Monday 24 October 2016

SPOTLIGHT: Micellar Magic Part 7...

Time for some more Micellar Magic! There seems to be an endless array of this amazing liquid available in the marketplace - while the Garnier one is a new release in their rapidly expanding range, the others have been around for a while, but I've only just discovered them. The prices of these four range from $3.99 to $30.95, and interestingly, all contain fragrance, so I reckon it pays to do some research. Just to recap, I've already reviewed 13 offerings from various companies, and there are STILL more out there, so I can't see an end to this series any time soon ...

Avène Micellar Lotion (for sensitive skin) - (200ml RRP $30.95)
This is quite lovely - lots of slip, foams a little, after it dries my skin feels firmer but not taut, and it has a fragrance that reminds me of baby powder. From what I've read, you can't go too far wrong with any Avène product, but it is considerably more expensive...


Compared to some of the others, the ingredients are minimal, and the main one is of course Avène Thermal Spring Water. I actually tried this without pre-cleansing and found it removed almost all make-up and grime first go, and no eye tingling. Very gentle and very effective ...


bioten Micellar Water 3-in-1 (for dry/sensitive skin) - (200ml RRP $4.99)
Found this bottle in Chemist Warehouse on the bottom shelf of the skin care aisle. Performance-wise, it's no better or worse than most of the other less expensive offerings I've been sampling - non-drying, doesn't foam at all, removes most traces of make-up, no tightness when it dries, and has a faint floral fragrance. Appears to be made in Europe, and the registered address is in Paris...



The list of ingredients is quite extensive, and includes glycerin, castor oil and almond oil pretty high up. The front label says "100% Natural Cotton Extract", and that it's paraben, paraffin & colorant free. As I've mentioned before, I use micellar water as a second cleanse, but as the back label says it will remove even waterproof make up, I tested it on some lightly applied eye liner - most of it came off, but I had to rub quite a bit. Still there was no stinging or any irritation of my eyes, or the area around it. For $4.99, I think it's pretty good value, but if you're after something that will take your stubborn makeup clean off, then keep reading ...


Byphasse Micellar Make-Up Remover (for dry/sensitive skin) - (500ml RRP $3.99)
Another non-mainstream one from Chemist Warehouse, except this brand had it's own product stand at the end of the aisle. Made in Spain, this drags a wee bit on my skin, and the cotton pad starts to break up by the time I'm finished. I do prefer my micellar water to slip more easily over my skin, and I also found my face and neck felt unusually sticky after it dried - not quite in the realm of glue, but decidedly tacky all the same...

Above are the ingredients - nothing vastly different from other formulations, and at $3.99 for 500mls, it should be the best value around town, but that stickiness? Hmmm...no...


Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil (for waterproof make-up) - (400ml RRP $13.95)
Well now I'm beginning to think that Garnier has the market all sewn up - yet another variety in their micellar range, and this one is even more specialised...

This mix of oil and water is a winner for removing long-wear foundation, 18-hour lip products, and especially waterproof eye-make-up - it's almost as effective as the remover I have sworn by and used for years (Neutrogena), and will take off four layers of cemented mascara in a flash with no irritation. You absolutely MUST shake the bottle well though until the liquid becomes cloudy throughout and foamy on the top - it will settle and separate out again eventually, but unless you do the big shake immediately before use, you'll miss out on its power. What I don't know is whether there's enough oil to last all the way to the bottom, but I'm prepared to give Garnier the benefit of the doubt. Not as much slip as I'd like, but I do love how soft my skin feels afterwards, and yet not a hint of greasy is left behind. It also has a fragrance - I'm going to say "lemon jasmine" - not my favourite scent, but not potent enough to bother me ...

My pick of this bunch is the Avène - yes it costs a good deal more, but the experience is such a pleasurable one ...

Take care of you,
kats xxx

P.S. Hooking up with Ingrid's Monday Madness Link Up Party  - guaranteed all sorts of interesting reads every week..

26 comments:

  1. Can't believe this series is still going! You're right though, there's a zillion micellar waters out there these days. Still loving my bottle of Essano's micellar water, although I did pick up some Caudalie micellar water whilst overseas to try. Have heard good things about it, but I sure as hell wouldn't pay the Aussie/Sephora Oz price for it (my bottle - the 100mL size - is $35!).

