Micellar Water - Miracle Water or Troubled Waters?

 What is Micellar Water?

Micellar water is made up is Micelles suspended in soft water. Micelles are tiny balls of cleansing oil molecules that attract and draw out oil, dirt, and impurities without drying out the skin. Micellar water is also a no-rinse cleanser and does not leave an oily residue, which can save some time from your beauty regime.

Micellar water can be used as facial cleanser, makeup remover and moisturiser. Although for waterproof eyeliner/ mascara, or very thick and heavy foundation, it would still be good to use a separate makeup remover to ensure that your skin is fresh and free of makeup residue. 

This lightweight cleanser is ideal for dry and sensitive skin types as it is alcohol free. So you can just use this as facial cleanser. 1 step, easy! However for oilier skin types, you might want to double-cleanse. Meaning you wash your face before using the Micellar water.

 

What went down with my face:

After hearing about my friends rave about this, and reading up heaps of good reviews about Micellar Water and how it can help with clog pores, I just had to try it. So I decided to buy a bottle from Sephora, at a very reasonable price of S$26 for a 400ml bottle. (Also this is not a paid/ sponsored article, I just want to share what I've discovered. Good things must share right?!)

I'm quite wary when it comes to new face products because I have really problematic skin. Sensitive and oily, and is prone to breakouts. So the first time i used it, I washed my face first, then applied the Micellar Water. The after touch felt a bit sticky, only because I'm used to having my face stripped BARE! (Lazy to use toner, moisturiser, etc. etc.) In the following days, I continued to use the micellar water first to get rid of the oil, then I would wash my face. 

But in the weeks that followed, I've begun switching to washing first, then micellar water after for the moisturising properties. If I have makeup to remove, then I use it twice. First to remove the makeup (for my makeup, this works well with removing foundation, waterproof eyeliner and mascara by holding the cotton pad on my eye for a while before wiping), then I wash my face, then I use micellar water again. The reason I use it again after as the last step of my cleansing regime is because I want to make sure that I don't have any residue left to clog my pores. Skin feels clean and fresh after. When I'm feeling a bit less lazy, I follow this with toner, and moisturiser for day or serum and night cream for bedtime.

Now with pores that are clean and not filled with dirt and oil, what do we get? 

SMALLER PORES! 

Yes this is actually possible. It's not really possible to make pores smaller unless you go for laser resurfacing or some other dramatic cosmetic work. But if your pores are clear of gunk, they actually can appear smaller.

So all in, I would rate this product a full 10 out of 10 and would recommend it to everyone! 

Verdict: Miracle Water!

Atomy Evening Care 4 Set & Instructions

Technically this post should come before the Atomy Skin Care 6 System because cleansing comes before moisturising, but I'm sure you'll work it out :)

I actually bought the Atomy Evening Care 4 Set after using the Atomy Skin Care 6 System because I noticed that my skin had become firmer and hydrated. Convinced that something in those creams must be working, I decided to tackle my biggest skin problem - blackheads! I can't get rid of them often enough and it just keeps terrorising my face. As I have said in my previous post that I use the Biore Pore Pack on a weekly basis to remove the blackheads, but I'll be much happier if I didn't have to spend that much time fussing with removing instead just not have them to begin with. As with all Atomy skin care products, they are developed with fresh herbs and natural ingredients, suitable for all skin types, even sensitive, problem skin like mine.

Logic would say that if you cleanse your face well, then blackheads will be there. Simple. So let's get on with it. The 4 items in this goodie box, listed in the order that you should use it, are:

1. Deep Cleanser - removes make up and cleanses clogged pores

2. Foam Cleanser - the rich lather washes away impurities and dirt in pores

3. Peeling Gel - gently peels off dead skin cells (i.e. non abrasive exfoliator)

4. Peel Off Mask - firms skin and tightens pores

Reviews & Instructions by Product:

1. Deep Cleanser - this cleanser has a cream like consistency and can be used to remove make up. Foundation, BB Cream and Powder definitely comes off. For your eye make up, especially waterproof eye liner/mascara, it's always best to use and eye makeup remover first. 

To use: squeeze a dollop onto fingers and rub all over face for 2 minutes. You can also do this cleanse on your neck. Rubbing in circular motions all over dislodges the makeup out of your pores and also improves circulation. Once this is done, you can either wipe the cleanser off with tissue or wash if off with warm water. I prefer to wash it off because I feel that the tissue can be abrasive and I generally don't like being too rough with my skin.

2. Foam Cleanser - this cleanser lathers up really well, smells really fresh and cleans your skin really well. It will leave your skin feeling clean and fresh yet not dried out and tight. sKin feels hydrated and clean. I really like this cleanser a lot! 

To use: squeeze a bit of cleanser onto hand, you don't really need a large amount. Work up a lather by rubbing with wet hands, then massage all over face and neck for 2 minutes as well. Just like when removing make up, the foam cleanser will be able to dislodge any dirt and impurities caught in the pores but working the lather in circular motions all over the face. After that, rinse off thoroughly.

*As a side note, I have been told before that you should wash your face with warm water, but always finish off with cool water. The warm water is supposed to open up the pores which will allow the dirt to be removed, and once your skin is clean, the cool water can help to close the pores. 

3. Peeling Gel - this gel has a slightly silicon kind of texture and peels off dead skin cells. By exfoliating away the dead skin cells, your skin will look brighter. Dead skin cells causes skin to look dull. This made my skin feel softer, smoother after and next level cleaner. 

To use: squeeze a bit of peeling gel onto fingers, then massage and spread all over face and neck, avoid the eyes. Wait for 2 minutes for the peeling gel to softer the dead skin cells which will then enable you to rub it off. After 2 minutes, rub off the gel in circular motions. You will see the dead skin cells coming off. 

4. Peel Off Mask - this mask has a slight rubbery texture which is quiet interesting. This is the final step of this set which tightens up the pores after all the cleansing you've been doing. Result is clean, fresh skin.

To use: spread the mask all over face, avoiding eye area. Applying a thicker layer makes it easier to peel off after, but I don't think you should go over the top with this. Just make sure all areas are sufficiently covered. Let it dry completely. If you like, you can also sleep with the mask on. Once it's dry, you start from the chin area and rub the edge of the mask upwards. Once a bit of the mask comes away from the skin, you will be able to pull the mask off the rest of the face. Pull upwards. 

Then you're done cleansing. Sounds really tedious but I think for good skin, what's a few minutes?! Of course after this you use the Atomy Skin Care 6 System.

How to buy? It's an online store, the one I use is www.atomy.com.sg and I have signed up for membership to get some discounts (shopaholics like me need it!). Membership costs nothing and there's no monthly spend amounts to maintain your membership account so no worries there. Happy Shopping!