I heard the name of micellar water for the first time. I thought that it would probably be a normal cleanser for removing make-up. There is a liquid like water in the bottle, so initially I did not even understand what was different about it.
But when I started including it in my skincare routine and makeup routine, I understood that the purpose of it is to help in removing makeup, excess oil and sunscreen residue.
It contains tiny structures called Micelles which help in lifting the unwanted particles.
If you are also thinking of trying micellar water for the first time, then this is my simple guide in which I tell you how I use it and what I learned from it.
What is Micellar Water?
Micellar Water is a water-based cleansing product used to remove makeup and skin dirt. It has the same light texture as regular water but contains cleansing ingredients.
I find the most convenient part of this is that it is very simple to do: I apply the product on a cotton pad and then wipe it gently on my face.
It is a big mistake to consider it a toner, but both do not have the same purpose. Micellar water is meant for cleansing whereas toner can be a separate step in the skin routine.
Why do I use Micellar Water?
In my routine, the purpose of it is to remove makeup; this is the first step of cleansing.
If I have applied foundation, concealer, blush, or lipstick, then I use micellar water before face wash.
Especially when I have to remove makeup at night, instead of starting with direct face wash, I do it with micellar water first.
But I don’t always consider it to be a complete cleansing step in every situation. Heavy waterproof makeup may require additional cleansing depending on the product’s formula.
How to use it?
Its process is simple for me.
Step 1: I take a clean cotton pad.
Step 2: Apply micellar water on it.
Step 3: First I clean those areas of the face where there is more makeup.
Step 4: While removing eye makeup, do not rub the cotton pad aggressively around the eyes.
Step 5: If there is a lot of makeup, I use a fresh cotton pad instead of rubbing the same pad on the face again and again.
Step 6: After removing makeup, I then follow my normal skincare routine.
The most important thing for me is gentle movements. I don’t find it useful to rub my skin harshly to remove makeup quickly.
Is it necessary to wash the face after micellar water?
This question used to confuse me too earlier.
The formula of every micellar water is not the same. Some products do not require washing after cleansing, while in some situations it may seem more suitable to wash the face after cleansing.
It is mostly the first cleansing step in my routine, especially when I am removing makeup or sunscreen etc., after that I find it more comfortable to use a gentle face cleanser.
If you are using it then it is best to check the instructions given on the bottle so that you can know whether the product needs to be rinsed or not.
Micellar Water and Double Cleansing
Micellar water can also be used as the first step in cleansing. My simple routine is like this.
Micellar Water — Gentle Face Cleanser — Moisturizer
The first thing I try to do is to remove makeup, sunscreen and surface residue with it and then wash the face with cleanser.
Double cleansing does not mean aggressively washing the skin again and again. For me, its purpose is to break down cleansing into simple steps on makeup-heavy days.
If I don’t have makeup on my face, I don’t automatically do double cleansing every day. I keep my routine according to makeup and sunscreen.
Does Micellar Water remove makeup?
Micellar water is commonly used for makeup removal. In my experience, it is convenient to remove light makeup, foundation, blush and lipstick but not every formula removes every type of makeup equally. Waterproof mascara is a long-wear product.
Sometimes I may need more product, extra time or additional makeup remover.
Therefore, if makeup is not completely removed with a cotton pad, then rubbing the skin repeatedly with the same cotton pad is not good; a suitable cleanser seems to me to be a better option.
Does Micellar Water Remove Sunscreen?
This is also a common question.
Micellar water can help in removing sunscreen but the sunscreen formula can be different, hence the result of cleansing can vary according to the product.
When I use sunscreen, the first cleansing step in my evening routine is micellar water, after which I use a face cleanser.
This routine helps me keep cleansing simple on makeup and sunscreen days.
My Common Mistakes While Using Micellar Water
In the beginning I also made some mistakes.
The first mistake I made was to rub the eye area very aggressively. I thought that the makeup would be removed quickly but now I prefer gentle movements.
The second mistake I made was to apply the cotton pad repeatedly on the entire face. Now I use a new pad according to the amount of my makeup.
The third mistake I made was considering micellar water as automatically a complete skincare routine. Now I understand that it can be a cleansing step in the routine and not a complete skincare routine.
Another thing I check now is the product instructions, because the formula and use of every micellar water is not the same.
Want to learn more about Face Icing? Read our guide on Face Icing: Why people put ice on their faces?
FAQs
What is micellar water?
Micellar water is a water-based cleansing product that helps remove makeup and dirt.
Should one wash the face after micellar water?
If you’re removing makeup or sunscreen, I recommend using a cleanser after micellar water. This can be a useful part of your routine. Also check the product’s instructions.
Can I use it daily?
This depends on the product’s instructions and the comfort of your skin.
Does micellar water remove makeup?
Micellar water is commonly used to remove makeup.
Is micellar water a toner?
Micellar water is for gentle cleansing whereas a toner is a separate skincare product.
Is it necessary to rinse it?
Every product has different instructions; it is best to check the instructions given on the bottle.