Herbal Essentials Himalayan Micellar Water

This 95% natural product is one of the heroes of this skin-cherishing range. Herbal Essentials was a real ‘passion project’ for the founder Pakistan-born Aly Rahimtoola, a businessman who has worked in both pharmaceuticals and cosmetics and loves rediscovering ancient wellbeing rituals.

Aly heard about the skin-cherishing benefits of Himalayan Spring Water, which is rich in essential minerals that help nourish, hydrate, balance and repair the skin – think magnesium, calcium and potassium. Working with a French chemist, Aly developed and launched Herbal Essentials.

The products are all lovely but the Himalayan Micellar Water is a stand out, particularly when skin is feeling and looking a bit touchy and unbalanced (possibly from trying too many different products, as we do much of the time…).

The way micellar water works always seems a bit like magic. The name stems from ‘micelles’, tiny bubbles packed with cleansing oil molecules, which are suspended in soft water. The micelles are attracted to dirt and oil so they draw out impurities without drying out the skin. You apply micellar water on a cotton wool pad (or washable, multi-use bamboo cosmetic pad preferably) and you don't need to rinse so no water is needed – often a factor in touchy skin if you’re in a hard water area.

Herbal Essentials Himalayan Micellar Water is effective at removing foundation/concealer/blusher etc and fine on our touchy eyes for non-waterproof mascara. We’re happy to use it on its own on a temporary basis – just sweep over two or three times until the pad is clean. (It’s certified vegan, by the way, and the packaging is all recyclable.)

If you’re a fan of double cleansing (as we are), Himalayan Micellar Water is great as a second step – and it’s great for travelling. (Whenever that happens again…)

£18 for 200ml – buy here

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