Neutrogena Wave Power-Cleanser & Deep Clean Foaming Pads

I've resisted buying one of these for a while, just because there have been lots of products like this that have disappointed me. But I was having one of those BLEH days, and just wanted something, anything to put in my cart that was "for me." So I went ahead and grabbed this Neutrogena Wave and an extra package of the exfoliating pads. It comes with a battery and it has two speeds of vibration. To be honest, I'm very skeptical about the whole claim that the vibration enables it to clean more deeply or thoroughly. But even without that, this is a really good product. I like the foam, it smells great, and exfoliates really well. My skin feels quite smooth once I'm done. And I still turn on the vibration, it just feels nice.

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L'oreal Eye Makeup Remover

I don't really have much to say about this product. It does work, but I really prefer Neutrogena's Oil-Free Eye Makeup Remover. That was the only one I had used prior to purchasing this one, and I guess I was expecting the same results. Where the Neutrogena remover is very gentle, this one is a bit more harsh. And I felt that the Neutrogena removed more makeup more easily with each swipe. With this L'oreal, it took longer and I felt I had to work a little harder to get it all off. I recommend the Neutrogena Eye-Makeup Remover over this product, by far.

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Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Body Mist Sunblock and Eucerin Everyday Protection Face Lotion

My five-year-old son and I had a rare, amazing opportunity this weekend to go to a dinosaur dig. Because he is just a little boy, for safety's sake we were put on a little hill looking for ancient crocodile poop with the possibility of finding some bones. It was a scorching day, the sun blazing like fire, and I was quite worried about protecting both of us from the sun. Three of my five brothers have been treated for skin cancer, so it's something I try to be vigilant about. I used a child's cream on my son which protected him beautifully, but on myself, I used this Neutrogena Body Mist, SPF 70, and this sample of Eucerin Face Lotion, SPF 30. The Neutrogena Mist was very easy to apply, and it dried very quickly. I didn't feel like I was wearing a layer of grease after it dried, which is nice when it's hot outside. I can't stand too-thick creams. I had this sample of Eucerin from when I went to the dermatologist on my birthday this year, and as a "present" she gave me a huge bag FULL of all kinds of fun samples. I used this that morning in place of my normal facial moisturizer, which does contain SPF 15. It also soaked in nicely and didn't leave a layer of gooey muck all over my face. That day at the dig, it was SCORCHING hot, seriously. I could feel the sun practically melting my arm hairs and sweat poured into my eyes and down my neck. I was miserable, and worried that whatever I had applied had just sweated right off. But I had not even an inkling of a sunburn. Not anything at all. It was amazing. I'm one of those people that's kind of skeptical about something unless I have concrete evidence, and this was enough to make me have faith in any sun protection. I had to see what it could do to believe it, and both of these proved their worth to me.

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Neutrogena Energizing Citrus Sugar Scrub Body Exfoliator

I'm a sucker for a great body scrub, especially sugar scrubs. This one is fabulous, one of my favorites, and I have tried MANY. It smells nice and fresh and really gets that yucky, dead skin off of your body and leaves behind nothing but softness. I especially love to use this on my hands, and follow it up with Neutrogena's Deep Moisture Butter Cream Body Cream. My hands afterward feel... just... trying to think of good metaphor... really soft. That's the best I can do. But really - SOFT. After I use it I just rub my hands together over and over because they feel so fantastic.

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Neutrogena 3-in-1 Concealer for Eyes

In theory, if we're supposed to fight wrinkles, protect ourselves from the sun, even out our skin tone and prevent pimples (just to name a few needs) we must have the following: anti-aging serum, anti-wrinkle moisturizer which may or may not contain SPF (if not, we'll also need SPF lotion), and some sort of salicylic acid treatment. On top of all of that, we might need, say, foundation, concealer, etc. Of course, many of these products may be combined into one genius product, as is the case with this concealer, Neutrogena 3-in-1. Our eyes are the most sensitive part of our face, and they are very susceptible to the sun, plus any tugging we may do while applying makeup or checking for wrinkles. I had been using another eye cream for a while when I realized it didn't contain any SPF. Well, okay, so I decided to look for another eye cream that did contain it. To my surprise, I couldn't find one. At least not one I could reasonably afford. And then I found this. I think it's perfect. It's all of the things our eyes need and more, because the concealer isn't just average - it's greatness. It covers my very prominent dark circles with ease, and it stays put all day. (You technically don't need an additional eye cream, although I do use one because my eyes tend to get very dry and peel underneath, so I need extra moisture.) It's a fabulous price considering it is essentially an eye cream as well, averaging around $10 depending on where you buy.

