As much as I quite often adore my nightly cleansing regime, there’s some evenings that (let’s be honest gals) I just can’t be bothered with going overboard with the facial scrubs, or have decided upon a make-up free day and all I want to do is reach for my Micellar Water for a quick freshen up. The great thing about always having a bottle of Micellar Water close to hand is besides the fact that it’s a quick & easy peasy way to cleanse your face, it’s also widely known to be gentle on sensitive skin, a quick way to invigorate your face after a gruelling gym session or just for those lazy days…like the one’s I have much too often!
But which brand is best to buy? With Micellar Waters really taking off in recent months it seems every household name (supermarkets included) are jumping head first onto the cleansing water bandwagon. So with that in mind my mission began as I scoured the skin care shelves of my local stores to see what was on offer that was both affordable and easily picked up should I need a top up.
If truth be told, I wasn’t actually expecting much of a difference, after all how diverse could bottles of water really be? Surely they’d all be much of a muchness, right? Wrong. Comparing costs, with overall results I was pretty surprised by some of my findings. So if you’re on the hunt for a stash of Micellar Water then get yourself comfy and keep reading as I attempt to uncover which works best…
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Brand: Boots Botanics All Bright Micellar 3 in 1 Cleansing Lotion
Description: “This cleansing solution feels as gentle as water on the skin, to dissolve make up, unclog pores and remove impurities. Skin feels toned and smooth in one easy step. No rinsing required for use on the face, eyes and lips.
Hibiscus is nature’s brightness booster and a wonderful hue of pink. Natural AHA’s from the flower act as mild exfoliators to help leave skin smoother and brighter.
Our beauty scientists have worked with the world experts in plant science at Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (England), to bring you beautiful, plant powered skin care that’s proven to work.”
(Source: Boots Website)
Size of bottle: 250ml
RRP: £4.49
Pros & Cons: Initially it was the pretty packaging that initially caught my eye. I love the clear bottle very subtly detailed with pictures of flowers, embracing that it’s been created alongside Kew Royal Botanical Gardens. This felt incredibly fresh on my skin and left no obvious signs of agitation whatsoever. It also done a wonderful job of removing my make-up quick and easily, without any residue.
Just be careful when opening, the bottle neck is quite open so a much higher chance of spillage!
Works Best For: Dull skin that needs a little bit of cheering up.
Link to Purchase: http://www.boots.com/en/Botanics-All-Bright-Micellar-3-in-1-Cleansing-Solution_1493104/
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Brand: Nivea Sensitive 3 in 1 Micellar Water
Description: “It helps protect against the 3 main signs of sensitive skin when used together with a NIVEA® Sensitive care product:
1) Redness
2) Tightness
3) Dryness
The caring formula with Dexpanthenol & Grape Seed Oil:
Cleanses deeply thanks to its extra effective yet mild cleansing complex
Moisturises and refreshes the skin
Is free of parabens, colours and perfume”
(Source: Boots Website)
Size of bottle: 200ml
RRP: £3.69
Pros & Cons: I’ve been a huge fan of Nivea for quite some time now, and have to say they’ve rarely disappointed in quality and affordability. Their Micellar water worked a treat for me, removing my make-up quickly and effortless ease. My skin felt always felt really refreshed and smooth after cleansing. Overall a great water and well worth trying out!
Works Best For: Those with normal/dry skin, however can feel a little tightening on super-sensitive skin
Link to Purchase: http://www.boots.com/en/NIVEA-Daily-Essentials-Sensitive-3in1-Micellar-Cleansing-Water-200ml_1454148/
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Brand: Superdrug Simply Pure Micellar Water
Description: “Simply Pure Micellar Water. Developed purely for sensitive skin, Simply Pure products are mild, gentle and 100% fragrance free.
Hypoallergenic. Dermatologically Approved”
(Source: Superdrug Website)
Size of bottle: 150ml
RRP: £2.69
Link to Purchase: http://www.superdrug.com/Buy-1-Get-2nd-1-2-Price-on-Own-Brand-Products/Superdrug-Simply-Pure-Micellar-Water-150ml/p/954358
Works Best For: Possibly those who wear very little/no makeup.
