…
This probably will sound weird, but I use the same cream my grandma used in her youth and throughout her life. Nivea, the most affordable face cream you can think of, is the one brand I trust.
I am not sure if I can be trusted as a reliable source, because I don’t wear makeup, never have, and never will. I tried it once, and it ended up being a disaster. Turns out this stuff might be waterproof, but not snowproof. I looked like a harlequin when I came back to the hotel after skiing. I ran up the stairs to my room and washed it all off, creamed my face, and never put it back on. Of course, I use lipstick, mascara, and cosmetics for the eyes, but also rarely. I think I am too lazy in the morning or perhaps not awake enough to deal with all the things. For decades, I got my eyelashes tinted, and they held for months. Yes, I think I am lazy. 🙂
The old TV commercial that they showed in Germany and Austria when my grandma was a young woman is perhaps the reason she started using the cream, and because I grew up on her farm, I started using the cream as well from an early age.
It still, to this day, sits on a shelf in our bathroom, the same old blue tin box that it came in 60 years ago. Some things never change, and that’s a good thing. I wash my face with soap (not Nivea) and then cream my face—mornings and evenings. That’s my beauty routine. You did want to know about it, right?
No night cream, no day cream, no makeup remover, and other shenanigans, just one cream that does it all. It’s genius.
Over the years, I have branched out a little and have added the body lotion and the one and only Nivea deodorant roller to my daily routine, but that’s about it.
I am a Nivea-Girl for life!
I sometimes wondered if it was something I held onto because it gave me a sense of home, and I might have used it as a form of security blanket when I moved to the US. I was willing to give it up, but what for?
One day, I splurged and went to a cosmetic event with friends of mine and came back with a bag of goodies that the lady had told me I simply had to use. I spent a small fortune on things I had never heard of, but back then, in my 40’s I just had to do more, right?
And so I used the new products for about 3 days, then it all went back into the bag, and it somehow found its way to my friend’s house and my Nivea cream came out of retirement.
I don’t have many wrinkles, which, of course, is genetic, because I look exactly like my grandma, and her face wasn’t wrinkled much either. But deep down, I do wonder.
Is it the cream?
I am—and always will be—a Nivea girl. 🙂
…
…
Interestingly enough, the cream was always in my suitcase when I traveled to countries like India and Kenya, and South Africa, and it always made it through customs without any problems. I tried to take enough with me to never run out, but of course I did, especially when I got baked by the sun. To my surprise, I could buy it in every country without a problem. Nivea was everywhere.
On the shelves in Italy, at the stores in France, no matter where I went, it could be found, which I found very surprising.
I have never used Nivea. Early on I used to use Noxema (especially for sunburn) until my dermatologist told me it had far too many oils in it for clear skin and I learned it was the worst thing to put on a burn as it trapped the heat in – it made me blister the last time I used it. It is nice that Nivea has a connection to remind you of your past. Good for you and nostalgic too.
I like the scent very much.
I used to luxuriate with Noxema but its unavailability surprised me. Off the shelves for decades. Thanks for sharing.
It’s a very familiar scent.
I’m a Nivea girl, too! The only skincare I’ve ever used. Works, is cheap and available all over the world. I also love, love, love the smell.
Nivea was probably the first name I learned as a child in skin care – I also still always have it in the house 🙂 ! Neutrogena is a close second. Lack of money forced me to stop buying ‘more expensive stuff’ – am glad > am still studying natural medicine at various universities around the world – if people only knew what bad effects many of the artificial ingredients used have on your body long term 🙁 !!!
Wonderful! I always have Nivea and, although I don’t use it every day, I use it often. My Mum always used Nivea and had the most gorgeously soft skin all her life.
I love how your story shows that some things really do become timeless companions. There’s something comforting about sticking with a brand that connects you to family and memories—your grandma, your childhood, and even your travels. Nivea clearly isn’t just a cream for you; it’s a small, constant thread of home no matter where life takes you.
It’s funny how we sometimes chase the latest products, only to realize the classics already do exactly what we need. Your story reminded me that simplicity and tradition can be more powerful than trends, and that little rituals—like a trusted cream—carry a lot more meaning than just skincare.
You should offer your story to Nivea. It would be a wonderful advertisement for them. 🙂
I love the smell of Nivea. Another Nivea memory for you. My Aunties and my Mum would take my sister and I on day trips by coach to Blackpool, etc The aunties had Nivea pads/wipes to refresh with, and of course we got freshened up with them too. Happy memories.
There is nothing like the old standbys! Nivea cream can be found everywhere.
Thank you, Darlen. “Old standbys” that’s a good description.
I use Neutrogena the same way you use Nivea, but have been unhappy with the online delivery. I might try Nivea, see if that is better.
I also use Oil of Olay for moisturizing, for decades.
You’re right about these feeling like home.
I tried Neutrogena, it’s not bad but I just love Nivea more. I am just cheap. 🙂
Thank you so much for reading and commenting.