FINALLY! Clarisonic launches officially in Ireland!

Oprah called it a ‘miracle massage for the face’, Courtney Cox said she can’t live without it and even the menfolk like Ashton Kutcher are getting in on the act. I’m talking about the Clarisonic, and skincare buffs, get ready to rejoice– it’s finally landed in Ireland!

First launched stateside in 2004 by a team of five engineers, Clarisonic was acquired by L’Oreal last year and they’re taking it global.  This means it will be easier to get our hands on one than ever before – no more pestering Aunty Nuala to bring it back from her Florida trip, or taking a punt online.

Hanging out with Dr Robb

Brown Thomas are the first stockists on these shores – in a few months it will also be rolled out in House of Fraser and Debenhams –and we caught up with co-founder Dr Robb Akridge when he was in town for the launch.

Dr Robb might describe himself as a nerd and a geek, but he’s also an incredibly charming and clever inventor and entrepreneur. Part of the team that developed Sonicare Toothbrush, eventually selling to Phillips, he’s the world leader in sonic technology and continues to develop new technologies and products today.

So what exactly is the Clarisonic? It’s a handheld sonic cleansing device that oscillates at a frequency of 300 micro-movements per second, according to Dr Robb, and it will give your face a more thorough yet gentle cleanse than ever before. The frequency range is crucial – he calls it ‘the sweet spot’ (and naturally, they’ve patented it):  anything higher would be too aggressive, and anything lower just wouldn’t be effective.  By hitting the sweet spot, the device is SIX TIMES better than a manual cleanse.

The range includes the Mia (travel version with one button and one speed; it's €119), Mia 2 (two buttons, two speeds, and €149) and the Clarisonic Plus (€220; can be used on both face and body). I’ve just started using the Mia – I’m on day two and counting – so I asked Dr Robb what I might expect from my new regime. (Of course, he uses it himself, and yes, his skin looks great!)

Softer, smoother skin, a radiant glow, and improved appearance of fines lines and pores are just some of the benefits I'm told I can look forward to. Some users do experience a purging stage - Lynnie couldn't seem to get past it - and I’ll update you all on my progress, but after my first go my skin felt amazing, and seemed better equipped to absorb the products I applied afterwards.

The Clarisonic is billed as being suitable for all skin types, other than sufferers of Nodulocystic acne, or where there are cuts or wounds on the face. It can help reduce oily areas, dry patches and blemishes and is safe and gentle for use with skin conditions including rosacea, eczema and keratosis pilaris.

What do you think, sound like something that interests you? Maybe you've used it, or are using it now? Go on then, tell us all about it in the comments!

Edit: Some of you mentioned spotting it in Ireland before this week. The official line is that Space NK at Harvey Nichols have carried the Clarisonic brand as part of their boutique; however, Dr Rob’s visit yesterday marked the official launch of the brand into Ireland. For now, it's available  exclusively at Brown Thomas Dublin, Limerick, Cork and Galway, and it will also be rolled out to selected Department Stores over the coming months.