Is the Clarisonic Aria Worth the Splurge?

Clarisonic, the beauty brush renowned for its sonic technology, is well on its way to becoming a cult classic in the industry. Beauty lovers of all ages love it because it’s a gentle but thorough way to keep skin healthy, smooth, and more radiant. With the Mia, Mia 2, and Plus in its arsenal, the brand recently welcomed a new addition to the family: Clarisonic Aria. Clarisonic’s popularity ranges from skin care professionals to teens, and each one works for virtually all skin types—even if you suffer from acne, rosacea, or seborrheic dermatitis. By removing impurities like dirt, oil, sebum, and bacteria, the skin is able to breathe, allowing your favorite moisturizer or serum to easily absorb into the skin. Each Clarisonic is unique to a person’s individual needs, including their own skin concerns and lifestyles. The new Aria has all the great features we love from the brand (with a few additional surprises!), but is it really worth the splurge at $199? Here are the pros and cons to consider.

What We Love

TRUE TO ITS ROOTS. Like all Clarisonic brushes, the Aria is still gentle enough to use twice a day, and at 300 movements per second, it also removes six times more makeup and twice as much dirt and oil than just using your fingers. It also uses the same oscillating motion as the Mia, Mia 2, and Plus. That just means that it moves back and forth really fast without rotating all the way around, so it won’t tear capillaries like cheaper alternatives.
GREAT FOR TRAVEL. Like the Mia and the Mia 2, the Aria is a great travel companion. Its sleek design is less bulky than the Plus, and it can be charged through your USB port if you hate carrying chargers. If you’d prefer to use its drying station or magnetic charging attachment, the Aria also has universal voltage, making it ideal for travel.
A LONGER BATTERY LIFE. The Aria has the longest battery life after the Plus with 28 uses, compared to the Mia’s 20. Unlike the other Clarisonics, this one also has an indicator that changes color to inform you when your battery is going to die.
WE HAVE OPTIONS. The Aria is equipped with a T-Timer that can be adjusted for one or two minutes. It’s perfect for those nights when you need an extra deep clean and don’t want to keep pushing the little button. It also has three speeds like the Plus, which men will love for those pesky ingrown facial hairs.

What We Can Live Without

THE PRICE. At $199, the Aria is most definitely a splurge. The Mia is only $119, and the Mia 2 retails for $159. Sure, the Aria has nifty new features that are great for jetsetters, but if you don’t travel much, it may not be worth it.
THE EXTRA SPEED. The third speed is a plus, but it’s not necessary for everyday use. If you have sensitive skin, you’ll never use the highest speed because it might be a little too harsh. And just because it has the option of three speeds does not mean that the Aria is meant for the less delicate skin on the rest of your body. The Aria is still for the face only.

Verdict

Buy the Aria if you’re new to Clarisonic or you travel often. If you already own a Mia or Mia 2 and you love it, stick to it. But since the holidays are around the corner, keep the Aria in mind for that special someone.