From The Straits Times    |

Have you heard of micellar water? This refreshing, water-like cleanser gets your no-makeup makeup off in a jiffy, never mind the bathroom, just remove your makeup on the sofa – you don’t even need to rinse it off. (We don’t really mean that, use your bathroom.)

Models swear by this French pharmacy staple, and makeup artists are said to have at least one of these travel-friendly cleansers in their kit.

But what are they really? And why are they so special? Here’s the science: The convenient cleansing solution is made out of tiny oil molecules suspended in water, called “micelles”, hence the product name. These droplets cling onto makeup and impurities and dissolve them, taking away the need to rinse. And quite unlike the oil that it is made up of, the solution feels light and refreshing, quite like a watery toner, but not at all drying.

Bioderma Sensibio Micelle solution H20 cleansing water micellar water how to use.png

Fronting the trend is the cult-favourite Bioderma Sensibio H2O, known for its sensitive skin-friendly formula. (A large, reversed-pump version, $42.90, was released for its 20th anniversary.) Its success has prompted many Asian and Western brands to release their own versions, some even with added skin-loving properties.

Creme Simon Nivea La Roche Posay DCS Aquaderm cleansing water micellar water how to use.png

The ones we love include the brightening Creme Simon Micellar Water Makeup Remover for Eyes and Face, $55, said to have skin brightening properties; Nivea’s Make Up Clear Micellar Water, $9.90, which claims to be able to dissolve even waterproof makeup.

Two new offerings have also caught our eye: La Roche-Posay’s Physiological Micellar Solution that’s suitable for sensitive skin, $32.90, and the new Aquaderm Super Aqua Cleansing Water from Korean brand DCS, $30.50, a hydrating formula which uses nutrient-rich volcanic sea water.

On top of new products, many have found other ways to use the strong cleansing power yet soothing properties of these micellar waters.

For example, we’ve cleaned our cushion sponges with them. The formula helps with easy removal of any base makeup residue without any need for harsh pulling or tugging, keeping the sponge in good shape.

This same method, is one of four different ways beauty blogger Hover introduces in a five-minute video on how to use micellar cleansing waters.

In it, she shares other tips on removing waterproof makeup, daily cleansing and what people with sensitive skin should look out for when using such products.

Check out the full video, and let us know what your favourite micellar water product is, as well as any other special ways you may be using the product.

WATCH: Hover demonstrates four different ways to use micellar cleansing water

Can’t remove glitter makeup with micellar water? Try this easy trick to take away glitter makeup mistakes, or check out our review of four makeup removing wipes!

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