Are you thinking ‘what’s the point of a micellar water?’ Or maybe, ‘what happened to the days of good ol’ soap and water?’ Times have changed my friend! Our lifestyles are getting busier and our poor complexions are taking in a load of extra toxins. Therefore we need an innovative cleanser that’s going to be efficient as our schedules, right?

The term micellar has been flying around for years, especially in the French skincare category. A not-so well kept secret, makeup artists have been raving about this heroic solution since the early ’90s – and aren’t we thankful!

Let me start by telling you the point of difference with a micellar water, it’s all about no rinsing! I know, cream cleansers and baby lotions – they all do the same. But to my amazement, it’s a completely different ball game with micellar technology. Its advanced formula goes hard when it comes to cleaning your complexion, and I’m talking deep.

Enriched with a completely different formulation to your average cleanser,  micellars are perfect for those who find water dries their skin out or are conscious of water pollution on the skin. These super savvy solutions remove makeup impurities with tiny spherical micelles that actually cleverly attract impurities.

Based on a formula of mainly purified water and a few surfactants (don’t be scared, these are surfactants that are gentle on your skin), the ‘micelles’ actually look a little like tadpoles. They’re built with a hydrophilic head that loves water but hates oil, and a squiggly tail that loves oil (grease, makeup) and hates water.

Once dispersed onto your cotton pad, the squiggly tails of the micelles instantly make contact with your complexion, breaking down any oils they come across. Once removed from the skin, their powerful heads work their way in and attract the water, leaving your skin feeling fresh, clean and invigorated.

Are you converted? Let’s talk about the choices that are available to you. Whether you prefer to use oil or a water – there’s a micellar for that.

If your skin feels tight after cleansing…

Choose the Bioderma Hydrabio H2O Micelle Solution, it’s a must-have for those who experience dehydration and dry areas. Enriched with Aquagenium®, a biological complex that retains essential moisture on the surface of the skin, this innovative Micellar is the perfect alternative to harsh waters that can dry your skin out even more.

If you’re looking for a quick fix…

Choose the Vichy Purete Thermale One Step Cleansing Micellar Solution, simply because it caters to all skin types – even those of a sensitive kind. Completely alcohol-free, soap-free. colourant-free, pH neutral and non-comedogenic, it’s even great to remove eye makeup too!

If you wear a full coverage foundation…

Choose the Vichy Purete Thermale Beautifying Cleansing Micellar Oil. As you can see from the lipstick removal above, it’s amazing! One for the waterproof mascara lovers, this sumptuous cleanser even includes vitamin E antioxidant protection, so it’s perfect for the city girls looking to rid their skin of pollution!

If your skin is prone to breakouts…

Choose the Avene Cleanance Micellar Water! It’s packed full of blemish busting agents that provide your pores with an extra dose of purification, whilst regulating sebum production. Super refreshing, its lightweight texture soothes sore spots with the famous Avene Thermal Spring Water.

If your complexion has sensitivity and redness…

Choose the Avene Micellar Lotion – Cleanser and Make-up Remover, its skin soothing lotion instantly cools and refreshes an irritated complexion with the soothing Avene Thermale Spring Water. As much as it cleanses your skin whilst removing impurities, it feeds moisture and nutrients back in your skin with its gentle formula.

If you’re looking to mattify your skin…

Choose the Bioderma Sebium H2O Micelle Solution, it’s soap free and it works perfectly to keep your complexion shine-free. At the heart of this mattifying micellar lies the Fluidactiv® complex, a sebum absorbing agent that works to reduce your complexion’s oil production without drying your skin out.

Over to you!

Let me know your thoughts! Are you a micellar water convert? Comment below or tweet me over at @Escentual. I’d love to know what’s working for you! It’s so gentle that even fragile skin can look radiant and feel cared for after just one swipe.