I am one very lazy bunny when it comes to skincare routine. If I ever treat myself to a facial, the therapist seems to have a quick intake of breath when I tell them how I cleanse. Tesco value wipes don’t cut the mustard it seems. But I just can’t be fagged to do much skincare at bedtime. Yes, I know I am lazy and it isn’t good for my skin, but more often than not I just want to brush my teeth and hop under the duvet. I do, occasionally, love using Liz Earle’s Cleanse & Polish – especially in the morning, as my face seems to wake up and feels soooooo clean afterwards. However, I have now binned the everyday wipes. Why? Because I discovered marvellous micellar water.
This brilliant one-step liquid removes makeup and cleanses the skin without the need for rinsing. All you do is squirt a few drops onto a cotton wool pad and wipe – hey presto, your face is clean (and you can tell that from the dirt on the cotton wool which is something I never saw on my face wipes). Plus, and this is a big plus, my skin feels hydrated and soft afterwards.
Apparently micellar water has been available in French pharmacies for over 100 years although the technology dates back from research at the University of Bristol in 1913. It takes its name from micelles, the tiny oil molecules that are suspended in soft water. They cling on to the dirt and makeup on your skin and dissolve them, leaving behind a glowing hydrated finish. The use of cotton pads play an important role in the cleansing process because they are hydrophilic, which means that together with the micellar water they act like a magnet attracting and entrapping impurities.
There is no alcohol and no sting, so you can use it around the delicate eye area too. Apparently it doesn’t remove waterproof mascara very well, but otherwise micellar water gets very high marks. Yet another advantage of this product is that there is no rinsing required. If you travel a lot, like our wonderful bloggers – BackPacking Granny and Geraldine Keith – then this is an ideal one step cleansing process because it requires no running water. Another benefit is that micellar water is suitable for all skin types – you can get formulations for oily, dry or sensitive complexions.
My 125ml bottle for sensitive skin costs the princely sum of 99p from Boots (currently on offer, usually £2). BUY NOW So it’s hardly going to break the bank either. Definitely a keeper.
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