For cleansing, removing makeup, refreshing dehydrated skin, even removing stains. The magnetic power of micellar water is a game changer for the skin. Editor Trudi Brewer shares the latest innovations on TV3's The Cafe.
For anyone who is lazy when it comes to cleansing, likes a light, fresh formulation, has the odd breakout, dry patches or skin sensitivities, micellar (pronounced my-sell-er) water is for you. Made with a combination of purified or soft water and cleansing magnets known as micelles, every woman needs a bottle of this miracle cleanser in their bathroom.
What's new
Neutrogena Deep Clean Purifying Micellar Water, $17.
Using a 'triple micellar technology,' your skin is treated to a combination of gentle cleansing ingredients that work to remove long-lasting foundation, waterproof mascara, excess oil, dirt and pore-clogging grime while softening the skin at the same time. Simply soak a cotton pad to cleanse the face and neck, and this alcohol and oil-free, water will transform your complexion. No rinsing is required with this water, just fresh-feeling skin ready to apply moisturiser and makeup all over again.
Burt’s Bees Micellar Cleansing Water, $18.
The newest addition to the Burt's Bees range is 99.5 per cent natural, with skin softening in mind the ingredients include Australian white cypress oil and of course, the brand's mainstay nourishing honey. Together they gently and quickly remove makeup and oil, nourishing your skin at the same time.
Avène Cleanace Micellar Water, $43.
The mattifying coconut oil extract helps to manage oil flow in the skin, while the soothing and anti-irritating benefits of the Avène mineral-rich water help to refresh your complexion leaving it not only clean but hydrated and smooth. It's so quick and simple to use, just soak a cotton square and apply it to the skin, for a swift cleanse both morning and night.
Old favourites
Guerlain Eau de Beaute Micellar Cleansing Water, $95.
This gel-like liquid glides onto the skin taking makeup and grime away with it. Ideal for all skin types, the addition of Nigella flower oil helps to promote radiance as it cleanses your skin.
La Mer The Cleansing Micellar Water, $80.
Enriched with their famous miracle broth and marine nutrients found in the Creme, are also in this micellar lotion. It hydrates soothes and firms the skin will keeping it squeaky clean.
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil, $14.
One of the first to market here in New Zealand, this is the latest micellar water from Garnier. We love how the oil and water combination feels on the skin. It can be found in your local pharmacy, does an excellent job of cleansing and hydrating for a brilliant price.
Top tips
Soak a cotton pad with micellar water and sweep it over the face and neck. The micelles adhere to the cotton pulling makeup, sebum, and grime from the skin. The formulas are so light and gentle that there's no need to rinse them off, like regular cleansers, which means the moisturising ingredients can stay on the skin and be absorbed.
Micellar water is also excellent for cleaning makeup brushes and sponges and removing makeup stains from clothing.
Anyone can use micellar water regardless of their skin type. It is especially great for acne-prone skins and very good for removing sunscreen build-up and pore clogging, long-lasting makeup formulations.