What They Say: The Nivea Visage Q10 Gentle Spa™ Micro-Dermabrasion Kit includes:

• Step 1
  Delicately Purifies & Prepares Skin for Micro-Dermabrasion
  Pre-Treatment Cleanser (2.5 fl oz / 75 ml)


• Step 2
  Gently Refines Skin's Texture
  Micro-Dermabrasion Gel (2.5 fl oz / 75 ml)


• Step 3
  Soothes and Revitalizes Skin's Youthful Appearance
  Post Treatment Balm SPF 15 (1.7 fl oz / 50 ml)

Toya’s Take: I’ve heard a bit about microdermabrasion, but, frankly, was kind of afraid to try this out at home. My skin tends to be quite sensitive and I figured this would cause me some problems. The cleanser felt pretty good – nothing special, but it didn’t seem to my skin feel funny at all. So far, so good. However, things changed when I used microdermabrasion gel. Instantly, my skin started stinging. After I rinsed it off, I noticed some redness and it continued to sting. I hoped that the post treatment balm would soothe the sting and it did, somewhat, but it didn’t go away entirely. According to the package, as an oily-skinned woman, I should use this product three or so times a week. On the positive side, I felt the difference in my skin right away – it felt softer immediately after using the products. On the other hand, though, I would never use this as often as recommended, for fear that I’d wind up with some serious damage to my skin. People with less sensitive skin may be more pleased with this than I was.

Retail Price: $16.99 (Drugstore.com)

Rating: - It did make my skin feel softer and smoother, but it caused quite a sting.

What They Say:

• Uses Pro-Vitamin B5 to care for the delicate eye area.
• Specially formulated gel-cream removes the most stubborn long-lasting eye make-up instantly.
• Non-oily formula leaves no residue - new eye make-up can be applied immediately.
• Also removes long wearing face make-up and lipstick.
• Hypoallergenic, opthalmologist tested and fragrance free, safe for sensitive skin and contact wearers.

Jen's Experience:  Before I started reviewing products for this site, I very rarely even needed an eye makeup remover, but now that I've branched out and started wearing mascara and eyeshadow more regularly, I really needed a product to take it all off at the end of the day.   I wanted something that wouldn't irritate the skin around my eyes and wouldn't cause any problems with my contacts if I got some in my eye.  I've found this product to be extremely soothing to my skin.  I've never had any problems with irritation and if I get it too close to my eye, I don't worry about it hurting my contacts.  As for effectiveness as an eye make-up remover, I find that you have to use quite a bit to remove a days worth of eye make-up, but it has always been successful in removing everything.  They mention that you can use this product to remove long-lasting makeup.  I have tried that once or twice on an all-day lipcolor and it didn't work all that well (although I haven't really found anything better) .  But if you're in the market for a gentle eye makeup remover, I would highly recommend this product.

Retail Price: $5.69 (drugstore.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "-Biotin, another Coenzyme found in the skin, helps restructure and strengthen your skin's surface for improved texture and softer, smoother skin.
-A unique combination of Coenzyme Q10 and natural Safflower oil visibly boosts skin's firmness, tone and elasticity.
-Clinically proven, within two weeks, to provide; visibly firmer, more toned skin; improced skin elasticity; healthier, younger looking skin.
-Leaves skin velvety and smooth."

Jen's Experience:  Not to make excuses, but I have been really busy lately and haven't exactly been going to the gym all that much.  And I was kind of hoping that this stuff would firm up my legs a little so that I could continue to forego the gym.  But alas, it doesn't do much in the way of firming up anything.  As a moisturizer, it is generally pretty average.   My legs seem less dry after a month of using it daily, and it didn't cause any breakouts on my generally very picky sensitive skin.  It isn't particularly long lasting, though, so you'll want to apply it at least twice a day.

Retail Price: $8.99 (drugstore.com)

Rating:

What They Say: "NIVEA Soft is specially formulated with:

- Jojoba Oil that nourishes the skin.
- Vitamin E that protects the skin's natural structure

This unique formulation is quickly absorbed to leave your skin feeling soft and supple. NIVEA Soft Intensive Moisturizing Creme is pH neutral and dermatologically approved."

Melissa's DeLush Downlow: I'm a fanatic about body lotions and moisturizers. This one is very fluffy and soft upon applying, though I typically opt for those that feel a bit more substantial on. However, this was a refreshingly nice option for when I am looking for a lotion that is more undetectable, yet does leave skin nicely soft. The scent was pleasant but in my opinion could be better.

Retail Price: $6.34 (drugstore.com or drugstores everywhere)

DeLush Rating: