Get clean and fresh (Nivea Visage Refreshing Facial Wash Gel)

Member Name: steedandpeel

Product:	Nivea Visage Refreshing Facial Wash Gel
Date:	08/08/09 (78 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Inexpensive, lasts ages, good cleansing action

Disadvantages: They've changed the formula to make it less mild

I've been using this product for a number of years now, since I first 'borrowed' it from my friend whilst staying at her house. I can't be bothered to cleanse and tone and begrudge buying expensive, fancily packaged cotton wool pads to do so. So a wash-off cleanser was perfect.

I tend to wet my face first with a flannel, then squeeze out the cleanser, mix with a bit of water, rub on my face, then rinse off with the flannel.

The cleanser comes in the form of a blue gel that easily squeezes out of the tube onto your hands. The gel has a mild, but fresh smell. It foams up nicely when you mix it with water and then easily is worked into your face. I find that it cleans deeply and is able to cope with removing make up, even heavy eye make up. The foam then rinses off easily without leaving a residue, to leave a clean and fresh face. I would advise using a flannel to remove the foam, as just splashing your face with water does really clean properly, especially when removing make up.

What I particularly like about this product is that it lasts for ages, a little goes a long way. Despite washing my face at least twice a day it usually lasts about 4-5 months, which I find is great value.

In terms of price, it's around £3-£4 and widely available in the supermarkets and Boots, Superdrug etc. As ever with this type of product, you can often find offers on, for instance, 3 for 2s, so it's worth stocking up when you see a good deal.

The product is clearly marketed for a uni-sex market; the blue colour makes it acceptable to sit on the bathroom shelf of the most masculine man, whereas the smell is neither masculine or feminine.

However, having used this product happily for years, I'm going to knock a star off my review. The reason for this is that it has recently changed packaging, and in my opinion the formula has slightly altered too. The old packaging (shown on the picture) was great - the flip top lid was very secure, and I've slung it in my suitcase loads of times without leaking. However, the first time I went away with the new look packaging it leaked! So not a resounding recommendation.

Secondly, I believe Nivea have altered the formula of the product. I have very sensitive skin which often reacts badly to harsh skincare products. I have never had a problem with this gel until the first time I used the new-style product. My skin stung a bit and started to tingle. I still find that it tingles, although it no longer stings. Although, admittedly this is still a mild product and it hasn't caused any major flare ups, it is definitely not the same as before.

So all in all, it's a very good product, although one I am slightly less satisfied since the new brand design and formula change. However, in my opinion it's still the best on the market that I have found, so I will continue to use it.

Summary: A great face wash for those who want to wash and go