Clarisonic Mia 2

When Clarisonic first came on the market I was intrigued as to whether this electronic cleansing brush would actually make a difference to my skin. It doesn't come cheap and although I wanted to try it, I wasn't willing to spend that much money on it when I didn't think my skin really needed it. 

Earlier this year, I was lucky enough to be sent a limited editon Clarisonic Mia 2 from the Nautical Summer collection in the pretty Sunwashed Peach shade.

Let's begin with what Clarisonic claims it can do for your skin. Clarisonic has a patented sonic technology that has been clinically proven to to cleanse the skin six times better than using hands alone. The device head moves back and forth at a frequency that produces over 300 micro movements per second gently massaging the skin to remove any impurities from the pores. It thoroughly cleanses the skin, transforms the texture and reduces pore size. It also improves the absorption of any serums and moisturisers into the skin afterwards. The end result of using a Clarisonic device is softer, smoother and more radiant skin. 

The big question is do I agree with everything the Clarisonic claims it can do for your skin. After using it almost every day for about six months I can safely say I am a total convert. If my Clarisonic stopped working for whatever reason I would be straight out to buy another one. I have seen first hand how much excess make up and build up of product that this removes after a first cleanse and I have no doubt that it cleans the skin much better than cotton wool or a face cloth could. 

I haven't tried the Clarisonic Cleanser yet but I've just been using mine with whatever cleanser I currently have. I've tried it with the REN Clarimatte T-Zone Control Cleansing Gel, the Estée Lauder Perfectly Clean Foam Cleanser ( I have a review of that here) the Origins Checks and Balances Face Wash but at the moment I'm using it with Lancôme Clarifying Cleanser Pearly Foam. I would recommend any of these cleansers to use with it, they are all amazing at making my face feel clean, soft, smooth and hydrated. 

The device comes with a Sensitive Brush Head, a protective case, a charger and a sample size cleanser. I found the sensitive brush head a little harsh for my skin despite the fact that I don't have particularly sensitive skin, so I got the Delicate Brush Head when it needed to be replaced. I find it much better for my skin and I would recommend it if you have any kind of sensitivity. 

You can use the Clarisonic twice a day if you like, but I tend to just use it in the evenings when I'm taking off my make up. It only takes 60 seconds to use so even when I'm really tired and don't feel like going through all of the steps in my skincare routine, I still use my Clarisonic. Once charged it lasts for about three weeks so you could take it away on holidays and you wouldn't have to bring the charger if you didn't want to. 

I wanted to give the Clarisonic a proper trial before I reviewed it, but even after a few weeks I saw a difference. If you have any skin issues or find removing your make up to be a chore or even if you're looking for a Christmas gift for someone I think everyone would benefit from using this on their skin. 

Clarisonic recently collaborated with the Keith Haring Foundation to create a limited edition range featuring the artist's illustrations. There was another recent launch from Clarisonic, the Smart Profile which is a face and body device. 

Clarisonic is available from Debenhams, House of Fraser and Space NK and prices start at approximately €149.

Have you converted to Clarisonic yet or have you tried any of the other cleansing brushes on the market?

Emma x

And We'll Dazzle Them All

You'll have to excuse my unplanned temporary hiatus from blogging. Since I got back from holidays in September there has been a continued series of disruptive life events that have unfortunately meant that I've been unable to do much in the way of writing posts or reading my favourite blogs. 

I know I haven't written very much about my personal life in the past year and a half but I just wanted to write a little bit about what's been going on in my life recently because I've gone through some major life changes in the past couple of months. Just after we got back from holidays we were told that our landlord had sold our building and the new landlord was completely renovating all of the apartments so we had to move out. At the same time I was interviewing for a new job, my first interview in eight years. So we began the daunting task of looking for a place to live. 

Having to move out was a blessing in disguise. We were very lucky in that the rent and location of our old apartment were both incredible. But we were sharing with a flatmate so there were pros and cons and we were both happy to be finally getting our own place. Rent has increased significantly in Dublin over the past few years and the market is hugely competitive. After much wasted time viewing places not fit for habitation and a few disappointments, we finally found the perfect apartment for us. 

While we were apartment searching I got great news that the job I had interviewed for was mine. I handed in my notice to my managers and three weeks later said goodbye to my workplace of eight years and my wonderful friends and colleagues. I had my last day in work on a Friday, moved apartment the following day and started my new job on the Monday and life has been a blur since then. 

We just got internet in the new apartment today, hence the complete silence from me recently. With apartment searching, packing, moving and working so much I haven't had the time to do a lot for the blog. However I've still been taking outfit photos (I should be getting a new camera soon), trying out new products, and attending any events I can that don't clash with work. I have an abundance of content that I can't wait to share with you all. 

For now, I have an outfit post we shot about a month ago before the weather became too Wintery. 

Jumper- H&M
Jacket- Penneys/ Primark (similar here)
Skirt- Monsoon
Shoes- New Look (similar here)
Hat- H&M (similar here)
Fur Stole- Accessorize (similar here)
Ring- Stella and Dot Pavé Chevron Ring
Bag- Accessorize (similar here)

I've already written enough in this post so I won't say too much about this outfit except I saw this skirt  and didn't think it would suit me at all but I tried it on and loved it. I'm also still loving fur collars this year, I added this one to the collection I built up last Autumn.  I also love this hat from H&M and it's wool so it keeps my head really warm, although I can't wear it when it's windy because it just blows straight off my head. Lace up shoes seem to still be having a moment, I know a lot of people are probably sick of seeing them but I love mine and never one to be thrown off by trends, I'll keep wearing them until they fall apart.

Thanks to everyone for continuing to support me despite my erratic post schedule recently. I really appreciated the messages I've received asking how I am. I'll be catching up with all my blog reading over the next week. I hope you all are doing well.

Emma x