The Michael Todd Soniclear Petite Brush is similar in premise to the Clarisonic rotating brush systems, but with some features that I prefer. When I first got my Clarisonic, it became a go-to beauty tool for me. Unfortunately, I found the Clarisonic was more water resistant than waterproof; it needed frequent rechargings without any advanced notice that the charge was low, and, by my clumsy, soapy, butter fingers fault, I dropped it one too many times, it eventually no longer powered up. So I was excited to see some of the features on the Soniclear that I feel are more geared towards my needs.
First off, a cleansing brush of this sort is a great beauty tool. The Soniclear gently exfoliates facial skin without causing irritation and can even be used on acne, rosacea, and eczema to cleanse gently and exfoliate. After Soniclear use, skin is clean and even leaving an even surface for makeup application and by removing the dry and dead skin, bacteria, dirt and sebum can’t get trapped in the skin, making acne all the worse.
CLEANSING POWER
Soniclear also removes heavy makeup better than other cleansing methods, especially mineral based makeup, and powdered pigments, contour creams and powders, airbrush makeup and foundations including Paramedical foundations, and even theater oil-based pancake makeup.
ANTIMICROBIAL & GENTLE BRUSH HEADS
The Soniclear brush heads are antimicrobial and stay cleaner and bacteria free longer than other brush heads. This is a big selling point for me over using washcloths or sponges or my hands to scrub my face.
It is also a softer feel on the skin when in use, I am surprised to see it has the buffing and smoothing capacity that it does since it feels so gentle when it is on the skin. Despite how soft it feels, it eases out blackheads in tricky spots like the curve of the nasal tip in just a few uses. I have been scrubbing away with a washcloth at those same blackheads, and they didn’t budge until now. The downside is replacement brush heads are about $25 each, which is much more expensive than many of the Soniclear competitor brush systems.
The slightly smaller size fits better into my hand than the Clarisonic I kept dropping, and while it is not flimsy, it is lighter than the Clarisonic. Body brush size heads do not fit on this petite model, although I used the face head on shoulders, neck and chest and liked the results.
CHARGING
I like the charger, instead of a base there is a little round piece that magnetically adheres to the brush handle, and it has a USB port cord to charge. So far it holds a charge longer than my Clarisonic did, as each full charge gives 60 minutes of charge, 35 can be continuous, so one charge will last through a vacation. It comes with a nice sturdy travel case, and if the brush is fully charged in advance, you won’t need to pack the charger.
PRICE POINT
This brush is a well-priced device with several nice features. Some features include the carrying case for travel, the quality anti-bacterial brush head, the very gentle but effective cleansing even for problem skin, and the length of time before recharging is needed, the ease of use and the results, I think this is a great price for what it does. While replacement brush heads are more expensive than the competitors, the special anti-bacteria coating on the heads is a great feature for anyone with skin conditions, sensitive skin or acne to make sure your mode of cleansing does not introduce bacteria to your skin. I don’t consider the brush head cost a flaw, just something to consider in the overall long-term cost of the unit.
Find it at Amazon.com.
I received this item for testing and unbiased review purposes. If you have any questions about my experience with it, leave it in the comments section below and I’ll do my best to answer it!