little white truths

I received this micellar lotion in a sub box and at the time I wasn't too excited to see it because I've received far too many micellar products in beauty boxes over the last couple of years and I didn't need another one.

Still, micellar water is something I'll use as a makeup remover if I have it, and I'm pleased to say that this one is excellent and it may well be the best of its kind that I've tried.

Avène claims/product details:

• A quick and easy no-rinse cleanser that removes makeup, cleanses and tones the skin in one step
• Gentle and specifically formulated for normal to combination skin
• Non-greasy, refreshing formula offers the anti-irritant and soothing benefits of Avène Thermal Spring Water and the moisturising properties of sodium hyaluronate
• Leaves skin feeling soft and fresh
• Purifies, soothes, hydrates and balances the skin
• Paraben free, hypoallergenic and non comedogenic
• Alcohol free, soap-free and oil-free
• RRP $34.99 AUD for 200ml, but do shop around

Verdict

Micellar waters are everywhere these days and I've tried so many that it's unusual for me to find one that really stands out, but this one does. Plus it's so much better than the Nivea version I was using before it (I've reviewed that here), so this one seems unbelievably good by comparison.

It's a standard clear formula that's like plain old water in look and feel, and it has a faint soapy scent that shouldn't bother most people.

I've only been using it for a couple of weeks but I knew from the first use that this was a good product, and it was such a relief to use one that actually worked after having used one that doesn't for the few months before it.

Each evening I apply a good amount to a makeup pad and run it over my face, and it cuts through grease like nobody's business. Indeed, I was surprised by how well this worked because I've used some bad micellar waters in my time and it's rare for me to find a good one. Even the fabled Bioderma version doesn't work for me, but this one does and it's made my evening skincare routine that much easier.

I only need one pad to remove the gunk from my face (I apply enough on the pad to cover two thirds of its area and then use both sides to get every last bit of makeup from my skin), and while it won't remove waterproof mascara, I'm yet to find a micellar water that does this so I have no complaints about that.

The other good news is that the product generally meets its claims: it does remove makeup and cleanse the skin; it is gentle and it doesn't irritate or strip my dry skin; I agree that it's not greasy but it is refreshing and soothing; and I do think it has a slight moisturising effect too.

All in all, this is an excellent product and my only issue is that it ain't cheap. Still, if you wait for a half-price sale at one of the big pharmacies, then you'll get it for less than $20 and I think it's worth the investment because it does such a great job.

An excellent product and one I recommend.