Understanding Micellar Water
Micellar water is a cosmetic product often depicted as being miraculous due to its multifold benefit. It delicately combines purity and power in its chore of removing impurities from the skin surface, without causing any irritation or dryness. Originating in France, micellar water came into existence to solve the problem of hard water that was wreaking havoc on the skin of numerous individuals.
This cosmetic product, upholding the clarity of water, is laden with micelles – small spherical structures formed by surfactant molecules. These micelles are the powerhouse of micellar water, helping it accomplish the tasks of a cleanser, moisturiser, and toner. Due to its unique formulation, micellar water promises to maintain the skin’s natural pH level, giving your skin the care it deserves.
How Does Micellar Water Work?
In micellar water, the role of cleansing is efficiently carried out by micelles. Gifted with a peculiar molecular structure, micelles are made up of two opposing ends - hydrophilic (water-attracting) and hydrophobic (water-repelling). When this cosmetic product is applied onto the skin, the hydrophilic end of micelles attracts water, while the hydrophobic end is drawn towards oil and grease present on your skin.
Upon application, these micelles envelop the skin impurities within them. This eventually helps in lifting off the dirt, oil, and makeup particles that your skin had been harbouring. Following this, a simple swipe of cotton does the trick of removing these impurity-laden micelles from your skin, leaving it clean and refreshed.
Unveiling Waterproof Mascara
Tools of glamour that boost your eyelashes with density and defining length, mascaras have carved a unique space within the beauty industry. These lash enhancers are available in various types, but waterproof mascara stands apart due to the carefree luxury it offers. As the name suggests, waterproof mascaras are resistant to water, promising you smudge-free and tear-proof eyes all day long.
Although waterproof mascaras are the saving grace for most eye makeup looks, their removal can be quite a struggle. This is primarily because of their robust formulation which includes a base of waxes and oils, that are not easily removed by simple water and soap.
The Chemistry Behind Mascara Removal
The process of mascara removal involves dealing with substances such as oils and waxes that are not miscible with water. In other words, these substances cannot be mixed or dissolved with water, and hence aren’t eradicated by cleaning with only water.
This challenge can be overcome by using makeup removers that act as emulsifiers. Emulsifiers aid in creating an emulsion, which is essentially a mix of liquids which otherwise won’t blend together. The oils and waxes from the mascara mix with the emulsifier, which in turn is miscible with water. It is this principle that is leveraged by various makeup removers to effortlessly lift off your mascara coated lashes.
Efficacy of Micellar Water on Waterproof Mascara
Whilst micellar water has established its prowess in lifting off regular makeup with ease, it confronts a higher level of challenge with waterproof mascara. This challenge roots in the principle of like dissolving like, depicting the affinity of substances towards their own kind. As waterproof mascara is primarily composed of oils and waxes, it will ideally dissolve in a substance which itself is an oil.
Although micellar water possesses the ability to attract oils towards its hydrophobic end, its efficacy in removing waterproof mascara varies. Some users report an effortless removal while others deem it to be less potent. Therefore, the efficiency of micellar water in removing waterproof mascara is subjective and can vary between individuals and the type of mascara used.
Testing Micellar Water on Different Mascara Types
While all mascaras tend to follow a common formulation path, their texture, density and staying power vary based on the type and the brand. This variation brings along a diverse response of mascaras towards micellar water.
For instance, washable mascaras, with their lightweight and easily removable formulation, respond well to micellar water. Simple swipes can lift off the product from your eyelashes, leaving them clean. On the other hand, the equation changes when micellar water is pitted against waterproof or long-lasting mascaras.
The stubborn and resilient nature of waterproof mascaras makes it hard for micellar water to dissolve and lift it off completely. However, constant soaked cotton swipes of micellar water can eventually lead to desired results. Thus, the answer to whether micellar water can remove all types of mascara would be conditional, largely depending on the mascara type and its formulation.
Mistakes to Avoid when Using Micellar Water
Like any other cosmetic product, micellar water too needs to be used with the right technique and approach for efficient results. One common mistake is the use of micellar water without shaking the bottle before application. The essential components of micellar water can settle at the bottom of the bottle and hence it is necessary to shake the bottle before using it.
Another mistake is the use of minimal product. For effective removal, it is necessary to soak the cotton pad well, so it can be generously applied over the skin.
A crucial blunder is not letting the soaked cotton pad rest on the mascara-coated eyelashes before swiping. Patience is the key here. By letting the product settle on the skin and react with the mascara, you increase the chances of a total removal without any residues left behind.
Lastly, a common mistake is not washing the face after using micellar water. Although it can act as a cleanser, toner and moisturiser, washing your face post-usage can assure you of a cleaner and fresher skin. Remember, a little caution and the right technique can enhance your experience of using micellar water.
