I am so delighted to finally post on the final part of my 2015 Favourites. You can check out my 2015 Makeup Favourites here and my 2015 Skincare Favourites here. Last year, I was really into Body Care so much more than previous years. I discovered so many lovely shower gels and body lotions. These days I look forward to shower and bath times because it means I can slather my body with beautifully fragranced products. I thought it would be useful to share some of these products that were my favourites in 2015.
Shower Gels
I have a thing for shower gels and I have a good stash that I think should last me all through 2016 if I am good. In 2015, I tried different brands of shower gel ranging from drug store, mid range and high end and I love all of them. I loved using the Soap and Glory Rich and Famous Shower Gel (£6.50) and it smells so delicious. I don't expect anything less from a shower gel infused with Almond, Brown Sugar and Oats. I always feel like tasting it each time I use it but I know that's a no-no. The next Shower Gel is the Roger & Gallet Gingembre Rouge* (£9) offering. I honestly have not used anything that smells so fresh and enticing. I feel like the fragrance would smell exactly how I have imagined posh and classy French ladies do (Just kidding!!). It really lingers on through the day and when I pair it with the matching Body Lotion, it's just bliss. I also purchased the Gingembre Rouge fragrance because I wanted my entire collection to be complete and I love it. The third favourite is the Body Shop Frosted Plum Shower Gel (now sold out) which was a late addition to my collection but one that has risen to become my most used shower gel. It smells so fruity and I love using it for everyday showers. It just has a beautiful way of making me feel vibrant. The last favourite is from Molton Brown and it's more of a luxury purchase. I was lucky to try out some Molton Brown products in April and December which I absolutely loved. It was my first time trying the Delicious Rhubarb and Rose Shower Gel (£20) and the one in this picture is the one I repurchased. I just cannot get over the beautiful fragrance and I used it more during the weekend for pamper nights. I also purchased the limited edition Vintage 2015 with Elderflower Shower Gel (£20). It's just perfection and I use this on proper pamper days only because it is limited edition and I need it to last as long as possible.
Body Lotions
Yes, I am a little obsessed with making sure my Body Lotions match my shower gel. For this reason, I have the matching body lotions for the above named shower gels. I love the fact that you can make your shower gel fragrance stretch better when you use a matching body lotion. The only one that's not a perfect match is the Soap and Glory offering. The Body Lotion I chose which I felt was closest to the Shower Gel is the Smoothie Star Body Milk (£10) which I absolutely love. It smells very similar to the Rich and Famous Shower Gel and they are made from similar ingredients. It really moisturises my skin and smells incredible. The next one is the Gingembre Rouge Body Lotion* (£14) which smells similar to the Shower Gel and I am so pleased it comes with a pump. I can still smell the fragrance on my body during the course of the day which I love. The next favourite is the Body Shop Frosted Plum Body Lotion (sold out) which also smells as lovely as the matching shower gel. Initially, I was not pleased with the gold shimmer it has mixed in with the formula, however, I don't really mind any more. It's quite subtle although I think if you layer it, it may be quite noticeable (perfect for a night's out). The last ones are the Molton Brown Body Lotions which are my most used ones. I love everything about these body lotions especially the Delicious Rhubarb and Rose* (£20) and the Vintage 2015 Body Lotions*.(£26). I can't even describe how incredible they are and they leave my skin super soft and smooth.
Pamper Body Care
I shared a Pamper Post in 2015 where I showed some products I use in a full pamper day which you all seemed to like. The launch of the Body Shop Spa of the World range (review) in 2015 was a huge success and many people loved it because everything about it was amazing. I was lucky to try out the African Ximenia Body Scrub* (£18) and the French Lavender Massage Oil* (£14). First off, the packaging is so beautiful and it sits really pretty in my bathroom. The texture of the Body Scrub is one of the best I have tried in a long time as it's not too grainy or smooth; it's just the right texture. The fragrance is so beautiful and calming and I absolutely love it. I also enjoyed using the French Lavender Massage Oil, especially in the evenings, because it helped me relax better and get ready for bed. It does not feel greasy at all and I love how it gets absorbed so well.
