Micellar water got into my eyes, what should I do?

Hello!
Today my review will be devoted to one of the most popular products for cleansing the skin and removing makeup - micellar water. I will tell you about the options that I managed to try in 2017.

• Despite the fact that in order to write this review, I tried removing full makeup (including long-lasting makeup) with each of the options described below, this was mostly an experiment. I very quickly realized that micellar water is not the most convenient product for this. For the most part, in my regular skincare routine, I use micellar only for cleansing my face without makeup, removing very light makeup (for example, just powder), and removing some sunscreens. I wash off persistent cosmetics, especially those around the eyes, with oil-based products.

• Contrary to the “good” advice of some manufacturers that “you don’t have to wash it off,” I always wash off micellar products. For this reason, I never really delve into their compositions, which are on the skin for at most a couple of tens of seconds. I always wash it off with plain water.

For a long time, in my skincare routine, there was basically no such type of cosmetic product as micellar water on a regular basis. But, as they say, “there was no sadness, the woman bought a piglet”
I’ll tell you below about my successful and not so successful experiences using the example of five of the six options tested over the past year.

Yves Rocher, HYDRA VEGETAL Eau Micellaire Hydratante 2 en 1

Moisturizing micellar water 2 in 1





Package:








Skin type: normal and combined
Expiration date after opening the package: 6 months
Compound:




Pros:
• pleasant to use: has a light, fresh floral aroma. There is a slight stickiness after application, but for me this point is absolutely not important, since, as I wrote above, I always wash it off.
• soft enough: it didn’t dry out or tighten my skin, but it still stung slightly when it got into my eyes.
• there really is additional hydration: it pleasantly refreshes the face.
Minuses:
• high consumption: for one application, in any case, I needed at least 4 copiously moistened cotton pads;
• copes poorly with the makeup remover function: it takes on the most ordinary mascara with great difficulty, and does not completely wash off waterproof cosmetics (as do most micellar products).

Volume: 200 ml
Price: 590 rubles on the official website
Test period: fully used

Bottom line: Overall a pleasant product to use if you use it only to cleanse the skin and not to remove makeup.

Grade:
For the function of makeup removal and cleansing - 3-
For ease of use - 5

Final rating: 4-

Garnier, Micellar water for all skin types

Package:








Skin type: for all types, even sensitive
Expiration date after opening the package: 6 months
Compound:




Pros:
• copes quite well (in comparison with other micellar products) with the function of makeup remover: it removes ordinary non-waterproof cosmetics the first time.
• accordingly, low consumption: a pair of copiously moistened cotton pads is enough for me to remove daily makeup.
• does not leave a sticky film feeling.
Minuses:
• basic and very significant: after several weeks of regular use, Garnier micellar water really dried out my skin, especially around the eyes.
After the above period, I noticed that the skin in this area began to rapidly lose elasticity, an unpleasant feeling of tightness appeared (and not only immediately after use) - and, as a result, creases began to appear. Although, in principle, the skin around my eyes is completely fine and is not yet prone to such problems. In the future, I continued to use micellar, avoiding this area, although even in this scenario I cannot call it soft and delicate.
• subjective: I don't like the smell. It's not harsh, but to me it smells like some kind of household chemical.

Volume: 400 ml
Price:

320 rubles
Test period: fully used

Result: In general, it is effective, easily accessible, budget-friendly, but at the same time it is far from delicate and not a universal product, which I would not recommend, first of all, for aging skin.

Grade:
For the function of makeup removal and cleansing - 5
For ease of use - 1

Final score: 3

Ziaja, Marine Algae SPA Micellar Cleansing Water

Micellar cleansing water "Seaweed"





Package:








Skin type: for normal and dry, age 30+
Compound:





Pros:
• has no odor, the tactile sensation resembles ordinary water, is not sticky, and does not leave a filmy feeling.
That's probably all
Minuses:
• removes makeup very poorly, especially from the eyes: on the first try, everything just gets ugly and smeared into a dirty mess. I tried to wash off persistent cosmetics with her, but after the sixth generously moistened pad I gave up.
• it is logical that the consumption turns out to be gigantic.
• like Garnier, it dries out the skin with regular use, especially around the eyes.
• stings the eyes. No not like this. IT STINGS YOUR EYES! (although they are not particularly sensitive to me). And not only if it gets on the mucous membrane itself. Even if you use it in close proximity, your eyes begin to water unpleasantly, as if from some caustic chemical solution.

