EVERY so often a new product appears on the beauty scene, seemingly out of nowhere.

Until very recently, micellar water was the best kept skincare secret of French women but now bottles are on British shelves and in Bolton bathroom cabinets.

Originally created in the 1990s to help Parisian women deal with the region's notoriously harsh water, it is a skincare product that removes makeup and cleanses the skin.

It is not a toner or a cleansing milk or a face wash — and it is definitely not a face wipe (which experts say do not effectively cleanse skin and, instead, smear dirt and make-up across it).

Rachael Parish, a No7 Advisor at Boots, said: "Even after working in the beauty industry for 10 years, I still get so excited when I discover something new.

"At the moment I’m loving the micellar waters.

"They are gentle on the skin but still remove every speck of makeup and dirt, creating the perfect canvas for your moisturiser to work its magic."

Using cotton pads, sweep Garnier Micellar Water (£3.33) over your face morning and night for beautifully hydrated skin.

At the other end of the price range is Sothys micellar cleansing water (RRP £23) — a two in one cleanser to cleanse the face and eyes gently, effectively and in one step.

It is part of the brand's new sensitive skin range which contains Spa Thermal Water, developed after recent studies showed 60% of women consider themselves to have sensitive skin.

Sensitive skin can be caused by many factors including genetics, pollution, central heating and UV rays.

Sothys Spa Thermal Water is sourced from a spa, located in the heart of the Belgian Ardennes at an altitude of 450m, which has been used by millions of visitors since the 16th century.

This gentle skin elixir reduces skin sensitivity, helping to block epidermal receptors which are responsible for sensations of pain, irritation and itching on the skins surface.

The formula contains ‘active’ water which has a low mineral content and pH close to that of the skin, ensuring that even the most fragile face benefits from the exceptional natural ingredient.