I’ve been testing a few skincare devices since last summer. I’ve been a huge fan of my Clarisonic Aria (now called Mia 3) and use the Cashmere Brush head (both reviewed here). It’s a skincare cleaning tool that I’ve been using for over a year and after and found that it’s been really good in keeping my skin clearer. It’s also been instrumental at improving skin texture. Out of the brushes I’ve tested, the Cashmere is my favorite for sensitive skin. After using it for a few months I switched back to the Normal Brush for a day and felt like it was extremely abrasive and rough – so I immediately ordered a replacement for my Cashmere brush head. If you like the concept of using a facial cleaning device that uses sonic technology but don’t like the concept of using a brush, I have two alternatives to share thoughts on today. I was fortunate to receive samples of a few devices to test, one is the Foreo Luna Mini ($139) and the other is the Le Mieux 4-in-1 Ultrasonic Anti-Aging Skin Perfecter ($189).
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First up is the Foreo Luna Mini ($139) in Cool Grey. This is an ultra compact cleaning device that gives the skin a deep cleanse with something called T-Sonic technology. These are pulses that are delivered through the silicone brushes to your face which helps loosen dirt, oil, dead skin cells and makeup residue in the skin.
The Luna Mini device channels 8,000 T-Sonic (transdermal sonic) pulsations every minute. For those who feel that brushes are too harsh for the skin, the quick-drying, non-porous silicone cleansing brushes offer a more gentle alternative. When testing this, I preferred to use a two-step double cleanse for evenings. I first removed all my makeup with cleansing water or cleansing oil (right now loving the Bioderma Sensibio for the dry weather and my sensitive skin). Then I followed with a regular cleanser and this device. I tested this with the cleansers I already owned, I found the ones with a creamy finish worked better than gel cleansers. The thicker ones just lathered up better for a deeper clean when using the Luna Mini.
There are two speeds with this device, I found both gentle enough for my skin and didn’t really have a preference for either one. I have small hands but long fingers so with this one I did find there was a slight learning curve to learn how to hold this without feeling like it would slip through my fingers. I like that it’s super compact and completely waterproof. A huge bonus is that a full charge is supposed to last up to 300 uses (they say about 5 months) which I think is really impressive. I haven’t used this that long (only a month now), but will report back after testing it.
Three of my favorite cleansers I used this with: First Aid Beauty Skin Rescue Deep Cleanser With Red Clay, First Aid Beauty Face Cleanser, and Amore Pacific Treatment Cleansing Foam (mini from the Moisture Bound Oil-Free Set).
The device is designed for all skintypes. There are different kinds of brushes on the device, the front has thinner touch-points gently cleanse sensitive or dry skin. The description says the backside has broad touch-points to refresh oilier skin on the back. I tried both and prefer the front – it’s more flexible and more gentle on the skin.
After testing this for a month 2-3x per week instead of the Clarisonic, I’ve found it to be a really good alternative to the Clarisonic. The silicone is very gentle on the face but still really effective. I like that it seems more sanitary compared to the brushes although I’ve never had issues with the Clarisonic brushes (I spray them regularly with alcohol). It does make the skin feel cleaner and less oily around the nose. If your skin is prone to irritation from brushes this is an excellent alternative. I really like the compact design. I think it will be really easy to carry while traveling. Right now Foreo is having their Black Friday/Cyber Monday sale, all devices are 25% off (no code needed). If you’ve been eyeing this, now is a great time to save.
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Next up is the Le Mieux 4-in-1 Ultrasonic Anti-Aging Skin Perfecter ($189 at QVC). I was really hesitant to try this tool because it looks like a skin scraper. I watched several demonstration videos before braving this and am really glad I did. This is a device that gives the face a micro-massage through 28,000 ultrasonic vibrations per second. It cleanses, tones and stimulates the skin to allow for a deep clean.
This is a 4 in 1 tool because it’s a cleanser, exfoliator, extractor and infuser. This chart from Le Mieux explains everything better than I can so I’ve added a screen shot. I’ve tested this since September using it 1x per week to really put it to the test and see if it worked as described. I have used this as a second or third cleanse step as well. You only need to add water to your face and then use the device, but I prefer to clean the skin entirely and remove all traces of makeup. This is gentle enough for my skin – it glides along the face easily, no tugging at all. I think it’s been really good for my skin in terms of exfoliating the sides of my face and along the chin. It really does help clean out the pores – especially along the sides of the nose and chin (my problem areas).
Here’s a close up of the device. There are three settings, Lo, Pulse and Hi. I like to use the Lo setting. Hi was ok too, just too intense for my skin on super sensitive days. If you read the user guide there are lot of different ways to use the device. My preference is to keep things simple, I used it with the lo setting and as a cleaner/extractor starting from the center of the face moving outwards.
If you watch the demonstration videos on QVC.com it will make sense to see how this works. For now I have a few photos demonstrated on my hand. Wet the skin with water, turn on the device and the move it along the skin.
Moving it will result in a super fine mist that comes from the device. It’s the sonic pulses moving along the skin and water to help clean out the oil and dirt from your pores. I found it really cleaned out the pores along the nose. It’s helped keep skin clearer and works as a super gentle extractor. For areas I’ve had some dry patches and flakes, it’s gently removed the layer of dead skin without ripping or breaking the skin.
Both are really good skincare discoveries for me. If you’re one who prefers at-home treatments rather than regular facials, these are good DIY kind of devices that you can use in between treatments. Both are on the expensive side but have made a significant noticeable difference in my skin. I like that they are both compact and don’t take up a lot of bathroom or shower space. They both seem to be travel-friendly as well.
I had my husband try both and he still prefers his Clarisonic Alphafit by far (review here, also Clarisonic is also having a sale this weekend, 20% off all devices with code CYBERWKND, ends 11/29). He says hands down if you’re looking for a good gift for the men in your life, the Clarisonic Alphafit is something he highly recommends. It’s something he doesn’t think guys would normally get for themselves, but it’s something they will definitely use and like if gifted. (I bought it for him and he uses it every day.)
For me, I still haven’t decided whether I prefer the Foreo or Clarisonic. My husband has expressed multiple times that he doesn’t like my Clarisonic Mia 3 because he finds it big and bulky. After testing the Foreo, I do feel the Clarisonic is a lot bigger, but it’s a different concept and design so I don’t know how it could be designed to be more compact. I do think for Clarisonic there is a big gap between the texture of brushes – I like the Cashmere brush but many have said it doesn’t do anything for their skin. The Foreo is a good one because I do think it’s more universal to fit more skin types and sensitivities.
Foreo devices can be found at a number of different retailers like Nordstrom and Sephora, but right now there is a 25% off sale at Foreo.com until 11/30 (no code needed). The Le Mieux 4-in-1 Ultrasonic Anti-Aging Skin Perfecter can be found at QVC.com.
Have you tried either Foreo or Le Mieux? If yes, what do you use and what are your thoughts? Would love to hear input on the Foreo cleansers or if you’ve tried any of the other devices.
Both the Foreo and Le Mieux devices were provided as press samples for review consideration. As always, all opinions my own.
