I purchased my Clarisonic Aria back in June of this year. I had my initial review posted in in July followed by a 6-week update. Many of you have asked for additional reports so I have another update for you today. As of today I’ve been using the Clarisonic Aria for about 14 weeks and have tested a few additional brushes.
Shown below is the Clarisonic Aria with the Cashmere Cleanse Brush, Sensitive Brush, Delicate Brush and Normal Brush options
For those new to Clarisonic tools, there are several different options (comparison chart in this post). The main differences come to size, speed options and charging/storage options. I chose the Aria because it came with a stand and USB option for charging. It also has three speeds. Most of the Clarisonics come with the standard Sensitive Brush head as their default starting point. I found it effective but gentle enough for my sensitive skin, however when I started getting break outs I stopped using it for a few days because of increased sensitivity.
I stopped by my local Nordstrom and Sephora to see the different brush options on several different occasions. When I asked the associates for help, everyone was super friendly and helpful, but I received different advice each time. Picking out the right brush really depends on your skin type and sensitivity. I was first recommended that I try the Delicate Brush, two reps said the Cashmere Cleanse was too soft for them and while it felt nice it didn’t do anything for their skin.
I tested the Delicate Brush at home and found it to be slightly rougher on my face compared to the Sensitive Brush. I’ve researched reviews online and thoughts seem to be mixed. Some feel the Delicate Brush is softer (just like it was designed to be) while others feel it’s rougher (like I did). It’s about the same size and density as the Sensitive Brush, but for some reason it feels slightly harsh on my face.
On my next try, I decided to go for the Cashmere Brush Head. This one also had mixed reviews as well but many of you have e-mailed me asking to report back if I decided to try it. The Cashmere Brush head has longer bristles compared to all the other brushes. It also is the least dense. I found it very good for my sensitive skin, but my skin didn’t feel quite as clean compared to the times when I used the Sensitive Brush. If you use the Cashmere Brush Head, I absolutely think you do need to do the double cleanse where you remove your makeup first with a Cleansing Oil (full report on which ones I like best here), then follow with the Clarisonic + regular cleanser. It’s still a very good brush, I just found I needed to clean my skin a bit longer with a few more rounds with this one to have it feel truly clean.
I purchased the Normal Brush head for my husband and he’s found that this one is his preference, although he says he can’t tell the difference between the Delicate and Normal versions. To me, they both feel the same on my hand, but given the roughness I felt with the Delicate version I have not been willing to try the Normal one on my face.
Here’s a quick comparison set to show the differences in size and shape:
For the past several weeks I’ve been alternating between the Cashmere and Sensitive brushes. During break outs I stopped using the brush for a few days because it’s not recommended to use this on open wounds plus when I have break outs my skin becomes extra sensitive. The Cashmere brush is definitely the softest and most gentle on the skin. My face doesn’t feel quite as clean compared to when I use the Sensitive Brush, but the Cashmere option is still very effective especially when your skin has extra sensitive spots. In my initial testing I haven’t been able to use the Sensitive Brush everyday. I still can’t use it everyday because I find it to be too much with that much use. With the Cashmere option, I am able to use it daily, twice a day sometimes because it is so gentle.
To those who have been asking for an update, I hope you find this post helpful. Have you tried different Clarisonic brushes? Which ones are your favorites?
Prior to the Cashmere heads coming out (which is the only one I will use now), I used the Delicate head a max of three times per week. That was as often as I could do it without a rash or breakouts. The Cashmere head gets my skin clean without rashes or breakouts, and I can use it about 5 times a week.
I double cleanse regardless, using DHC Cleansing Oil first at the beginning of my shower, and La Mer cleansing gel as my main facial wash at the end of my shower, usually on the clarisonic.
Good to know Ame! I keep hearing so many good things about the DHC, it's on my list to try once I use up some of my current cleansing oils.
Great post, Sabrina! I've been testing these out recently as well, and picking my favourite brush head is driving me crazy. The only thing I know for sure is that I DIDN'T like the Cashmere head (too long and soft for me)!
My Delicate head definitely feels softer and fuller than my Sensitive one, but I wonder if Clarisonic is simply having problems with quality control — the Delicate version they had on display at Sephora felt a lot more stiff than what was in the box when I got home, despite all of the softening it must have had with people poking at it.
Hi Rae! Sorry for the delay in responding, but yes the Cashmere brush is very soft and a couple of the girls at Sephora told me they found it too soft for their skin as well.
I think there might be some quality control issues, but I'm not 100% sure – based on the reviews I've read, thoughts are mixed.
Great post and thank you so much for sharing.
Forgive me if this comes across as an obvious question, but when you experienced breakouts with the original Sensitive brush head, did you replace it with a new one, or just switch to Delicate? I've used the Mia 2 for 3 years and find that 3 months is about the maximum lifespan I get from a brush head–it seems to get stiff/rough and doesn't clean as efficiently, leading to breakouts. I also strongly recommend the Acne brush head; I've found it to be gentler than both Sensitive and Delicate.
I like the acne brush head as well. I have tried all but the cashmere.
