This August, Olay launches the Olay Regenerist advanced cleansing system that is designed to be powerful but gentle. It promises to cleanse four times better than basic cleansing and helps skin to absorb over 25% more anti-aging ingredients. With a suggested retail price of S$49.90 for the Olay Regenerist advanced cleansing system and S$11.90 for the replaceable brush heads; it is a less pricey alternative to the cult favourite cleansing system, Clarisonic which retails from S$170 onwards for the Clarisonic mia model. The Olay Regenerist advanced cleansing system comes packaged with a 20ml skin renewal cleanser that you can use together with your cleansing system. The cleanser contains micro-exfoliating beads that aids in lifting dead skin and impurities for a deep cleanse.
These beauty gadgets may not be new in the market but picking one that fits your lifestyle needs may be a daunting task. We put the Olay Regenerist advanced cleansing system to test:
Features:
- Handheld device with two speeds that revolves 350 times per minute
- 2 speeds
- Water resistant
- Uses 2 double A batteries
- Rotating soft bristles brush head that gentle removes dirt, dead skin and makeup
- Replaceable brush heads (Recommended to replace every 3 months)
- Designed to cleanse and exfoliate better than basic cleansing
How to use:
Dampen face and the brush head with water, squeeze one dollop of your cleanser onto your hand and massage over face. Gently move the rotating device around the face for 60 seconds. Rinse after each use. Suitable for daily use.
Verdict:
Brush Head and Cleansing
The rotating oscillations of the Olay advanced cleansing system differ from the Clarisonic which uses a sonic pulse that moves bristles side to side. The Olay advanced cleansing system, unlike the Clarisonic, does not come with inter-changeable brush heads and can only be used for the face. The soft bristles brush feels gentle on the skin and leaves a relaxing massaging motion on the skin. There is barely any noticeable makeup remaining on the cotton pad swipe test after cleansing for 60 seconds with the Olay advanced cleansing system (used with a makeup remover cleanser). Daily usage did not break me out and skin is noticeably smoother and cleaner from the first usage. There is no redness even though skin feels deep cleansed. Makeup glides on more easily after cleansing. One thing to note: Do not press the device too hard on your skin, just move it over your face and it will get results done for you. Do apply your skin care routine after use to ensure skin gets moisturised.
Size
The Olay advanced cleansing system is half the size of the classic Clarisonic models. It is easier to hold and travel with. The smaller brush head also moves around hard to reach contours more easily.
Battery and Charging
The Olay advanced cleansing system uses two double A batteries unlike the Clarisonic which features inductance charging and has no openings, making it completely water-proof. However, the Olay advanced cleansing system offers more portability with its double A battery feature. One con is its battery compartment can be a little difficult to open if you do not get a firm grip on the compartment cover. It is also water resistant and not water proof making it not ideal to take it to the shower.
Replacements
Both the Olay advanced cleansing system and the Clarisonic recommends replacing the brush head every three months. The Olay advanced cleansing system brush head retails at S$11.90 which is less than half the price of a Clarisonic one.
Is it a good alternative for Clarisonic?
The Olay advanced cleansing system does deliver what it claims-to effectively remove impurities better than basic cleansing. It also feels gentle on the skin and leaves a smoother and fresher surface from the first use. For its effectiveness, it is a steal if you just want a basic beauty gadget that is gentle on the skin and helps you to cleanse better than your hands.
The Olay advanced cleansing system (S$49.90) will be available from August 2013 in most leading department stores and pharmacies where Olay products are sold.