On a little side note: My Mother's Day gift from my husband was to let me have a little spree at Ulta. So I have this lovely box full of some fun stuff which I am very excited to review for all of you. Stay tuned...

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Neutrogena Healthy Skin Enhancer

I bought this tinted moisturizer about a year ago, thinking I was buying a full-fledged foundation. It really appealed to me because it is oil-free, and includes retinol and SPF 20 moisturizer. It wasn't until I got home and used it that I realized it is quite sheer. (Perhaps if I'd read more of the label, I would have realized this - as it clearly says "Sheer tint.") The only reason I haven't used it all up is because I have frequent, UGLY breakouts on my chin (I may have disclosed this before, but just in case - and in the interest of pure honesty - I have a hell of a problem with ingrown hairs on my chin), and when that is happening, this just doesn't do the job, even with a concealer. However, it is very light, and very pretty on your skin. I use it during those times my skin is very clear and blemish-free. It is a great product, and I recommend it highly, especially to those of you who don't like to put a bunch of gunk on their face - this is a moisturizer and a tint all in one. Neutrogena puts out a very good product, and this is no exception.

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Neutrogena Radiance Boost Eye Cream

I am currently unhappy with the concealer I use (a cheap one from Cover Girl) so when I was out shopping one day I decided to get a new one. Well, I couldn't find one to settle on, and the one I really wanted was $12. I didn't have that to spend, but since I needed a new under eye cream anyway I grabbed this Neutrogena Radiance Boost Eye Cream on clearance for $6 at Target (oh how I love Target).

I use this in combination with the cheap concealer and it works really well! This under eye cream works perfect on its own, but I have to conceal my under eye circles with a little color because they have a bluish tint. A tiny little dab goes a really long way and it smooths on and dries really quick. You'll feel a slight tingle and it instantly brightens and smooths out underneath my eyes. I'm not sure if I love this so much because I WANTED to love it or because it really works well, or both? Either way I use this every single morning and often reapply it later in the day when I'm feeling a little fatigued.

Normally this runs about $10 but I still think it's worth it. A super small tube that fits in your makeup bag, perfect for a quick pick-me-up for your face during those long hours of the day!

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Neutrogena 14-Day Skin Rescue

When I wrote this little article a couple of weeks ago, I said I had bought this product and would begin using it that very day so I could let you know whether or not the $23.99 was worth it.

*Sigh* The truth is - I just don't know.

I decided to keep a little "diary" of my daily use, documenting immediate reactions, eventual changes, etc. Here's what I got:

Night 1 – I actually really like the feel of the cleanser. Just the tiniest bit grainy, but otherwise soft and smooth. Also smells quite nice. The night cream was just that, a cream. No real thoughts about it, yet. It’s probably my imagination because I’m having a good skin day, but I swear my face seems a little glowier.

Morning 2 – Again, my skin seems extra radiant and fresh. I think it’s the cleanser.

Night 3 – The packaging promises day 1-3 you will enjoy a “revived, healthy glow.” And it’s true. Today I’ve had one of the best skin days I’ve had in a very long time. I mean, since this is an honest website telling the truth – here goes. My chin breaks out BAD from ingrown hairs. And I hate it because I feel like I look dirty and unkempt. But, no blemishes on my chin today. Coincidence? I’m thinking not, but let’s see.

And that's where I stopped. Laziness? No - just nothing else happened, at least nothing that "inspired" me to sit and write about it. I still had some breakouts. My skin might have been slightly more smooth than normal - but I have good weeks like that at times anyway. So I can't say for certain it was the Rescue kit. And it really is for only 14 days, the containers of product are small and won't much beyond that, if at all.

I guess after all is said and done - I'd have to say $23.99 is A LOT OF MONEY to not be totally WOWED by the results. (Especially now.) And maybe it's just my skin; I wouldn't say it's the best, but it's not horrible either. Perhaps someone with slightly more severe skin problems than I have would see more results. But maybe just exfoliating correctly and finding the right day and night moisturizers for your skin will do the trick. I wish I could tell you 100% one way or the other, or even 75%, but I can't. Decide for yourself. Or better yet, let your budget decide if it's worth trying.

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