Micellar water – the perfect in-between of makeup and skincare
Don’t you just love taking off makeup at the end of the day? It’s as if you give your skin a much-needed breather after enjoying a great makeup day. But taking off makeup should be a patient process to make sure you remove all residue of makeup
That’s why we turn to essentials like micellar water. Ask any makeup lover and you will know that micellar water is a must-have in many beauty enthusiast’s stash. However, there are still many that want to know what micellar water is and why people use it.
What is micellar water?
Micellar water can neither entirely fall into the makeup category or the skincare category. It’s the perfect in-between product that’s an important step before moving on to skincare, after removing makeup.
Here’s the simple definition: Micellar water is a first-step cleanser that breaks down makeup, grime, and sebum. It is used to fully remove cosmetic products on the face before washing it with a facial cleanser.
Here’s the scientific definition: Micellar water is made from a kind of surfactant known as micelle. This component has two sides to it. One is known as the water-loving head (hydrophilic) and the other contains oil-loving tails (hydrophobic). It is the oil-loving tails that trap makeup, oil, grime, etc. The water-loving head then helps rinse off the makeup from the face.
How to use micellar water?
Before you learn how to use micellar water, here is an important thing to know: Micellar water is not a finishing product but a cleansing product. Therefore, you shouldn’t leave your face as is after using it. It must be followed up with a gentle cleanser to wash any remaining residue of makeup and the film that micellar water leaves behind.
Micellar water contains surfactants. If it stays longer on your skin, it will cause irritation and affect the moisture barrier. That’s why it’s essential to rinse it off thoroughly with a gentle face wash like the simple kind to skin refreshing facial wash.
Now that this out of the way, here is how to use micellar water:
- Saturate a cotton round/pad with a gentle micellar water like the Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water. Start with a small quantity.
- Using a gentle touch, remove makeup.
- If needed, saturate a fresh cotton pad with micellar water to remove excess makeup.
- Once the makeup is removed, wash your face with lukewarm water and a gentle facial cleanser.
What is a double cleansing routine?
Most makeup products and sunscreens are oil, cream or wax based. Therefore, just using a face wash won’t cut it. The cleanser will have a tough time breaking down the makeup. This is where micellar water comes into picture. The sole purpose of micellar water is to break down makeup and grime so that when you move on to the second step which is the face wash, the cleanser will easily clean your face, leaving the pores clean and fresh.
If you are someone who doesn’t wear makeup every day, then you need not follow this routine every day except on days you do feel like applying a dab or two of makeup. Well in this case, you just need a small amount of micellar water like the Simple Kind to Skin Micellar Cleansing Water that also comes in a 50ml pouch.
If you have sensitive, acne-prone skin, then go for something a little more gentle like the Simple Kind to Skin Soothing Facial Toner 200ml.
Is micellar water safe for eyes?
It's better to go for alternatives like a makeup removing balm or oil. Unlike micellar water, which is dominantly water-based, makeup removing balms and oils can be oil based, butter based, or wax based. Since these are made with mild, plant-based ingredients, chances are it would suit your skin type. However, always do a patch-test.
One last thing to remember, always remove your makeup before going to bed. Feeling too tired or lazy? Then you can go for a simple, quick step like the Simple Kind To Skin Cleansing Facial Wipes that remove waterproof makeup and even waterproof mascara.