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    1. I know Shell, who'd have thought I'd get to Part 7 lol! Slowing down a bit now though, but there's still more xxx

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  2. Likewise I cannot believe there are so many micellar products on the market but I admire your commitment to getting through each and every one of them! I'm still on my Bioderma and it's really good.

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    1. Yep the Bioderma reigns supreme I reckon - you should see my bench though Beth, there's Micellar Water bottles forever! Thankfully my Mum loves it too, so she'll help me finish some of them ♥

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  3. incredible post hun! I've been using micellar water for a while (mostly avene and bioderma) and can rarely tell the difference between the products.

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    1. There's quite a chasm of difference hey Lily, not just in the prices either. I think some of these companies are being a bit naughty calling their products Micellar Water when they've got so much stuff in them that probably doesn't qualify xxx

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  4. The Avene one sounds amazing. I've totally run out of Micellar Water,so this reminds me I need a new one. Don't like the sound of the sticky one! Thanks for the reviews! :)

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    1. The Avene is very nice Di - if it wasn't so expensive (for the quantity) I would have stuck with it after this is all done and dusted xxx

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  5. The Avene micellar water sounds fabulous! It's a pity it's so much more expensive than the others.

    Its hard to believe how many different micellar watrers there are in the Australian marketplace currently!

    Ingrid
    http://www.fabulousandfunlife.blogspot.com.au

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    1. It's one of my faves Ingrid - I think because it has such a lovely soft smell. I do so enjoy a pleasant fragrance when I'm doing my regime. As for the massive market, I don't know how they can all survive - it sure must be popular stuff! ♥♥♥

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  6. Great review of all the micellar waters! There seems to be so many on the market, making it so difficult to navigate and know which one to buy. I really like the new Garnier one x

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    1. The yellow Garnier one really surprised me Rachel - I thought it would leave an oily film on my skin but it doesn't, and it really does take off my waterproof makeup xxx

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  7. Kat, you are undoubtably the Micellar Water QUEEN! I love all your honest reviews and fab finds which I have never heard of! I will definitely have to try the Avène Micellar Lotion - it sounds lovely xx

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    1. Ha ha Marisa, not sure about the Queen title but I've certainly bought a hell of a lot of them! Still why not - it interests me, and seems to be a popular topic. I reckon you'll love the Avène one ♥x♥

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  8. Love that this series is still going Kats! I just read on another blog about the new Garnier Micellar water and can not wait to get my hands on it. So happy that your review was positive! Great review as always :)

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    1. So happy you're enjoying my ravings Tal - you know I figured there was enough for a few posts, but not this many lol xxx

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  9. I'm still shocked at the amount of micellar waters on the market. I didn't realise there were so many! The Avene sounds like it will suit my skin the most and I don't mind paying extra once the product works, suits my skin and doesn't sting. I'm going to buy this one next so thanks for the review! xxx

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    1. I had no idea either Louise, until I really started looking, and then I was flabbergasted to say the least - would love to hear what you think of the Avène hon xxx

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  10. I love Bioderma micelar water, the pink one. You should defiitely try it. :) When I finishes my 2 bottles, I think I would like to try the Garnier micelar water, hopefully I will like it.

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    1. Hi Michelle, yes I've tried the Bioderma, I reviewed it in Part 4 - it's what got me started, but I'm determined to find one just as good for a fraction of the price xxx

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  11. I can't believe you're still going. I had NO idea there were so many bottles. I've only tried 3, Swisse, Bioderma and... one that I can't remember. I'm definitely going to re-read over your series and pick ut some new ones to try though, thanks Kat!!
    - Jackie (Lipstick, Lattes & Louboutins)

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    1. It's something else hey Jackie - even Coles are doing one! (true). Hope these little snippets help you find the best one for you hon xxx

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  12. The Avene one sounds great, gentle and effective. That price tag though :(. Will need to wait for a 40% sale for sure!

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    1. Errrrmmmm yes Mel, that one hurt a bit when I got to the cashier, but I'm having so much fun I got over it real quick. Yes, definitely one for Sale Time! ♥♥♥

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  13. I'm amazed by how many micellar waters are out there! I've only used Bioderma, Caudalie, Nuxe and Simple.

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    1. Thanks for letting me know what you've tried Renu - will keep my eyes peeled for the Nuxe one, and maybe I can find the Caudalie online somewhere. I'm sure there's still more out there lol xxx

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