SPOTLIGHT: Micellar Magic Part 5...

Well the Micellar Water market is bigger than I thought, so time for another round. While there's one in the piccie below that's cheap as chips, I've started delving into more upmarket offerings. We all know that the creme-de-la-creme Bioderma comes with a pretty hefty price tag ($42.99 for 500ml), but I was curious to see if there was any difference in the quality of other brands as the price point increased, so watch this space. Incidentally I'm not even attempting to finish all of the bottles I've acquired so far during this adventure (I guess I could take a bath in it lol?), so I've been distributing some to my fam & friends, and delighted to report that I have totally converted my Mum to this magical invention...

So let's get started. Out of these five, I'm going to cut to the chase and start with the WORST ...

MODELCo Micellar Cleansing Water - All In 1 (240ml, RRP $15)

I so appreciate honesty from the bloggers I follow, and wouldn't DREAM of leading anyone astray with dodgy info here. Regardless of my experience, I endeavour to be fair, and even if a product sucks, will always mention any redeeming qualities, but I'm struggling to find anything positive about this baby, except maybe the packaging. While tall bottles are more likely  to topple over than squatty ones, this takes up very little space on my vanity, and the overall look is quite classy. There - I've said it. As for what's inside, well...I'm puzzled as to how this made it onto the market...

Leaving aside the fact that UREA is listed as an ingredient (eeeeewwwwww!), I haven't been able to get past first base with the application. Regardless of how much I use, this drags on my skin, and after a couple of swipes, the cotton pad scrunches up and starts to tear. I use Swisspers makeup remover pads because they never EVER break up or shred, except when I use this. At first I thought it was because of the cleanser I used, so I tried several from the assortment on my bench, but the result was the same each time. In a nutshell, there is zero slip. If I use a few pads, I can make it down to my neck, but when it dries, my skin feels tight and dehydrated. At my age, I appreciate a bit of firming, but not this much. The label says it's "...a cult-favourite among professional makeup artists and celebrities." I wonder who? One word - no. Let's move on...

essano Rosehip Gentle Facial Cleansing Micellar Water (400ml, RRP $12.99)

Ahhh essano - you make such lovely products ♥ Just for the record this sweetie has earned 5-star rave reviews on beautyheaven, and I wholeheartedly concur. Love the slightly milky/pearly finish of the bottle, and for 400ml, it's terrific value for the price. It's a winner all round actually - barely any chemical sounding ingredients that I don't recognise, and lots of natural (and organic) goodies. I actually prefer this to the pink Garnier one - same price, but it has the edge as far as skin comfort and gentleness is concerned. Love that it contains Aloe Vera and Rosehip Seed Oil, but doesn't leave even the remotest hint of oily residue. My skin feels toned, soft and super clean, and not the least bit robbed of moisture. Recommended for all skin types, the formula is pH balanced and dermatologically tested. I also appreciate that the label says "200 uses", which my trusty calculator works out to be 6.5 cents each time. Bargain ♥

Part 6 will be up soon. If you missed the rest of the series, here are the links: Part 1, Part 2, Part 3, Part 4.

Take care of you,

kats xxx

P.S. Time for another round up of top blog articles at Ingrid's Monday Makeup Madness Link Up Party - starts 6:30am ♥...