New Garnier SkinActive Micellar Waters & Moisturizers

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Garnier delighted the drugstore skincare fans with some new releases this year. They added new products to SkinActive line, including two buzz-worthy micellar waters and a brightening treatment. I received a couple samples to try, but it took a few weeks to sum up my thoughts. While I normally lean toward trying the moisturizers first, this time I was more interested in cleansers.

New Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water [$8.99 for 13.5 oz, available here] comes in two varieties: regular [pink] and waterproof [blue]. When I saw the pink bottle my immediate impulse was to compare it to my current HG product – Bioderma Sensibio [also known as Crealine].

“Like a magnet, the micelle molecules in this all-in-1 cleanser remove face makeup, lifting dirt and oil away from the skin – no harsh rubbing, no rinsing required.”

In case any of you are wondering, the ingredients are not even close to being the same, yet both of these micellar waters are extremely gentle, unscented, and leave my skin fresh and clean. Compared to Bioderma, the pink Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water is a lot cheaper, but works just as effectively, so I will probably switch to Garnier when my current supply of Sensibio runs dry.

For those unfamiliar with micellar waters, they’re basically waterless cleansers. The trend came to us from France where micellar water is an essential part of any beauty routine. In a nutshell, they are used to remove makeup without using tap water, which can be a game changer for people with sensitive skin, because tap water has pH7.0 and can dry out the skin. To use, saturate a cotton pad with micellar water and gently swipe across the skin to remove makeup, oil, and dirt.

Another new product I got to try is Garnier SkinActive Clearly Brighter Spf 15 [$14.99 for 2.5 oz, available here], which is touted as a daily moisturizer that can help reduce the visible signs of sun aging while providing basic protection from the sun.

“This fast absorbing, non-greasy formula turns dull, rough skin into smooth and polished-looking with a more radiant, even tone.”

I’ve got some good news: it’s a pump! Since this cream is infused with vitamins and antioxidants that oxidize easily, a pump dispenser is your best bet for keeping the product inside fresh. This moisturizer contains a mix of chemical sunscreens, so it won’t leave a white cast on the skin even with flash photography. Cookie points for not including the controversial Oxybenzone and using Avobenzone instead.

This moisturizer feels very lightweight on the skin, and makes the surface velvety smooth after it absorbs. However, I am going to pass it on to a friend, because I just wasn’t a fan of the fragrance: combined with my body chemistry it turned very bitter and unpleasant within minutes. I’m sure that part is very YMMV, because I read several reviews and nobody mentioned the fragrance at all.

I also had a chance to try Garnier SkinActive Miracle Anti-Fatigue Wake-Up Cream [$16.99 for 1.7 oz, available here]. This lightweight gel-cream has the perfect texture if you like to layer skincare. It sinks in, but leaves a thin velvety occlusive layer that helps seal in the moisture.

“Continuous deep hydration for refreshed, rested-looking skin.”

This gel is best suited for someone with oily or combination skin, and if yours is any other type you’ll definitely need to double up with a heavier product, because Miracle Anti-Fatigue Wake-Up Cream is incredibly lightweight. Garnier says that it helps fight the signs of skin dullness caused by pollution and fatigue. The ingredient list boasts a few antioxidants and hyaluronic acid, making this a decent basic moisturizer that will work well for someone with young skin or those who are not too concerned about anti-aging actives. As for me, I am a bit older than the target demographic and prefer my routine to be loaded with more aggressive actives, so I’ll be passing it on. Or maybe not, we’ll see! Sometimes I am just looking for something light to slap on top of my cake of anti-aging essences, ampoules, and serums and it doesn’t necessarily need to be a powerhouse product on its own.

Unlike the previously mentioned brightening moisturizer, this gel actually smells quite pleasant, although the fragrance is a bit on the strong side.

You can purchase Garnier SkinActive products at Ulta, and local drugstores.

Have you tried any of Garnier’s SkinActive products? Do you use a micellar water in your beauty routine? Let me know in the comments below!

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