If like us, you’ve ever spent significant time wandering the aisles of Japanese drugstores, you were probably mesmerized yet totally overwhelmed by the sheer number of options in makeup removal alone. Micellar water, makeup remover wipes, eye makeup remover, cleansing oils, cleansing balms…those yakkyoku-ya seem to have it all. But you’re a busy person and you require makeup removal on-the-go. You’ve heard that Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Waters are one of the must try Japanese beauty products, but you’re not quite sure how they size up. Plus, when should you use micellar water in your skincare routine, and how does it differ from all these other Japanese makeup removers? We break it down below.

Micellar water vs makeup remover wipes

Many fans of micellar water were once upon a time heavy users of makeup remover wipes – that is, before they crossed over. Pre-soaked, pre-packaged, and travel-friendly, makeup wipes are the lazy girl’s BFF, and it’s easy to see why. They’re ultra-convenient and easy to use. However, the consensus is that makeup wipes tend to contain alcohol and harsh ingredients that can be stripping and irritating to the skin. Many people find that they still need to follow-up with a cleanser afterwards, and it goes without saying that they aren’t the most ecofriendly option. That said, makeup remover wipes are a no-fuss, no-rinse solution perfect for a midday skin refresh or post-workout cleanse. If you’re going to rely on makeup remover wipes, we suggest that you look for ones that contain less alcohol and are gentle on the skin. In comparison, micellar water tends to be more skin-friendly and effective at removing sunscreen, dirt, makeup, and other impurities. Micellar water can also be used as a toner and leave it hydrated, and you won’t need to rub or tug at the skin to lift away debris. And like makeup wipes, micellar water also makes a good travel cleanser when camping, road tripping, or visiting areas where no running water is accessible.

Micellar water vs Eye and lip makeup removers

Eye and lip makeup removers are oil-based and excellent at effortlessly lifting off stubborn makeup without damaging the skin. However, they are designed for use only on specific areas to remove waterproof, heavy, and stay-all-day formulations like. For that reason, they are great for honing in on delicate areas, but can potentially clog your pores if used all over your face. Unlike eye and lip makeup removers, micellar water is a water-based cleanser with micelles in it, so it also removes oil and makeup, but it is best designed to lift off water-based products as well as light to medium coverage makeup. It’s also ideal for wiping away oil, dust, and dirt accumulated throughout the day. Since micellar water tends to be a mild and gentle formulation, it is the friend of sensitive skin types. At the same time, micellar water is good for acne-prone and oily skin types that need extra TLC. 

Micellar water vs Cleansing oils and cleansing balms

Cleansing oils and cleansing balms are exactly as their names suggest – oil-based liquids and balms that do the job of removing heavy makeup effectively. The main difference is their consistency. Cleansing oils feel like any other oil upon application, but they emulsify into a milky solution when mixed with water. The cleansing oil is part of the popular J-Beauty double-cleansing regime. Cleansing balms work similarly, except that it starts off as a solid before melting into an oil upon contact with your skin’s heat. Both cleansing oils and cleansing balms are one of the best ways to remove heavy-duty, waterproof, and stubborn makeup like eye glitter, liquid liner, and mascara. However, to really take advantage of these products, you will need access to a sink as well as the time to spend on your skincare routine. In comparison, micellar water is useful when lifting away light-to-medium coverage makeup such as tinted moisturizers, BB and CC creams, and light powders. You can also use micellar water before your regular cleanser as a pre-cleanse.

Is micellar water right for you? Take a look at the Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water collection, now available at The JBeauty Collection in Sensitive, Brightup, and Moist.

SHOP: Bifesta Micellar Cleansing Water Sensitive

SHOP: Bifesta Cleansing Water Brightup