Sunscreen
In previous years I only ever used Sunscreen on my face, however in 2015, I started using Sunscreen on my body (mainly my arms and legs). The only brand I love is the La Roche Posay Anthelios XL Sunscreen SPF 50* (£15.50). I use the Dry Touch Gel Sunscreen for my face and I already featured it on my 2015 Skincare Favourites but it can be used on the body. During Summer, I loved using the Anthelios Body Oil* (£18) which smells lovely and surprisingly sinks in so well. It is not greasy at all and it is also waterproof which makes it ideal for being in the pool. I really like it and it has made me more aware of using sunscreen on my body.
Hand Creams
I am a hand cream girl and I am always on the look out for new ones to try. I keep hand creams everywhere; in my handbag, office desk, home desk, etc. I just love hand creams and I tried quite a few hand creams in 2015. However, I had to pick out three which completely stood out for me. The first is the Molton Brown Hand Cream- Delicious Rhubarb and Rose Hand Cream* (£10) which I have run out of already. I am so pleased I have a back up and I love the way it moisturises my hands and keeps it smelling so fresh. The next favourite is none other than the Soap and Glory Hand Food (£2.50) which is everyone's favourite and with good reason, too. It smells so lovely, moisturises my hands and retains the moisture. I just love it and I have finished the travel size and just transferred the full size to my handbag. Last but not least is the Hand Chemistry Hyaluronic Rich Hydrator (£6.99) which I had heard so many god things about. It is very, very moisturising as it contains three forms of Hyaluronic acid. I love the packaging and it just feels very comfortable to use.It's perfect for Winter and if you suffer from dry hands/skin. These hand creams were my most used throughout 2015.
Fragrances
I was so lucky to receive so many lovely fragrances last year as birthday gifts and some were PR samples as well. I am planning a fragrance collection post soon so do keep your eyes peeled for it. However, there were three fragrances that stood out for me in 2015 and I know I would repurchase them once they completely run out (two are on their last legs already *weeps*). The first is my all time favourite - the Jo Malone Tuberose Angelica Cologne Intense (£100). I lusted after this fragrance for a good while and I was delighted when the BF got it for me for my birthday. I always feel super sophisticated, classy and feminine any I wear it. The next favourite is the Giorgio Armani Si Fragrance* (£67) which is the sexiest perfume I have ever tried. There is just something so different about it and I have been checking out all the possible discounts out there because I need to repurchase it super fast. Last but not the least is the Roger & Gallet Fleur de Figuier* (£40.50) which I am obsessed with. It is one of the longest lasting fragrances I have ever tried and it was my Summer fragrance in 2015.
Deodorants
I am not sure I have talked about deodorants on this blog (maybe early last year) but I think they are quite important. I am not a big sweater but I love to smell nice. I try to choose formulas with fragrances that last all day and don't stain my clothing while dressing. The two products I enjoyed last year was the Nivea Anti-Perspirant Invisible Spray (£1.63) and the Mitchum Advanced Control Flower Fresh (£1.99). They both smell lovely, last all day and control any sweating. However, I do prefer the Nivea one because it's truly invisible.
Nail Polish Remover
I just had to throw this in because it has to be one of the best Nail Polish removers I have ever tried. It's the Essie Good as Gone Nail Polish Remover (£6.99). It is a little bit more pricey than regular drug store versions but it works wonders. No matter how opaque your nail polish is, it would come off with just one or two swipes. Some nail polishes end up staining my nails when I don't remove them properly but this Essie Nail Polish Remover has put an end to it all. I highly recommend it and it does not make my fingers or cuticles feel dry at all.
