Nivea Visage Refreshing Cleansing Lotion

RRP: £2.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Normal and combination skin needs intensive moisturisation, even during cleansing: its natural moisture balance should be respected to keep skin supple all day long. NIVEA VISAGE ® Refreshing Cleansing Lotion has been especially developed by the NIVEA Laboratories to meet the specific needs of normal and combination skin.

NIVEA VISAGE REFRESHING CLEANSING LOTION effectively yet gently cleanses normal and combination skin. Enriched with lotus extract & vitamins, the skin is optimally hydrated, keeping its natural moisture balance while make-up and daily impurities are removed. The gentle formula is so soft that it is even suitable for the delicate eye area.

Result:
The skin is effectively cleansed and hydrated for a fresh skin feeling."

--Packaging--
They've changed it lately, but it doesn't look that different: it's kept the same unisex blue and white colour scheme, and although the Nivea Visage logo has also changed slightly, it still has the silver edging for a bit more zing. They've also kept the flat plastic flip-top lid, which looks fragile, but is in fact rather durable, with a strong hinge.

--Application--
Squeeze a 10p-sized amount onto a cotton disc, and then sweep over face, leaving the eyes to last. Repeat once more to ensure that no traces of makeup remain.
Alternatively, you can spread a similar amount all over your face, creating a light film. Leave for a few minutes and then remove with a clean cotton disc or with a flannel.

--Scent--
My boyfriend thinks this smells lovely - very fresh, homely and clean - and he's all over me after I've used it. The cucumber smell comes through too, but not too strongly.

--Texture/consistency--
Creamy, and yet simultaneously light and non-comedogenic, which bodes well for Nivea's moisturisers for this skin type (even though I had bad experiences with their night cream, which made me break out). Not too runny either - nice!

--Effectiveness--
This both cleanses and removes makeup effectively, leaving face feeling clean, matte, balanced, and non-greasy. Not a bad performance for something not specifically aimed at oily skin like mine (it's aimed at normal to combination skin). You also almost don't need to moisturise afterwards either, as it leaves skin feeling smooth and soft too.

--Value for money--
You certainly can't argue with £2.99, even if the toner and moisturiser in the range are slightly more expensive. This cleanser/makeup remover, even with its 'normal/combination skin' label, should suit the vast majority of skin types, even if you normally go straight for the 'oily' or 'dry' skin products. One bottle lasts ages (perhaps even over six months), even with everyday use, and the product itself certainly delivers on its promises.

perfect partners
Refreshing Toner, £4.07 from www.britishfooddirect.com
Light Moisturising Day Cream, £5.99

Nivea Visage Young Smooth It! Mild Exfoliating Scrub

RRP: £4.65 for 75ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Is NIVEA VISAGE YOUNG smooth it! Mild Exfoliating Scrub the right product for me?

* yes, if you have normal or combination young skin
* yes, if you want a gentle scrub for peachy-soft skin

How does it work?

* extra fine exfoliators effectively remove dead skin cells to smooth the complexion
* cleanses gently without drying out the skin
* enriched with Peach Extracts, the mild formula softens the skin

The result:
Your complexion looks beautifully radiant and feels smooth & peachy-soft."

--Packaging--
A very attractive yellow and white flowery squeezy tube. It's easily identifiable as being part of the Nivea Young range, of which all the products are similarly styled. It's translucent too, so that the product is visible through the tube.

--Usage instructions--
Squeeze out a little of the exfoliator, rub onto slightly damp face, and then wash off.

--Appearance--
It's not really rough-looking like most exfoliators: it's a white lotion with tiny pink beads embedded. It's attractive to look at, and doesn't leave any residue on the face after use.

--Texture/consistency--
Really smooth - as I said, it's more like a lotion than an exfoliator. However, you can feel the beads, and after use, you do feel like the exfoliator has worked effectively, even though it's also very gentle.

--Overall effects--
Effective smoothness and reduction of dry patches.

--Longevity--
I've only trialled this on a sample basis, but I got about 3 usages from one tiny sachet, indicating that one tube would last quite a long time.

--Value for money--
I have to admit that the price is a little higher than I was expecting. However, it's not expensive by any stretch of the imagination, and for something that's easy and pleasant to use, that actually works (though it may not reduce acne, it doesn't claim to do this), it's worth every penny. An excellent choice for young first-time exfoliant buyers.

perfect partners
Nivea Visage Young Wash Off! Mild Cleansing Gel, £4.65
Nivea Visage Young Stay Clear! Purifying Toner, £4.65
Nivea Visage Young Control Shine! Mattifying Gel Cream, £4.65*

*£4.65 is the RRP; however, www.gordons-chemists.com has these products retailing at between £3.18 and £3.49.

Nivea Visage Tinted Moisturising Cream

RRP: £4.95 for 75ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Is NIVEA VISAGE YOUNG be beautiful! Tinted Moisturiser the right product for me?
* yes, if you have normal or combination young skin
* yes, if you want beautifully radiant skin without using make-up
How does it work?
* the oil-free formula provides your skin with instant moisture & is quickly absorbed
* skin refining tinted pigments adapt to your natural skin tone and visibly beautify your complexion without
clogging pores
* the special texture leaves your skin feeling noticeably softer & smoother
* an UVA/UVB filter system helps protect from the sun’s radiation
The result:
Your complexion looks naturally radiant and even. Your skin feels fresh and soft."

--Packaging--
Ordinary plastic squeezy tube which stands on its end. The tube design is quite bright and cheerful, using a white, blue and orange colour scheme. The distinctly feminine flowery design scheme is offset by the chunky blue and silver Nivea Visage logo. All very nice to look at.

--Application--
Just squeeze out and apply to clean dry skin.

--Appearance--
The moisturiser is worryingly dark, but even on pale skin it adapts cleverly to your skintone. On the skin, it looks muddy. Be careful to rub out any streaks too, so that it doesn't look like fake tan gone wrong.

--How does your face feel?--
Moisturised, but no more so than any other moisturiser.

--Texture/consistency--
Creamy without being too thick, and it's not too runny. It's quite matte as well and looks more like a foundation than a traditional moisturiser.

--Coverage--
Not great. As with most of these things, fine if you have clear skin already, but if not then it doesn't have too many advantages for you.

--Longevity--
Not great either - it seems to slide off quite quickly.

--Value for money--
While it's got a low price tag, you have to apply an awful lot each time to see any effects, and you have to keep reapplying it too. Plus, if you don't have clear skin to begin with it's simply a wasted buy.