The moment I received my Spa Sonic Skin Care System and posted a picture of the unopened box on Instagram, I knew I was in for a real treat - dozens of readers rushed to comment and share their thoughts on the "original" face polisher - the Clarisonic - unanimously singing its praises.
The Spa Sonic positions itself as the cheaper, budget alternative to the Clarisonic, so that's why I'm reviewing it. I have never tried the Clarisonic (I'm deprived) so I can't do an accurate comparison but you can find literally hundreds of reviews and comparisons online and on YouTube (I found this one to be particularly detailed and helpful).
Ok, so let's get started! I've been using my Spa Sonic for about two weeks now, so I can't speak to the longevity of the product or longterm results, but here are my initial impressions: First of all, it's supereasy to operate. You just pop in the batteries and snap on the brush that you want to use and you're ready to go. I love the modern, sleek look of this all-white device that fits comfortably in your hand, doesn't make much noise, and vibrates ever-so-gently.
The Spa Sonic comes with four attachments: A small brush for the face, a large brush for the body, pumice for rough areas, and a facial sponge for micro-dermabrasion and reduction of fine lines. One extra face brush is also included since this is the one you'll probably wear out the fastest.
I started out with the face brush and I was instantly WOWED. So this is what I've been missing out on!!?? If the Spa Sonic is the cheap-o face polisher, I can't even begin to imagine how amazing the Clarisonic must be, because the Spa Sonic is pretty awesome. The brush rotates in a full circle, gently exfoliating and massaging every pore, every skin cell with the utmost of ease. It feels soothing and unless my eyes deceive me, my skin looked better after just one use. It could be a placebo effect but who cares?! I felt so pampered, so rejuvenated. Who knew a little rotating brush could do so much?
Next, I moved on to the sponge attachment to apply my moisturizer. This was pleasant, too, but I like the face brush more. And I'm already slacking with the sponge brush, I'm not washing it after every use (because it's a pain, and really absorbs more product than it seems to deliver to my skin), and it's just faster to apply lotion using my fingers. So my own laziness trumps using the sponge brush, even if it might be good for me.
Then, I tried the body brush and pumice stone. More amazingness! Since the Spa Sonic is waterproof, you can use all the attachments in the shower for that full at-home spa experience. I almost wished the body brush was rougher but then I realized I could just use it with my exfoliating body scrubs as necessary. It just feels great sliding across your skin and you know you're getting rid of those dead skin cells and revealing younger, fresher skin! I can't wait to use this in the summertime before applying lotion and self tanners.
The pumice stone was pleasant, too. A little tricky to keep the small stone centered on your heels or toes but it does the job.
The Spa Sonic does have some downsides. First of all, you're supposed to wash and dry each component after each use. I wish it came with some sort of stand to keep all the parts clean and organized. Instead, they are scattered across my sink. Oops.
Secondly, the Spa Sonic is battery operated whereas the Clarisonic is rechargeable. We all know batteries are a huge annoyance so it might be worth paying more for a Clarisonic just for that feature alone.
As for the price, Spa Sonic is by far the more affordable option, starting at just $50 (here) or $60 (here). The Clarisonic, on the other hand, has a range of options, from the Aria (about $119) to the Mia ($148) to the Plus ($235). You can compare Clarisonic options here.
The bottom line: I thoroughly enjoyed testing the Spa Sonic and I plan to continue using it because I love how it feels and I think my skin actually looks better. I'm a perpetual skeptic but I have to say I was pleasantly surprised.
At the same time, I think you'll only get good results if you put in the time and effort required to use this product regularly. If you can carve out some quality time for yourself each morning or evening, the relaxation factor alone will probably prove therapeutic.
For the price, it's a great affordable luxury and I think it would make an awesome gift. Spa Sonic tells me they're rolling out a new Color Collection, too, which includes a lavender and pink color unit in time for Mother's Day.
Have you tried the Spa Sonic, Clarisonic or other face polishing device? What did you think?
Please note: I received the Spa Sonic product reviewed in this post free of charge. The decision to write this post and the opinions expressed within are entirely my own.
I won't be buying any expensive brand as my Olay works fine, which really goes to show no one brand is better than any other.
I have to wonder whether Clarisonic lovers have tried anything else if they think it's the only one in the world that's any good. There are many more out there now and they all do the same thing at a much cheaper price.