Overall Thoughts
That's pretty much all I was loving for Beauty in 2015. I do hope you enjoyed this post and found some new gems to try. If you have any product recommendations that rocked your world in 2015, I would be more than delighted to check them out. What was your absolute favourite beauty product in 2015?...xx
PR Sample + Affiliate Links, read my full disclaimer here
La Roche Posay Effaclar Range - A Complete Guide
It's no secret that I am absolutely obsessed with La Roche Posay products and my absolute favourites are the Effaclar Duo+ and Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector. In 2015, I was introduced to other products within the Effaclar Range and I am so delighted that I now have some new favourites to play with. I attended an event in October last year where La Roche Posay showcased the Effaclar range and I learnt a lot on the day which I would love to share with you. I know how overwhelming it can be in Boots sometimes surrounded by these lovely La Roche Posay products and not know what to pick. It’s even more overwhelming in French Pharmacies so I hope this post is useful especially if you are a huge fan of the Effaclar range just like me. The Effaclar range is designed for people with blemish prone skin and I can tell you it has really helped me take back control of my skin from the dodgy hands of acne and blemishes. I have used the Effaclar range for around three years now and I have not looked back. I also think I should mention that although I have marked many of these products as Gifted Samples, I actually purchased some of them by myself but I have received backups as Gifted Samples. I can no longer keep track of which ones I purchased and which were gifts so I decided to mark them all. Right it’s a long post (as usual) so let’s get started….
La Roche Posay understand that everyone has different
techniques for cleansing their skin and they have developed different Effaclar products to suit these
techniques. I think cleansing is a crucial step when it comes to keeping your
skin free from blemishes especially if you wear makeup. A good cleansing
routine will keep your skin clean and prevent breakouts in addition to other
lifestyle changes.
Effaclar Micellar Water*// Link // £12
La Roche Posay have developed the Effaclar Micellar Water which is very similar to the regular La Roche Posay Micellar water, however, it is designed specifically for blemish prone skin. It feels really refreshing and does not dry out my skin. It does sting ever so lightly if you use it near your eyes and so it is not recommended to use it for eye makeup removal. However, I love the way it removes my makeup without stripping my skin. I really like it and it's lovely to see a micellar water specifically designed for blemish prone skin.
La Roche Posay have developed the Effaclar Micellar Water which is very similar to the regular La Roche Posay Micellar water, however, it is designed specifically for blemish prone skin. It feels really refreshing and does not dry out my skin. It does sting ever so lightly if you use it near your eyes and so it is not recommended to use it for eye makeup removal. However, I love the way it removes my makeup without stripping my skin. I really like it and it's lovely to see a micellar water specifically designed for blemish prone skin.
Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel* //Link // £11
I am all about a double cleanse and I make sure I do this every night. I really like following up with the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel after removing my makeup with the Micellar Water. It is a gel formula as the name implies and I love how easy it is to apply. My face is usually moist from the micellar water already so this cleansing gel spreads easily and gives my skin a good cleanse. I always combine it with my Foreo Luna* or Luna Mini* and they go beautifully well. My skin feels clean after use and it does not strip out my skin at all. I feel like all skin types would enjoy this formula and it can be used day and night. It is actually one of La Roche Posay’s best sellers and I can understand why after using and enjoying it.
I am all about a double cleanse and I make sure I do this every night. I really like following up with the Effaclar Purifying Foaming Gel after removing my makeup with the Micellar Water. It is a gel formula as the name implies and I love how easy it is to apply. My face is usually moist from the micellar water already so this cleansing gel spreads easily and gives my skin a good cleanse. I always combine it with my Foreo Luna* or Luna Mini* and they go beautifully well. My skin feels clean after use and it does not strip out my skin at all. I feel like all skin types would enjoy this formula and it can be used day and night. It is actually one of La Roche Posay’s best sellers and I can understand why after using and enjoying it.
Toning
I can never skip a toner because they have made a massive
improvement to my overall skin texture and condition. The good thing is La Roche Posay have made toners to suit everyone's needs and one of my favourites is the one in the Effaclar Range. I know many people skip toners but they seem
to prepare my skin for the rest of my skincare routine and I love how they help balance my
skin after cleansing.
