Let’s Talk Micellar Water

April 26, 2018 immrfabulous

Welcome back to my ‘Let’s Talk’ series: A series where I answer all your top questions around trending (and confusing) skin care and beauty products. Like Micellar Water! What the heck is this stuff?!

A popular French must-have cleansing product for years now (over 100!), Micellar water’s popularity is on the rise here in North America with virtually every drugstore brand releasing their own version of this beauty wonder.

So let’s get to answering those questions that have been on your mind!

What is Micellar water?

Micellar water is a rinse-free skin cleansing product. It is a water-like consistency with a formula made of micelles which are tiny oil molecules suspended in soft water.

Now, micelles are little wonder workers – they act like dirt, oil and grime magnets – drawing out skin impurities without drying your skin out like foamy solutions can do. Micelles cling to dirt and make-up and dissolve them, leaving behind nothing but a hydrated finish.

How do I use Micellar Water?

There are many ways to use Micellar water in your life. Here are my top five ways:

Cleansing your skin in the morning. A quick, easy, gentle way to start your daily routine off.
Remove your makeup. Yes, even mascara.
A guilt-free replacement for cleansing cloths. Cleansing cloths are notoriously drying, but, Micellar water is not. Also, as you apply Micellar water with a cotton pad, it is a much gentler experience for your face as the cotton pads amplify the cleansing effects of the Micellar water without harsh rubbing.
Makeup touch-ups. Smear that cat eye? Soak a Q-Tip in Micellar water for precision touch-ups.
Post gym or mid-flight face cleansing. Who wants to rinse their face in that teeny, tiny, awkward plane sink? With Micellar water and a cotton pad, you can take off your makeup and cleanse your skin at your seat.

Do I have to rinse my face after using Micellar water?

Nope.

Does Micellar Water really work?

I have to say, I was a sceptic! I have very sensitive skin and was convinced this product would make me irritated and rashy…especially since you do not rinse it off. But, I was proven 100% wrong. It is indescribably gentle and does an amazing job of removing my makeup…even my mascara.

Is Micellar Water the same as a Toner?

It is not. Classically a toner is designed to ‘tone’ your skin, or add hydration to the skin. Micellar waters are primarily for cleansing your skin.

Here are my three favourite Micellar waters available in Canadian drugstores now:

The brand new, Tessa Virtue approved!

Nivea MicellAIR Skin Breathe Micellar Water for Dry and Sensitive Skin

This product comes in a generous size and removes makeup, cleanses skin and moisturizes all with no rinsing and no rubbing required.

The brand new CeraVe Hydrating Micellar Water

With the same benefits all Micellar waters contain, I like this CeraVe hydrating Micellar water as it also contains niacinamide to calm skin, hyaluronic acid to retains skin’s natural moisture and it it fragrance-free.

And finally, the first Micellar water product I tried and picked up on my last trip to France, the cult-classic, Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water

I particularly love the convenient travel-size bottles you can pick up in France, unfortunately they only comes in larger sizes here in Canada, but this product is flawless.