The cleansing skincare product you need, according to celebrity facial specialist

We strongly believe in the power of micellar water. This trendy skin care product is one of the best products on the market to remove makeup and dirt from the surface of the skin without the hassle and sudden movements. The cleansing formula is perfect for the daily skin care it deserves, effortlessly; most micellar waters can be used in just a few seconds, or as long as you need to swipe a cotton pad over the contours of your face.

But we're not the only ones obsessed with micellar water these days, even the experts can't get enough. We spoke with Shani Darden, celebrity cosmetologist and former Garnier partner, to find out what makes micellar water so special. What's more, we're sharing Garnier micellar products that deserve a place in your personal skincare arsenal, especially now that they're on sale at Walgreens! If you buy two skincare products, including the Garnier! micellar range, you'll get the third product for free. Read on to find out more about this promotion, which runs until June 30th. 

What is micellar water?

So what exactly is micellar water? “Micellar water is a facial cleanser that helps remove excess sebum and impurities from the surface of your skin, leaving it soft and beautiful,” Darden says. "The micelles, or oil-based particles found in micellar water, attract dirt and impurities and remove them from the surface of your skin."

And who to thank for micellar water is none other than the French. As Darden explains, micellar water was first developed in France as a water substitute in skincare. “Paris city water was considered hard, and skin care experts noted that it had a negative effect on the skin,” she says. “This hard water contributed to dry skin and even potential skin blemishes.” Since cleansing is an essential step in daily skincare, it's no surprise that an alternative to tap water has been developed for cleansing, and that development is micellar water. “It quickly became a hard water replacement as it removed makeup, sweat, oil and dirt without the need for rinsing,” Darden says. Micellar water eventually made its way into the beauty market in the US, and it's undeniable that people all over the world have fallen in love with the product's ease of use and effectiveness.

The best part about micellar water is that it is a versatile product. Acting as a make-up remover and facial cleanser, micellar water eliminates the need for two separate products. “Micellar water cleanses the skin extremely thoroughly and can remove a variety of makeup products, including foundation, eye makeup, and mascara,” Darden says. "It can also remove sweat and excess oil."

Benefits of micellar water

Sure, you could use a separate cleanser and makeup remover, but why bother when you can opt for this multi-tasker instead? Micellar water gently affects the skin and does not require a sharp rubbing. According to Darden, skin feels clean, fresh and hydrated after use, making it the perfect replacement for makeup remover or cleanser. We remind you that cleansing the skin and removing makeup is an important step towards healthy looking skin. “Failure to remove makeup can lead to breakouts as your pores can become clogged,” warns Darden. “Your skin regenerates while you sleep, and if you constantly go to bed with makeup on, the regeneration process can be disrupted.”

But applying micellar water to the face in the morning and evening is not the only way to use the product. “In addition to working as a daily facial cleanser and makeup remover, micellar water is versatile enough to be used in other aspects of your beauty routine,” Darden says. “Did you screw up your contouring? Slip with mascara? Instead of having to wash your entire face again, micellar water can help take care of a failed makeup." As Darden explains, you only need to dip the end of a Q-tip into the makeup remover solution and it will fix the makeup error before you continue beautifying your face. Micellar water can also be used throughout the day to refresh the skin in the middle of the day. "Even on days when you don't wear makeup, micellar water can be used as a mist to refresh the look of your skin," Darden says. "Keep it with you on the road when you're hiking or exercising outdoors to freshen up your look."

How to include micellar water in your daily skincare routine

Want to start using micellar water in your daily skincare routine? It's actually very easy to do, and the good news is that most micellar waters can be used on all skin types, even sensitive ones.

Micellar water, like all facial cleansers/make-up removers, should be the first step in your morning and evening skincare routine. To use micellar water, simply soak a cotton pad with your chosen formula, then swipe over face until no dirt or makeup remains. To remove eye makeup, wet the pad completely, then use what Darden calls "press and hold." “Just gently press the pad against your eyelid and hold it in place for a few seconds before gently wiping,” she says. "Press and hold helps the micelles act like a magnet, helping to draw makeup, dirt and impurities from your skin's surface."

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water Collection

Want to try the new micellar water? Discover the complete collection of Garnier SkinActive micellar water now! As mentioned earlier, the collection is sold at Walgreens. From today until June 30, when you buy two skin care products, you will receive the third product for free. So, head to your local Walgreens or order them online at walgreens.com while supplies last. 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water All-in-1

This all-in-one cleanser is infused with micellar technology to effectively remove makeup, refine pores, and soothe skin. Micelles grab and remove dirt, oil and make-up like a magnet without much friction. The result: perfectly cleansed and refreshed skin without overdrying.

Garnier SkinActive All-in-1 Micellar Cleansing Water MSRP $8.29.

Garnier SkinActive All-in-1 Micellar Cleansing Water Waterproof

Removing waterproof makeup can be a real challenge and usually ends up tugging at your delicate facial skin. But that's not necessary, as a few gentle swipes of this micellar cleansing water is all you need to remove stubborn, waterproof makeup. This micellar water removes traces of make-up, regular and waterproof, while cleansing the skin. No rinsing, no harsh rubbing, just fresh and clean skin.

Garnier SkinActive All-in-1 Waterproof Micellar Cleansing Water MSRP $8.29. 

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Water

If your skin leans towards the oilier side of the skin type spectrum, make this mattifying micellar cleanser your new go-to. This no-rinse formula not only removes make-up, unclogs and unclogs pores, it also helps to remove sebum, leaving skin rejuvenated without leaving a greasy residue. Use it daily as part of your daily skincare routine and carry the travel version with you to mattify your skin on those very oily days.

Garnier SkinActive All-in-1 Mattifying Micellar Cleansing Water MSRP $8.29.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Foam

Do you feel like you're missing the foaming action of a traditional cleanser? If you're a fan of rinse-off cleansers, get the best of both worlds with this micellar foaming cleanser. This cleanser gently lathers to remove makeup and purify skin. And if you have oily skin, there's also a mattifying version of the cleanser that can help reduce the look of extra shine.

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Cleansing Foam MSRP $8.99.      

Garnier SkinActive Makeup Remover Micellar Wipes

If you're always on the go, these micellar technology make-up remover wipes are the perfect choice for you. “I love Garnier Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes because they are refreshing and great at removing dirt and oil,” says Darden. “I always carry a pack in my purse and in the car so I have them on the go.”

Garnier SkinActive Micellar Makeup Remover Wipes, MSRP $6.99. 

Editor's tip: If you have long-wearing waterproof makeup, try waterproof makeup remover wipes.