Don’t let the name fool you, this is NOT the regular micellar water you know!
Garnier has recently brought out 2 Skin Active Micellar water options. The regular version (with pink cap) is comparable to others in the market, but the waterproof version (blue cap, pictured) is different and unique!
Please ignore the odd angle of the shot. I wanted to show you the view from above where the 2 layers of liquid are most visible. Yes, this is a dual-phase micellar water, the first I have known of.
By definition, this is an all-in-one cleansing water to dissolve waterproof makeup, cleanse and refresh face, eyes and lips without rubbing or rinsing.
You already know the science behind micellar water – the micelles capture and lift away dirt, oil and makeup without stripping the skin, leaving it clean and refreshed. And all the micellar waters I tried manage to clean the skin quite well, more or less toward waterproof makeup.
I don’t wear waterproof mascara all the time, but waterproof/ long-lasting eyeliners very often. Removing them is a tough task, so I would not mind to repeat the process with an extra cotton pad.
Having said that, with a micellar water that makes specific claim to tackle waterproof makeup, I will hold it on higher standard while testing, naturally.
I grabbed myself a bottle the moment I found it on the shelf. Love that it is big and heavy. Basic packaging – plastic bottle with a flip top that closes tightly.
As with any dual-phase makeup remover, the liquid in the bottle needs to be shaken well before use.
And the result, to me, is great. It does everything a good micellar water does, still takes 2 cotton pads for the eyes but like I said, I don’t mind that. The biggest winning factor is the $ value (see below).
The after-feel is a tiny bit more oily than a pure micellar water but not noticeable. If you are not used to dual-phase makeup removers however, you might feel differently.
Ingredients: Water, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isohexadecane, Decyl Glucoside, Dipotassium Phosphate, Disodium Edta, Hexylene Glycol, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide, Potassium Phosphate, Sodium Chloride (F.I.L.: C179887/1).
Ingredients for the pink capped version, for reference: Water, Hexylene Glycol, Glycerin, Bht, Disodium Cocoamphodiacetate, Disodium Edta, Poloxamer 184, Polyaminopropyl Biguanide (F.I.L.: C179884/1).
The product is oil/ alcohol/ fragrance free, suitable for all skin types, including sensitive. The bottle is 400ml, twice the size of most micellar waters for the same price – $8.97 at Walmart. I already bought a backup of it!