I'm almost in my late thirties and still learning the art of proper skincare. This is something I neglected when I was much younger and had rashes like acne on my face....that was a terrible phase.
But when I went for NYSC in Bauchi, the weather was great for my skin and when I got back to Lagos, my skin was flawless. I guess that was when it occurred to me that skincare is important. I didn't have the money, so I didn't indulge then but in recent times, I've begun to actively & consciously keep cash aside in my budget for skincare and I thought I'd share.
I went on a spree and got 2 scrubs from Ajali (the scrubs are going out of stock permanently so this was my excuse to splurge on extra body scrubs asides Nzuri & Shea Moisture). I FINALLY got the almighty Micellar Water I've been hearing so much about and I decided maybe I'd toss some cash for eye makeup remover.
Simple Skincare Micellar Water
Hmmm, Micellar water. I've seen it everywhere and heard about it everywhere. For some reason though, it's the Garnier one that every uses - specifically the Garnier Oil Infused Micellar Water. Couldn't get that at Ebeano but the have the entire range of Simple Skincare so I picked up the regular Micellar Water from them.
When I decided never to follow a trend I knew why and I've been rudely reminded. I know a lot of people are all for hailing Micellar Water but for me, it's a huge disappointment. It's messy, makes me use a lot of cotton wool and it doesn't take off eye makeup that well.
I decided to do a bit of research after the fact and found quite a lot of information about it from global acclaimed skincare experts, both dissing the somewhat unanimous agreement of the masses that Micellar is an awesome alternative for a makeup remover.
I found this excerpt from an Elle interview with Kate Kerr on Micellar Water
many micellar waters can leave a surface residue on the skin due to the ingredients meaning dirt and pollution from the day can actually end up being moved around the face with a micellar water, rather than actually being removed from the skin.
What really got me though, is Caroline Hirons' feedback on Micellar water from way back 2015
Micellar waters were originally designed to be used for those occasional times when you have no access to water, like backstage, hence the huge awareness of Bioderma.
That's it, no more Micellar water for me. I have adequately been unconvinced that my normal wipes + face wash method is not good so I'll just continue with that. Anyone who wants this Simple Micellar Water should holla in an email.
A sure 3/10 score
Simple Skincare Eye Makeup Remover
I've never used eye makeup remover as I've been content with using wipes to take off my makeup and when it comes to eye makeup, I lightly press the wipe on for about 10secs and then wipe. It works but I've managed to use this eye makeup remover a couple of times and if I was a more patient person, I'd immediately switch to it.
I must admit that the eye makeup remover takes off eye makeup with one wipe. If you kinda loath washing your face often and are content with just the morning and night routine, then in-between I'd definitely recommend using eye makeup remover to take off eye makeup until you are ready for your nightly routine.
A sure 9/10 score
Ajali Body Scrubs
I received an email update from Ajali one day with the news that their body scrubs were permanently going out of stock. After sleeping on them for years saying "I'll get them soon for sure", I jumped up and quickly placed an order for the last remaining Sugar and Sea Salt body scrubs.
Let's just establish here and now that the Sea Salt is my favourite. I can't use it on my face though unlike the Sugar scrub.
They are both awesome - the oils are great for my skin and the fragrance is long lasting but the Sugar granules are large and I don't feel my skin actually getting the effect of the whole body scrub routine. Unlike when I used the Sea Salt scrub. My skin felt so smooth afterwards I had to stop myself from touching my skin lightly. It was an awesome feeling.
I used the Sugar scrub after soap and the Sea Salt scrub before soap on dry skin; maybe that is the difference. I intend to switch them though ie. Use the Sugar scrub before soap and dry skin and Sea Salt after soap. Maybe there will be a difference. I'll score them after the switch uses.
Have you used any of these products? Are you a fan of Micellar Water? I'd love to hear why you like or dislike any of these products in the comments so do take time to stop by.
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