The French Beauty Product You Should Be Using
by Emily Gaynor, Teen Vogue
Photo: Courtesy of CNP Montrose
When it comes to the allure of French girls, there’s no denying that they possess a certain je ne sais quoi. Their hair is perfectly tousled, their skin is curiously glowing, and their style is effortlessly chic. Ask a French girl about her skincare routine and expect to receive a succinct response. Their pared-down approach to beauty is refreshing in a time when a 10-step routine is catching on here in the States. One hero product that is conspicuously present in many French-girl skincare arsenals (including our Creative Director’s) is Bioderma Crealine Sensibio H20, also known as micellar water. The magical liquid is finally making its way to the U.S.
Micellar water is not the run-of-the-mill stuff you’re getting from a tap. It’s a one-step, extremely gentle cleansing system that wipes away grime while simultaneously cleansing your skin. “Micellar waters, which contain small particles called micelles, work like a miniature sponge, mopping up dirt and makeup while hydrating,” says dermatologist and Simple Advisory Board member, Dr. Debra Luftman. Dr. Luftman explains that micelles have hydrophobic (oil-loving) tails that attract dirt and hydrophilic (water-loving) heads that instantly dissolve impurities. The best part? Because the micelles abolish dirt and wash skin at the same time, there’s no need to splash your face with tap water after application. Because who really has time for that?
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“French women love micellar water because it’s an efficient, natural, and easy way to cleanse skin,” says Caudalie Co-Founder Mathilde Thomas, who introduced Caudalie’s Make-up Remover Cleansing Water in 2006. “The U.S. is catching on because skincare is becoming a bigger topic of discussion, and consumers are searching for easy and effective solutions.”
To apply micellar water, Thomas recommends placing a generous amount on a cotton round and then gently wiping all over your face. “There’s no need to rinse and no residue left behind. The result is clean, fresh, hydrated skin,” Dr. Luftman adds.
Because micellar water doesn’t irritate or strip skin, Dr. Luftman and Thomas both agree that it’s ideal for all skin types—but it’s especially effective for dry, sensitive, or acne-prone skin. Even though it isn’t an acne treatment, Thomas adds that “good skin starts with clean skin, so it will definitely support the prevention of breakouts and acne.”
And micellar water isn’t just a cleansing superpower. Makeup artist James Kaliardos has also been using this secret weapon to prepare skin for his flawless application of makeup for years. We spotted him swiping the models’ skin backstage at Rodarte and had to find out why he loves it. “I’ve been using Bioderma Crealine Micellar Water since the early 2000s as a skin prep for Dior Homme. My friend, who was sensitive to the water in Paris (due to its high mineral content, which leaves a chalky film), recommended it to me,” Kaliardos says. And it was love at first swipe.
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“Now, I always use it because it prepares the skin to accept cream. The skin is softened and exfoliated so foundation goes on so smoothly. I can’t do makeup without it,” Kaliardos adds. “It makes skin look so smooth and delicate.”
Flawless, makeup-artist approved skin all thanks to one product? We are sold. And now, you can even find micellar waters in the drugstore from brands like Simple and Boots. So, whatever your skin type—it’s time to just add (miceller) water.
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