Serozinc*// Link //£8.50 (review)
The first tone in the range is super popular in the beauty world and it is none other than the Serozinc which I absolutely love. It is made from only three ingredients (Zinc Suphate, Water and Sodium Chloride) and I guess that's why it is super effective. One thing that stands out for me is the way the mist sprays which is super important for me for products in a spray can. Even if a product is fantastic and sprays its mist in a dodgy way, I would find it hard to reach for it. I am so pleased to report that the Serozinc dispenses its mist in such a beautiful way. As a toner, it is perfect for use after I have cleansed my skin. If you have any pesky spots or spots waiting to show up, this is one toner that actually works. It also helps with redness and keeps the face feeling refreshed and hydrated. I really like it and I have quite a few bottles especially now that Boots stock it. I wish they would make a small travel size to take with me on short trips.
The first tone in the range is super popular in the beauty world and it is none other than the Serozinc which I absolutely love. It is made from only three ingredients (Zinc Suphate, Water and Sodium Chloride) and I guess that's why it is super effective. One thing that stands out for me is the way the mist sprays which is super important for me for products in a spray can. Even if a product is fantastic and sprays its mist in a dodgy way, I would find it hard to reach for it. I am so pleased to report that the Serozinc dispenses its mist in such a beautiful way. As a toner, it is perfect for use after I have cleansed my skin. If you have any pesky spots or spots waiting to show up, this is one toner that actually works. It also helps with redness and keeps the face feeling refreshed and hydrated. I really like it and I have quite a few bottles especially now that Boots stock it. I wish they would make a small travel size to take with me on short trips.
Effaclar Astringent Lotion* // Link // £11 (review)
If you are after something a little more effective for acne/blemishes, you should try the Effaclar Astringent Lotion which I equally love. Of course it has Salicylic Acid and LHA as some of its active ingredients so it goes straight to penetrate the spots in the pores to make it clear. It is also a good chemical exfoliant which helps maintain a clear complexion. I have used it for a few years now and it has made such a difference to my skin. It contains alcohol as one of its ingredients but it is not drying at all which is quite surprising. I have lost count of how many bottles I have repurchased and I have also been kindly gifted with some. I love this toner and it is was featured in my 2015 Skincare Favourites.
If you are after something a little more effective for acne/blemishes, you should try the Effaclar Astringent Lotion which I equally love. Of course it has Salicylic Acid and LHA as some of its active ingredients so it goes straight to penetrate the spots in the pores to make it clear. It is also a good chemical exfoliant which helps maintain a clear complexion. I have used it for a few years now and it has made such a difference to my skin. It contains alcohol as one of its ingredients but it is not drying at all which is quite surprising. I have lost count of how many bottles I have repurchased and I have also been kindly gifted with some. I love this toner and it is was featured in my 2015 Skincare Favourites.
Moisturising
This is where La Roche Posay goes all the way out by creating
such lovely moisturisers which would suit everyone. I can't think of anyone failing
to find one moisturiser that they love from the Effaclar range because LRP have covered
all grounds. All the La Roche Posay Effaclar Moisturisers I have tried have been super
gentle, effective and act as a good base for my makeup. I was so pleased to try
a few new ones these past few months and I have been super impressed.
Effaclar Duo+*// Link // £15.50 (review)
The first one on the list is the cult classic Effaclar Duo + which has been raved about in the beauty and blogging world. I can't even tell you how many times I have repurchased it especially when there is a 1/3rd off French Skincare offer in Boots and Escentual. I am also lucky to have been sent some tubes by the lovely La Roche Posay PR. Nevertheless, I still find myself adding it to my basket each time Escentual or Boots have an offer. I would classify it more of a preventative product in that it prevents spots from leaving annoying scarring on the face. I find that it works best with newer scars compared to the old naughty ones. It still works on them but the efficacy is heightened with newer scars. It also works as a base for my makeup and it is definitely one of my favourite Effaclar Product. If you pair this with the Effaclar A.I Targeted Breakout Corrector, it would be super difficult for spots to still find their way to your face/skin.
