Neutrogena T/Gel 2-in-1 Dandruff Shampoo Plus Conditioner

RRP: from £4.39 for 125ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Neutrogena T/Gel Shampoo Dry Hair cleans, softens, and conditions dry hair while also bringing immediate relief to the problem of itching and flaking scalps.

Dandruff can be a persistent problem for people with dry skin on their scalps. This shampoo contains salicylic acid, which breaks down and clears the flaking skin build up on the scalp, and also piroctone olamine, which is an antifungal that helps to manage the condition.

It is formulated to relieve the irritation that is often associated with dry hair and dandruff, but is gentle enough to be used daily as part of your normal cleansing routine. It forms a rich lather that helps to soothe and protect the skin on the scalp from drying out.

The added conditioners contained in this shampoo will leave your hair feeling cleaner, softer, and healthier, without drying it out."

--Packaging--

The clear pale yellow of the gel, visible through the see-through bottle and cut-out in the box, along with the baby blue of the box and writing on the plastic bottle, offers a calming influence, compounding the suggestion in the promotional material that irritation will be soothed and eradicated. Simply push the plastic disc at the top of the bottle cap down to reveal a small aperture; when you squeeze the bottle, the gel is dispensed in a very controlled way, reducing wastage.

--Application--

Lather into wet hair, then rinse. As this is a 2-in-1 product there is no need for a separate conditioner.

--Appearance--

Even though the gel is pale yellow, no visible residue is left. It lathers into a luxurious white foam.

--Scent--

Arguably clinical - those looking for richly scented hair products will definitely want to look elsewhere. However, Neutrogena's emphasis is on efficacy, not on a sensory experience.

--Texture and consistency--

The gel is smooth and lathers up abundantly into a rich foam, which rinses out easily when you need it to.

--Effects on the hair--

I noticed a reduction in dead skin flakes and hair was left feeling clean and soft for a number of days after use. However, I wouldn't say I felt I could wash my hair less frequently than usual (every 2-3 days), although the product never claims to reduce time between washes.

--Value for money--

At £4.39 for 125ml, this isn't the cheapest shampoo on the market. It's difficult to make comparisons at the 125ml level since quite simply not many brands make shampoo bottles this size. 250ml is much more common, and as Neutrogena offers this product in this size as well, it's easier to compare on this basis. It's fair to say, then, that this shampoo competes well in price with other leading brands, including TIGI, Schwarzkopf, Wella, Mark Hill, and Toni & Guy. It also is at roughly the same price as Eucerin's specialist shampoos. I was sent mine for free by Neutrogena's PR, but would purchase again given the travel-friendly size (albeit not for hand-baggage-only travel) and proven effects on the hair.

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore & Shine In-Shower Mask

RRP: £4.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Introducing new Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pore & Shine In-Shower Mask. Get a shine-free, even complexion in only 60 seconds thanks to this breakthrough mask that works with steam of your shower. Its clinically proven formula reduces shine, helping to remove any excess oil for an instant matte effect without drying skin. It also helps to refine pores, cleansing deep down to unclog pores for visibly refined looking skin. Its fresh tangerine & lime scent provides an invigorating, fresh-skin feeling."

--Packaging--
The green and white colour scheme is both vibrant and unisex, with the Neutrogena label displayed prominently, while the coloured band at the top followed by the white band at the bottom of the tube clearly marks it as part of the brand also (all Neutrogena masks, scrubs etc have this design, with just the colour changing for different needs or scents, such as pink for grapefruit). The plastic flip-top lid is light while remaining sturdy and practical.

--Application--
Rub all over your face while in the shower, leaving it to sit for a minute or two while you shave or wash your body (I'm not going to list alternative in-shower activities...you're on your own there!). Rinse off under the shower or at the sink when you emerge. Use 1-2 times a week.

--Appearance--
The product itself is white, with no visible traces left after use.

--Scent--
Lively and zesty, although I think this mostly comes from scents added later that may be artificial, as only lemon peel is explicitly listed.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy and luxurious. While slightly lumpy or grainy in appearance, it's not like an exfoliator, serving no scrubbing function, as you can't feel these lumps or grains on your skin during usage of the product.

--Effects on the skin--
The effect in just 1-2 minutes is certainly impressive - perfect for modern, busy lifestyles. Skin is indeed mattified and visibly less oily, with pore size appearing reduced and tightened temporarily. Skin also feels really refreshed thanks to the citrus element, and moisturised too, due to the mask's creamy texture.

