Cleansing brushes were the product du jour a few years ago, thanks to the likes of Clarisonic taking the skincare market by storm. Although they claimed to revolutionise skincare routines and provide a deeper cleanse, they actually started to cause more problems than they solved. Over zealous exfoliation can damage the surface of skin and remove too much moisture; the skin reacts by slowing down its own lubrication, the result of which can be ageing, outbreaks and irritation. Since the launch of the original cleansing brushes around five years ago, technology has advanced hugely and so the results achievable are much better in 2015; however, these gadgets do need to be used in the right way to ensure you're caring for your skin rather than damaging it. I'm a big fan of cleansing brushes (when they're used as part of a targeted regime and not overused,) but the question is: do you need to spend serious amounts of money on a cleansing brush, or can you get by with a bargain find that does the job?
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Two of the cleansing brushes I've been putting to the test over the last few weeks include the ultra budget Silk'n Dual Clean (which you can pick up from Amazon for less than twenty quid,) and the Magnitone Pulsar Eclipse (which will set you back in the region of £150.00 - although it's currently half price online!) There's a huge difference in both price point and performance, but does the additional investment really offer additional benefits to your skin? Or are the price points just reflecting the cosmetic appeal of the products at hand?
Silk'n Dual Clean Cleansing Brush
This extremely basic and functional gadget is quite chunky, but easy to use. It has only one brush head, one speed setting and one mode - there's no ability to personalise the results or to get mutliple functions from it, but it does do the job. I personally find the bristles a little harsh for my skin, but used a couple of times a week on a non irritated or sensitive complexion it will definitely help to exfoliate and lift dirt from deeper in the skin's surface. The brush head and simplicity of the unit make this perfect for using on the body, where you're not so fussed about being exceptionally careful - more concerned about buffing away flaky and dull skin from your limbs. I did have to force myself to use this as it's not particularly pleasurable (nor does it provide immediate results,) but as an introduction to cleansing brushes, or for teenagers that are looking for a little extra boost, then this does the job. It's affordable and easy to use, but I don't think it would form a committed part of any skincare routine in the long-term.
Magnitone Pulsar Eclipse Cleansing Brush
This all-singing-all-dancing cleansing brush is much more comfortable to hold, thanks to the ergonomic design fitting perfectly into the palm of your hand. Not only does the unit come with four speed settings and three different brush heads, but it rotates at 15,000 oscillations per minute while remaining incredibly gentle on the surface of skin. The unit works well with all forms of cleanser and integrates into my routine seamlessly, leaving my skin feeling gently buffed and cleansed without stripping away goodness. Unlike the Silk'n Dual Clean, the Magnitone can be charged and used for up to eight hours (vs the life of two AA batteries!) and popped in its travel case for cleansing on the go. The different brush heads provide different results, from massaging to a deep cleanse, which when paired with the different speed settings ensure a personalised and effective finish. This is incredibly pleasurable to use, becoming a part of my regular skincare routine not only because I saw and felt a difference - but because it provided a minute or two of pampering in the shower.
Although there's a huge difference in price between these two units, there's also a huge difference in performance. Our skin is a sensitive organ and needs to be cared for effectively; in my opinion it's worth investing in tools that will help you along that journey while providing a pleasurable few minutes in the shower. If your budget is restricted and you want to give cleansing brushes a whirl, there's no reason whatsoever why you couldn't start off with a budget buy and work up to a more expensive purchase if you feel cleansing in this way is right for you. However, you really do get what you pay for - so it's worth doing your research.
Are you a fan of cleansing brushes? Do you believe you have to invest in a high tech tool to achieve the results you desire? Or do you think it's ridiculous spending so much on a beauty gadget?
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The Magnitone Pulsar is currently on offer for £74.95 (50% off!) The Silk'n Dual Clean is available from £16.00.
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Two of the cleansing brushes I've been putting to the test over the last few weeks include the ultra budget Silk'n Dual Clean (which you can pick up from Amazon for less than twenty quid,) and the Magnitone Pulsar Eclipse (which will set you back in the region of £150.00 - although it's currently half price online!) There's a huge difference in both price point and performance, but does the additional investment really offer additional benefits to your skin? Or are the price points just reflecting the cosmetic appeal of the products at hand?
Silk'n Dual Clean Cleansing Brush
This extremely basic and functional gadget is quite chunky, but easy to use. It has only one brush head, one speed setting and one mode - there's no ability to personalise the results or to get mutliple functions from it, but it does do the job. I personally find the bristles a little harsh for my skin, but used a couple of times a week on a non irritated or sensitive complexion it will definitely help to exfoliate and lift dirt from deeper in the skin's surface. The brush head and simplicity of the unit make this perfect for using on the body, where you're not so fussed about being exceptionally careful - more concerned about buffing away flaky and dull skin from your limbs. I did have to force myself to use this as it's not particularly pleasurable (nor does it provide immediate results,) but as an introduction to cleansing brushes, or for teenagers that are looking for a little extra boost, then this does the job. It's affordable and easy to use, but I don't think it would form a committed part of any skincare routine in the long-term.
Magnitone Pulsar Eclipse Cleansing Brush
This all-singing-all-dancing cleansing brush is much more comfortable to hold, thanks to the ergonomic design fitting perfectly into the palm of your hand. Not only does the unit come with four speed settings and three different brush heads, but it rotates at 15,000 oscillations per minute while remaining incredibly gentle on the surface of skin. The unit works well with all forms of cleanser and integrates into my routine seamlessly, leaving my skin feeling gently buffed and cleansed without stripping away goodness. Unlike the Silk'n Dual Clean, the Magnitone can be charged and used for up to eight hours (vs the life of two AA batteries!) and popped in its travel case for cleansing on the go. The different brush heads provide different results, from massaging to a deep cleanse, which when paired with the different speed settings ensure a personalised and effective finish. This is incredibly pleasurable to use, becoming a part of my regular skincare routine not only because I saw and felt a difference - but because it provided a minute or two of pampering in the shower.
Although there's a huge difference in price between these two units, there's also a huge difference in performance. Our skin is a sensitive organ and needs to be cared for effectively; in my opinion it's worth investing in tools that will help you along that journey while providing a pleasurable few minutes in the shower. If your budget is restricted and you want to give cleansing brushes a whirl, there's no reason whatsoever why you couldn't start off with a budget buy and work up to a more expensive purchase if you feel cleansing in this way is right for you. However, you really do get what you pay for - so it's worth doing your research.
Are you a fan of cleansing brushes? Do you believe you have to invest in a high tech tool to achieve the results you desire? Or do you think it's ridiculous spending so much on a beauty gadget?
The Magnitone Pulsar is currently on offer for £74.95 (50% off!) The Silk'n Dual Clean is available from £16.00.
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