Volume: 200 ml
Price:

3 euros
Test period: fully used

Result: a major outsider, without compromise: one of the most unsuccessful and misunderstood micellar products by me.

Grade:
For the function of makeup removal and cleansing - 1
For ease of use - 1

Final score: 1

VZK, Micellar Cleansing Water*

Package:









*VZK is a popular fairly budget Serbian cosmetic brand, whose products can be purchased in Europe.

Skin type: for all types
Expiration date after opening the package: 3 months
Compound:





Pros:
• very comfortable to use: does not dry out the skin, does not cause irritation, and does not sting if it gets into the eyes. After use it does not leave any film or stickiness.
• declared by the manufacturer as “softening”, and, indeed, the skin after it is very soft. If I didn’t adhere to the principled position that any micellar needs to be washed off, I could easily leave this product on the skin based on how it feels.

Minuses:
• still not ideal for removing makeup. With it, I had no problems removing light makeup: powder, regular mascara, etc., but with long-lasting cosmetics I had to tinker.
• subjective: quite strong perfume scent. It smells like something sweetly floral.

Volume: 200 ml
Price: within 4 euros
Test period: fully used

Bottom line: a very good worthy product, which I was almost satisfied with. If the opportunity arises, I especially advise those with dry, sensitive, dehydrated and mature skin to take a closer look at it, because this is, in fact, one of the most delicate options that I have ever tried.

Grade:
For the function of makeup removal and cleansing - 4
For ease of use - 5+

Final rating: 4+

Black Pearl, Micellar water for face, eyelids and lips

Package:








Skin type: for all types, including dry and sensitive
Expiration date after opening the package: 6 months
Compound:




Pros:
• for me it is quite comfortable to use: it does not tighten or sting the skin, does not leave a film or stickiness.
• copes quite well with removing makeup. I only had difficulties with long-lasting cosmetics.

Minuses:
• I was almost finishing the packaging, and I noticed that the skin around my eyes was still drying out. Not as critical and not as fast, of course, as Garnier, but still...

Volume: 250 ml
Price:

120 rubles
Test period: fully used

Bottom line: I bought the “Black Pearl” micellar spontaneously because I didn’t find what I wanted, and, I must say, I rather liked the product than I didn’t like it. Not ideal, but considering the price, it’s a decent workhorse.

Grade:
For the function of makeup removal and cleansing - 4
For ease of use - 4

Final score: 4

At the beginning of the review, I wrote that I would describe five of the six micellar products I tested over the year. And, ironically, it was the sixth that turned out to be ideal for me and, to be honest, the only option that I wanted to repeat (I’m currently using the second package). We are talking about micellar water from the Slovenian cosmetic brand Afrodita Cosmetics, which I wrote a review of in July last year.





To summarize, I can say that micellar water has not become a universal and irreplaceable product for me, and I am increasingly inclined to think that in the near future I will do without it altogether.

Thank you all for your attention!
Nika

There seems to be no more perfect makeup remover than micellar water. It appeared on the cosmetic market relatively recently, but has already become a favorite of many.

The success of this cosmetic product, original in all respects, is easy to explain: micellar is convenient to use. With one swipe of a cotton pad soaked in an aqueous solution, you can wipe off even stubborn makeup, while simultaneously softening and moisturizing the skin.

Massive advertising gives micellar water all possible advantages. The average user may have the impression that the contents of one bottle replace a complete daily cleansing of the skin. This is not entirely true.

There are many misconceptions about micellar water.

I want to dispel the most common ones:

First opinion: Micellar water dries out sensitive skin.

Micellar water does not contain alcohol, alkali, or a large amount of surfactants. In principle, it can be considered a hypoallergenic product. The composition is based on tiny particles of fatty acids (micelles). When they get on the skin, they are like a magnet, attracting all the dirt and fat to themselves, and they do it so delicately that they do not even damage the hydro-lipid layer. So no, it doesn't dry out.

