Skin Care

The Real Difference Between Affordable and Expensive Skin Care

Eye creams, face oils, sheet masks, oh my. Here, what to buy when you're feeling thrifty and what's worth spending on when it's time to indulge

by Amanda Montell | COMMENT

PHOTO 9/14

Save vs. Splurge: Sonic Cleansing Device The Save: Neutrogena Wave Sonic Spinning Power-Cleanser, $16.49

The Splurge:
Clarisonic Mia 2 Facial Sonic Cleansing 2-Speed Brush, $149

The Breakdown:
Sonic cleansing devices promise to deliver a deeper clean than you can achieve with your hands.

Clarisonic's Mia 2 is a two-speed device, which you can customize with interchangeable brush heads ($27 each) depending on your skin type. You charge the device, then squeeze your favorite cleanser or makeup remover onto the brush head and glide it in circular motions over your face. The result is clean, smooth skin that feels like it's been purged of makeup, oil and dirt.

Neutrogena's two-speed Sonic Wave is a smaller battery-powered device. Though you can't switch out the brush heads or apply your cleanser of choice, it comes with a package of cleansing pads. You stick them on the device and discard after each use, which keeps things nice and clean for those with acne-prone skin. After use, your skin feels clean and soft, as well.

The Clarisonic comes in 15 colors and is overall more customizable than the Wave. It's a high-end product that delivers top-notch results. But if your budget can't accommodate the price tag, Neutrogena's drugstore device is a solid alternative.

SEE NEXT PAGE: Save vs. Splurge: Sunscreen

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