If, like most people, you have no idea what micellar water is and what it does, here is a quick explanation: In a nutshell, micellar water is a solution made up of tiny oil molecules (micelles) suspended in soft water that attaches itself to the substances on your skin that you don't want (make-up, dirt, excess oil etc.) and 'transfers' them to your cotton pad. This clever formula means that you don't need to rinse off the micellar water after use and unlike soaps, micellar water doesn't strip your skin which makes it excellent for people with dry or sensitive skin.
When I first purchased the Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water, I did so because I was tired of using face wipes and needed something that could wipe off my mascara more effectively without taking my lashes with it; I'd heard that micellar water easily removed eye make-up so I thought I'd give it a go. Garner produces a few types of micellar water but I chose to go with the one for sensitive skin because I planned to primarily use it around my eyes. I fell in love instantly!
FACTS ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Packaging: It comes in a transparent plastic bottle and dispenses the product through a pink flip top cap. I purchased the 400ml bottle but it also comes in 100ml and 700ml.
Product: Transparent in colour and has the same consistency as water however if you feel it with your fingers it definitely doesn't feel as 'flat' as water. Once applied it's quickly absorbed and leaves your skin feeling smooth and hydrated but it doesn't leave a film on your skin which to me is very important.
Notable Ingredients: No alcohol or perfume so it's very gentle on the skin.
How I applied it: I dampen a large cotton pad with the product and place it on my lashes for a few seconds before rubbing gently to remove my mascara (even waterproof mascara). Within a minute my lashes are free of product. On days where I wear other face make-up, I apply a bit more micellar water to a cotton pad to wipe it off; I find that one cotton pad is enough for my entire face (I wear very light make-up).
Where to buy it: Superdrug (UK) or Target (US) are always my go to but it's also available at supermarkets and of course, Amazon UK and US.
I was pretty content with my micellar water but when my favourite Youtuber, Jackie Aina, started raving about the Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water, the product junkie in me couldn't resist, I had to try it.
FACTS ABOUT THE PRODUCT
Packaging: It comes in a transparent plastic bottle with the signature green writing on a transparent label and dispenses the product through a green screw top cap. I purchased the 400ml bottle but it also comes in 200ml.
Product: Transparent in colour and has the same consistency as water. On the skin it literally feels like water with the added advantage of removing make-up without soap.
Notable Ingredients: Vitamin B3 - helps to soften and smooth skin.
How I applied it: I wet a large cotton pad with the product and rub my lashes to remove my mascara. On days where I wear other face make-up, I find that I need two wet cotton pads to cleanse my entire face (as stated above, I wear very light make-up).
Where to buy it: Superdrug (UK) or Target (US) are always my go to but it's also available at supermarkets and of course, Amazon UK and US.
FINAL THOUGHTS
The packaging of both products is functional but I do prefer flip caps (Garnier) to screw caps (Simple) for ease of use.
Simple feels a lot more like water on the skin than Garnier so if you like that I-just-washed-my-face feeling, then Simple is the product for you.
I found Garnier more effective at removing make-up, with Simple it took a bit more effort and didn't do well at all with waterproof mascara.
A lot more micellar water was required to remove make-up when using Simple.
I noticed that Jackie Aina uses Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water after she washes her face and I can see how that is probably the best use for it, as a make-up remover it may just be too gentle.
After prolonged use, both products had an overall smoothening and softening affect on skin.
Neither product contains alcohol so they don't sting or dry out your skin.
400ml of Garnier retails at around £5/$7 while a Simple bottle of the same size costs around £6/$9.
Product overall rating:
Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water: 5/5 - It's exactly what I need, works great as both a make-up remover and a cleanser.
Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Cleansing Water: 3/5 - It's not a bad product but I would use it strictly as a cleanser and not a make-up remover.
Please Note: The prices listed in GB Pounds and US Dollars are not conversions of each other, they are the prices listed on the websites provided.
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