The Cleansing Skin Care Product You Need, According to a Celebrity Facialist

We’re firm believers in the power of micellar water. This trendy skin care product is one of the top in the market for removing makeup and dirt from the skin’s surface without hassle or harsh rubbing and scrubbing. The cleansing formula is perfect for giving your skin the attention it deserves daily without having to do too much; most micellar waters can be used in just a few seconds, or however long it takes you to sweep a cotton pad over your facial contours.

But we aren’t the only ones obsessing over micellar water these days, even the experts can’t get enough. We chatted with Shani Darden, facialist to the stars and former Garnier partner, to find out what makes micellar water so special. What’s more, we’re sharing Garnier’s micellar products that deserve a spot in your personal skin care arsenal, especially now that they’re on sale at Walgreens! If you buy two skin care products—Garnier micellar range included!—you’ll get a third product for free. Read on to learn more about this can’t miss promotion going on through June 30. 

What Is Micellar Water?

So, what exactly is micellar water, anyway? “Micellar water is a facial cleanser that helps remove excess sebum and impurities from your skin’s surface and leaves it feeling soft and looking beautiful,” says Darden. “The micelles, or the oil-based particles found in micellar water, work to attract dirt and impurities and lift them away from the surface of your skin.”

As for who we have to thank for micellar water, it’s none other than the French. As Darden explains, micellar water was first developed in France as a substitute to water in skin care. “Parisian city water was considered harsh, and skin care experts noted that it had a negative effect on skin,” she says. “This hard water contributed to dry skin and even potential skin blemishes.” Since cleansing is a non-negotiable step in a skin care routine, it’s not surprising that an alternative to city water was developed for cleansing needs, and that development is micellar water. “It quickly became a substitute to the harsh water as it removed makeup, sweat, oil and dirt without the need to rinse,” says Darden. Micellar water eventually made its way into the beauty market Stateside, and there’s no denying that people everywhere have fallen in love with the product’s ease of use and efficiency.

The best part about micellar water is that it’s basically an all-in-one product. Functioning as both a makeup remover and a facial cleanser, micellar water can eliminate the need to use two separate products for these tasks. “Micellar water is extremely thorough and can remove a variety of makeup products including foundation, eye makeup, and mascara,” says Darden. “It can also remove sweat and excess oil.”

The Benefits of Micellar Water

Sure you could use a separate cleanser and makeup remover, but why bother when you can opt for this multi-tasker instead? Micellar water is gentle on the skin and doesn’t require harsh rubbing. After use, the skin feels clean, fresh and hydrated, making it the perfect substitute for a makeup remover or cleanser, says Darden. As a reminder, cleansing your skin and removing your makeup is a crucial step for healthy looking skin. “Not removing makeup can lead to breakouts as your pores can get blocked,” warns Darden. “Your skin regenerates while you’re sleeping, and if you constantly go to bed with your makeup on the regeneration process can be compromised.”

But sweeping micellar water over your face morning and night isn’t the only way you can use the product. “Aside from working as your daily facial cleanser and makeup remover, micellar water is versatile enough to make its way into other aspects of your beauty routine,” says Darden. “Did you mess up on your contouring? Slip with your mascara? Rather than having to wash your whole face again, micellar water can help take care of your makeup mishap.” As Darden explains, you only need to dip the end of a cotton swab into the makeup removing solution, and it’ll remove the makeup mistake before you continue beautifying your face. Micellar water can also be used throughout the day to give your skin a mid-day refresh. “Even on days when you aren’t wearing makeup, micellar water can be used as a mist to freshen the look of your skin,” says Darden. “Keep it with you on-the-go, while you are hiking or exercising outdoors, to freshen your appearance.”

How to Incorporate Micellar Water Into Your Skin Care Routine

Want to start using micellar water in your skin care routine? It’s actually very simple to do so, and the great news is that most micellar waters can be used on all skin types, even sensitive skin.

Micellar water, as with all facial cleansers/makeup removers, should be the first step in your morning and nighttime skin care routine. To use micellar water, simply saturate a cotton pad with your formula of choice, and then swipe across your face until you see no residual dirt or makeup on the pad. For removing eye makeup, fully saturate the pad, then, use what Darden calls the “Press and Hold” method. “Simply press the pad gently to your eyelid and hold it in place for a few seconds before softly wiping away,” she says. “The ‘Press and Hold’ method helps the micelles act like a magnet to help draw out makeup, dirt, and impurities from your skin’s surface.”

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water Collection

Looking for some new micellar waters to try out? Discover the full Garnier SkinActive Micellar Water collection, ahead! As mentioned earlier, the collection is on sale right now at Walgreens. From now until June 30, if you buy two skin care products, you’ll get a third product for free. So, head over to your local Walgreens or order them online at walgreens.com while supplies last. 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1

This all-in-1 cleanser is fortified with micellar technology to effectively remove makeup, cleanse pores, and soothe skin. The micelles capture and lift away dirt, oil, and makeup like a magnet without any harsh rubbing. The results: perfectly cleansed and refreshed skin without over-drying.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1, $8.29 MSRP

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof

Taking off waterproof makeup can be a real struggle, and usually ends with you tugging on your delicate facial skin. But it doesn’t have to be, since a few gentle swipes with this micellar cleansing water are all you need to remove stubborn waterproof makeup. This micellar water works to remove traces of makeup, regular and waterproof, while cleansing your skin. No rinsing, no harsh rubbing, just fresh and cleaner-feeling skin.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof, $8.29 MSRP 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Mattifying

If your skin skews towards the oilier side of the skin type spectrum, make this mattifying micellar cleanser your new go-to. On top of removing makeup, cleansing, and purifying your pores, this no-rinse formula helps lift away oil to leave your skin feeling replenished without any greasy residue being left behind.  Use it daily as part of your skin care routine, and carry around the travel-sized version to mattify your skin on those extra greasy days.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Mattifying, $8.29 MSRP

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleansers

Do you feel like you’re missing out on the foaming action of a traditional cleanser? If you’re a fan of rinse-off cleansers, then get the best of both worlds with this micellar foaming cleanser. This cleanser gently foams to remove makeup while giving your skin a cleansing boost. And if your skin is oily, there’s also a mattifying version of the cleanser that can help reduce the look of excess shine.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Foaming Cleansers, $8.99 MSRP      

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes

If you’re constantly on the go, these makeup removing wipes—infused with micellar technology—are the perfect choice for you. “I love the Garnier Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes because they're refreshing and great at removing dirt and oil,” says Darden. “I always keep a pack in my purse and in my car so that I have them on the go.”

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Removing Towelettes, $6.99 MSRP 

Editor’s tip: If you have stubborn waterproof makeup on, then try reaching for the waterproof makeup removing wipes.