The first one on the list is the cult classic Effaclar Duo + which has been raved about in the beauty and blogging world. I can't even tell you how many times I have repurchased it especially when there is a 1/3rd off French Skincare offer in Boots and Escentual. I am also lucky to have been sent some tubes by the lovely La Roche Posay PR. Nevertheless, I still find myself adding it to my basket each time Escentual or Boots have an offer. I would classify it more of a preventative product in that it prevents spots from leaving annoying scarring on the face. I find that it works best with newer scars compared to the old naughty ones. It still works on them but the efficacy is heightened with newer scars. It also works as a base for my makeup and it is definitely one of my favourite Effaclar Product. If you pair this with the Effaclar A.I Targeted Breakout Corrector, it would be super difficult for spots to still find their way to your face/skin.
Effaclar K+*// Link // £14.90
This is a much more newer product for me and I absolutely love it. To be honest, I have not come across any product from the Effaclar range which I have not been obsessed with because they work so well on my skin. The Effaclar K is designed to work as a moisturiser which also helps prevents any pesky black heads that may be hiding under the skin. I have also noticed that it helped with the appearance of pores on my face and the general texture of my skin which is amazing. I tend to use it more during the day than in the evening although you can use it any time of the day. I know I have mentioned this before but it feels like a hybrid of the Effaclar Duo+ and the Effaclar A.I. and I absolutely love it.
Effaclar Mat* // Link // £14.50
If you struggle with oily skin, shine or combination oily skin, I would definitely recommend checking out the Effaclar Mat. My T-zones have a mind of their own. They do whatever pleases them; I can never really predict their behaviour. I tend to lean towards products that is oil-free and mattifying but I find that some products that are mattifying could leave my skin feeling too dry, tacky and interfere with my foundation. I am so glad the Effaclar Mat does not do that at all and it actually leaves my skin super smooth and soft. It goes on easily like a moisturiser but sets as a base for my makeup. It really diminishes any shine from my face without leaving any tightness and I am very impressed. The best part is it does not leave any fluff on the face so it can be worn alone as a moisturiser, primer and base- an all in one.
Effaclar H // Link // £15.00
There is another product called the Effaclar H which I have not tried but I have heard many good things about it. It is designed to help provide extra moisture and hydration for the skin especially for people using any acne treatment. If you have used any acne treatment (especially prescription ones), you would understand the struggle of finding products that work well for the skin without drying it out. It's definitely one to try from the sounds of it.
My favourite all time product from La Roche Posay is none
other than the Effaclar A.I. Targeted Breakout Corrector*. I cannot understand
how I survived without this product which I take with me whenever I travel
because I can't risk any dodgy skin issues. I have written an entire post
dedicated to it so I won't ramble too much. The Effaclar A.I. is now
the only acne treatment I use on my skin and I love how fast it works. If I
have a spot on my face, I just whip it out and apply to clean skin and sleep. I
kid you not the spot usually disappears the next day or is considerably reduced
in size. The product seems to go right into the spot and dissolve or destroy the trouble
maker. My spots get resolved within 1-2 days at the most and I guess that’s why
it has risen to become my top acne treatment product. It also works well under
my makeup and using it with the Effaclar Duo+ prevents scarring which is bug
bear of mine. It is one I highly recommend.
Makeup- Effaclar BB Blur*// Link // £14
This is the newest addition to the Effaclar range and it is
very exciting to see that there is finally a BB cream that is suitable for blemish prone skin (and for combination/oily skin). I have tried quite a few BB creams but I am not a huge fan of
any because they always have a dewy or glowy finish. You can imagine my delight when I learnt La Roche Posay had
launched an Effaclar BB Cream suitable for oily skin gals. The good news is it
is definitely one of the best BB creams I have tried as it works so well on
combination oily skin girls. The bad news is there are only two shades-
Fair/Light and Light/Medium which means it is quite limited. I did try the Light/Medium which was not a perfect match for me. I would not say it was completely off because it somehow adapted to my skin especially after using my MAC Mineralize Skin Finish in Dark to set it. I love the texture, the coverage and how it wears on my skin. Sadly, it is still not the best shade even after manipulation so I gave it to my friend who loves it. I would repurchase it in a heart beat once they make a darker shade and I really hope they do because I love it. If you have combination/oily skin and you have been shying away from BB creams due to their dewy finish, the Effaclar BB Blur is one to check out.
