Just to preface this review, I do also own a Clarisonic. I'll be comparing the two for reference as you may also be curious. Let's get into it!
Right off the bat, though this kit is definitely pamper sesh worthy and totally cute, it's not as luxuriously weighty or as well built as the Clarisonic. I think pricing reflects this so there's no real surprise there. Considering a Clarisonic will run you anywhere between $139-$349, this is a great affordable multi-functioning alternative.
This G&S option is a rotating
and vibrating device with two different speeds which gives you full control of your experience. Also a plus, this format cuts down quite a bit of time for the girl on the go! Roughly measuring 6 inches, it's a perfect size for travel. I just wish it had some sort of dust bag to keep everything together.
Another area of concern for me was that brush heads are not sold separately on the Grace & Stella website. However, that's nothing a quick online search can't solve.
Here's the side by side comparison with the Clarisonic Mia:
Short + Long Bristle Brush
This device is more effective at cleansing skin than simply using hands but be careful not to overdo it! I'd personally use brush cleansers as a 2x (maximum) per week treat in place of physical exfoliators.
The two-speed functions are powerful enough to do the job without stripping your skin too harshly when used correctly. However, if you have sensitive skin, I'd definitely keep it on the first setting and apply less pressure. Best results were achieved by gently gliding the brush over top skin with a light hand using small counter-clockwise circular motions.
What's the difference between the two bristled heads? The Short Bristle Brush is pretty standard and will give you a more precise cleanse whereas the Long Bristle Brush is softer, has more movement in the bristles, and is more gentle (my favorite).
Tip: If there's anything I've learned from exfoliators (the hard way–gah!) is that less pressure and more time is always best. For example, if you exfoliate too often or too harshly, you may encounter counterproductive results causing your skin to lose elasticity, encourage hyperpigmentation and skin texture. The lightest of pressure will do you just fine so easy does it, gorgeous.
The beauty of using brushes like these is a thorough cleanse and exfoliation in one step. In turn, your skincare will penetrate and perform more effectively. If that weren't reason enough, exfoliated skin also wears makeup so much nicer!
Latex Soft Sponge
I found this to be the most gentle of the face heads. It carefully buffs away dead skin for a brighter, smoother complexion. However, I didn't find it to cleanse my skin as effectively. For that reason, I use it after a quick once over with one of the brush heads. All in all, this one's nice but I don't know that I'll get more than a handful of uses out of it for sanitary reasons.
Tip: I tried a little experiment by adding a small amount of a microdermabrasion scrub to my face and gently worked it in with this sponge. Wow! It took my exfoliating game to a whole new level.
To encourage a brightening effect, follow up with a vitamin C serum. This will help further rejuvenate, brighten and tighten the skin.
Thank me later.
Massager
The vibrating sensation was soothing particularly around my nose and center of my face. If you're an allergy sufferer, this is great for times you need to drain your sinuses. Ick, I know that doesn't sound pleasant, but it's a real problem many of us face. Why not find some relief? It's also great at increasing circulation and said to tighten muscles.
Tip: The four domes you see pictured are actually rotating balls and can collect oil, dirt, and bacteria. If you're acne prone, an easy fix is to disinfect the head after each use.
Makeup Sponge
This one is my least favorite of the bunch, but if you get creative it can come in handy. If you're familiar with latex makeup wedges, this is essentially the same thing. The only real difference is that it's attached to a vibrating, spinning device and a tad bit denser. For its intended use, it didn't really do anything for me to be honest. I found that it absorbed my foundation more than it applied and I'm not sure what I'll do with it after a couple of uses anyway. It's a great idea and I would have loved for it to work out, but unfortunately, this one didn't meet the mark for me.
Tip: Instead of using this to apply foundation, it could be good to use on clean skin as an added massaging pad or to work in a face mask. The vibrating head will not only help relax you and increase circulation but also help the mask to sink in.
Polishing + Pumice Stone
The options for feet were nice at polishing and refining. For best results, I used these as a finishing step in my exfoliating pedicure routine. To start, I personally prefer doing this manually as I can roll up my sleeves and really get in there. With that said, I enjoyed the Polishing and Pumice Stone to refine rough edges I may have missed. It helped smooth everything over before applying an overnight foot moisturizer and thick socks. Waking up to extra soft feet that glide over sheets is always a good way to start your day. Yes, please.
Tip: If you're looking for something that will seriously slough off dead skin from your pups, check out my
Dr. Pedicure Foot Exfoliating Mask blog post. You'll literally shed scratchy skin away, it's crazy!
F I N A L T H O U G H T S
After trying all 7 rotating massaging heads, some were nice and others didn't really meet the mark for me. In my opinion, the star of the show is the Long Bristle Brush head as it gently massaged and cleansed my skin. My makeup applied much smoother when I used this beforehand and actually looked better at the end of the day which was a nice bonus.
If you have ultra sensitive skin, I would shy away from this (and most manual exfoliators) and opt for a chemical treatment. If you have normal skin, The
7-in-1 Massager & Cleanser Kit is a great addition for those seeking a little extra something special in their skincare routine.
The foot Polishing and Pumice Stone heads were also a nice treat adding finishing touches to an at home pedicure. I was able to refine and smooth with detailing action.
Is this device Clarisonic quality? Put simply, no. But it
is a solid alternative for the price point. Its affordability means that more people can reap the benefits of a better cleanse. It's no secret that the act of self-care improves our overall quality of life but it definitely doesn't need to break the bank.
A big thank you to Grace & Stella for supplying this kit to try! To shop more Grace & Stella products like this, click through their
Best Sellers list.
Thanks so much for spending some time with me today. I'll catch ya in the next one but let's keep in touch! Follow me on any of my socials to keep the convo going. Have a fab day, beauty babes!
♥ xoxo
