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By: Christine Chow/Lifestyle Writer
After a long and draining day of classes, cleaning your face properly is the last thing you want to do before getting carried away by the sweet, blissful oblivion of sleep. Makeup wipes are the midnight pizzas of the skincare world. They’re quick, they get the job done and they’re terrible for you in a gazillion ways you never wanted to know.
Wipes are convenient for that ten-second tidy, but they’re often loaded with chemicals to extend their shelf life and to get makeup to come off easier. The problem lies in the residual chemicals that stay on your face when you don’t wash them off, and when you take that into account how abrasive wiping motions can be, it’s safe to say you’re doing an A+ job of making your skin hate you.
There is, however, no need for despair. Meet micellar water, the breakout star of the skincare industry and the answer to all your woes. For anyone who’s taken a course in biology, the theory behind micelles should be familiar. The oil molecules in micellar water, which form the hydrophobic (water-hating) interior, break down the dirt and oil on your face. The soft water, which forms the hydrophilic (water-loving) exterior by encasing oil molecules, then sweeps away the impurities. All in all, the two make a pretty kick-ass team.
Like make-up wipes, using micellar water is a one-step process. You apply a small amount of the water to a cotton ball, and you swipe it across your face, no rinsing required. But that’s where the similarities end. A softer alternative to the ‘90s harsh water crisis in Paris, micellar water contains only mild surfactants and is therefore free of any harsh chemicals that dry out or irritate sensitive skin.
Their targeted design makes them gentle and effective, removing other oils that contribute to future breakouts.
Prices for micellar water range anywhere from five to 50 dollars, depending on the brand. If you’re willing to splurge 30 dollars, try Bioderma Sensibio H2O: it started the micellar water trend, and is vouched for by many celebrities and their makeup artists, such as Gwyneth Paltrow. For the sceptics who simply want to test the waters, Simple offers a more affordable deal at seven dollars. Just keep in mind that not all types of micellar water are meant to be used on waterproof or long-lasting makeup, or you’ll be setting yourself up for disappointment.
The main problem with makeup wipes stems from the assumption that they’re supposed to replace your daily skin cleansing routine, when they’re really just a quick fix. Although micellar water is a step-up from wipes, it’s still exactly just that: a quick fix. Use it while travelling, and when in a hurry, but make the effort to do the full routine every once in a while. Your skin will thank you down the road.
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By: Mitali Chaudhary
Nothing makes winter worse, besides the cold and slush, than the dry skin that insists on making an appearance every cold season. Caused by a tag team effort between the heating that keeps us toasty and the long, hot showers that combat the chill after a long day, our poor skin ends up being completely wicked of moisture, leaving the rough flakiness that we all know and hate. So what can you do to combat this?
1) Invest in a good moisturizer
The best way to fix and further prevent dry skin is to let it heal by locking moisture inside using a non-petroleum based thick cream, which will still let the skin breathe. This is a better option over fragrant lotions that are often more watery and need to be reapplied many times. A good option is Nivea’s original cold cream, which sells for around $5.50. Smoothing on some cream after every shower will ensure that the dry flakes stay away.
2) Don’t take hour-long showers
Contrary to what it may seem, immersing yourself in hot water for long periods of time does not add to the moisture in the skin, but instead leaches it out. Water is further depleted when you dry yourself afterwards, leading to skin that is much rougher than what it started out as. To make it worse, the natural oils within the layers that keep it moisturized are swept away, too. So although you might be reveling in the heat of the moment, your skin will thank you later if you cut both the temperature and time of your shower.
3) Drink lots of water, and more
To replace the loss of moisture due to the harsh weather, drink plenty of water. It’s a simple, straightforward solution made easier if you keep a reusable bottle of water on your person so that you are tempted to sip every time you see it.
4) Make good use of nature’s gifts
Applying coconut, olive, or avocado oil to the skin naturally nourishes and heals the dermis and quickly eliminates the flaky effects of dryness. In addition, supplements that contain omega-3s, such as fish oil, are thought to help with the skin’s moisture regulation. Both are all-natural and soothing to the body.
By: Haley Regis
My skin doesn't really get dry in the winter, but the constant temperature changes and bitter wind does a number on the lips of me and my friends so I did a bit of digging to find the balms that best get us through the coming storm.
1) Burts Bees:
This stuff is everywhere and they've branched into coloured balms as well as other skincare options. My opinion? Stick to the original formula in either the stick or pot format and keep it in your coat pocket for lip emergencies.
2) Eos:
even if the name doesn't sound familiar the quirky round shape should jog your memory. Talk about product placement, this stuff has been popping up in music videos all summer. Not to play into the hype but this stuff is great and definitely going to be a lifesaver this winter. Harder to keep in your pocket sure, but super easy to find when you're digging around in your backpack (going by my usual mental state during exams, this is a major bonus).
3) Vaseline:
student on a budget but not into the above? There’s a reason it's in every medicine cabinet you've ever seen. Think of it like winter boots for your mouth. Buy one of those tiny tubs from the travel section if you just want to try it, but seriously. Trust.
Best part? You can grab them all at the Shopper's across from campus!
