It’s not often a beauty product – in this case a gadget – takes me by surprise. Before I tried the FOREO’s LUNA mini 2 Facial Cleansing Brush*, I had dismissed it. In the past I had used the Clarisonic but stopped using it because of the risk of overdoing it, the issue of hygiene with the bristles and the faff of replacing the brush. It now seems the fuss around that one has died down. Meanwhile, FOREO’s range of cleansing devices appears to be growing. There are a variety to choose from at different price points – the cheapest is a miniature one which lasts up to 100 uses but cannot be recharged. Hmm, that is a terrible waste and rings alarm bells about landfill waste (unless it can be recycled – I’ve no idea if that’s possible).
Any hoo, I was kindly sent a LUNA mini 2 to try. It provides an invigorating ritual that only demands 60 seconds to help clear and clarify skin for a more luminous-looking complexion.
The LUNA mini 2 comes in a choice of five eye-catching colours (mine is a hot fuchsia pink) and is a handy size, big enough to hold comfortably. The plush device features non-porous silicone touch-points which are easy to clean and resist the build-up of bacteria. Apparently it’s 35 times more hygienic than nylon cleansing brushes.
What’s more it is chargeable via a USB cable and can last up to 300 uses from just one full USB charge. Also no replacement brush heads are needed. The mini 2 features three cleansing ‘zones’ with thin, thick and broad touch points to target delicate, normal and congested areas. Once it’s switched on, you can adjust the level of pulsations simply by adjusting the plus or minus buttons (it has 8 speed settings).
But to use it correctly, it can only work with gel or cream cleansers, preferably gel which foams up. Ah, I’ve not used foaming cleansers in years, not since it was frowned upon that it dries the skin. You cannot under any circumstances use oil or cleansing balms – they will clog up the silicone! By all means use a balm or oil manually as stage one of your cleansing ritual but don’t try your luck with the LUNA. FOREO has its own cleansing gel but it is pricey. Instead I have been using the Bioderma Sebium Foaming Gel (£10.80/200ml). Bioderma do another gel cleanser and there is one from Vichy too (see below). There are probably many more but these are the ones I picked up in a 3 for 2 offer at Boots recently.
OK, so you’ve got to wet your face, apply the cleanser to the LUNA mini 2 and press the start button to activate it. Then gently glide it on your skin in a circular motion to work up a lather for a minute. Rinse and dry your face and follow with your usual skincare products. With foaming cleansers, your skin will dry so it is essential to replenish the moisture with a serum and moisturiser. There is an ‘Anti-Ageing Mode’ to use over wrinkle-prone areas but I can’t say I have been using that function since I am pretty cynical about anything that claims to be ‘anti-ageing’.
As a cleansing device though, the LUNA mini 2 is a bit of a game changer. It’s so quick and easy to use with minimal effort and very low maintenance (just rinse and allow to dry). In a couple of days of using it (once in the morning and once in the evening), I noticed a profound difference with my complexion – it looked smoother and clearer. I probably wear make-up 3-4 times a week but on the off days I still cleanse from exposure to pollution and grime, and to unclog pores from sweat and other icky things I encounter on my lovely commute courtesy of Transport for London.
I have been using the LUNA mini 2 comfortably for over two weeks and can confirm I’ve had no break-outs or reacted to it as a result of regular usage. It really is gentle on the skin, completely non-abrasive although there is a sensitive skin version available. This nifty device is perfect for travelling too.
Foreo’s LUNA mini 2 costs £119 and is available from Boots, Feel Unique, Look Fantastic, Cult Beauty and John Lewis. Considering it doesn’t require replacement parts, is lightweight and practical to hold and use and gives instant results, it’s a reasonable price. And if you prefer to invest in your skincare then the LUNA mini 2 is a decent device to go for. By the way every LUNA mini 2 facial cleansing brush comes with a 2 year limited warranty and 10 year quality guarantee. For more on FOREO, visit https://www.foreo.com.
*PR gifted
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