How to use micellar water to remove makeup

How to remove makeup step by step

1. 1Apply a small amount of micellar water to a cotton pad or reusable microfiber cloth. A pad is not essential: you can also pour a small amount into your hands and gently massage it over your face.
2. 2Gently wipe away makeup. Keep your touch light rather than scrubbing harder to remove stubborn patches.
3. 3Wash your face with a gentle cleanser suited to your skin type. Massage the cleanser with your fingertips, rinse with lukewarm water and pat dry with a towel rather than rubbing.
4. 4Continue with any treatments you normally use, then finish with moisturizer. If you are cleansing in the morning, apply sunscreen afterward.

Follow your bottle's directions for holding a pad over concentrated makeup. For example, Derladie Micellar Cleansing Water Witch Hazel directs you to lightly press the pad onto the makeup area for 5 to 10 seconds before gently wiping. That timing belongs to that product, rather than being a universal rule for every micellar water.1

Do you need to rinse micellar water off?

Micellar water typically does not need rinsing, but makeup removal is still followed by cleansing in an evening routine. A bottle can say no rinsing required and still belong before a cleanser; the bathroom is allowed to contain two true things. Removing makeup first is useful because most face washes do not take off all makeup on their own.234

Bioderma Sensibio H2O is designed to lift impurities without friction or rinsing. Bioderma also describes Sensibio H2O and Hydrabio H2O as products that remove makeup and cleanse in one step. Those product directions explain how the bottle can be used; following makeup removal with a gentle face wash is general routine guidance.56

Does micellar water remove makeup?

Yes, micellar water removes most makeup, along with dirt and oil. It contains micelles, tiny clusters of cleansing molecules that attract and lift those substances away. Very heavy or waterproof makeup can require an additional oil or water based cleanser. Choose the additional cleanser rather than trying to compensate with harsh scrubbing.2

Remove makeup, including eye makeup, before bed. Micellar water can also be used as a morning cleanser or both morning and evening. Its role here is to clean your skin during use, not to treat acne or erase wrinkles.23

Does micellar water remove sunscreen?

Use micellar water as the first cleansing step when removing sunscreen, then follow with a gentle oil or water based cleanser. Do not treat the makeup removal step as the entire sunscreen removal routine.2

What is the difference between micellar water and makeup remover?

Makeup remover is the broader category: micellar waters, wipes and balms can all remove makeup. Micellar water is also a facial cleanser, not a toner. Toner is optional and comes after cleansing rather than replacing makeup removal.24

What if your skin is sensitive?

Choose a formula intended for sensitive skin, such as Bioderma Sensibio H2O. Introduce new products one at a time. Before using a new product across your face, test a small amount behind your ear along your jawline and wait a day or two for a reaction. Fragrance, hot water and soap can cause inflammation during makeup removal.467

For acne prone skin, choose an oil free makeup remover and a gentle cleanser labelled noncomedogenic, meaning formulated not to clog pores. Keep removal gentle, including around eye makeup.3

Stop using a product that causes a reaction. Seek medical advice for unusual skin symptoms, including redness, swelling or itching after use.14