Clarisonic Mia- Day 30

I've had my Clarisonic Mia for about a month now. I really, really wanted to love it. There are so many unabashed raves to this product--talk of porelessness, radiance, completely changed skin--that I thought for sure I would see something spectacular manifest. Not so much.

I have normal to dry sensitive skin that is prone to a few clogged pores from what I can only assume is living in a city with filthy air, copious sunscreen use and the occasional hair product. My skin is normally pretty clear, but doesn't have that glow it had in my teens and early twenties. I wasn't looking for miracles, just an overall improvement in the look and feel of my skin. I started using the Mia once a day (the packaging prescribes twice) and found it very irritating to my sensitive skin. I was left red and raw feeling. I switched to every third day and while that helped quell the irritation, after 2 weeks I noticed no change whatsoever in my clogged pores. I then opted to use it every other day which I though would be the perfect balance.

When I look in the mirror, my pores are exactly the same, my clogged pores persist and I now have broken capillaries on my cheeks and nose, something I have never experienced before and have to attribute to the Mia. I know that many other people have had the same issue with broken capillaries and I hope they go away! I also never had the experience of seeing how much "hidden" makeup and dirt the brush was removing as it was always clean and white after use. I am a proponent of double cleaning (removing my makeup with a balm-like cleanser before washing with a gentle foaming one) and it seems that this really does get my skin quite clean.

The Mia (and all Clarisonic products) may be divine for heartier skin, but I'm giving my poor irritated skin a break, shipping it back and returning to my ExfoliKate Gentle.

What's In My Shower Right Now

I am definitely a shower and not a bath girl. Here is what's I've currently got crammed in there:

• Organix Coconut Milk Shampoo
• Organix Coconut Milk Conditioner
• Neil George Intense Repair Mask
• Neil George Detangle Nourishment Spray
• Neutrogena Anti-Residue Shampoo
• Red Flower Ocean Shampoo
• Red Flower Ocean Conditioner

• Nude Skincare Facial Cleansing Wash
• Philosophy Amazing Grace 3-in-1
• Origins Ginger Burst Body Wash
• California Baby Sensitive Baby Wash
• Dr. Bronner's Tea Tree Soap

• Carol's Daughter Body Aches Bath Salts (I sprinkle these on the floor of the shower for an aromatherapy treatment)
• LaLicious Sugar Souffle Scrubs in Coconut Cream, Coffee Bean and Island Guava
• Pangea Organics Facial Scrub- Egyptian Geranium with Adzuki Bean & Cranberry
• Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Gentle
• Avalon Organics Shave Cream
• Clarisonic Mia

Clarisonic Mia- Day 2

I received my Clarisonic Mia from Skinbotanica on Wednesday (I ordered late Saturday night). The instructions require it to charge for 24 hours before use, so I've had two days to play with it. I used at both nights with my Nude Facial Cleansing Wash, after I've used Clinique Take the Day Off Balm to remove my makeup. Here are some initial impressions:

• I've countless presentations on QVC with that silly fluorescent makeup demonstrating that cleansing alone leaves makeup trapped in pores, lines and wrinkles. The models always show the brush head after using it to convey just how much "hidden" makeup the Clarisonic removes, so I was expecting an icky brush head after using it. After all, just cleansing isn't enough. Lo and behold, the brush head was white as snow.
• The Sensitive brush head feel much rougher than I anticipated. I use it delicately and just for the prescribed 1 minute but it feels quite scratchy. I think that I need to purchase the Delicate brushes, but that's an additional $40 investment. After using it for 2 consecutive day, I think I'll cut down to every other day as my skin is a bit irritated.
• While it's too soon to see any actual skin improvements, my skin feel soft to the touch and has that "clean" sensation, similar to after you've used a scrub or peel. I didn't notice any difference in how my moisturizer sank in.
• I'm hoping that this will eliminate some clogged pores I've been getting, ensure that all of my sunscreen is completely removed at night and will help with some dullness. Time will tell but I'm hoping to become one of the people who can't live without their Clarisonic!

Do you have a Clarisonic or Clarisonic Mia? What if any results did you see? Do you love it?

I've Had a Very Expensive Weekend!

It started out with too large of a spree at JCrew and H&M, and then moved on to two pairs of shoes at Cole Haan. I'm sick of my work clothes which are definitely not as cute as my weekend/going out clothes and I always feel like I have to run home and change before doing anything social after work. I'm hoping to change that! I've never been into H&M since the quality is often subpar (hey, you get what you pay for) but H&M cuts smaller and as I'm slowly sized out of stores like JCrew and Banana due to vanity sizing, H&M provides an alternative (and I've discovered that they really do have some cute things!).

I also picked up new crystal knobs from Anthropologie for a vanity I plan to refinish for my new apartment and new Loreal Healthy Look Creme Gloss Hair Color. I don't color my hair but this is supposed to be temporary and subtle and I could do with a bit of brightening up!

Last night I purchased Lancome Black Coffee Le Crayon Kohl Eye Liner and placed a Skinbotanika order (that is not an affiliate link--I just love the site and am happy to promote it) for:

• Clarisonic Mia- I usually have great skin but it's looking so dull and clogged lately. I'm hoping this helps!
• Sophyto Polyphenol Skin Drops- I'm almost out of my Kate Somerville Total Vitamin Serum and like to use an antioxidant product in the morning as I'm exposed to so much pollution here in NYC and am exposed to the sun quite a bit.
• Sparitual Nail Lacquer in Life of the Party- I really like this polish line. It's moderately priced and big 3 free. This looked like a fun pedicure color to me!

Now I'm off to buy new dining room chairs (6--ouch!), table lamps, hit Bed, Bath and Beyond for some organizing necessities, go grocery shopping and I have to pay my Bar dues!

And my list for the fast-approaching Bergdorf event is growing by the minute! Has anyone seen a money tree around? Trying to look good sure is expensive!