When it comes to Neal, there’s not really a day that goes by that I’m not reminded of how lucky I am in one way or another. 

One small example, is that he’s a guy who has actually started to take skincare seriously. (How many girls can say their boyfriends/husbands appreciate skincare products? Not many.)

So when Clinique reached out and asked not only me to test out their Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush, but also for Neal to test out the brush especially made for men, he happily agreed. (Big strides coming from a guy who used to wash his face with hand soap before we started dating.) 




Clinique is a brand that I grew up with. My mom, like me, (Neal calls me “little Lynn” as I am slowly turning into her more each day) has her fair share of sensitive skin issues. (Big shocker there.) She always taught me to be very careful with what I put on my face. (Thus the disapproving, neurotic tone when she had found out I bought my first bottle of foundation at the drug store as a 13 year old. Unacceptable!)

I remember rifling through her beauty drawers and cabinets as a little girl and experimenting with tons of Clinique products–her lipstick of choice, older than I am–is Clinique lipstick in Guava Stain. I can still recall how much I loved the smooth feeling of swiping it on my lips as a little girl. It was the first lipstick I ever wore. 

(I’m getting to the point, I promise.) 

Fast forward 20 some years later, I’ve experienced my fair share of skin problems–acne, horrible dryness (especially in the winter), allergic reactions up the waz–you name it. But Clinique products have always been what I reached for over and over again. They’re what work for me, and I love them dearly. 

On the flip side, Neal does not exactly have my long list of skin problems. (Ugh. Jealousy.) But he does care about using quality products that: A. Do not make him break out. B. Don’t dry out his face, and C. Are specifically made for men, and cannot be misinterpreted as women’s products. EVER. 

So–does the Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Brush live up to our long list of expectations? Let’s find out…

FIRST UP: CLINIQUE FOR MEN

 

Neal tested out the Clinique For Men Sonic System Deep Cleansing Brush along with the Clinique For Men Charcoal Face Wash and…ding ding ding–had great things to say about both of them.

All of Clinique’s men’s products are developed specifically for male skin (which I admittedly didn’t believe, so I tested the brush out in comparison to mine, and I have to admit, it feels completely different!) The brush is two-toned, with the top bristles specifically made for tougher areas of the face–forehead and chin, with softer bottom bristles, which go easy on cheeks. 

The brush has helped keep his skin crystal clear, making it smooth and soft. (Winter is especially harsh on skin for both of us, so this has really helped.) He uses it in the shower in the AM to prep before he shaves! 

As for the Charcoal Cleanser–it looks exactly like my intense charcoal mask in the bottle, which is a little scary at first for a guy who washes his face with hand soap. But after applying it, it essentially goes on like regular soap. (So no worries there!) The charcoal helps draw out impurities from the skin, is soothing, and non-drying. 

(I also sometimes steal it to use for myself. Shhhh.) 

FOR HER: Clinque Sonic System Purifying Cleansing Patterned Brush 

 

And me? I tried out the Sonic System brush for women. 

I have to admit, before I tried this brush–I really didn’t think it was going to be different from similar products I had used in the past, and had used for years! 

But actually, I was totally surprised! This brush was much different. 

For one, I loved that this was significantly smaller and lighter. It just made it much easier to maneuver around your face. Plus, you only have to charge it every three months. The bristles are also made for the curves of your face. Like the men’s version, it has two different bristle areas–the top bristles, being firmer for the tougher parts of your face, like your forehead and chin. The softer bristles are made for cheeks, so they don’t get over-scrubbed. Additionally, they’re anti-microbial, so they stay clean and don’t hoard breakout-causing bacteria. 

The results? Clearer, smoother, more even skin. Who doesn’t want that? I used my brush alongside the foaming sonic face soap, which was really mild and foamy, and didn’t irritate my sensitive skin. I use it once per day, at night, and I’ve loved the results so far. 

 

Are you planning to give the Sonic System Deep Cleansing Brush a try? What about your guy? (Wouldn’t it make a great Christmas present?!)