I’ve encountered a fair share of skincare gadgets over the years—thanks to my job—but I’ve always been a skeptic. Most of them fizzle out after a brief initial excitement. They’re like fleeting obsessions—interesting for a moment, but soon relegated to the back of my bathroom cabinet, gathering dust, forgotten and ignored (although not quite as tragic as an abandoned toy in Toy Story, of course).

As any dermatologist will tell you, consistency is the secret sauce when it comes to skincare. The products you stick with are the ones that yield results. The same logic applies to gadgets. And while I wasn’t ready for the commitment these devices required, that all changed when I tried Foreo’s LUNA 3 cleansing device. Suddenly, I found myself with a gadget I couldn’t bear to put down, one that felt as dependable as Woody and Buzz Lightyear—and abandoning it? Unthinkable.

As someone with rosacea, I’ve always been wary of anything with bristles. In the past, just the sight of a Clarisonic would cause a flare-up on my cheeks. But when I received the LUNA 3, designed specifically for sensitive skin, I was intrigued. Could these soft silicone bristles really be as gentle as they promised? To my surprise, they were—and the rest, as they say, was history.

These silicone bristles are remarkably soft—though I wouldn’t quite compare them to my cat’s fluffiness, they definitely impressed me. The texture felt comforting against my skin, and the hygienic nature of silicone made it incredibly easy to keep clean. For a device designed to rid my skin of grime and sweat, this softness was a revelation.

Previously, I had been loyal to muslin cloths. I liked the ease with which they could be tossed into the laundry, their affordability, and the gentle exfoliation they provided. But on a whim, I decided to trade my cloths for the LUNA 3, intending to prove that it wasn’t worth the hefty price tag. The result? I couldn’t—because it absolutely was worth it.

Not only did I notice a reduction in breakouts, but the texture of my skin improved significantly, especially around my jawline. For as long as I can remember, I’ve dealt with a rough patch I like to call my “beard of texture.” But after just one week of using the LUNA 3, it had softened noticeably—something no retinol or chemical exfoliator had managed to achieve.

While the device recommends pairing it with a foaming cleanser, I personally find that gel and cream-based cleansers work just as well for my skin. There’s no need to purchase an additional product if you’re already using a formula you love.

One feature that has raised some concerns among users is the need to connect the device via Bluetooth to the Foreo app during the initial setup. For me, this wasn’t a problem, but I understand how this could be frustrating for those who aren’t tech-savvy. The good news is that once the device is set up, it can be used without the app. However, if you enjoy customizing your experience, you can sync the device with the app to select different cleansing and massage routines.

Now, let’s address the price: the LUNA 3 is undoubtedly an investment. It comes with a number of premium features that justify the cost. Along with its ultra-soft bristles, the device offers 16 intensity levels and doubles as a massage tool to promote lymphatic drainage—ideal for reducing toxin buildup. I typically use it for my second cleanse to ensure every last trace of makeup is gone. Another bonus? I’ve been using it since September and haven’t had to charge it once.

If the price tag is a concern, the LUNA mini 3 might be a more affordable alternative. It lacks the massage features and the advanced settings of the LUNA 3, but it still delivers a thorough cleanse and is compact enough to be a great travel companion. The bristles aren’t quite as soft as the LUNA 3’s, but if you don’t mind a bit more friction, it’s an excellent option for a more budget-friendly cleanse.

In the grand scheme of skincare, the LUNA 3 isn’t essential—it’s not like the necessity of SPF. But when I forget to pack it for a trip, washing my face feels strangely incomplete—like brushing my teeth without toothpaste. That’s when I realized how much I truly depend on it. If you have the budget to invest, this is one gadget I wholeheartedly recommend. And trust me, if you’re like me, you’ll miss it when it’s not around.