Pros & Cons: As much as I hate to admit it, I’m really struggling to find positive feedback on this product. Firstly the packaging just doesn’t cut it for me. Compared to other products it looks outdated, bland and suspiciously like a bottle of nail varnish remover. As for the formula it really wasn’t much better as it felt oily, greasy and had a hint of perfume (which I assume is the chemical ingredients) even though it claims to be fragrance free. Not great at removing eye make-up either though it did an okay job at removing foundation. Sorry Superdrug, back to the drawing board with this one!
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Brand: Boots Time Delay
Description: “This gentle Micellar cleansing water dissolves make-up and impurities in one easy step. It is gentle enough to use around the eyes, removes eye make-up and leaves skin clean, soft and hydrated.
Removes eye make-up
Contains soothing aloe vera.
Suitable for all skin types.
Fragrance and colour free.
Contains soothing aloe vera.
Fragrance and colour free and is suitable for all skin types.
Dermatologically tested.
For best results follow with Time Delay toner and your favourite Time Delay moisturiser.”
(Sourced: Boots Website)
Size of bottle: 200ml
RRP: £4.49
Link to Purchase: http://www.boots.com/en/Boots-Time-Delay-Daily-Cleansing-Micellar-Cleansing-Water-200ml_1440680/
Works Best For: The brand seems directed at a more mature customer base, with it’s elegant packaging and classic typography. Best suited to those with combination skin that don’t wear heavy eye make-up or lashing of waterproof mascara.
Pros & Cons: Lovely packaging, adore the clear bottle – always gives an obvious indication of how much is left before hitting empty. Seemingly marketed for the slightly more ‘mature’ customer, however great for skin of any age in my opinion. Done a reasonably decent job of removing make-up, though struggled a little with mascara and darker coloured shadows. Also noticed that my skin felt a little tighter than usual after using.
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Brand: Simple Kind To Skin Micellar Water
Description: “Water is natural and good for you, so Simple has decided to harness the power of water. Introducing the next generation of cleansing.
Simple’s unique triple-purified Micellar Cleansing Water enriched with minerals and multi-vitamins is especially designed to give the most effective cleanse, whilst hydrating the skin.
It actively works to attract make-up and impurities whilst unclogging pores and allowing your skin to breath.
Our Micellar Cleansing Water won’t leave skin feeling tight, but amazingly clean, refreshed and hydrated.
Designed for sensitive skin but loved by all skin types.”
(Source: Boots Website)
Size of bottle: 200ml
RRP: £4.49
Link to Purchase: http://www.boots.com/en/Simple-Kind-To-Skin-Micellar-Cleansing-Water-200ml_1657099/
Works Best For: Anyone with sensitive skin or prone to occasional breakouts.
Pros & Cons: This seems a great brand for younger or troublesome skin – in fact my 10 year old daughter loves using this regularly as she has incredibly sensitive skin that flares up with most face soaps, yet Simple’s skin care range has never given her anything to grumble about. However for me (with non trouble-some pores) oddly enough I didn’t take to this as well as some of the others. Don’t get me wrong it done a great job at removing make-up effectively however there always felt like a slight residue on my face afterwards. Otherwise it was great to use, and I’d certainly recommend it to those looking a nifty cleanser for highly sensitive skin!
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Brand: Asda The Skin System Micellar Water
Description: “Deeply cleanse dry and sensitive skin with Asda Skin Systems’ Micellar Cleansing Water. With added Chamomile Extract to gently and effectively cleanse without leaving skin feeling dry or tight. This mild and caring formula is specially formulated with Aloe Vera, Pro Vitamin B5 and Vitamin E to help nourish and care for skin. Hypoallergenic and Dermatologically Tested. Can be used on all skin types.”
(Source: Asda Website)
Size of bottle: 200ml
RRP: £1.50
Link to Purchase: http://groceries.asda.com/product/facial-cleansing/asda-the-skin-system-micellar-cleansing-water/910002014376
Works Best For: Hmm, tough skin that’s pretty resilient to sensitivity (?) Hard to recommend this brand as it was quite harsh after multiple uses.
