It looks like water. It feels like water. But it cleans like water alone never can. So what is this super-hyped ‘Micellar Water’ that celebrities, makeup artists and the girl next door are all raving about?
Let’s start at the beginning.
Touted as a multi-tasker that cleanses, tones and hydrates – all in one step, Micellar Water is not new on the scene. It has been around for years.
It was originally invented because the harsh tap water was creating havoc on the lovely Parisian skin. Which is why you don’t need to rinse it off – just moisten a cotton pad, swipe all over your face and you’re done. It helped Parisian women save their skin and has been a staple in French pharmacies ever since.
And then, boom! It gained worldwide fame when makeup artists, models and celebrities started using it backstage, enjoyed its skin saving benefits and started talking about it…non-stop! Today, it’s available at pharmacies all over the world.
So what the heck does it actually do?
Micellar water is made of ‘micelles’ or teeny-tiny oil molecules suspended in water. These tiny micelle particles cling on to sebum, dirt and make-up (even waterproof kind), dissolving them.
And the best part, you don’t need to rinse it off. Just soak a cotton pad and swipe it all over your face. That’s it. You’re done. Your skin will be absolutely clean, non-greasy and dewy (never dry). It’s a lazy girl’s skin savior.
Wait! There’s more. Micellar waters are so gentle, they are ideal for sensitive skin.
Bioderma – The Original.
When I heard of Micellar Water and how awesome it is, I just had to try it. Though I must say that I was skeptical. I couldn’t believe it would actually change my skin or anything. Also, almost every brand had their own micellar water, so which one to try? I figured I might as well go with the one that started it all – Bioderma. I mean, it was the gold standard.
I made a trip to the chemist and there it was, looking unassuming. No major fancy packaging or anything. I wasn’t impressed.
I took home the Bioderma Sensibio H20 (for sensitive skin) and followed the instructions – which are pretty basic – pour on a cotton pad and swipe all over face.
After I used it, I started feeling really good. I have crazy, oily skin that tends to breakout. This product literally removed all the oil (and sunscreen), leaving my skin feeling cool, moist and dewy in the most delightful way possible. It wasn’t a stripped-dry kind of feeling, but rather a healthy, hydrated feeling. Did I really not have to rinse? That part felt a bit weird. I was so used to splashing water all over my face. But I held off and continued with the rest of my skincare regimen and went to sleep.
In the morning, I expected a pimple. I had technically not washed my face the previous night, which usually guaranteed a zit the next morning. But nothing. My face was clear! Now, I was impressed.
I kept using it (every night) and I have to say, my skin was behaving – which is not like my skin at all! After a couple of weeks, I have to admit, I actually started missing washing my face with a face wash and water. So I did. You can’t beat that feeling.
But that doesn’t mean I ended my relationship with Micellar water. It’s stands tall right next to my sink and I reach for it whenever I’m in a hurry or feeling super lazy (which I confess happens more often than it should). I can no longer use the “I was so tired, I slept without washing my face” excuse anymore.
It’s so convenient, I keep a travel-sized bottle in my bag at all times. It’s perfect after a workout, on a plane, in the office, at the beach…
Oh, and before I forget, it also works brilliantly as a makeup remover too. I put it to the ultimate test after attending a big fat Indian wedding. It worked like a charm on my BB cream, lipstick and eye shadow. However, it didn’t work quite as well on my stubborn waterproof eyeliner and mascara. I needed my oil cleanser for that. But for the everyday stuff, it’s perfect!
Where to find it: Bioderma Micellar waters are available at most leading pharmacies around the world.
Other stuff I ❤️ : Another great micellar water is La Roche-Posay Effaclar Micellar Water.
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