3 Micellar Waters With A Twist

What did we beauty lovers do before micellar water? Oh, that's right. We settled for makeup removers that were at best ineffective and at worst would sting our eyes (unless we were savvy enough to buy those dual-phase blue-and-white ones that you had to shake, which were still kinda inconvenient to use). We used harsh cleansers in the mornings. We didn't have a Lazy Girl way of washing our faces after a sweaty workout, or on those nights when all we wanted to do was pass out in bed. I could go on like this, but you get the point: micellar water rocks. These days it seems like we're all loyal to one of the ubiquitous Pink Bottle Cap Micellar Waters (Bioderma or Garnier). If you're looking for a new one to try though, I've got three recommendations coming your way, all of which work just as well as the cult faves I just mentioned and feature an innovative twist on the classic formula.

I'm a fan of Derma E's cult fave vitamin C serum (which I previously reviewed here), so it should come as no surprise that I also like Derma E Vitamin C Micellar Cleansing Water ($16 at London Drugs) a lot. Like its sister serum, this micellar water boasts an ultra-stable form of vitamin C in a natural, citrus-scented formula. Probiotics and rooibos also promise to replenish and brighten skin. Because of all the actives in this micellar water and their benefits, this micellar water is best for those who prefer not to rinse their faces afterward.

Avene Micellar Lotion ($20 at London Drugs) combines moisturizing ingredients with Avene thermal spring water, which is legendary for its soothing and softening properties. True to its "lotion" moniker, this micellar water has an unctuous, cushiony, comforting feel to it. I once used this to remove makeup on a tired night and passed out without doing my full skincare routine. The next day when I woke up, my face was still soft and smooth and didn't feel dehydrated at all. Its long-lasting skin-softening benefits make this micellar water a gentle alternative to harsh cleansers, especially on winter mornings.

Like Avene, La Roche-Posay Micellar Water Ultra ($19.95 at London Drugs) is formulated for sensitive skin and infused with therapeutic spring water. This one is more of a straightforward micellar water than a micellar "lotion," so it's lightweight and liquid-y and leaves little residue behind. Also notable? La Roche-Posay makes four different micellar formulas tailored towards specific skin concerns. If the sensitive skin formula doesn't float your boat, there are also formulas for reactive and oily skin and even a foaming water.

Now it's your turn. What's your Holy Grail micellar water, if you have one? I keep defaulting to Bioderma myself, but it was fun to try out three new-to-me formulas!