Why You Should Add Micellar Water To Your Skincare Regime

Where Did Micellar Water Come From?

The French are known for many things; French fries (actually you can thank Belgium for that one), romance (Eiffel Tower anyone?), fashion (Chanel…need I say more?) and their laid back approach to beauty. They live by the mantra that “less is more.” That means spending less time on makeup, hair and skincare.

One of the latest trends we can thank them for is Micellar Water, over recent years, this has sprouted out everywhere; about, every brand has a line of Micellar Water.  Even drugstore brands have jumped on board, making it accessible to everyone. So what is it about this product that is so appealing?

Well for starters people are veering away from products that have mile long ingredient lists and returning naturally based products. The theory behind this product is that it will replace your whole skincare regime—that means it’s a cleanser, toner and moisturizer all in one without a single drop of water.

What Is Micellar Water?

Micellar Water is made up of tiny oil molecules called micelles that are suspended in purified water. As we all know oil and water do not mix—which makes it the perfect product to melt “oil-free” makeup and sunscreens. If not, these products will linger after using foam based cleanser. Now most facial cleansers contain some form of Laureth/Laurel Sulfates these create that foaming sensation we are accustomed to but they can be harsh on skin because it strips away EVERYTHING leaving skin dry and can lead to peeling for those with sensitive skin.

Think of these micelles as these little bubble that “eat” oil (Pac-Man anyone?). If these oils were to stay on face, they can lead to discoloration and blotchy like skin from the wear of makeup especially.

[Link: How Can Double Cleansing Transform Skin]

How To Use Micellar Water

• For the love of all, DO NOT SCRUB! Micellar Water works by pressing gently into skin do not drag it this is not effective for this product and dragging your skin leads to the formation of wrinkles
• Use on dry skin—that’s right, no water needed! This makes it convenient for those busier days when you don’t have time to carry out a multiple step routine.
• Use a cotton round for best results—while your fingertips are useful for lazy eye shadow application, they would only spread around product rather than lifting.
• For best results—let it sit on face for a good 3-5 minutes before wiping away (this allows it more time to work…hello waterproof makeup!

Benefits 

• Cleanse and moisturize in one easy step!
• Unlike makeup wipes that take multiple wipes to remove makeup (and rough tugging is needed) Micellar Water won’t irritate skin or leave it feeling raw
• Get to keep wearing your favorite makeup brands because you know they will be effectively be removed
• Perfect for all skin types because of its multi-purpose abilities

Brand Recommendations

Here a few brands with great Micellar Water formulations that are perfect for any skin type!

Garner Skin Active Micellar Water

This formula was on the firsts to hit drugstores and then many brands followed with their own spin on Micellar Water. It makes a great eye makeup remover, many times after using a wipe to remove my own eye makeup I’m left with “raccoon like eyes” and will have to go back to remove it. I only pressed a cotton pad onto my eye for about 30 seconds and it came off easily (best part was it didn’t sting at all whatsoever!) This product left my skin feeling so moisturized that I skip using a moisturizer some nights.

Cost: $ 6.79

Note: You can also purchase the Waterproof Makeup Formula or Mattifying Formula (Geared for Oily Skin) 

Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Water

The first thing that stands out about this product is the size; you get a whopping 6.7 OZ at a drugstore price! This product is designed for those with sensitive skin with features such as: triple purified water, infusion of vitamins B and chamomile extracts. With all these little perks, your skin will fill pampered as you cleanse with ease!

Cost: $ 5.67

Koh Gen Do Cleansing Spa Water

This product is infused with a mineral rich formula that includes ingredients such as white birch sap and arginine both well-known for their anti-aging benefits. It also includes skin sensitive ingredients like: rosemary leaf extract, lavender and ginger root that are known to reduce the appearance of inflammation. This product is geared towards those days when you wear heavier makeup like a full face including: foundation and/or heavy creams.  Consider this the one you pull out for a heavy duty removal!

Cost: $ 39.00

La Roche-Posay Micellar Cleansing Water and Makeup Remover

This particular product probably does carry a subtle light scent that is almost candy like but fades throughout application. This product claims to even cut through 99% of 24 hour—which is pretty huge considering these formulas are often filled with plenty of oils to help bind the formulas. The only hinge I had with this particular product was the slight tingle, so those with sensitive skin may have to test a small patch before full application. Other than the slight tingle, this product really does what it claims and its compact size is perfect for fixing on the go mishaps!

Cost: $ 7.99 (Note: Trial Size)