Review: Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser

About a week ago a new product by Neutrogena caught my eye on the tube. Hayden Panettiere was endorsing the new Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser. In the commercial she waved this itty pink hand held device across her cheeks and face. As she rubbed, foam or soap began to develop.

According to Miss Hayden, the new Neutrogena Wave vibrates on your face which will allow the soap to clean deeper, and remove surface residue and makeup better then other facial cleansing soaps. The Waves vibrating action supposedly will stimulate the skins surface, and open up pores, to allow this deeper cleansing action.

I wanted it.
 
Although the commercial didn't quite convince me that this mini vibrator would do much, I still wanted to try it. It was new, it looked cool, and even though Hayden (who we all already know has flawless skin) was endorsing The Wave... I still wanted to use it.

I found the sucker this past Saturday at my local Walmart. I truly didn't think Walmart would carry the Wave, seeing how it was so new...but low and behold, there is was, in all it's princess pink glory.
When I first noticed that the last one was sitting there waiting for me to grab it, I assumed it would be anywhere from $20.00 to $30.00. The cool part was, it only came to $11.96.

Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser comes with the Wave hand held power cleanser, 14 cleansing pads, and an AA battery.

After ripping the box open I immediately had it figured out, without having to use directions. From the looks of the Power Cleanser, it appeared that the place that you would rub on your face had little grooves on it which would allow the pads to be placed on. Sort of like velcro, only plastic.

The 14 pads came in 2 separate white plastic bags. I was surprised at just how small the pads were, and even more surprised at how asinine the packaging was. The moment I opened the bag, I immediately noticed that each pad was wet, and stacked one on top of the other. What annoyed me was the fact that once the package was open, I could not re-seal it. Without being able to re-seal the package, I knew that the other pads would dry out if I didn't place them in a ziploc.

Although this was not a huge issue...it is still an issue that needs to be addressed. A mini container would of been cool. I could of saved it and refilled it when needed. I hope the Wave pad refills come in some sort of refillable container!

Anyhow, I took one small pad out and stuck it onto the Power Cleanser head. It stuck with no issues, which was surprising. I imagined though that while cleansing my face with it, it would fall off.

My Use:
 
After applying the pad, I then ran the it under some water, as instructed. I however found it easier to lightly wet my face, and then use the Wave on my dampened skin.

I clicked the button on the Power Cleanser, and rubbed the pad around my face. The vibration from the device was a bit weak in my opinion, and it took quite awhile for any foam to develop on my skin.

After about a minute or so I had a decent amount of lather, but nothing like Hayden had on the commercial.

For me, the foam that released from the pad had the same texture ash shaving cream. It was different, but pleasant all the same.

The scent was what I liked most of all. It had a very citrusy and fresh minty fragrance going on, which was quite enjoyable.

Visual Difference?
 
Before using The Wave Power Cleanser I rinsed my makeup off with my usual facial wash. The Wave was a test... I basically wanted to see if it would pick up any dirt or residue that my usual cleanser had left behind.

After rubbing the device around on my face for a bit, I stopped to check and see what the white pad looked like. I was surprised to see a lot of nasties that were left behind. I immediately noticed that there was some left over makeup that I swore I had gotten off completely. There was also some flecks of what looked like dry skin. I was quite disgusted with myself, but glad at the same time, that the Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser had gotten the left over grossness that was left behind on my skins surface.

After I had a decent amount of lather on my face, I allowed the small device to do its job by rubbing it into my skin gently. I figured the longer I went at it, the more my pores would open for better cleansing.

Once I felt satisfied I then rinsed off. The first rinse my skin felt a little greasy/slimy, and I was not happy. I figured it would cause break outs. I went at my face with more water, and rinsed till the nasty greasy texture felt like it was gone.

I then towel dried my face. My skin felt fantastic. Thoroughly cleansed, tingly, and had a nice citrus mint scent left behind that was uplifting and rejuvenating.

Pros:
 
-I absolutely love how Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser makes my skin feel after rinsing
-Love the scent
-Love how it picks up left over dirt and dry skin
-I feel the vibration is not powerful enough to stimulate skin
-The Power Cleanser fits palm of hand perfectly
-Lightweight
-Refill pads are very cheap and affordable, at only
-Best of all though is how my skin looks and feels after just 2 days of use. My skin looks and feels better, softer, and has not had any signs of new breakouts.

Cons:
 
-There are similar products available
-The pads come in packaging, that once open, will cause remaining pads to dry out
-Pads are difficult to find right now, seeing how it is very new and popular
-Claims that there is a 2 week pad supply. In reality there are 14, which is correct if you only wash your face once a day! I wash twice, therefore there is in reality, only a one week supply. I don't know who washes their face only once a day... that's sort of gross in my book.
-Takes up more time to facial cleanse then usual. I find it difficult to use it in the morning, when I am in a rush to get to work. The Wave does add an additional 2 or 3 minutes to my usual facial cleansing ritual in the morning.

Overall:
 
Even with the cons, I still enjoy using the Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser. It picks up those small bits of dirt, makeup, and dry skin, that my usual cleanser misses. Although I have not noticed a huge significant difference in my skin, I do notice that their are subtle difference, and my skin is much softer.

As I also mentioned, my skin has been bump free for 2 days now. Usually I get a new zit on my face every frigging morning. So far I'm very happy with the results. I can only imagine how great my skin will look in the long run with the Neutrogena Wave added to my facial cleansing ritual.


Recommended?
 
Highly.
 
I also recommend you use a moisturizer after using the Wave. A wrinkle free formula to guarantee the best results now, and in the future.

-You can find Neutrogena Wave Power Cleanser at local super stores and drug stores. Prices will vary. You can order the kit online as well for even lower prices.