This Is the Biggest Mistake You're Making With Your Clarisonic

Instagram | KirbieJohnson
Every editorial product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn commission.

While I'd like to think that there are quite a few characteristics Oprah and I have in common, one in particular is that we both love the Clarisonic! I've been a devotee of the cleansing brush since it first appeared on the market in 2004. (Granted, I was unable to get one until after I graduated college — as I tell everyone considering the device, it is a skin care investment.)

I've seen Clarisonic evolve from what could have been a gimmicky tool to an absolute necessity for a clear, radiant complexion. I am actually shocked when I talk to friends, co-workers, or even complete strangers who do not own one — how has their skin survived without it?

In all seriousness, it's clear that I love the product — I feel cleaner when I use it. My skin glows. I don't have to spend 10 minutes removing my makeup with a wipe, then a face wash, then another wipe, only to find foundation on the towel. It's a convenience and a luxury wrapped into one tool. Because I'm such a fan, many of my friends consult me about which model to purchase. That's when I realized how confusing it can be: the brand offers seven models, as well as a variety of brush heads to choose from!

Recently, I visited Clarisonic headquarters in Seattle to learn about their new launch, the Mia Fit ($189) While there, I chatted with Dr. Robb Akridge (lovingly known to beauty editors and his colleagues as "Dr. Robb"), one of the inventors of the device. He clarified which device and brush head you should start with based on your needs. Read on to learn which one you should grab first . . . or, if you're as addicted as I am, pick up next!

What You're Doing Wrong

What You're Doing Wrong

Before we go into what model and brush head is the best fit, it's important to note that many people use the Clarisonic incorrectly. I asked Dr. Robb what most people found intimidating about the device, and he shed light on a common user error.

"[One of the fears is that] it irritates their skin, but if they’re doing that, they’re not using it right," he explained.

Even though I'm a superfan of the device, I had taken a break from using mine as I felt it was overexfoliating my complexion. According to Dr. Robb, too many Clarisonic fans (myself included, it seems!) don't use enough face wash. Many users limit their cleanser to just filling the tiny hole in the middle of the brush head, but you're actually supposed to apply it all over the bristles.

You also need to be sure you're using enough water! "Really wet your brush head. You need the oscillation but also the fluid force as well," said Dr. Robb.

The brush head you select makes a huge difference, too. I've since used my Clarisonic on a daily basis with the Cashmere Cleanse Luxe Face Brush ($30), and it's gentle enough that I could use it twice a day without irritating my skin.

Be aware: if you've never used the Clarisonic before, there's a good chance you could experience a breakout following the first use. Just like a good esthetician would during a facial, the device is helping your skin purge impurities and sebum. Don't let that sway you from using it! Once that detox breakout subsides, you'll see a clearer, healthier complexion.

The Best Buy
Instagram | KirbieJohnson

The Best Buy

I might be biased (after all, my name is on it!), but I believe the most economic choice of the Clarisonics is the Mia Fit ($189). This new device was modeled after the Alpha Fit — a smaller, compact Clarisonic that's targeted toward men.

Though it's one of the more expensive models, it ends up being the savviest choice. The Mia Fit is small, so it's easy to travel with, and has two settings to choose from. The first lasts for 60 seconds, while the the second, 80-second setting is meant to give a deeper clean for those who love wearing makeup or working out. This higher-power mode is a luxury that the other Clarisonics don't have.

The Universal Brush Head / For Hyperpigmentation

The Universal Brush Head / For Hyperpigmentation

If you're having a hard time deciding on what brush head will work best for you, Dr. Robb said that the sensitive head — which comes with all the Clarisonic models — is ideal.

"But everyone loves the Sonic Radiance brush head because it's plush with longer bristles," says Dr. Robb. Not only does it does clean six times better than your hands ever could, it feels supersoft and gentle on the skin.

It's also meant to treat hyperpigmentation because the bristles include new filaments that are specially designed to remove surface-level dark spots. So if an uneven complexion is an issue, give this brush a whirl.

For the Makeup Addict / Beauty Blogger

For the Makeup Addict / Beauty Blogger

The Deep Pore Cleansing brush head ($27) is made to cleanse oily skin and minimize the appearance of pores. The short bristles get right into any corners (like the folds around your nose) to leave your complexion polished. That's why Dr. Robb suggests it for those of us who love makeup: it works extrahard to get rid of dirt, oil, and debris, so you don't leave foundation stains on your pillowcase. To get an even deeper cleanse, use it with the 80-second setting on your Mia Fit.

For the Busy Mom

For the Busy Mom

Moms want to feel good about their complexions, but they are always on the go, and have little time to spare for themselves. And frankly, they are the women who need the most help with their skin! Because they dedicate most of their lives to their family (and deal with a ton of stress), they don't get to pamper themselves.

Kari Dilloo, assistant vice president of public relations at Clarisonic and a mother to twins, was quick to jump in and suggest Smart Profile ($265). "Moms are so busy . . . it takes 60 seconds, I don't have to worry about the speed and it’s programmed for my face," said Kari.

Smart Profile alerts you when it's time to replace the brush head so you always get a deep clean and auto-adjusts its speed based on which brush head is clipped in. It also features four speeds, including a turbo setting that demolishes any speck of makeup on your skin.