Micellar Water Review - Bioderma, Garnier, Sukin

It's taken a few years, but so many brands are now bringing out their own affordable versions of micellar water - that holy-grail, no-rinse cleansing liquid that melts make-up off your face, whilst still somehow being super gentle.

I've been a long-time lover of Bioderma's crealine H20 (now called Sensibio H20, or the sebium version for my oily-faced friends), and have many, many bottles on stand-by, lest I run out. But, as much as I love Bioderma, it is kind of expensive so I have been trialling some of the cheaper options on offer.

Garnier - Micellar Cleaning Water
RRP = $12.99 for 400mL ($3.25 / 100)

Garnier were the first brand to release a 'drugstore' version of micellar water, and it is remarkably cheap, at just $3.25/100mL. I'm personally really not a fan of this product.
I did not find it effective at removing make-up (particularly mascara and eye make-up), and I would have to go over the same area with at least two soaked cotton pads to remove all my make-up.

This product also really burned my eyes, and dried out my skin. I did use up a whole bottle, and it did come in handy for wiping swatches off my arm.
Overall rating: 2/5

Bioderma - Crealine / Sensibio H20
RRP = $39.99 for 500mL

The original micellar water! Bioderma is super expensive in Australia, coming in at $8/100mL. Unfortunately for my wallet, it's also my most favoured of the three micellar waters I've trialled.

I've reviewed this before on the blog, here. In a nutshell, Bioderma is gentle, doesn't sting my eyes, it doesn't dry out my skin, it doesn't smell like anything, and it is effective at removing my make-up. 
Overall rating: 4/5
 

Sukin Micellar Cleansing Water
RRP = $9.99 for 250mL

Sukin are an environmentally-responsible and vegan friendly brand, and their offering in the micellar water world is gentle, smells really good and is reasonably priced at $4/100mL. It's infused with cucumber and chamomile, which helps to soothe your skin.

This is probably the runner up of the three for me. It does a pretty good job of removing make-up, and it doesn't sting my eyes. It has got a very distinct scent though, which is a bit strange for a "water", and is something that may not agree with a few people.
This micellar water doesn't leave my face feeling as clean as Bioderma does though - it's almost as if a very thin film is left on my skin, and it takes ages for my skin to dry and feel normal.
Overall rating: 3/5

Final thoughts
I think everyone would like the Bioderma offering, except for the price. The good thing is, when Priceline have their 40% off skincare, you can get the 500mL version for prices that are comparable to what you would pay in Paris.
If your skin isn't sensitive and you don't wear eye-makeup then the Garnier version could suit you really well. If you don't mind scents in your products, then you would probably really like the Sukin version.





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Haul: Priceline's 40% off Skincare Sale

I love a good 40% off sale, and Priceline have a couple throughout the year. I headed into my local store to take advantage of their latest 40% off sale on skincare. 

I'm proud to say that I really restrained myself, and bought mostly practical items. I'm really happy with my current skincare routine, so admittedly restraining myself wasn't that difficult. 

Banana Boat Faces SPF 50+

I have used Nivea's face sunscreen for a while, but decided to branch out and trial Banana Boat's version. This has a much higher SPF, is broad spectrum and is non-oily. It sinks into the skin quite quickly, making it easier to go ahead and apply my normal make-up over the top. This is also water resistant, with no added fragrances. 

Banana Boat Everyday SPF 30+

I almost always apply sunscreen before going out, and I really wanted a lightweight sunscreen that I could wear every day. I decided to go with an SPF of 30+, rather than any higher - this is still broad spectrum and if I was going to be actually spending my day in the sun (like at the beach for example), I would probably apply a different, higher coverage. SPF 30+ is more than enough for every-day sunscreen. 

Cancer Council Everyday Sunscreen SPF 30+

So I'm starting to look a little sun-phobic right about now... 

I only picked this one up because it's a teeny tiny version. A few times this Summer I've caught myself out and about and haven't had sunscreen or put it on that morning. So I thought this would be a good size to carry around with me in Summer. 

Bioderma Sensibo H20

I already have some of this at home, but picked up another bottle to take advantage of the 40% off. 

Milk&Co Rejuvinating Masque

I really like the milk&co facial cleanser (reviewed here), so when I saw that Priceline stock the brand I impulse bought this face mask. This is an exfoliating, hydrating mask for dry skin and contains fruit extracts, vitamin e and green tea. 