Overall Thoughts
Overall Thoughts
I hope you found
this round up useful and I am happy to answer any questions you may have in the
comments box. I am no expert but I have used the La Roche Posay Effaclar range
for a pretty long time and I have enjoyed using them. A good set La Roche Posay have is their 3-Step Anti-Blemish System which is like a complete skincare set for cleansing, toning and moisturising. It's really good value for money because you get the Purifying Foaming Gel, Effaclar Clarifying Toner and Effaclar Duo. I have not tried the set but I have tried the individual products and I really like them so it is worth checking out to save some money. That’s pretty much my
round up. What’s your favourite Effaclar product?
*Gifted PR Samples + Affiliate Links, read my full disclaimer here
*Gifted PR Samples + Affiliate Links, read my full disclaimer here
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Wednesday 27 January 2016
Best Micellar Waters for all Skin Types and Budgets
I shared a picture on Instagram about a bunch of Micellar Waters I have been testing out since last year and more than a few people were eager to hear my thoughts. I do hope this ppst can help one or two people who want to make a purchase in the drug store. Please note that I have not tested all the Micellar waters out there but I picked up a few that caught my fancy and some of them I already had in my stash. I have to say the drug store has certainly improved when it comes to Micellar waters and we no longer have to cross the pond to get French Skincare Micellar Waters. However, I do find that the French Skincare Micellar Waters are the business and I love all the French based ones I have in my stash. I have to say I always use a separate eye makeup remover for my eye makeup but I have tested these micellar waters with eye makeup just to see how they perform. Right let's get into the round up...
Let’s say this micellar water was hyped so much that I could
not wait to get my hands on it. A few years ago, you could only buy it from
across the shores especially in French Pharmacies. Those dark days are behind
us now as you can stroll into Boots and pick yourself up a bottle or pop onto
your computer and make an order via Escentual. It is without doubt one of the
bets micellar waters in my stash because it removes all my makeup including eye
makeup. I still have to go back with another cotton pad for my eye makeup (waterproof ones) but
it still does an amazing job. Now the only downfall is that the pink version
(Sensibio) could feel ever so slightly drying on the skin after use. I guess
that’s why they created the Hydrabio version which is much hydrating and does
not leave your skin feeling slightly dry. To be honest, I am not fussed either
ways and I do prefer the pink version. They have a different bottle sizes
including these adorable minis which are ideal for travelling. I also love the
bottle with a depressible lid which is super handy for dispersing. Of course,
they are not cheap. The 100 ml retails for £5.00, the 250 ml retails for £10.50,
the 500 ml retails for £15 and so one. It is so much cheaper buying it from
Paris because they do multi-pack deals for the cost of one although I noticed
Escentual once had a promo on that a while ago.
I discovered this micellar water after watching Lily Pebbles
video where she said she preferred the La Roche Posay Micellar water to Bioderma. In my head,
I never believe that could ever be possible so I was so curious that I placed
an order. It came in the post promptly and I was seriously impressed. It works
exactly like Bioderma in terms of effectively removing all my makeup. The major
difference is that it does not feel drying at all on my skin and it removes my
eye makeup (including waterproof eye makeup) really well. I am so impressed
with it and I know it is one I would repurchase once it runs out. It retails for £11 for only 200 ml (which is slightly more expensive than the Bioderma where you get 250 ml for £10.20) but
the good thing is a little goes a long way because it is very effective. I
would highly recommend checking it out . La Roche Posay also have the Effaclar Micellar Water
which I am currently trying and I love it . I really like it as it
is created for blemish prone skin.
