Clarisonic Mia 2 review

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My love for Clarisonic just got a little smaller

Clarisonic Mia 2 review

I’ve got a well documented and long standing love of Clarisonic. Check out the love letter I wrote in 2009 explaining why you need one (I had already had it for two years when I wrote this). So, imagine my horror when one recent evening I went to turn it on and got…nothing. After six years of faithful use, my beloved Clarisonic Classic had gone to the electronic graveyard.

I called their customer service and learned what I already knew, it was well past its 2-year warranty. But found out they could send me a new one at a substantial discount. So, before I go any further – can I give a shout out for fantastic customer service?

Clarisonic Mia 2 packaging

But this review isn’t about my old Clarisonic (RIP). It’s about the new one that landed in my hands through the PR gods exactly when I needed it. It’s the Clarisonic Mia 2, and I’m in love yet again.

Closer look of Clarisonic Mia 2

The Mia 2icon ($149) is the travel version of the Clarisonic Classic, and an upgraded 2-speed version of the original Mia. What can you expect from any Clarisonic? Allow myself to quote…myself:

Pretty much all you would hope for in a dream face product. Reduction in the appearance of pores, improvement in oily areas, dry skin patches and blemishes, improved skin tone, and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Those 300 sonic movements per second work hard for you!

Here’s the million dollar question – do you need a Clarisonic? Do you like good skin? Then yes, you do. Having been without one for a few months, I can attest that my skin is absolutely better when I use it. My face feels and looks cleaner (it removes makeup six times better than without it) and everything applies better; from creams to foundation (they say you get 61% more absorption when you use it).

So really, the question becomes which Clarisonic do you need? The Clarisonic Classic ($195), the Mia ($119) or the Mia 2icon ($149). Here’s why I’m casting my vote for Mia 2.

Color: Mia 2 come in eight colors that are absolutely fashion-forward. Mango, Peacock, Bordeaux – the most fabulous shades can be found with this pick.

Price: The Mia is the least expensive at $119. So if you’re watching your budget, you may want to go that route. But for $30, you’ll get an additional speed with the Mia 2, which leads me to…

Closer look of Clarisonic Mia 2 settings

Settings: The Mia has only one speed. The Mia 2 and the Clarisonic Classic have two speeds. It’s a big plus in my eyes to be able to lower the speed for sensitive areas (like your nose) and raise it for areas you really want to target (like a blemish patch). Plus, both also have a T-Timer, which pulses to let you know it’s time to move the brush to a different area of your face, with the concentration of time being spent on your T-zone. With a price tag that’s $45 less than the classic, Mia 2 takes this category as well.

Travel: The Mia and Mia 2 are made for travel, they’re smaller and so are their chargers. But where Mia 2 takes the lead is that it also comes with a travel case. I always used to hate the thought of my Clarisonic Classic floating around in my (dirty) toiletry bag.

Clarisonic Mia 2 while charging

Charging: While the magnetic charger that comes with both Mias is clever (it pops into place with a satisfying snap), I’ve got to give this category to the Clarisonic Classic. It’s charging cradle stands the unit upright and is the perfect way to store it on your counter. It’s the only thing that I miss about my old model.

There you have it folks, the Mia 2 reigns supreme as the Clarisonic that you need! Sweeping three of the five categories, matching most of the features of the Classic, but with a smaller price tag, it’s a worthy investment for better skin.

Let’s hear it from my fellow Clarisonic fans – which model do you own and why do you love it?

Disclosure: This review includes products that were provided by the manufacturer/PR firm for our consideration. It also may contain an affiliate link, a link that gives us a small commission if you purchase the item. For more info, or any questions, please see our disclosure policy.

Author

  • Stef Andrews

    Stef is a plethora of things. Amongst them: co-founder of we heart this, photographer, condiment connoisseur, Philly girl in the California desert, borderline hoarder and a hardcore beauty junkie. She also has a touch of wanderlust and, arguably, the cutest dog in the whole world... skin tone: NC 25/30 skin type: oily with a fear of rosacea favorite beauty product: high end skincare and lip products

12 Comments

  1. I’ve been wanting one of these so bad but the pricetag is keeping me from them. Perhaps I could splurge on the Mia or add it to my wishlist for the holidays.

  2. I have the original Clarisonic, but I SO want the Mia, too. In Kelly Green. Mostly because I love Clarisonic and I love the color green. And because having a traveling Clarisonic would bring me joy.
    Nothing comes close in terms of cleaning my skin—I love my Clarisonic :)

  3. Erika Austill says:

    I absolutely adore my Clarisonic Classic! It has done amazing things to my skin! Improved texture, reduced fine lines, and a feeling of super clean skin w/out drying it out! Ya know that song by REM… Shiny Happy People? That’s me…only replace the word shiny with rosy and I’ve got a #1 hit! I purchased mine about two years ago and so far so good. Definitely worth the investment. Let’s face it ladies, we’re not getting any younger, and if I can slow down time just a wee bit…well, I’m all over it!

  4. I have a Mia but I think the Mia 2 is a great upgade with the speed settings! Get more bang for your buck I guess. :) Great review @Stef!

  5. @stef – Sorry to hear that your old faithful Clarisonic Classic died but, it shows how well these are made. How many other things do you have that you have used faithfully for SIX YEARS?!? (Speaking from personal experience I loose interest or the product breaks.)

    I have the Mia because I have a job that is more than 50% travel. I love the portable charger that comes with the Mia because it is easy to use and takes up very little room.

    Congrats on the newest Clarisonic Mia! May she last at least six years.

  6. Also– I am wondering how many out there feel as strongly about Opal?

  7. I’m madly in love with my Clarisonic Classic, but if it ever breaks down I’ll also be investing in the pink Mia! So adorable and would be great to have a travel case…but I do love that cradle, too.

  8. Love the pink Mia and seriously hoping my classic does break down so that I have an excuse to buy the Mia!

  9. I have the original model. I am still in love with it. Nothing else cleanses and exfoliates my skin like it. But I am sure that mine will also go to the great beauty graveyard one day soon. @stef you have helped to prepare for this with a word on the new options. They sound great. I am also interested in the new acne centered line that they came out with. I wonder what kind of a difference it makes.

  10. I love this review, I just got my Clarisonic and I can’t wait to use it for the first time tonight. Thanks for the thoughtful review!

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