Review, Swatches, Ingredients: Neutrogena Daily Scrub, Cool Dry Sport Sunscreen SPF 30, Purifying Makeup Remover Cleansing Towelettes, Long Wear Eye Shadow + Built in Primer

A bunch of new Neutrogena products showed up at my door and as a long time fan of the no-nonsense, high performing but budget friendly line, I was eager to give them a whirl.

I first tried the Healthy Skin Boosters Daily Scrub, ($7.99), which is said to boost skin’s “softness, evenness and radiance.”

Formulated with antioxidants, Vitamin E and white tea, this skin-polishing product (it has a slightly grainy feel on the face) exfoliated without drying my skin, a big plus, especially in winter. Often, it seems that in order to get that freshly scrubbed feel, you have to endure a little tightness or dryness afterward, but not with this product. I also liked the fresh scent; it was a nice little pick-me-up in the shower. Excellent results, and excellent value. A real keeper.

2013 Review: Top Best SPF Sunscreens For Face, Body, Lips, Hands – Neutrogena, Rodan + Fields, Aveeno, Bull Frog, Ocean Potion

Next was the Cool Dry Sport Sunscreen with SPF 30, ($8.99). With its new MICROMESH™ technology, this sunscreen “allows sweat to pass through and evaporate away while clinically proven, durable protection stays right where it should. So your skin stays naturally cool, comfortable and protected.” Lightweight and fast absorbing, it offers Helioplex, which is broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection, and is oil and PABA free.

Neutrogena claims that it is sweat and water-resistant (up to 80 minutes). Since it’s so brutally cold out, I used this on my face and arms before I went to the gym; I thought that an hour in spin class would be a good test. The product stayed put on my arms, shoulders, neck and face but I did not feel sticky or greasy. And unlike some SPF formulas, it did not irritate my eyes. A true gem; I’ll be using this all summer long.

Purifying Make Up Remover Cleansing Towelettes

These ultra-soft wipes, ($6.99/25) are said to “completely remove dirt, oil and makeup, targeting even the most stubborn long-wearing and waterproof makeup. Skin is left purified, fresh and healthy-looking with no greasy residue, so there’s no need to rinse.”

This dermatologist-tested, 97% naturally derived formula is free from harsh chemical sulfates, parabens, petrolatum, dyes and phthalates and the wipes themselves are made from 100% renewable fibers.

Review, Ingredients: Neutrogena Pore Refining Daily Exfoliating Cleanser, Toner – Replacement

I confess that I tried these expecting to be disappointed. Every other wipe I have used has been woefully lacking, and has not done a good job of cleansing. But these wipes were far superior to any I ever tried and I was pleasantly surprised. They did an excellent job of removing make up and my face felt fresh and clean afterwards. But I still maintain a little water is necessary to fully get the job done. I used the wipes pre-shower; when I got out, I did find some residual eye pencil that the wipe had not been completely cleaned off. But it was loosened by the wipe and came off easily with a cotton puff. These would be great post gym if you can’t shower right away, and they are excellent for travel, eliminating the need for bottles of remover and cotton balls or pads. But even though I would give them a 9 out of 10 rating, I still feel they need water to fully accomplish their task.

Finally, I tried New Neutrogena Nourishing Long Wear Eye Shadow + Built-In Primer, ($9.99) that “combines a built-in primer to help prevent creasing and smudging with long-lasting beautiful color to enhance the eyes.” The four-color palettes are available in six shades 6 shades (I used Classic Nude), ophthalmologist-tested and deemed safe for sensitive eyes.

I applied the shadow in the morning, following the diagram on the back to achieve a natural, polished look that featured the paler shades on the lids and brow bone, and the dark colors to highlight crease and lid. I also used the brush to apply the darkest color to my lower lid, in lieu of a pencil or gel liner.

I loved this formula, which I can describe as a creamy powder—this must be the result of the primer it contains. It went on well and gave nice, even color. And it did live up to its promise of being long wearing: I put it on at around 9:00 a.m. and at 9:00 p.m. it was still going strong. Also love the convenient, pocket size packaging, which makes it a good choice for your daily make up bag or for travel.

For more info, go to www.neutrogena.com