--Value for money--
At just under £4 this definitely isn't breaking the bank and the time saved is equally valuable. If waiting 20 minutes for a mask to dry doesn't appeal, then this is definitely for you. I was sent mine for free by Neutrogena's PR (thanks guys!) but would pay up in future. I'd also be interested to try the rest of the range in future, and/or to see face wipes added to the range, as they're good value, effective products that offer a pick-me-up in the morning too.

perfect partners
Pore & Shine Daily Wash, £4.99
Pore & Shine Daily Scrub, £4.99

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleansing Wipes

RRP: £3.99

--What does the promo say?--
"Introducing NEW Neutrogena Visibly Clear® Pink Grapefruit Facial Cleansing Wipes, specially formulated to help prevent blemishes.

Each ultra-soft wipe clears dirt, excess oil and make-up to help to prevent breakouts without overdrying skin. The invigorating pink grapefruit fragrance uplifts the senses and gives skin a burst of freshness."

--Packaging--

The bright pink colour is uplifting and unusual, and the resealable flap closes securely for travel, even when the pack has been open for a while.

--Application--

Sweep over face to remove makeup, and then again to cleanse. One wipe is sufficient for both of these actions.

--Appearance--

The white wipe unfolds when you have extracted it from the packet, and is soaked in a transparent liquid solution that helps to dissolve makeup and clean off any excess dirt and oil. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--

A zesty pink grapefruit that acts as a real pick-me-up.

--Texture and consistency--

The wipes are sufficiently robust to remove both makeup and excess grime, and even when used thoroughly on both sides, they do not tear or stretch. Result.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin is not only thoroughly cleaned but looks calm and feels nicely refreshed as well as moisturised - so have no fear of these being too abrasive or stripping the skin of natural oils (which we all need to a certain degree!). Over time, an improvement in overall skin condition (i.e. reduction in spots) can also be noticed.

--Value for money--

At £3.99 these hardly break the bank, and some retailers regularly have special offers on Neutrogena too (such as buy one, get one free) to increase value further. Not only are they inexpensive, but they are also convenient, work well, and add that extra zing to your skincare routine. Brilliant.

perfect partners (click the links for reviews!)

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub, £4.69

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash, £4.69

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser, £4.99

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Cream Wash, £4.89

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Correct and Perfect Complexion Scrub

RRP: £5.99/150ml

--What does the promo say?--
"Neutrogena Visibly Clear® Correct & Perfect Complexion Scrub contains a combination of salicylic acid and gentle exfoliating microbeads to help:

 Clear skin without over-drying it.

 Remove dead skin cells and hidden impurities that can lead to new breakouts

 Even skin complexion by stimulating the skin’s natural renewal process."

--Packaging--

The bright orange and purple colour scheme is both unusual and unisex, while the robust flip-top lid is both easy to use and secure.

--Application--

Rub onto damp skin before wiping off with a face cloth.

--Appearance--

A white, grainy paste that washes off the skin easily, leaving no visible residue.

--Scent--

Nothing in particular stands out - just a clean, perhaps slightly medicinal smell.

--Texture and consistency--

Satisfyingly scrubby - you feel like the microbeads are working well to even out skin, while not feeling as though you've been attacked with sandpaper. In short, it's effective, not abrasive. 

--Effects on the skin--

Dry patches and spots are both reduced - great for those of us with combination skin.

--Value for money--

At £5.99 this will hardly break the bank, particularly if you also manage to catch the product on special offer, so you've nothing to lose by giving it a try. My only disappointment would perhaps be that given the now well-known environmental impact of microbeads, I would obviously prefer to now use products that contain natural exfoliants instead - something I should have considered more carefully when reading the press release before requesting my sample. Nonetheless, there's no denying the product's efficacy, which comes at an affordable price.

perfect partners

Spot Clearing Facial Wash, £4.99
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Lotion, £3.25
Rapid Clear Treatment, £3.69
Blackhead Eliminating SOS Cleanser, £4.89
CC Cream, £6.99
Spot Stress Control Daily Scrub, £3.69
Oil-Free Moisturiser, £4.19
Gentle Exfoliating Wash, £3.79
Blackhead Scrub, £3.69
Spot Stress Control Daily Exfoliating Wash, £4.49
2 in 1 Wash and Mask, £3.69

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Correct and Perfect CC Cream

RRP: £6.99
# of shades available: 2

--What does the promo say?--
"Neutrogena Visibly Clear® has developed a CC Cream that instantly covers spots and other imperfections, while helping to correct them – in one easy step. Immediately, your complexion looks more even. Day after day, your skin is clinically proven to become clearer and healthier-looking, even without make-up!"