Pros & Cons: Didn’t like this at all gals. Firstly, another bottle that looks almost twinned with my Tesco nail varnish remover. Formula seems harsh and very ineffective at removing both my mascara and full coverage foundation, ended up using it as a second stage cleanser after washing my face with Olay facial scrub. Almost always left my skin feeling tight & sensitive in patches.Would probably be better used as a cleanser if just wearing BB cream or something a little lighter, such as nothing at all!
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Brand: Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water
Description: “A super efficient and gentle way to cleanse, remove makeup, soothe the feel of skin and hydrate in just one step – it’s not magic, it’s Garnier Micellar!
Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water contains micelles which act like magnets, gently lifting away makeup and impurities from the skin, without the need to rub or rinse. The result?
Beautifully cleansed and refreshed feeling skin in an instant. The formula is suitable for the face, eye area and lips, has no perfume and comes in a generous 400ml size.”
(Source: Boots Website)
Size of bottle: 400ml
RRP: £4.99
Link to Purchase: http://www.boots.com/en/Garnier-Micellar-Cleansing-Water-400ml_1440752/
Works Best For: Pretty much everyone and anyone! Great on a multitude of skin types however if you’re prone to breakouts or have super sensitive skin opt for the Green Bottle version as it’s targeted for use with those issues.
Pros & Cons: I absolutely LOVE the Garnier Cleansing water. It’s such good value at a huge 400ml bottle for under a £5, however be sure to look around as often either Tesco, Superdrug or Boots will have it on offer. They also have a tiny travel bottle size which is ideal for popping into your gym or travel bag! This water does an outstanding job of removing all types of make-up & daily general build up, leaving skin feeling totally refreshed without any tightness, dryness or typical sensitivity reaction. Such great value & love the pretty packaging too. No cons for this clear winner. Woo hoo!
Are you a fan of Micellar Water? If so what’s your favourite brand? Or is it something your still yet to try… maybe you’re just not keen on the idea of using a cleansing water in replace of your daily skincare?
Whatever your thoughts I’d love to read them in the comments below so don’t forget to stop by and say a quick hello. Wishing you all an awesome weekend 🙂
Cheerio Chums…
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Catch me on:
Yaya! I’ve always wanted to know which of the many products commercials have thrown in my face I should use. So good to finally have a clear answer! Great post. ps… check your emails x
Hatsy xx
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Great roundup! Trying micellar water has been on my to-do list for a long time and these reviews will be helpful 🙂 Have a lovely weekend, hon!
xo Mil
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Oooh you must give it a go Mil, it’s fab – very handy and great for a quick facial cleanse 🙂 You’ll love it!!! ❤ Have a fab weekend too huni, hope it's a good one 🙂 XXXX
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Lovely post and my favourite pick among the drugstore micellar cleansing water is Garnier micellar cleansing water.
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Yep – right there with you huni!! It’s superb in every way 🙂 Clear winner for sure!! XXX
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Certainly
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Yes yes yes! The first cleansing water I tried was the Garnier one but in all honestly it’s actually the only one because I can’t imagine something that will work better than it does. Great picks!
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Very much so Linda, I think once you try the Garnier it’s hard to beat it in value and formula 🙂 Wouldn’t be able to recommend anything better than it huni 😀 Thanks so much for stopping by XXXX
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Never tried micellar water! If I want to try one out, I definitely know now which one to get 🙂 Great post!
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Glad to hear it Tessa, and hopefully you;ll get to give it a go soon, it’s fab to have to hand 😀 XXX
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I’ve tried Simple and Garnier and the latter is definitely my favourite too.
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Yep, me too!!! Just love everything about the Garnier 🙂 Clear winner in my opinion! Thanks so much for stopping by lovely, great to read your feedback 🙂 XXX
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I heard many great things about the garnier micellar water. I really want to try it out but i haven’t found it in my area here 😦
https://honeyinagoldpot.wordpress.com/
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Awwwh 😦 that’s such a shame!!! Can you order it online by any chance? XX
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sadly it’ll costs me almost double.. anyway, i will try to find it when i’m overseas for holiday 😉 thanks for the reference!
