The current state of Nivea ...

[DonLafontaine]

I spent some time in Spain from the latter part of the 1980s to the earlier part of the 2000s. Rightly or wrongly, I always associated Nivea products with reasonably priced, but yet high quality, personal care products that did not disappoint.

Recently, after having wet shaved for about 3 years and having tried the vast majority of the well regarded creams and soaps, I purchased the standard classic Nivea shaving cream from Germany from Smallflower on the web. It brought me straight back to the 1980s, living in Madrid, trying a new shaving cream in Spain as a teenager ... the smell, the feel, it was all there and I fell in love all over again.

I started looking around for additional Nivea products that I might incorporate into my routine (I already use the Nivea body lotion). I was kind of disappointed that Nivea seems to be heading in the same direction as Gillette: lower quality products (the 3-in-one shampoo, body soap and shaving gel is a prime example) and loud marketing campaigns.

Does anyone have an opinion about the current quality of the Nivea line of products and whether the current line disappoints in light of its traditional reputation?

 

[Myosin]

Nivea have always been a budget product.

The Active3 commercial was pretty bad. I plunged my face into my hand when I saw the commercial for it. The reviews for it state it to be a mediocre across the board as a shampoo and shower gel, and a poor shaving cream.

Their face scrubs and acne products are mediocre at best. For the same price there are superior products such as oxy.

For the price, the sensitive skin aftershave balm is really good and I have been using it for awhile now.

 

[Cliff Porter]

Their body milk is loaded with Aluminum. Some of their products are note, but always good to read the label.

 

[kg4ghn]

I use their aftershave balm and like it. Just a little bit goes a long way, and it actually comes in a glass bottle!

I also use the 2in1 mens shampoo/conditioner(not the new 3in1 stuff) and it works fine for me, although I am not picky when it comes to shampoo.

 

[DonLafontaine]

I think the sensitive skin aftershave balm is in the same line as the shaving cream that I'm using. The shaving cream has been fantastic and right up in the same neighborhood as Proraso or Musgo Real.

 

[TEAK]

I use their aftershave, that comes in a glass bottle, and am rather pleased with it. One bottle usually last me six months or better, but its readily available and not too expensive which I really like.

 

[xjrob85]

I have always used, and loved, the sensitive aftershave balm. It is really a great product. I like their face cleanser and scrub, but I'm sure there are better products out there. Before I got into wetshaving their canned shaving gels were some of the best I had ever used. I loved the sensitive and the cooling gels. I really wish we could get the tubes of their shaving cream here in the states. I would buy it in a heartbeat.

 

[djh]

As you say, Nivea is a European staple and have traditionally provided quality products at a reasonable price point. I recently PIFd my last tube of Nivea Shave Cream (note to self.......) and have until recently always had a bottle of ASB in the cabinet.

 

[Hank21]

The body lotion is ok.

I didn't care for the sensitive shave gel, balm, q10 stuff.

 

[noahpictures]

I like most Nivea products. Currently I use their cooling (menthol) body wash, aftershave balms and I've been using the creme since I was a kid. I have never tried their shaving creams.

 

[bladebuff]

Despite it's mass market appeal and world wide distribution and recognition there are a number of products in the line that offer a very good value. The shaving cream (in the tube) and the after shave balms are all quite good and worthwhile for anyone to try.

 

[DE Shaver]

I'm still of the persuasion their products geared for men is somewhat of an afterthought. A bit dated perhaps, but it's how I feel and thus I avoid them.

 

[DeusVult]

I really like their sensitive aftershave balm. SWMBO bought me some of the face scrub a couple Christmases ago. It had the little beads in it. It was ok, but my face doesn't need that sort of thing, so when it was gone, I didn't buy anymore. Like DE Shaver said, I always associate Nivea more with women's products.

 

[Omaha-BeenGlockin]

Yup---that's girly stuff---eeeeewwww

 

[DonLafontaine]

This is the shaving cream that prompted this thread. (http://www.amazon.com/Nivea-Razor-C...ef=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&s=hpc&qid=1288105168&sr=1-4) It performs just as well, in my opinion, as any of the untouchables like Proraso or Musgo Real. This is no knock on either Proraso or Musgo Real as they are two of my absolute favorites. I believe that the scent of this cream is the same as that found in the after shave that some have liked in this thread.

 

[Bullwinkle]

I like their ASB.. I can shave with MWF then go with their ASB and then the cologne of the day and not smell like the 'tester' counter at Wally's.