I am frequently tagged on twitter or Instagram whenever there is an article singing the praises about micellar waters, cleansing, mineral oil, wipes (God – always the wipes!) online or in a magazine.
It’s a daily occurrence and I read as many of them as I can. Sometimes for a laugh, sometimes I agree with them. As always, whatever works for you, do.
Yesterday though, Marie Claire posted this article ‘Ditch the Cleanser: 6 reasons to make the switch to micellar water’ and I had to stop and read it.
Micellar waters were originally designed to be used for those occasional times when you have no access to water, like backstage, hence the huge awareness of Bioderma.
Firstly: I will never, for the life of me, understand people who think that using these products are ‘quicker’ than washing your face. If using micellar water is ‘quicker’ than washing your face, you’re using them incorrectly. A quick swipe across the forehead is not going to do it. When I have to use them backstage at shows it takes me at least four sets of two separate cotton pads to clean the face of makeup. Used both sides. That’s not quick.
Add to that the constant rubbing of cotton wool and ingredients that aren’t exactly ‘softening’ and you’re setting yourself up for a sore face.
The reason this Marie Claire article riled me was this sentence: ‘Plus, it’s free of soap, fragrance, alcohol, and other abrasive chemicals that can wreak havoc on your complexion daily.’
Erm..no. Just no. These waters are all chemical, some contain alcohol and most contain fragrance.
Before those of you that have to use micellar waters jump to their defence, I’ve already said, do what you have to. Work situations, new babies, flying, the gym – micellar waters can come in handy.
But try and make them a temporary substitute, not a permanent fixture.