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Grrrr that’s just so annoying 😦 Fingers crossed you stock up your stash on your jolly hols lovely 😀 hehe xxxx
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I always hear people raving about the Garnier one!
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Honestly Jamie it’s brill, great value and does an awesome job – plus I love the pretty bottle too lol XXX
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I will definitely have to try it out! Micellar waters are much more available and common outside the US but the Garnier one is one we do have here.
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I’m really surprised at that Jamie! I wonder why that is huni? Has it always been like that or maybe they tried them and they just don’t sell so well?! Who knows, at least the Garnier is available – that’s the one you’d want above the rest in my opinion 😉 hehe xx
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Not sure but I think it just hasn’t caught on as much over here. Maybe it’ll start to now that Garnier’s version is available here. Sometimes the US is behind on beauty products like it took forever for bb creams to catch on!
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Funnily enough Jamie I was talking to another blogger about a different product that seems to be the same here… the facial water spray from Evian never caught on here either but then our climate pretty much knocked that one on the head lol Oh really? See BB creams went huuuge here but I never really got into them at all, too light for me so I guess I’m with you guys on that one 😉 hehe xxxx
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So strange! I guess people in different countries have really different preferences for certain things? I have heard through YouTubers though that Asian BB creams are basically like our foundations and they are top notch. The BB creams that are here in the US are more like tinted moisturizers. I’m guessing they are like that in Ireland too since they’re too light for you!
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Wow really?! They would be interesting to try as I find a majority of ours very watery and soaks into the skin too quickly! Yep, that’s the same as ours too – more like moisturisers than anything else 😦 What’s the point in that *sigh* Yep, you guessed VERY right lol XXXX
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Haha good guess! From what I’ve heard BB creams started in Asia and were comparable to our foundations but the ones created in the US (and Europe I guess !) have missed the mark.
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Totally missed the mark…. what were they thinking *rolls eyes*
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I’m right with ya on the packaging. If it’s cute and draws you in. It will be minneeeee! So many options of this micellar water. Not just this product, but there’s so many choices for toothbrushes, laundry detergent etc. it can be overwhelming. Your reviews are always so insightful Karen! You rock the boat! Xoxo
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Thanks so much huni 🙂 Lovely to read such awesome compliments hehe Have a fab weekend XXX
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Awesome compliments for an awesome gal! I hope you have a fantabulous weekend. And thank goodness it’s finally here! It went by quickly, and I didn’t even have to do my dance 💃🏻💃🏻 xoxo
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Awwh you’re such a sweetheart Leah!!! Hope you’ve had a lovely weekend… Monday tomorrow *groan* Where do the days go eh?! Crazy times!! XXX
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Oh geez! Why does tomorrow have to be Monday again? Come on weekend, move at a glacier pace (on Saturday that is) still cleaning and redecorating, yet only two hands, and Flora’s paws. Xo
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Oh wow, you must be doing ALOT of work! Have you moved house recently? I do love a blast of cleaning and DIY but if it drags on it can be such a bore 😦 Hope you got alot of it done huni XXX
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Nope, haven’t moved. Just moved things from the floor to shelves – to the shelves back to the floor. Gotta switch it up. I hear ya when there’s so much to do and it drags, then it’s a bore. Xo
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Well happy organising – sounds like you’ve lots to sort out! Hopefully you’ll get it done very soon 🙂 XXX
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Cleaning doesn’t ever end. Maybe I can borrow Fiona to do some sweeping. Xo
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Well she’s hanging about here doing nothing so you’re more than welcome lol xxx
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Ok great. Then after we can do nothing together, haha xo
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I use the one by B. at Superdrug and I love it – I use a lot less of it than I have done previous cleansers, it’s cheaper than 9 to 5 by Lush (which I was using) and I find it actually shifts my eye make up which a lot of other cleansers don’t do!
