When I started using makeup, I was a teenager and my vibe was layered eyeshadow and blush. Makeup removal was more focused on making sure I didn’t get acne, so I pretty much scrubbed until everything came off. Then I graduated to using cold cream but the residue from that was just off-putting. I was happy to move on.
Later when I decided to get training as a makeup artist, I switched to Makeup remover wipes and in a bind, baby wipes. I tried a couple different brand of wipes but it was still a struggle to remove waterproof mascara, smudge-free eyeliner and long-wear matte lip colour.
Thank God for Youtube, because when the BioDerma Micellar water emerged, it was an actual breakthrough product. Sadly, I have yet to see this in Jamaica, and at the time, shipping was just not simple. Naturally, drugstore brands follow successful trends and Garnier came out with their own version, happily available Lee’s Pharmacy and now almost everywhere.
So what is Micellar Water anyway? Well, according to Garnier,
Finally, I could stop scrubbing. I just shake the bottle, soak a cotton pad and press it gently onto the area to break up the makeup. Eye makeup and stubborn lip colour dissolve in a few seconds, and I can go about my regular cleansing routine. I haven’t struggled with residue or that raw, harsh dryness that you get from using a makeup wipe.
With the evolution of gentler but more effective skincare, double cleansing has emerged and now, rather than using micellar water for everything, I really only use it for stubborn or waterproof makeup. I’ve tried both cleansing oils and cleansing balms to remove makeup and I prefer cleansing balms. I have just started trying out the microfibre reusable makeup remover wipe but I’m not sold yet.
So why did I ditch the wipes?
they were too drying, gritty and harsh on my skin
they’re not half as effective as micellar water or cleansing balms
they take twice as long to get the job done
they leave residue on my face.
You can pick up my favourite micellar water here or in most drugstores/pharmacies and my favourite cleansing balm is Farmacy Beauty’s Green Clean available here.
Do you have a favourite makeup wipe you use or are you ready to switch them out?
till next time,
Jan