Need a quick cleanse? Try these micellar waters!

Hi friends!

I think it’s safe to say that a lot of us have spent more time at home this year than ever before thanks to the rolling COVID lockdowns. And while we’ve had more time for self-care, and more time to make our skincare routines as ritualistic as possible, I still gotta believe that, like me, there are a lot of you out there who just want to clean your face quickly (but thoroughly). Especially at night when your bed is calling you! If you want a really quick cleanse that will help remove your makeup, clean your skin and not dry you out, I strongly suggest picking up one of these three micellar waters. Most of them are suitable for all skin types – even sensitive – they come in a variety of sizes, and are quite affordable. I don’t recommend spending a lot of money on micellar waters, just as I don’t believe in spending more than $20.00 – $25.00 on any cleanser. You can certainly get the job done efficiently at a lower price point.

If you’ve never heard of micellar water, I’ll start there, and tell you how exactly I use it. Then I’ll segue into my specific recommendations. What’s important to note is there’s nothing really between most micellar waters; most of them are quite similar and get the job done in the same way. So you can have your pick of any; these are just the ones I tend to gravitate to.

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WHAT IS MICELLAR WATER AND HOW DO YOU USE IT?

I honestly don’t know where I initially heard about micellar water (I think it was when Bioderma was first creating buzz in the U.S.), but my first purchase was from the French pharmacy brand, La Roche Posay. It was definitely more on the expensive side (like $30), but I did exclusively use it for quite a while before switching to lower-cost options. (I believe the one I used was discontinued and replaced with this version, which I since haven’t tried.)

Bioderma is thee original micellar water. Considered revolutionary for its time, it’s a no-rinse formula that can both clean and hydrate your face. Micelles – or tiny balls of oil – work to attract dirt and debris on the skin, and remove it without drying or stripping the skin. Check out more info in this article in Women’s Health Magazine.

It’s very simple to use; this is how I do it. I use micellar water as a second cleanse after I use my CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser (and have a shower). I squeeze 2 to 3 generous squirts onto a cotton pad and gently run it across my face, and around my eyes. It gets off any last-remaining remnants of makeup and dirt. I also like to occasionally use it as a really quick morning cleanse before starting my makeup, especially if I’ve been sweating the night before. Or if I go out in the morning bare-faced (under a mask of course), I will use it as a quick cleanse before applying my makeup when I get home.

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BIODERMA SENSIBIO H2O MAKE-UP REMOVING MICELLE SOLUTION

• Available in 250 ml / 500 ml sizes
• BUY HERE FROM WALMART FOR $14.90

The one that started it all! I finally have Bioderma back in the life, but it’s waiting in the queue behind the next micellar water I’m going to talk about. It used to be far trickier to get your hands on in the U.S. (I believe Amazon was the only stockist for a while). But now you can get it at Walmart, some CVS stores, beauty supply stores, and of course online. I think this might a touch gentler than any of the other cleansing waters I’ve tried, but just barely. It just feels lovely on the skin.

 

GARNIER SKINACTIVE MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER

• Available in 400 ml / 700 ml sizes
• BUY HERE AT TARGET FOR $9.99

Out of all the products listed here, this is by far the one I’ve used the most. There’s two reasons for that. Firstly, it’s simply the best value for money. Secondly, it’s probably the most accessible; you can get it in Ulta, any drugstore, any mass retailer like Walmart or Target, and on. I’m currently working my way through the giant 700 ml size, which will easily last me for months. The formula is gentle, it never stings even around the eyes, and my skin feels lovely and soft afterwards. You really can’t go wrong here!

 

L’OREAL MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER COMPLETE CLEANSER

• Available in 400 ml only from what I can see
• BUY HERE FROM WALMART FOR $7.56

I believe this was my go-to micellar water right after I moved on from La Roche Posay. I went through several bottles before turning to Garnier simply because I could get more for my money. But this is a great option too. I hardly ever wear waterproof makeup so I can’t attest to its abilities to breakdown waterproof mascara, for instance. But it did an effective job giving me a quick cleanse before applying my skincare or makeup.

Have you ever tried micellar water? Which are your favorites? I’d love to know!

xo, and be well, Erica

 

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