Lanolips Lemonaid Lip Aid

I love, love, love the lanolips 101 ointment in Peach flavour, so impulse-bought the "lemonaid" flavour. This contains organic lemon oil, so exfoliates your lips as well as treats them for dryness. It leaves a high gloss on your lips, and the scent of lemon is high. I absolutely love this product - although I wonder about whether the citrus would make your lips more susceptible to sunburn. To stay on the safe side, I would only use this indoors. 

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May Her Fashion Box

I've kind of given up on the HFB boxes getting back on track. But, *spoiler alert* I am so happy with this box. It really seems like the HFB team have been listening to the feedback they've been getting, and the quality of products in this box is markedly better than what was in the last few boxes. 

This month saw HFB teaming up with designer Nicola Finetti. As a result of that collab, we got this really cute dandelion print pouch. (RRP $39.99) The zip is really sturdy, and the inside is made of a plastic-y type material, meaning it will be easy to clean. I also really like it has a little divider in the middle. I'm thinking I'll use this as a make-up travel bag. 

I also got a gold cuff - I really, really like this, it's definitely something I would normally wear so I can't wait to style it. I feel it has the potential to be dressed up or down, which is nice considering how 'simple' the design of it is. (RRP $19.99)

As a 'thank you' for filling out the survey on last month's box, I got this distressed leather belt. Pretty happy with this, as it is an actual bonus product, rather than just product left over from previous boxes. 

The last 'fashion' item was this really cute ear cuff - I really like this, and it's definitely something I'll wear so I'm happy to receive this. (RRP $12.99) Also - I'm really happy that they've brought back the little pouches. Again, it seems like the HFB team are really listening to the feedback they've been getting which is awesome.

I was pretty stoked to receive two samples of Biodema's Micellar water. I love this product, and I'm travelling at the end of the month, so I love having mini sizes to take with me. (Received 2 x 20mL samples. RRP $29.95 for 250mL)

I also received a 50g sample of the Clova Body Scrub and Bath Sprinkle. I haven't heard of this brand before, so I'm really looking forward to trying it. (RRP $14.50 for 200g). I also really appreciate the packaging on this sample; I love that it's resealable!

I received the 'Dotty' style of the House of Holland fake nails. (RRP $15.99). It's always fun to have these laying around for special occasions and I really like this design, so will definitely use it.

I also received a full-sized Label.M Dry Shampoo (RRP $34.95). I haven't tried this brand before, but have heard lots of good stuff about it. Also, dry shampoo...how can anyone complain about receiving that?

Overall: YAY! I am thrilled to bits. There is not one product in the box that I don't like, which is a huge difference from the past few boxes. I can absolutely see the value in this box and am pleased to say I will remain subscribed, for now!




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January Favourites

1 month down, 11 more to go! 

I've kept my product use fairly basic the past month. Either it's been too hot for me to bother, or I've just been lazy. 

Maybelline's Dream Fresh BB Cream has been amazing for those lazy mornings. I really like this for smoothing out my skin-tone without the hassle of blending and effort that foundation requires. I use my fingers to apply this, meaning I also don't have to worry about making sure I have a clean brush! 

Bioderma's Crealine H20 micellar water has been another favourite. I've discussed this product before, and have been loving it for a quick way to wipe off my make-up when I first get home in the afternoon. That way I can focus on properly cleaning my face later when I'm in the shower, but I'm not wearing make up just for the sake of it. I picked up two bottles of this in Priceline's recent 40% off skincare sale. 

I've been leaving the Urban Rituelle Lip Balm in Passionfruit on my desk, and I find that by doing that I'm a lot more likely to use it. I received this last month in the Her Fashion Box. Although I wasn't using this for the whole month, I've used it every day since I got it! I love how creamy the texture of it is, and the smell is amazing! 

When I was younger, I wore red nailpolish almost exlcusively. I then stopped wearing it for a few years, but recently I've gotten back into it. I've been wearing a lot of Revlon's Fire Fox, part of their matte suede collection. I love the colour of this polish, and I love that it dries to a matte finish. However, this does mean you can't put a top coat over the top, which means it doesn't last as long. So that's kind of annoying. 

I am so, so happy that us Aussie girls now have an easy way to get our hands on NYX, since Target started stocking them. I picked up this blush in Mocha, and think it's really pretty. It's pretty pigmented, so I blend it out with a some setting powder after applying it. 

Sunglasses are a pretty staple Summer item. This is my first pair of 'real' sunglasses...ones that haven't cost me $20 from either the markets or those little shopping centre stalls. I love aviators, and I love the quality of this pair from Ray-Ban. The frame is really sturdy, the glass is a high quality and I'm so in love with them! 

Swatch of the NYX blush, and the Maybelline BB Cream.

What has been your favourite products this past month?



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