--Packaging--
The orange and purple banding is distinctive, cheerful and unisex, meaning that it not only stands out on the shelf but also clearly marks this product out as part of Neutrogena's Correct and Perfect range (which also includes a scrub). The flip-top lid is hardy and practical, while the image on the front of the tube, showing a swipe of cream, clearly shows both what the product is and the type of shade you can expect. Equally, the brand logo is clearly visible while being discreet.

--Application--
Apply a thin layer to the skin first, and then wait for this to dry before building up coverage. Adding too thick a layer at the start will cause the product to cake unevenly.

--Appearance--
The 'light' shade of the cream, kindly sent to me by Neutrogena's PR, blends in perfectly with my skin tone, which is always a relief given the fact that there are only two shades available of this product. However, the coverage afforded by the product is rather light, too, and thus not what I would wish.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible.

--Texture and consistency--
While initially smooth, creamy and luxurious without clogging, and blends well, over time this dries in uneven patches, meaning that you need to keep an eye on it.

--Longevity--
Unfortunately again in this respect the product tends to cake and show up the driest areas of your skin (for those of us with combination skin), meaning that reapplications are necessary.

--Effects on the skin--
A small improvement in blemish quantity is definitely notable, which is a positive point for this product and fulfils what they promise.

--Value for money--
At £6.99 this is hardly going to break the bank, and it has moisturising as well as blemish-busting qualities. However, I'm not liking the caking effect much, which suggests that going back to the drawing board in terms of texture would be advisable in the longer term.

perfect partners
Spot Clearing Facial Wash, £4.99
Blackhead Eliminating Cleansing Lotion, £3.25
Rapid Clear Treatment, £3.69
Blackhead Eliminating SOS Cleanser, £4.89
Complexion Scrub, £5.99
Spot Stress Control Daily Scrub, £3.69
Oil-Free Moisturiser, £4.19
Gentle Exfoliating Wash, £3.79
Blackhead Scrub, £3.69
Spot Stress Control Daily Exfoliating Wash, £4.49
2 in 1 Wash and Mask, £3.69

GIVEAWAY: Neutrogena CC Cream

Neutrogena have very kindly sent me one of their brand new Visibly Clear Correct and Perfect CC Creams (in Medium) to give away to one of you lovely people. Yes, you!

I also have one to test for myself, which I'm looking forward to doing, as it promises to cover spots and breakout marks while helping to correct them too. It contains salicylic acid, so it's bound to do something to help.

To enter, email bianca[DOT]dee[AT]gmail[DOT]com with your name and address. And that's all! The competition will close one week from today, on March 30th, 2016, at 18.30 UK time. So get emailing and good luck :)

Neutrogena Visibly Clear meets Danielle Romeril meets visibly clearer skin

I've got to be honest: I've had mixed experiences with Neutrogena, and as a person who's suffered from acne for nearly 20 years now (err...woo?), it's difficult to find products that can genuinely boost radiance and improve skin condition. However, from 2010 I've had the chance to test several products from Neutrogena's Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit range, whose zesty zing not only helps to wake you up in the mornings, but also kickstarts skin into clearing up. The original face wash has now been given a design-based pick-me-up by up-and-coming Irish designer Danielle Romeril, who coincidentally also in 2010 graduated from the MA Womenswear course at the Royal College of Art. In 2012 she set up her own label and this year, as well as presenting new designs at London Fashion Week and winning the NEWGEN award, has revamped one of Neutrogena's most successful face washes with a retro 80s design that's perfectly in keeping with catwalk trends. Specifically, it's designed by Memphis, an Italian architectural movement known for its avant-garde style and in-your-face colours.

Luckily for all fans of this product, it remains exactly the same on the inside - just in a jazzy collectible bottle - so for all those needing a top-up, now's a pretty good time to splash the cash (yep, all £4.94 of it). Happily, I'm just as pleased with the results as when I initially tested it in 2010 - and maybe even more so (and not just because of our Dani's pretty bottle).

perfect partners
Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser (50ml) – RRP: £4.99 
Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub (150ml) – RRP: £4.95
Pink Grapefruit Cream Wash (150ml) – RRP: £4.99

Neutrogena Nordic Berry Hand Cream

RRP: £3.30

--What does the promo say?--

	"NEUTROGENA Nordic Berry hand-cream 75ml - the Norwegian recipe - provides immediate relief and protection even for very dry and fissured hands. The cream is concentrated, with a high content of glycerin, and therefore it is sufficient to apply a very small amount. Even in considerably unfavourable conditions, it leaves hands markedly softer and smoother.
	Suitable for sensitive skin."

--Packaging--

The white background, contrasted by the bright berries in the bottom corner, provides a feeling of brightness in conjunction with peace, and does a lot to evoke a wintry atmosphere. The squeezy tube is easy to use, posing no problems of wastage or leakage.

--Application--

Massage into clean dry hands as needed.

--Appearance--

A white cream that leaves no visible residue on the hands after use.

--Scent--

 Smells sweet, but not ostensibly of berry to most people, I would imagine. This is probably because the berry in question is the rather obscure cloudberry, rather than being a more obviously identifiable berry scent like strawberry or blueberry. Not unpleasant, however. Does not smell at all of the shea butter that the cream also contains.

--Texture and consistency--

I have read some reviews online which describe this cream as fast-absorbing, but I cannot agree - I find that it sits on the skin for quite a long time before finally sinking in, meaning that this is probably one best reserved for night-time use. While the cream is lots of things - luxurious, silky - fast-absorbing it ain't.

--Effects on the skin--

Does leave skin feeling softer than before, although you need to make sure you get it properly between your fingers to combat the full effects of winter.

--Value for money--

Curiously, this doesn't seem to be widely available at the moment, even though it's been released by Neutrogena very recently and to great fanfare (mine arrived in a beautiful winter-themed box from their PR folks with another Neutrogena hand cream). However, if its RRP is really £3.30, this seems about right to me for this quality of cream. They would need to make it absorb faster (somehow) for me to consider paying much more, making the sub-£5 mark perfectly acceptable. Its dinky size also makes it an excellent stocking filler, ensuring that your hands will survive the winter.

perfect partner

Nordic Berry Cream for feet, £5.80

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Moisturiser

RRP:  £4.99/50ml 

--What does the promo say?--

"NEUTROGENA VISIBLY CLEAR^® Pink Grapefruit Oil-Free Moisturiser is a daily facial moisturiser with a fresh fragrance that leaves skin looking beautifully clear and healthy.
1. Hydrates: the light oil-free formula provides 24hr hydration without clogging the pores. It absorbs quickly and leaves your skin feeling smooth and soft.
2. Clears: enriched with MicroClear^® technology, used daily, it helps to reduce and prevent spots and blemishes. Skin looks more smooth and even, the complexion is visibly improved.
3. Refreshes: the lightweight formula with its delicate hint of pink grapefruit quenches your skin with hydration and uplifts your senses so you look and feel fresh."

--Packaging--

Sticks with the pink-and-white theme on the tube as with the rest of the range, giving it a clear sense of calmness, grapefruit, and of belonging to a product family. Information on the tube is brief, concise and clear, and the screw-top lid is secure and easy to use.

--Application--

After using the pink grapefruit scrub and/or cleanser, rub the moisturiser over your face and neck. No need to rinse off - just let it sink in.

--Appearance--

A pale pink cream which leaves no visible traces on the skin after application.

--Scent--

Very obviously of pink grapefruit without being overbearing (although it is a synthetic fragrance according to the ingredients rather than being a natural extract). A very pleasant and awakening smell.

--Texture and consistency--

Creamy without being heavy, although it stops just short of luxurious. Sinks into skin easily; is not at all greasy.

--Effects on the skin--

Skin is visibly smoothened, brighter and clearer than before. Funnily enough I found I saw a greater improvement with this product than with the cleanser or the scrub; will need to ask the experts why...!

--Value for money--

Probably one of the most effective high street moisturisers on the market for this money for those suffering with acneic skin. While my skin has already been improving for some time, I think this product has definitely helped. Would purchase again.

perfect partners

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash, £4.94/200ml

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub,£4.95/150ml

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Cream Wash, £4.49/150ml

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Cream Wash

--What does the promo say?--
"Enriched with powerful MicroClear® technology, the gentle cream wash cleanses deeply, removing dirt, oil and impurities to help prevent spots and blackheads. With its creamy texture it purifies the skin without overdrying, while a wave of pink grapefruit uplifts the senses with a burst of invigorating freshness. Dermatologically tested and suitable for even sensitive skin."

--Packaging--

The classic stand-alone flip-top lid is a good one for travel - this one went on a nine-hour drive and back, with the holiday involving two different overnight stay destinations, and not a leak in sight. The pink and white combination is nice, too, and slightly unusual in a market where greens and blues tend to proliferate.

--Application--

Rub a blob of the cream between your hands and then smooth all over the face, avoiding the eye area. You don't even need to wet your hands first :)  Then rinse off using a flannel before proceeding with the rest of your routine.

--Appearance--

A pale pink cream that gives a hint of everyday luxury - lovely. No visible residue is left on the skin.

--Scent--

Bang on the money for the pink grapefruit there - you can smell it straight away and it doesn't smell at all overpowering or artificial - job well done.

--Texture, consistency and sensation--

As mentioned, the creaminess adds a great bit of luxury into your daily routine. Strangely, it is not difficult at all to wash off the face, but if there is any excess left on your hands you will need to use soap to get off any residue. The sensation during use is amazing - cooling and refreshing - and you really feel while using it as if it is doing something good.

--Effects on the skin--

I had already tested the original facial wash last summer courtesy of Neutrogena, so was really interested to see how this would compare. I had experienced more oily skin than I would have liked last time, which wasn't something I noticed this time around. Like last time, too, I did see a marginal improvement during this trial. Sadly, there was not quite *enough* improvement for me to consider buying this product again - although as I have said before in my reviews of other products (by Neutrogena and otherwise), as a long-term acne sufferer I appreciate I am a special case, so if you just get a few spots from time to time, this may well work for you. As claimed in the promotional material, it does not dry out the skin, so you need have no fears on this score. As I mentioned last time, too, if Neutrogena expanded the range further with masks, toners, moisturisers and wipes, the effects of the product may be maximised, as opposed to mixing the use of this product with stuff from another brand (Salcura for me at the moment).

--Value for money--

If you have more severe skin conditions, as I do, then something a little bit stronger in the same price bracket, such as Ten O Six's Pore Cream Facial Wash may prove a little more effective. At £4.49, though, Neutrogena's cream wash is not a bad deal at all, so even if you do try it and find it doesn't work for you, at least you won't feel too much out of pocket.

perfect partners

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash, £4.99

Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Daily Scrub, £4.99

Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash

RRP: £4.99

--What does the promo say?--
"The unique formula in the Visibly Clear® Pink Grapefruit Facial Wash helps to effectively reduce blackheads and spots whilst the pleasant burst of grapefruit scent gives a much needed pick-me-up, leaving skin clearer and fresh. It also contains patented MicroClear® Technology, which offers a fast and effective solution for clearer and healthier looking skin. As you may know spot-causing bacteria can lie deep in the pores, but oil on the surface can make it difficult for spot-fighting ingredients to penetrate. MicroClear® Technology uses powerful sebum-dissolving agents to break through the oil, so that the spot fighting ingredient salicylic acid can penetrate further to help clear spots and prevent future breakouts."

--Packaging--
A simple, clear, pump-action plastic bottle that speaks for itself by showing the natural pink of the gel glowing from within.

--Application--
One pump of the gel into wet hands is enough to work up a good lather. Rub over your face and then rinse off with warm water.

--Appearance--
A translucent pink gel that (perhaps sadly) lathers white. No visible residue is left on the face after rinsing.

--Scent--
Definitely very grapefruity :) Very refreshing and stimulating.

--Texture and consistency--
Very smooth and lathers quite well into a fine foam; not at all lumpy or irritating.

--Effects on the skin--
Skin outwardly appears calmer with less redness. In terms of reducing spots, it does do this to an extent, with some improvement being obvious, but I still found my skin to be a little oilier than I would like it to be. However, I'm aware that I'm a fairly 'extreme' case (having suffered with acne for the past 14 years) and that others may therefore see more dramatic results. It is also worth noting, though, that I have been using this product in conjunction with Lush's Tea Tree Toner and Paradise Regained Moisturiser, neither of which I have ever found to be very effective but am just trying to use up - meaning that perhaps if this cleanser was used in tandem with more effective products (such as Neutrogena's Pink Grapefruit Scrub, which is also coming out in July), the cleanser's full healing potential could be realised.

--Value for money--
I'll be honest - I had never really had a good impression of Neutrogena in the past, lumping it in my mind with other products of its price bracket that I have previously found to be ineffective, such as Oxy and Clearasil, but feel after using this product that I have been proved wrong, having seen some improvement during this trial. Most people (i.e. those with less severe and persistent acne than my own) should see impressive results with this product, so at £4.99, I'd say it's definitely worth a try. With a bit of luck, Neutrogena will also expand the range with toners, creams and masks to provide a fully comprehensive routine.

perfect partners
Neutrogena Visibly Clear Pink Grapefruit Scrub, £4.99 (out in July)