I remember seeing loads of drug store versions of Micellar
Waters a little while ago and I was wondering which worked well. I had tried
quite a few but the Garnier Micellar Water stood out the most. Many people have
likened it as a cheaper dupe to Bioderma and I can see why. They have very
similar packaging (pink) and you get a lot of product. However it is so much
more affordable at £4.99. I love the way it takes off my makeup without any dry
after feeling. It takes off my makeup quite easily although I have to go back
with another cotton pad or two to remove all my makeup. It struggles with removing all my waterproof eye makeup but does well in removing regular eye makeup. I
don’t begrudge it at all because Garnier have not made any false promises; it
delivers what it says on the bottle. It's really one of my favourite affordable micellar waters.
I think the bottle of the L’Oreal Micellar Water instantly
drew me to purchase it because it looks so compact. I love how slim and sleek
it feels and it looks quite pretty on my dresser/bathroom cabinet. I would not
say this is one of my favourites because it feels too moist almost like water
on my face. I know this would appeal to many people (especially if you have dry
skin) but I prefer regular micellar waters. However, it does a decent job in
removing my makeup and removes some of my eye makeup. It does require more effort in actually removing my makeup
compared to some other Micellar waters I have tried. For eye makeup, I do have
to go back with two cotton pads but it manages to take it off (sans waterproof
eye makeup). I think anyone who wears light makeup (maybe no foundation) and
who has dry skin would really like it and it’s totally worth a try.
I picked this up because it was on offer and I
was quite keen to try it. I do really like Simple Skincare and I think their
Makeup Remover Wipes are one of the best in the drug store. I had high hopes for this micellar water and I really like it but
I would not say it swept me off my feet. I think it is perfect for everyday
makeup because it removes it easily with a few swipes. It is also one of the
non-drying micellar waters but I would not say it retains a lot of moisture. It removes light eye makeup well and makes a good attempt at heavier eye
makeup (not so great for waterproof mascara). I do actually like it as a no fuss micellar
water and I think the packaging is really sturdy so you won’t have any nasty
surprises if you were to travel with it. It is also super affordable and if I were a
student, I think this would be a good budget friendly one for sensitive skin.
The Nivea Micellar water seriously surprised me because I
thought it was going to be another bleh product. There was a time all bloggers
were talking about it (it may have been a sponsored post which I don’t mind at
all) but I did not really give in to the hype. One day, I saw it on offer for
very cheap in Sainsbury’s while I was grocery shopping and picked one up and
was blown away. First off, it does not make any wild claims so I had little or
no expectations. It actually removes my makeup so well with only one (or
sometimes two cotton pads) and it makes my skin feel very soft. If you have dry
skin, you would absolutely love this because it seems to hydrate the skin while
removing your makeup. It removes light to medium eye makeup but you would need
more than a few swipes with a dark smoky eye. Regardless, it is so affordable
and comes in a pretty cool bottle while I like. It dispenses a good amount of
the product and there is minimal wastage. I really like it!!
This was another Lily Pebbles inspired purchase and since I
loved her recommendation on the La Roche Posay Micellar Water, I decided to
pick this up in Boots. First off, I like the white packaging which looks so
classic and different from others. It is the closest feeling to what you would
get when your makeup is removed just before a spa session. I was not surprised
at all with this micellar water because Una Brennan makes amazing skincare
products. It removes my makeup really easily with one or sometimes two cotton
pads. It leaves a super refreshing feeling on my skin which is a lovely welcome after a long day at work. I guess this is down to it being enriched with Cucumber Extracts, Echinacea and Hyaluronic Acid. It works a treat at removing my eye makeup and does
quite a decent job in removing waterproof mascara although I do prefer to use a
separate eye makeup remover. I really like the clean feeling it gives my skin
and it’s perfect for a lazy day (but I always drag myself to do a proper
cleanse unless my skin would go nuts).
