Editor's Pick: Garnier Micellar Water Review

It’s no secret that micellar waters have taken the beauty world by storm, viewed as a multi-tasking alternative to traditional cleansers and makeup removers. Variations of the long-time go-to French beauty product— popular amongst beauty editors and skin care junkies alike—can be found courtesy of some of today’s biggest beauty brands. Thus, it’s no surprise that Garnier has introduced two of its own swoon-worthy blends—Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser and Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover & Cleanser—for fans to try (because two is always better than one). Also not a surprise? Both formulas are earning their spotlight amongst the pack, delivering a powerful yet gentle way to cleanse the skin and kick makeup, dirt, and impurities to the curb.

How Micelle Technology Works

Before we get into our review of Garnier micellar waters, it’s worth explaining the science behind what makes them so effective. On the outside, most micellar water formulas appear pretty unassuming. Frankly, they look like nothing more than just plain old water. But don’t be fooled. Micellar waters utilize micelle technology—small, round cleaning molecules suspended in water that work together to attract and gently remove dirt, excess oil, makeup, and other impurities from the surface of the skin. So gentle, in fact, formulas can even be used to remove eye makeup! Think of it like strength in numbers. Since cleansing molecules in micellar water are teamed up against the common enemy (ahem, dirt and makeup!), the formula is extremely effective on contact and requires no additional water or rinsing, and certainly no harsh rubbing. This is also what sets micellar water apart from traditional cleansers—and what made us so excited to review Garnier micellar water—since the cleansing molecules in traditional cleansers work alone to dissolve filth and often require rinsing with water to completely clean the skin.

As mentioned earlier, one of the most impressive benefits of Garnier micellar water is that it requires zero rinsing. This makes it the perfect option for use on-the-go and in places that don’t offer access to a sink, whether it be a car or while on a backpacking adventure. We get it: Laziness can happen to the best of us. Sometimes it’s hard to muster up the strength to get out of bed and head over to the bathroom sink to cleanse. That’s what makes micellar water so great. All it requires is a quick sweep of a cotton pad, which can even be completed while atop your mattress! Since it’s so easy to use—more on that later—anywhere, anytime, there’s virtually no excuse to skip out on cleansing, one of the most important steps of any well-rounded skin care routine. Another amazing (and lazy girl-approved!) benefit of Garnier micellar water is that it works triple duty to remove makeup, cleanse skin of dirt and excess oil, and refresh skin using gentle micelles that won’t leave your skin feeling over-dry or irritated from harsh rubbing.

Like most micellar cleansers, Garnier’s micellar waters are packaged in a clear plastic bottle with an easy-to-use dispenser to distribute the fluid formula onto a cotton pad. First, soak a cotton ball or pad with the water and sweep it across all facial zones using gentle, circular motions. If you’re wearing heavy makeup that day, you might want to repeat the process once or twice more. You’ll immediately start to see makeup lift off your face and onto the pad. For eye makeup, follow the same steps but hold the soaked cotton ball or pad over the eye area for a few moments before sweeping. Be extra careful with your motions to ensure that you’re not rubbing or dabbing skin. Once all traces of makeup and dirt are removed, continue with the rest of your skin care routine. (No rinsing, remember?) Some like to follow up with a toner and others prefer to go straight to applying moisturizer. Either way, your skin will feel extremely refreshed and clean.

Garnier micellar water is so gentle, all skin types can benefit from it—even sensitive!  The formula is free of oil, alcohol, and fragrance, making it a great non-irritating cleanser pick for skin types across the board.

The major difference between the two Garnier micellar water formulas is that one is equipped to remove even waterproof mascara in addition to regular makeup, and the other is best for just regular, not-so-stubborn makeup. The first Garnier miceller water I reviewed is the latter. I wear makeup during the day, so I couldn’t wait to see how well the formula would work at removing it from my face before bed. Upon first use, I noticed how non-greasy the formula felt on my skin. It saturated the cotton pad quickly and glided onto my skin without any issues and with no residue left behind. Almost immediately I saw my makeup disappear off my face and eyes and onto the cotton pad. (Side note: This is one of the most satisfying parts of using micellar water cleansers, in my opinion.) Everything was gone and my skin was not left with a dry, tight feel. Quite the opposite was true, actually. My skin felt  refreshed, and—most importantly—really, really clean. I even swept some of it over my lips to take off my lipstick and it worked like a charm. I give Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser two big thumbs up. Now, onto the next one…

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Makeup Remover & Cleanser, $8.99

This formula differs from the last in that it can help get rid of waterproof mascara. So, to put it to the test, before reviewing this Garnier micellar water I coated my eyes in my favorite waterproof mascara. True to its claims, the formula gently cleansed my skin of all traces of makeup—stubborn waterproof mascara included—without any harsh rubbing or tugging on my skin or my lashes. Speaking of lashes, mine felt super moisturized as well, which was an unexpected bonus. One bottle offers 13.5 oz. of fluid, so I imagine it lasting me quite a bit of time, especially since very little of it is necessary per cotton pad. And at less than $10 a bottle each, I can see both formulas earning a permanent spot in my arsenal for years and years to come.

Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1 Waterproof Makeup Remover & Cleanser, $8.99