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Will pop it on my shopping list for my next Superdrug trip & check it out Icy! So many to choose from out there now… have tried a few things from B in the past and they’ve been grand 🙂 Thanks for the recommendation XXX
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I love their primer too 🙂
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That’s another one for me to look out for then, can’t beat a decent primer 😉 hehe XX
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What an amazing line up, you really have tried quite a few of these! I have a bottle of garnier on standby for those nights I truly cannot be bothered with the entire routine, but my skin just looks better with a proper cleansing ritual.
xo Anne
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I have to admit Anne, my skin loves the full routine too – though this past few weekends that I’ve been out I’m afraid I’ve been a bit of a lazy daisy and reached for the micellar water only. I guess it’s better than reaching for nothing at all though eh? lol Still have a few more I’d like to check out 🙂 Will maybe do another one of these if I build up another massive stash of empties lol Have a super weekend and will be catching up with Doves and Roses after my shopping trip today 😀 XXX
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I have too admit I have been reaching for the micellar more often lately. I think it is that final stretch of winter just before spring…I just can’t be bothered with much.
Oh that empties stash would be so great!
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Yep, I’m so there with you – I’ve literally lived on the stuff this past few weeks… mustering up the energy to get my proper routine going strong again! Like you say when spring hits (hopefully) a new burst of energy will commence! lol XXXX
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Brilliant post love!! I’m nearly out of my Garnier Micellar, but I think I might swap to the green top as my skin is a bit sensitive at the moment!! 😀 Thanks for the reviews xx
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I’m thinking of a change over to that too huni, simply because my skin is going a little patchy in places – dry/cold weather and all that malarkey *sigh* I’m sure we’ll love it every bit as much though 🙂 hehe Thank you soooo much for the awesome compliment, you’re a gem ❤ XXXXX
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Same! Stupid winter patchy skin! Xx
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I know, exhausting right?! Also remarkably itchy – hurry up summer is what I say… though you know I’ll be complaining of oily skin then for flips sakes!!! Can NEVER win lol xxx
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I have combination skin, I’m always complaining about it! Xx
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Arrgh such a pain 😦 Never knows what it wants to do!!! xo
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the best I have tried this far was one with hyaluronic acid in it from Cap Cosmetics, a French natural brand! definitely recommend it!
check the review on it here! http://anniesbeautyblog.com//?s=cap+cosmetics&search=Go
Annie | Annie’s Beauty
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Ooooh that sounds intriguing Annie – really looking forward to reading your feature, I really do enjoy getting to grips with skincare huni!! Thanks sooo much for the handy link too *hugs* XXX
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I’m obssessed with the Garnier water! Generally obssessed with the micellear waters as a whole haha 😀 They’re so good at removing all my makeup!
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lol lol me too Naomi, though I do find Garnier SUCH good value for money!!!! Big win win for the Micellars 😉 hehe xxxx
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Isn’t it? I usually get it from my local Boots and i can stock up with my points (did that the other week), hah. Yes! Loving them 🙂 hehe xxx
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Yes me too Naomi!!!! The extra Boots points are sooo worth it 😉 Savvy shoppers hehe xxxx
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Ohh yeah we are 😉 😊 I love my boots card and saving up the points! X
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Amazing post!!!! I just got the Garnier Micellar Water for the first time a few weeks ago and have been absolutely in love! It made me love my whole skin routine!! 🙂
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Thank you soooo much indeed Kaitlyn, awesome feedback and I’m so chuffed you enjoyed the post! That is brill news you’re loving the Garnier too… it really is fantastic stuff, and like you day makes you love your skin routine 🙂 XXX
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I love your review a lot hun and we share the same taste on things, lol 😀
I used to be a huge fan of Nivea but somewhere about a year ago I went to
Garnier and I love ❤ it.
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We sure do!!! Though I’m yet to get into my sci-fi book and gaming, so I’ve a bit of work to do lol lol I am exactly like you, loved Nivea but Garnier has taken a front seat 😀 XXX
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Lol well it good that we are not clones, lol 😆 much more interesting 😉
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I think so too 😀 hehe XXX
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