The micellar water trend sees no sign of letting up so we thought we would bring you eight vegan and cruelty-free picks of this popular makeup remover! So what is micellar water exactly?
Micellar water has been widely used in France for around a century! Developed as a solution to the harsh water supply micellar water can remove makeup, cleanse, tone and moisturise all one go without even touching your water tap! Unfortunately, tap water can often be quite drying and damaging to our skin.
How does it work? Micellar water is made up of ‘micelles’ which are tiny balls of oil cleansing molecules suspended in water; although the texture of the micellar water is quite different to that of water! Micelles are attracted to the dirt and oil on your skin so it is able to gently dissolve makeup and cleanse your skin without stripping it of vital moisture and protective natural oils. There is also no need to rinse afterwards which means that water is not necessary. This makes micellar water perfect for busy makeup artists, people on the go, travellers, people camping and festival goers!
Here are eight of our top MICELLAR WATER picks!
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1. PACIFICA KALE WATER:
Pacifica is a brand that is prided on being vegan and cruelty-free. They also have such beautiful, bright packaging! This micellar tonic is infused with kale extract and natural glycolic acid. Glycolic acid is an AHA that works to gently remove outer dead layers of skin and reveal new, fresh skin. $29.50 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
2. SOAP & GLORY: TOTAL DRAMA CLEAN:
Micellar cleaning technology works to ‘magnetise’ all makeup, dirt and dead cells away from your skin leaving it fresh and clean! This gentle formula by Soap & Glory also contains vitamins A and C with peach and goji berry extracts that aim to help smooth out skin. It also contains cucumber and aloe vera juice! (Amazon) $37.95 NZD (NZ based? Get it here)
3. SWISSE MICELLAR MAKEUP REMOVER:
Swisse is an Australian owned vitamin/health product company. The Swisse formula aims to remove even stubborn waterproof makeup! This micellar water is enriched with cucumber to help calm and hydrate your skin naturally. This formula is also fragrance-free for all of us who have pesky sensitive skin! The micelles used are derived from no GMO corn and coconut oil. (Swisse) $9.30 NZD (NZ based? Get it here)
4. INIKA ROSEWATER:
Ikika Organic is an Australian beauty company that is certified cruelty-free and vegan. Their beautiful micellar rosewater is also certified organic – so it ticks all of the right boxes! It aims to leave your skin hydrated, glowing and nourished. The product is designed for all skin types and naturally smells like roses! (Inika Organic)
5. AVENE MICELLAR LOTION:
Avene is a well established French brand that is designed especially for sensitive and allergy prone skin. The skincare brands core ingredient is Avene Thermal Springwater. It aims to be gentler to your skin because of its high silica content and low mineral content – which can cause dehydration and irritation. This formula is also paraben and alcohol-free, as well as being hypoallergenic – unlike other makeup removers! $20 NZD (Amazon)
6. SUKIN MICELLAR WATER:
Sukin is an Australian brand that embodies sustainability! The company is 100% carbon neutral, vegan and cruelty-free certified plus the packaging is recyclable. The product is also grey water safe which means that it contains nothing that could interfere with sea life. This micellar water contains soothing chamomile, cucumber and aloe vera. It also claims to be suitable for waterproof eye makeup! (Amazon) $10.70 NZD (NZ based? Get it here)
7. LUMENE MICELLAR WATER:
Lumene is a Finnish brand. Their range is derived from pure, natural ingredients sourced from the arctic. This micellar water contains Artic spring water that is naturally soft and low pH so it is much more hydrating to your skin! The micelles in this micellar water are derived from Finnish birch trees and it is rich in natural minerals and amino acids to also help repair damaged skin. They also ensure sustainability by responsibly collecting birch sap as to not damage the tree! $14.33 NZD (incl. shipping) (Amazon)
8. ESSANO ROSEHIP MICELLAR WATER:
Essano is a New Zealand based natural skincare company that focuses on the use of rosehip oil in all of their products. This micellar water uses certified organic rose hip oil and aloe vera to gently clean and nourish the skin – all in one go! It is also available in a handy travel size bottle – great for flying when you want to take your makeup off! This product is also vegan, cruelty-free and made in New Zealand. $10.90 NZD (Health Post)
Micellar Water is designed to be used with cotton makeup pads. Here is our pick! Plus you could also try using it with a soft facial cloth if you prefer to use something reusable ♥