Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System Review

Disclaimer: Product featured was provided for review.

Earlier this year Philips hopped onto the ever so popular facial cleansing bursh bandwagon and released a cleansing brush of its own called the PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System (on sale at London Drugs for $129.99 CAD). This handheld electronic facial brush promises to clean the skin 10 times more effectively than your hands. So how does this brush work and how does it compare to the other cleansing systems on the market? Read on by clicking.......

Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System

Packaging:
The Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System comes in a nice box with lots of information regarding the brush. Inside the box, you will find:

• PureRadiance Facial Cleansing Device
• Normal brush head with travel cap (replacement brushes ($19.99 CAD) and the deep cleansing brush can be purchased separately)
• Charging stand with chords
• Travel pouch for device

Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System

The PureRadiance Facial Cleansing device has a pink/clear acrylic handle with a single control button. The device looks quite large in photographs but it's very thin and only slightly longer than the Clarisonic Mia. The brush head points upwards at a slight angle and at the base of the brush head has two metal notches used during charging.

Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System

The biggest different between this cleansing brush and the one from Clarisonic/Clinique/Foreo is the fact that not only does the replaceable brush head vibrate, it also spins in complete 360 degree circles. With two spinning speeds, the device works by sweeping oil and debris off of the skin.

Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System

Light most facial cleansing devices, the PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System is waterproof and can be used by the sink or in the shower. The device has a self timer that pauses the device for 0.5 seconds every 20 seconds and shuts off the device after one minute. This helps you focus on the different facial regions more effectively.
The device charges at the charging/drying station. Simply dip the device, brush head end first (with cap removed), into the charger and the device will start charging. Battery life is around 30 minutes and charging time is 6 hours, which is slightly better compared to the Clarisonic (18 hour charging time with 28 minutes of battery life). There is a indicator light near the power switch to indicate battery level.

Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System

Results:
I initially didn't think the spinning mechanism would feel very different from a vibrating/oscillating brush but this one is actually pretty different. On the lower speed, I find that it was actually a bit tough to hold the brush in place for very long as it tends to just start sliding across my skin (unless I use considerable force to hold it down). So for that reason, I always use this on the higher speed setting. To optimize the spinning action, I can't really move around too quickly on the face but instead I have to use steady pressure, gently pressing the brush into my face and slowly move it across the skin.
In terms of intensity, the device is slightly weaker compared to the Clarisonic but it still cleanses the skin very well.

Pros:
-Shorter charging time (as compared to the Clarisonic)
-Gorgeous design, one of the most elegant out of all the cleansing brushes
-Very quiet
-Gentle on the skin

Cons:
-The spinning effect is not as strong, especially if you are used to using the Clarisonic

Overall:
I like this device but I think I still prefer the Clarisonic. However, if you find the Clarisonic too rough, this device may be the perfect solution as I find the spinning action to be gentler compared to the oscillations of the Clarisonic. Also in terms of aesthetics, this is definitely the most elegant facial brush on the market.

Availability:
The Philips PureRadiance Facial Cleansing System is available online and in stores at London Drugs.