From The Straits Times    |


BIODERMA SEBIUM H20, $42.90 (500ml) EDITOR’S RAVE

This makeup remover for combination or oily skin rids waterproof makeup effortlessly. It’s so gentle, even my dry skin feels soft after cleansing, without any stickiness or tightness. It has copper sulphate and zinc gluconate to help purify oily skin and regulate sebum secretion, while a patented Fluidactiv complex fends off acne. A reverse pump dispenses the product easily: Fold a cotton pad in half, place it over the pump and press to soak up the cleanser.

Score: 9.5/10

BIORE MAKEUP REMOVER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER, $18.90 (300ml)

Made with natural mineral water drawn from the Northern Japan Alps, and enriched with collagen and antioxidant-rich white tea extract, this claims to prevent pimples and breakouts. For effective removal of waterproof makeup, soak a cotton pad with the cleanser and leave it over your makeup for five seconds. It leaves a subtle cooling sensation during cleansing but my skin feels a little sticky after use.

Score: 8/10

VICHY NORMADERM MICELLAR SOLUTION 3 IN 1, $29 (200ml)

This is excellent for acne-prone skin as it contains an antibacterial agent, Zinc PCA, to deter acne formation. Leave a lotion-soaked cotton pad over waterproof makeup a little longer for more effective cleansing. I love how fresh it leaves my skin, without any sticky after-feel. It also doesn’t make my dry skin feel tight and uncomfortable. Best of all, it doesn’t sting my eyes at all when used over the eyelids. But I needed more of the product and a longer time to remove the same amount of makeup. 

Score: 7.5/10

PUREVIVI CLEANSING LOTION SENSITIVE SKINS, $19.90 (500ml) BEST VALUE

Enriched with nine skin-moisturising fruit and plant extracts, this rids waterproof makeup effectively. I need only a little to wash my makeup away, and it is the fastest among the five tested to do so. My skin feels refreshed during cleansing, though upon drying there was a slight stickiness. About half an hour later, my skin became itchy in the areas where it is sensitive. Hence, it may be a good idea to give your skin a rinse after use. 

Score: 8/10

CRABTREE & EVELYN DAMASK ROSE RELAXING MICELLAR WATER, $30 (150ml) GREAT FIND

The label recommends it for use only on cleansed skin, but it removes waterproof makeup and mascara in a jiffy. However, it stings my sensitive eyes when used over the eyelids. This leaves skin the softest among the five tested here, although my skin feels slightly sticky after use. Bonus: the soothing rose scent enhances the experience.

Score: 9/10

This article was originally published in Simply Her May 2015.