I remember when micellar waters first hit the shelves, and there was this buzz around how revolutionary they were in makeup removal and cleansing. As someone with a background in skin chemistry, I was intrigued but skeptical, knowing that not all micellar waters are created equal. Fast forward a few years of use, bouncing between variations, and skin concerns.. Garnier's Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water range seems to now have one in every flavour. Over time, I've tried almost all of them, but there's something special about the Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil version that sets it apart. For context, I have combination skin, so finding a product that can balance oil control without stripping moisture is essential. This one really hits the mark, especially when compared to other micellar waters in the Garnier line. The oil component makes all the difference, and it’s not just about removing makeup — it's the way it performs a dual function, much like oil cleansing does in East Asian beauty routines. If you've ever explored the world of double cleansing, you'll know that oil cleansers have this uncanny ability to melt away everything from stubborn sunscreen to waterproof mascara, and they do it without leaving your skin feeling tight or dry. Garnier’s Micellar Water in Oil mimics this concept beautifully. The micelles, which act like tiny magnets for dirt and impurities, work with the oil to break down makeup and excess sebum far more efficiently than the traditional water-based versions. It's like you're getting the deep cleansing effect of an oil cleanser, but with the convenience of a micellar water. Now, I've used the regular Micellar Cleansing Water and its other variations. They do a decent job, especially if you're wearing light makeup or just need a quick cleanse. But when you're dealing with long-wear foundation or an oily T-zone (which I definitely am), they sometimes fall short. They leave you feeling like you have to follow up with something more substantial. The oil-based version, on the other hand, leaves no room for doubt. I can feel the makeup and grime dissolving effortlessly, and there’s no residual greasiness either — just a clean, soft finish. What I also love about this product is how gentle it feels despite being so effective. Often, you get cleansers that overcompensate and leave your skin feeling stripped, but this one strikes a balance. For me, it’s this combination of deep cleaning without harshness that makes it my go-to, especially during those heavy makeup days or when my skin is feeling particularly oily. I know there’s always a bit of debate about whether oil-based cleansers or micellar waters are better, but this product kind of merges the best of both worlds. It respects the skin’s natural barrier while also tackling the tough stuff. Plus, if you’re like me and have a bit of a soft spot for East Asian skincare philosophies, this feels like a nod to those oil-based cleansing techniques that prioritize skin health over just the superficial removal of makeup. All in all, while I still have love for the original sensitive micellar water for a quick refresh, the Garnier Micellar Cleansing Water in Oil just outperforms it when I need something more thorough. Especially for combination skin, it’s like a multitasking hero — cleansing, balancing, and leaving your skin feeling like it’s had a proper detox without the dryness. It’s no wonder this version has become my personal favourite. Think oil cleansing and then using the OG sensitive.. that’s kind of the treatment level of this one my lovelies! Now I’m going to use the Charcoal Jelly for an extra clean and spa feeling, it’s been that kind of day! Anyways thankyou guys for reading! Skincare and cosmetics are like a hobby, passion and addiction for me all in one so I love speaking about this stuff with you guys because I know we the same 😂🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽🫶🏽💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚💚