Getting rid of makeup isn’t always as simple as throwing it in the trash. In fact, most cleansers aren’t gentle enough to remove some of the more stubborn brands, like waterproof mascara and eyeliner. For a gentle skin cleanse that also removes all traces of makeup, try making your own micellar water instead. Micellar water is essentially water-based makeup remover that helps dissolve and remove oils and grime from the skin without upsetting it with harsh soap or alkaline liquids. It’s especially beneficial for dry or sensitive skin since it won’t strip away natural oils or irritate redness with abrasive textures. Making your own micellar water at home takes just a few ingredients and some time, which means you can give your skincare routine a tune up whenever you need without breaking the bank or spending time in front of an open cabinet. Here are five easy ways to incorporate homemade micellar water into your skincare routine without breaking the bank:
## Add essential oils to water
A few drops of your favorite essential oil can give your homemade micellar water a calming or refreshing scent. Lavender, chamomile, or citrus scents are particularly soothing, and adding a few drops of rose or geranium oils can improve the skin’s elasticity. Alternatively, you can also use another essential oil that is commonly used for skincare, such as tea tree or lavender oil for an extra boost. Try adding an oil to a cup of water, allowing it to steep for a few minutes, and then strain before using. You can also add various fruits or herbs to further enhance the natural properties of essential oils. For example, adding a few drops of rose or grapefruit essential oils to water makes a great skin-brightening toner.
## Just use plain old witch hazel
Witch hazel is a natural, herbal toner that is great for any skin type. You can use witch hazel as an alternative to store-bought toners and as a makeup remover. Witch hazel is naturally antimicrobial and astringent, which means it has both anti-inflammatory and anti-redness properties that are great for acne-prone skin. Witch hazel also has a mild antiseptic quality that can help prevent bacterial growth in the skin (and around your mouth, if you’re into that kind of thing). Make sure you don’t use witch hazel as a substitute for anti-acne products, however, as it has long been used as a mild toner that won’t counteract the effects of your anti-acne products. You can use witch hazel in place of any other toner or makeup remover, and it is especially helpful for removing waterproof makeup like eyeliner, mascara, and lipstick. You can mix witch hazel with water in a cup and let it sit for a few minutes before straining it out.
## Make a cleansing mask with ground-up dried herbs
A homemade cleansing mask can help exfoliate the skin and make pores appear smaller. Ground up dried herbs, including rosemary, thyme, or lavender, and mix them with coconut oil in a jar. Rest a towel over the jar and press out the excess oil. This DIY face scrub is best for oily skin. Use the mask as a cleanser by applying it to your face and neck, leaving it on for a few minutes before rinsing off with lukewarm water. You can also save the leftover mixture in the jar and use it as a face or body moisturizer. You could also mix herbs together with honey or yogurt to create a soothing moisturizer for sensitive skin or for dry winter months.
## Use micellar water for dry skin and tret or for wet skin
Micellar water can be used for dry skin or as an intensive moisturizer for oily skin. It can also be used for hyperpigmentation or acne scarring because it is so gentle and non-irritating. For dry skin, mix a few drops of micellar water with one percent or two percent glycerin. You can add honey or extracts of rose or lavender to the mix to further enhance the moisturizing properties of the micellar water. For oily skin, mix a few drops of micellar water with a five percent glycerin moisturizer to form a milky texture. Micellar water is a great makeup remover because it won’t clog your pores or irritate your skin. It can also be used as an intensive moisturizer, especially for oily skin.
## Store your micellar water in a spray bottle and use as needed
If you make your micellar water in-house, you can store it in a spray bottle and use it whenever you need. You can keep a bottle of micellar water by your phone or in your bag to easily remove makeup or residue from the face. Make sure you close the nozzle before storing the bottle or you may end up spraying your hand and eyes. Alternatively, you can also invest in a makeup remover wipes or wash, which contains micellar water, to use as needed. These wipes usually come in a tube or a box and are designed to be used multiple times with one wipe.
## Keep in mind caution>
Makeup removers should be used with caution, as they can disrupt the normal pH balance of your skin. Exfoliating your skin too harshly with a scrub can irritate it, and over-zealous scrubbing can also lead to broken-out patches. Make sure you store your micellar water in a clean, dry, and sealed container. Also, be mindful of your skin type when using micellar water, as it can remove oils from the skin and cause it to become more dry and sensitive.