I have to say the award for the most innovative micellar
water goes to the Sanctuary Spa Micellar Water. It looks like a regular liquid
in the bottle but comes out as a foam mist (almost like a mousse) which is
totally new to me. I have not tried anything like it at all and I quite like
it. It has one of the best packaging I have seen and I am seriously impressed. I don’t
think it would be everyone’s cup of tea because people believe anything foaming
is bad for oily skin. On the contrary, this does not feel drying at all after I
use it. It actually is the closest feeling to having your face washed with
water. I have to admit it does feel funny using it on my face (especially in the beginning) but I am used to
it now and I really like it. It removes my makeup really well but it is not
that great with eye makeup (per say). I guess it’s because it feels weird to have some foam on my eyelid. I did try
but I was not a fan of how it felt so I use it mainly for my face.Favourite All Rounders Micellar Waters
I am sure you can already deduce that my all time favourite micellar waters are the Bioderma Sensibio Micellar Water and the La Roche Posay Micellar Water. I love both of them equally because they work so well especially for eye makeup where other micellar waters fail. I do prefer the Bioderma packaging but I also like the way the La Roche Posay Micellar water keeps my skin soft and hydrated. I can't pick which one I like best because it's too difficult for me. I would highly recommend checking one of them out at least. The best time is when Escentual or Boots have 1/3rd off French Skincare because they are so worth it. If you have dry skin, I recommend trying either the Bioderma Hydrabio (the blue one) or the La Roche Posay Micellar Water.
Favourite Affordable Micellar Waters
I totally classify Bioderma and La Roche Posay Micellar Waters as the higher end of the drug store but there are some gems which are more affordable in the drug store. They work really well for everyday use and take off my makeup so well. I highly recommend trying out the Garnier Micellar Water, Nivea Micellar Water and the Una Brennan Probiotic Micellar Water. They are all £5 and under except the Una Brennan Micellar Water which costs £6.99 but it is always on offer for at least £5.
Bioderma
|
La
Roche Posay
|
Garnier
|
Nivea
|
Simple
|
L’Oreal
|
Una
Brennan
|
Sanctuary
Spa
|
|
Makeup
Removing Power
|
Excellent
|
Excellent
|
Very Good
|
Very Good
|
Good
|
Good
|
Excellent
|
Good
|
Eye Makeup
Removing Power
|
Excellent
(1-2 swipes)
|
Excellent
(Only 1 swipe)
|
Good
|
Quite Good
|
Good
|
Good
|
Really Good
|
Fair
|
Waterproof
Eye Makeup Removal Power
|
Really Good
|
Excellent
but with more effort
|
Good but
with effort
|
Fair
|
Fair
|
Fair
|
Good
|
Fair
|
Stripping
Feeling After Use
|
Yes with
Sensibio (not with Hydrabio)
|
None at all
|
Slight
drying feeling
|
None at all
|
None
|
Slight
|
None
|
Surprisingly
none
|
Hydrating
Effect
|
Not
particularly but Hydrabio is
|
Yes
|
Not really
|
YES
|
Yes
|
Not really
|
YES
|
Yes
|
Cost
|
£10.20
|
£11
|
£4.99
|
£3.69
|
£4.99
|
£4.99
|
£6.99
|
£8.00
|
Best For
|
All skin
types but drier skins would prefer Hydrabio
|
All skin
types
|
Budget
friendly and best value
|
Dry &
Sensitive
Skin
|
Dry &
Sensitive
Skin
|
Light Makeup
wearers
|
Spa like
experience
|
A refreshing
feeling (closest feeling to water)
|
I really hope you found this round up useful. As mentioned earlier, I think they are all good micellar waters but some are better suited for different skin types and what kind of makeup you use. I have not tried all the micellar waters out there obviously so if you have any other recommendations, do let me know in the comment box. I have heard good things about the Vichy Micellar Water so I would be picking that up when I run out. That's pretty much my round up and I hope you enjoyed this post. What's your favourite micellar water?...xx
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