Second opinion: There is no need to rinse off micellar water.

Yes, the manufacturers assure us of this. But cosmetologists have a different point of view. Micellar water is, first of all, a makeup remover, and all such products must be washed off with water. It dissolves all the dirt on the surface of the face, but with a cotton pad you will not be able to completely remove this dirt. Your skin will be completely clean only after you wash your face. So yes, wash it off, and definitely.

Third opinion: Micellar water is multifunctional; it replaces eye makeup remover lotion, milk and toner.

It really completely replaces the first two products - micellar water perfectly removes waterproof cosmetics from the eyes, does not irritate the mucous membranes and does not sting. But, alas, it does not have the properties of a tonic lotion, which completes the process of cleansing the skin and prepares it for applying cream.

Fourth opinion: Micellar water should not be used by those who tint their eyebrows with henna and do eyelash extensions.

As already mentioned, there are no aggressive components in this product; the micelles “work” exclusively on the surface of the skin, without affecting the pigment of colored eyebrows. As for eyelash extensions, the specialist always strongly recommends that the client remove eye makeup between corrections with micellar water, which does not contain fats. So there is no reason to worry about eyelashes “creeping”.

Fifth opinion: Micellar water and thermal water are the same thing.

Micellar water has a modified chemical structure; various plant extracts and moisturizing components are added to it. Its main function is to gently cleanse the skin. Thermal waters are natural mineral waters; they refresh and moisturize the face well. These are different things.

Sixth opinion: Micellar water is ideal for problematic skin.

Just the opposite. Cosmetologists do not recommend using this product for people with oily skin or skin prone to rosacea. Micelles can build up on natural sebum, clog pores and cause acne to worsen. For all other skin types, the micellar cleanser is ideal.

Dermatocosmetologists from France, first of all, developed micellar water for the treatment of such serious diseases as xerosis and psoriasis and severe allergies. But, thanks to its healing properties, water has become popular as a cosmetic product, which has taken its place of honor in the range of leading perfume companies such as L’Oréal, Vichy, Melvita, Lancome, Yves Rocher.

What is micellar water?

Essentially, micellar water is a gentle cleanser that does not cause irritation. Once on the surface of the skin, the micelles react with particles of sebum or dirt, emulsify them and draw them into their cells. As a result, the lipid balance of the skin is not disturbed and even the most persistent particles of fat are washed away. Micellar water simultaneously generously moisturizes the skin and protects it from aging. Some additional components that are included in the finished cosmetic product beneficially enrich micellar water, for example, cucumber extract produces a refreshing effect, which has a beneficial effect on the skin.

Thanks to its gentle cleansing properties, micellar water perfectly removes makeup from the face and eyelids; with its help, you can always quickly touch up your makeup. Due to its moisturizing properties, micellar water is especially popular in the summer, on vacation or in the gym, when you need to quickly and efficiently cleanse your face. Micellar water has proven to be especially popular among actors, artists, and models; it can be used to quickly remove makeup and allow the skin to breathe.

How micellar water works

Micelles are liquid spherical crystals of very beautiful shape. But this can only be seen under a microscope, since the particles are extremely small (from 10−5 to 10−7 cm). But despite their microscopic size, the micelle crystals cope with tasks that are beyond the power of the most powerful disinfectants and cleaning agents.

Micellar water significantly reduces the impact of the same cleansers and perfectly deactivates chemicals. For example, sodium lauryl sulfate, which is found in almost all cleansers, can cause skin irritation. The property of micelles to prevent the action of toxins also extends to beneficial substances. Micellar particles form molecules around all substances, so micellar water is recommended to be used as a single product, because a cream or tonic used before or after exposure to water will not give the expected result.

But, nevertheless, micelles have the unique property of washing away the smallest particles of fat; even alcohol-based makeup removers cannot compare with micellar water, and alcohol also dries out the skin greatly. An interesting fact is that mercells are found not only in water, but also in some cleansers, which only enhances their effect.