we washed in the evening with the one provided and in the morning with Dr. Sam's favorite. Interestingly neither foamed especially since the brand Dr. Sam uses is known for its lather properties when used mechanically by hand.

Findings: Immediately I noticed Dr. Sam's complexion had a rosy, healthy glow almost like she had spent the day frolicking in the mountains inhaling the fresh air. Her skin was silky, silky smooth to the point where we could not stop touching it! And ohhh the softness! You would have thought we were admiring the butter soft leather bags from our favorite Italian brand. Dr. Sam appreciated the gentleness of the brush, she was astounded that her skin was thoroughly cleaned with minimal abrasion. In the office she only sees results like this through more invasive procedures like microdermabrasion. Dr. Sam was hooked....she couldn't wait till morning so she could use it again!

Usage tip: Remove eye makeup first with a cotton pad and eye makeup remover. I like Lancome Bi-Facil. Lightly wet the skin and brush before cleansing. Make sure to gently move the brush in small circular motions but avoid pressing too hard as it will only irritate the skin and prohibit the brush from properly cleaning.

The result: Skin as soft as a baby's bottom, radiant as a post-workout glow and smooth as silk!