Sigma Cleansing & Polishing Tool

I finally purchased the Sigma face brush along with the new synthetic brushes (already blogged about it). I have been eyeing this system ever since it came out. Sure everyone wants to try the Clarisonic, but it's too expensive. Even when Mia came out, I was tempted to purchase that. I decided to wait and see if something similar but more affordable come out. I also wanted to try the Olay one as lots people compared that to the Clarisonic one, and many preferred the inexpensive version. Actually the Olay one is cheaper than the Sigma face brush. The Sigma cleansing and polishing tool retails $39.00, which is $10 more than Olay. Although it does not come with a cleanser, I would have used my own cleanser anyway. Besides, I was really sold on the whole package of Sigma one because the Retro look as well as convenience for travel (comes in a cute light pink box). Sigma also sells replacement brush heads for $9.00 on it's website. I doubt I will be replacing them. Since it is winter, and my skin tends to lean towards the dryer side (I have combination skin). I did not want to bother with the medium and exfoliator. The Sigma one has two speed, one click goes on low, and another click goes on high. The tool is decent weight and nests comfortably in my hand. Two AA batteries are needed for it, and I think it is better because that means I can use it even when there is no outlet. (I use rechargeable batteries) I like this tool, and I cannot say that I recommend to use it everyday. It is winter, and the brutal wind and cold air tend to dry out skin. It is wise not to exfoliate too much during this season. If do, please put a thick layer of moisturizer after to keep the skin hydrated. After using it once with the soft brush, I saw an immediate result. My pores looked a lot smaller, and my face lightened up. My face looked so clean like I just did my weekend facial cleanse routine (which will be cleanse, scrub, bliss triple oxygen mask, bosia detoxifying mask on T-zone, Lancome hydrating mask on cheeks, organic rose water toner, serum, spot treatment, eye cream, moisturizer, and lip balm). I know it's a lot! I only do this once a week, and usually on either Saturday or Sunday night. It is too much and I have been lazy lately. I was glad that Sigma tool can achieve that within few minutes of just cleansing. I thought they usually say it is gentle enough to use daily, but it is not the case for me. I used it again the next day, and the brush head started to hurt my cheeks as that area can get sensitive for me. It felt scratchy, and I had to stop. I was wondering it might be that I was doing back to back Halloween makeup tutorials on those two days. My skin was already overworked, and the cleansing tool was brushing against my tender layer of skin. Either way, ever since that day, I got dry blotchy spots on my cheeks, and I cannot get rid of them. I used the Sigma tool on and off, mainly for my T-zone. I still like it because it does deep clean and get rid of daily build up or makeup. I have cut down the brushing time to about 10 seconds, and I switched my cleanser to a more hydrating formula. Overall, I recommend this Sigma cleansing and polishing tool. I like it for it's packaging, durability, convenience, effectiveness, and price. There is a 10% coupon code: MAX2011, and also free gift with every purchase over $40 (usually a Sigma brush, mostly blending brush which is essential!) http://www.sigmabeauty.com