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There are no rules when it comes to wearing makeup. Removing it, however, does come with one: you should never, under any circumstances, sleep in your full glam. (Consider it a beauty sin! Only
Dolly Parton
is exempt!) Letting your makeup overstay is a recipe for breakouts and congested skin. That said, we do understand the temptation. Sometimes, after a long night, nothing feels more tedious than washing your face. But the latest makeup removal options, from micellar water to cleansing oil, make it almost effortless. A few pumps of a cleansing oil or a cotton round soaked in micellar water can instantly dissolve makeup, sunscreen, sweat, dirt, and debris. Which type of cleanser should you use? It depends on your skin type, routine, and preferences.
“Micellar solution is helpful as a first pass before
skin cleansing
,” says
Jessica Weiser,
MD, board-certified dermatologist and founder of Weiser Skin MD. Oil cleansers can offer a more thorough cleanse, but if you’re oily or acne-prone, you may require a second cleanser, too, says
Sonia Badreshia-Bansal
, MD, a board-certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon in San Francisco. Ahead, we break down the nuances of these formulas so you can choose the one that leaves your skin feeling clean and fresh.
What is micellar water, and what are its benefits?
Micellar water is a gentle, no-rinse cleanser. The biggest benefits are that it’s convenient and preserves the skin barrier, explains
Jean Charles
, MD, a board-certified dermatologist based in Texas. Micellar water contains tiny oil molecules called micelles, which act like magnets, lifting away dirt, oil, sunscreen, and makeup from the skin without the need for harsh rubbing or rinsing.
Typically, you’ll want to reach for micellar water when you’re looking for a quick and easy cleanse, such as in the morning, post-workout, while traveling, or on days when you’re not wearing a ton of heavy makeup or layers of sunscreen. There are plenty of micellar water formulas to choose from that offer extra benefits, including light exfoliation or hydration.
Weiser says acne-prone skin types may prefer these solutions over oil cleansers because they’re lightweight and don’t leave a residue. That said, if you have oily, combination, or congested skin, micellar water only offers a light cleanse, so it’s often better as a first step before using another gentle cleanser to finish the job, says Badreshia-Bansal.
Best for Combination Skin
Garnier Micellar Water with Salicylic Acid
Now 27% Off
$12
$9 at Amazon
$12
$9 at Walmart
$12 at Ulta Beauty
Garnier is known for its collection of micellar waters, but this one is particularly great because it contains salicylic acid to gently exfoliate the skin, minimize pores, and prevent breakouts.
Best for Very Sensitive Skin
Bioderma Sensibio H2O Micellar Water
Now 30% Off
$21
$15 at Amazon
$20 at Walmart
$20 at Revolve
A true icon, this is one of the first micellar water formulas and is still many makeup artists’ go-to. It’s a soothing formula that you can use all over the face, including eyes, and on all skin types.
Most Convenient
Sofie Pavitt Micellar Makeup Removing Cleansing Pads
$24 at Sephora
These pads make cleansing with micellar water even easier and more convenient. Pads are pre-soaked in micellar solution so you can effortlessly remove makeup in a single swipe.
What is cleansing oil, and what are its benefits?
“Cleansing oil is more than a makeup remover; it’s a face wash made with oil-based ingredients instead of water,” says Weiser. Similar to micellar water, it’s great for maintaining the skin barrier, and it leaves the skin feeling extra moisturized. “It cleanses because oil dissolves oil, which is why a cleansing oil is particularly effective at breaking down long-wear makeup and water-resistant sunscreen,” says Badreshia-Bansal.
You can use an oil cleanser as your only cleansing step or as the first step in a double-cleanse routine. Either way, apply it to dry skin. Then, you can splash skin with water to remove; many cleansing oils will emulsify, which offers a more thorough cleaning without stripping the skin or leaving behind a greasy residue. Overall, “they’re excellent for maintaining your hydration because they don’t strip the skin, making them a great option for dry, mature, or barrier-compromised skin types,” says Charles.
Best Soothing
Hanyul Artemisia Soothing Cleansing Oil
$28 at Sephora
Mugwort and centella asiatica calm and soothe the skin while cleansing.
Best for Very Dry Skin
La Roche-Posay Lipikar AP+ Gentle Foaming Cleansing Oil
$20 at Ulta Beauty
This is so gentle, it’s safe for babies over two weeks old. It’s also wonderfully effective on sensitive and mature skin.
Best for Waterproof Makeup
Haruharu Wonder Black Rice Moisture Deep Cleansing Oil
Shop at Amazon
This budget-friendly formula cleanses the skin without lea
Book Your Appointment
Ready to transform your skin? Visit Candy Beauty Skin Care at 32 Pell St, Chinatown, NYC.
Call (646) 691-8273 or book online at candybeauty.store.
Our expert estheticians are ready to create your personalized treatment plan.
Source: https://www.oprahdaily.com/beauty/skin-makeup/a71202648/oil-cleanser-versus-micellar-water/