Hi Kate, sorry for the confusion, I had breakouts that were completely unrelated to my Clarisonic. My skin broke out due to some foundations I had been testing combined with humid weather (extra sweating) and a change in my workout routine.
I stopped using the Clarisonic because my skin got too sensitive for the brush.
I still use my Sensitive Brush now, I tried the Delicate because I thought it would be better for my sensitive skin, but it turns out the one I bought wasn't softer as I expected.
I'll have to check out the Acne brush!
I must be the only veteran Clarinsonic user that has amazing skin AFTER I dumped it. After 3 years of using it at least 4 times a week with La Mer Cleansing Gel and my skin was still average, breakouts, that horrible taut too-clean feeling, no reduction in bumps or smoother pores, I got fed up. After converting to Caroline Hiron, who by far is the most informative and proven skincare 'voice' online, I went back to basics. After a year of double cleansing with Eve Lom Muslim cloths, never ever using a foaming cleanser, the results are astounding. My skin is amazing. Radiant and smooth. Sabrina I wish you would try the double cleanse/no foaming cleanser as well as investing in exfoliating toners and high end serums. Far more beneficial than heavy moisturisers. I use Biologique Recherché, Tatcha, Sunday Riley mostly. I used to spend hundreds monthly on La Mer and La Prairie AND the Clarisonic. Obviously the Clarisonic works for some and not suggesting it is irrelevant, but if your skin has not dramatically improved, time to choose another method. 🙂
Hi Kimberley, another former Clarisonic user here. I use muslim cloths now too. Just curious, what two cleansers do you use for your double cleanse? Thx
Hi Jo, I use Biologique Recherché Lait VIP 02 cleanser which feels beautiful after. No film or taut effect and it brightens. And Ceramic Slip Cleanser by Sunday Riley. I have oily/combo skin and not a fan of too much mineral oil on my skin. Occasionally will use Bioderma with Shisedo Facial Cotton for Tom Ford Eye Makeup. The double cleanse cloth method dramatically changed how all the subsequent products affect my skin positively. 🙂
Thanks Kimberley, I double cleanse too with the Environ precleanse oil followed by the Environ CQuence cleanser. I use the muslim to remove the oil. I agree with you that double cleansing and using the muslim makes such a difference in how skin looks and feels and how all other products affect the skin. I've heard good things about BR VIP 02 cleanser and I use the P50 toner. I've used the Sunday Riley you use too and liked it but I prefer the Environ.
Thanks Kimberly! I just got a sample of the Eve Lom Cleanser from Space NK the last time I visited the counter, I'll have to give it a try. I tested it a couple years ago and didn't think it did much for my skin, but I will have to revisit.
Would you mind sharing what your favorite toners and serums are? I've switched to SK-II's toner and really like it and also have tried a couple of Tatcha's serums (also love) but am interested in hearing what works for you.
Thanks!
The Sensitive brush head is my favourite, though I have yet to try the Acne and Cashmere heads. I went through 3 different Delicate heads but they were all rougher than the Sensitive heads I used too.
Good to know I'm not the only one!
I found the sensitive was good for me and used them for years until recently went to buy new brushes and read that many people really like DEEP PORE (even though that sounds tough/rough, it is not at all!) My new favorite and all I use now (and I tend to sensitive/normal-dry skin.) HTH!
Thanks Michelle, I'll look into the deep pore the next time I replace one of the brushes 🙂
I've tried the Normal, Sensitive, and Deep Pore brushes- normal was a bit too rough for me, Sensitive was ok but still a little rough (and when I say "rough" I do mean uncomfortable/almost painful, not like a good thorough exfoliation), and Deep Pore felt like a mixture of the 2, so I'm not sure I'd repurchase any of those. I've got Cashmere Cleanse on the way- my skin is acne-prone and if the Cashmere Cleanse is too soft, I'll try the Acne brush next. I'm getting a little irritated I haven't found the right brush head yet, would love to use my Clarisonic more! :/ This review has been really helpful though.
I found the Delicate brush head a bit rougher than the Sensitive too and did not like using it. So I've pretty much stuck to Sensitive because it feels best. I haven't tried the Cashmere head though and I'll probably have a look at that next.
Thanks Lyn!
I found the delicate brush to be rougher than the sensitive head as well. I thought I was being crazy but I'm glad to see it wasn't just me. I've just switched to the cashmere one so I'm waiting to see how that performs before passing judgment.
http://www.notsofrivolous.com
LOL, yes I thought I was a bit crazy too when I found the delicate to be rougher than the sensitive. I keep hearing good things about the Deep Pore so I plan on investigating soon.
I have it and it is amazing!!!
Lots of love, xx
http://www.marysreturn.com
http://www.marysreturn.com
I have normal skin and also the Aria. I still use the brush head but lightly if I have a pimple here and there if anything it helps to exfoliate it off. I use Aria everynight my skin feels extra clean after double cleanse. I have all of the regular brush heads and Normal and Deep Pore are my must haves. The other ones are too light on my skin. The Acne head is the worst too soft I had to stop using it after 2 days ha! I alternate every 3 months with Normal and Deep Pore. DP is amazing, my skin feels like tofu with that brush head. Thanks for the update Sabrina, glad you enjoying your Aria!