Would you spend $150 on a face product? (A Mia 2 review)

That’s a serious question. It feels odd to sit down and think about how much money we spend on our appearance every year. And it’s not just women, it’s men too!

While I can’t speak for other people, I know from going through a phase where the MAC makeup counter ladies knew my pay cycle, that good makeup costs a fortune. What do I mean by “good”? Well, good to me is when my skin doesn’t break out, and it doesn’t look like I’m wearing makeup. Having sensitive skin makes it rather impossible for me to buy drug-store stuff. Trust me, I’ve tried. The cycle normally goes like this- see drug store product on TV, buy said product, have skin break out, hand said product to sister.

Aside from growing my sister’s makeup collection, I’ve thrown a lot of good money down the gutter chasing the holy grail (the perfect combination of price and quality). And while my skincare routine had settled down, and I had found products that work, I’ve recently found myself back in the spotlight where presentations, and running meetings were part of the everyday gig. Whether I like to admit or not, I really like putting my best face out there.

It was at this point that I found myself torn- do I get the Mia 2 (9-149) or do I start buying makeup. Keep in mind that having the type of skin that I do requires that I buy multiple shades ( I tan really easily and don’t stay the same shade for longer than 1 week). Ladies, using the wrong shades on your face looks horrible, right?

I’ve been blessed to not have to deal with a ton of acne, but I’m getting up there in age and there’s only so much drinking 8 glasses can do for me. Sidenote: my favorite food is McDonald’s fries. Yes, greasy food doesn’t go well with clear skin. Still, it was the odd breakout here and there, and  dry patches ($$ creams) that were the main culprits for me.

Guess what I chose to go with? Yep-  MIA 2! 

I’ve been using it for a month now, and I’m in LOVE. 

Why you may ask? Well, here’s a review.

What $149 gets you:

– Clarisonic Mia2™ 2 Speed Brush
– International pLink Charger
– 1 sensitive brush heads
– 1 oz Refreshing Gel Cleanser
– Protective travel case

What it does: (as per the box)

Reveal the secret to silky smooth, radiantly fresh skin. Clarisonic goes beyond cleansing by using sonic technology to gently, yet deeply cleanse pores of environmental toxins, makeup, and bacteria—without abrasion or harsh chemicals. This tool removes greater than six times more makeup than using a cleanser alone and actually increases product absorption—making skin more receptive to your favorite skincare formulas and their nourishing ingredients. With daily use, the Clarisonic reduces dry skin patches, oily areas, and blemishes, leaving skin beautifully smooth. 

What it did for me:

It balanced out my skin. The dry patches disappeared when I used it everyday, and it allowed my moisturizer to be soaked in rapidly. It also made my skin glow. Yes, I mean, GLOW.   I did have to stop using it every day as it my skin wasn’t used to it, and I didn’t want to irritate it.

It’s foolproof as it has a 1 minute timer built in. The timer is perfect to make sure that you don’t over brush each any given area for longer than you should. It beeps after  20 seconds for both your forehead and T-zone, and 10 seconds for each cheek. It, also, shuts off automatically.

The only thing that bugged me was having to charge it for 24 hours before using it.

Men, you can use it, too! I know you like taking care of your skin, too. I’ve seen it. It’s a quick and easy gadget to make sure that you don’t break out, and have clear skin. My 22 year old brother uses it every time he’s over (come to think of it, he comes over an awful lot now). He has acne prone skin, but he swears that this is helping.

Let’s look at the numbers, shall we?

• Cost of Mia2: $149
• Replacement brushes: $25 each (suggested every 2 months, but if used every other day can be stretched to 4-6 months).

Total: $175 first year, $50 each year after.

 

If I had purchased makeup instead:

• Foundation: $39 x 3 Shades = $117
• Exfoliating Scrub (to scrub away makeup wear from pores): $19 x 2 year =$38
• Facial: $40 x twice a year = $80

Total: $235/year (not to mention the costs of concealer/highlighters etc)

 

You are reading a personal finance blog, so you know what why the MIA2 is the way to go.

This isn’t even counting the time that you save by not putting on foundation in the morning. I know that people like facials. I like being at the spa, but facials make me breakout.  Before anyone gets their panties in a bunch, and questions why my makeup would cost that much, I hope you understand that it took years to find products that work well with my skin. I rather pay an extra $20 bucks on makeup than have breakouts.

 

Just a quick note that Amazon is not an authorized dealer so its not the best place to buy the Mia2.