Humid weather, long periods of mask-wearing and over-zealous oil-zapping call for an extra gentle makeup remover that purifies, soothes and hydrates.
You’ve heard of micellar water – tiny balls of oil suspended in water that draw out dirt and makeup without drying out skin. Now, there’s micellar milk, which works the same way, but is even better for dry and sensitive skin. It’s more hydrating and comforting on skin, and is enhanced with strengthening and reparative ingredients.
Vichy’s Mineral Micellar Milk, for instance, contains white tea polyphenols for antioxidant protection. Dior’s Hydra Life Micellar Milk uses nourishing rice milk in place of water, while Drunk Elephant’s new E-Rase Milki Micellar Water packs in vitamin E, ceramides and plant oils to soothe and moisturise.
With many women now opting for light to no makeup, a micellar milk ensures an effective cleanse. Use it for daily removal of sunscreen and light makeup, and keep richer cleansing oils, balms and milk for heavier-duty stuff. You can also use it in place of cleanser in the morning. – Goh Yee Huay
1. Jowae Soothing Cleansing Milk, $24
Some 96 per cent of its ingredients are of natural origin, such as the vegetable glycerine that hydrates skin, and the sunflower and jojoba oils that lend skin a comforting feel.
2. Lierac Double Cleansing Micellar Milk, $38
It cleanses on two levels – by removing makeup, dirt and pollutants on the skin surface, and drawing out excess sweat and sebum from deeper down. Micro-exfoliating enzymes help to slough away dead skin cells.
3. Dior Hydra Life Micellar Milk, $62
Its milky formula turns into a lightweight emulsion that feels comforting without being greasy or sticky. Rice milk proteins help to soothe skin irritation.
4. Vichy Purete Thermal Mineral Micellar Milk, $30.90
It reinforces skin’s barrier function to better retain moisture, and leaves skin with a smooth, matte feel after cleansing, without tightness or itchiness.
5. My Clarins Re-Move Micellar Cleansing Milk, $30
Combines the refreshing feel of water with the soothing sensation of a light-textured milk. Hydrating fig extract helps to maintain moisture all over the face and calm sensitive skin.
6. Drunk Elephant E-Rase Milki Micellar Water, $40
Doesn’t use traditional surfactants that can cause skin sensitivity when not rinsed off properly. Can be used to remove makeup pre- or post-cleanser; or as a quick skin-refreshing wipe during the day or after the gym.
