Clarisonic brush makes applying makeup a speedy proposition

Since receiving my Clarisonic Mia almost 10 years ago for Christmas, the popular sonic cleansing device has undergone many reincarnations.

From the Mia 2 to the Alpha Fit, the brand has mostly focused its efforts on creating products that promote squeaky-clean skin. Until now, that is.

Available at Ulta, the new Sonic Foundation Brush ($35) is designed to turn your trusty Clarisonic into a high-powered makeup brush that delivers a fast, airbrushlike application.

The brush, which can be used to apply foundation, concealer, contour and blush, uses the brand’s patented oscillation technology to blend makeup flawlessly in 60 seconds or less.

First impression

Compatible with all Clarisonic face devices, the Sonic Foundation Brush snaps directly on to your device in the same way as the brand’s cleansing brush heads. The brush, which is made with anti-microbial and nonporous bristles, does not soak up product and can be cleaned between uses with soap and water.

While the brush is designed for use with most liquid and cream makeup products, it is recommended that you do not use it with powders.

To use the brush, I began by dabbing a dot of foundation on my forehead, cheeks and chin.

Turning on my Clarisonic, I began moving the device around my face in a circular motion (the same way I do when I cleanse my face). It’s important to note that I have the most basic (one speed) Clarisonic, so I did not have the option of using different speeds when applying makeup.

The brand suggests using higher speeds for thicker formulations. However, I did not seem to have any issues applying cream products.

For first-time use, I thought the Sonic Foundation Brush was extremely easy to use. The brush made blending foundation, contour and blush a breeze, though it did make applying concealer trickier.

However, I blame that more on the fact that the Clarisonic device is kind of bulky, so getting it under your eyes is not exactly ideal. From start to finish, the whole process took less than four minutes (not including putting on eyeshadow and mascara).

Fab or flub?

Fab! While sonic-powered makeup brushes are not a new concept, Clarisonic’s Sonic Foundation Brush soars leaps and bounds over its competitors.

The easy-to-use brush blends everything from foundation to cream contour in a matter seconds, which helps cut back significantly on the time you spend in front of the mirror.

Compared to traditional makeup brushes, the Sonic Foundation Brush does not leave behind streaks and does not shed. Instead, it delivers a natural, soft finish that makes skin look radiant and as if you’re not wearing any makeup (even though you are).

By far the biggest selling point for me is that the brush does not absorb product. This is major plus. Not only does it mean you don’t end up wasting makeup like you would with a sponge or poorly made brush, but clean-up is very easy.

If you don’t have a Clarisonic device already, I don’t necessarily recommend running out and buying one just to try the Sonic Foundation Brush. There are plenty of other good makeup applicators out there that don’t require you to purchase an expensive device to use them.

However, if you do and are interested in sonic-powered makeup application, I think its definitely worth checking out.

This story was originally published June 23, 2017 at 2:42 PM with the headline "Clarisonic brush makes applying makeup a speedy proposition."