Nubo Voile - the emperor has (almost) no clothes on

Nubo is a line that launched in December 2008 exclusively in Harrods, London. According to the blurb it is a cosmeceutical line (skincare with benefits that are more than superficial) that is paraben, SLS and petro-chemical free, with no artificial colours or fragrances.

The Voile is the product that has been raved about in magazine reviews, and as I can be stupidly impressionable I convinced myself that I needed this product, so duly rang Harrods to mail order it in shade 01 (light, for pale skins.)

It is very silicone heavy, and feels very siliconey on the skin, and has a not overpowering rose scent, similar to Dr Hauschka Rose Day cream. The texture is a more powdery version of the famous Boots Restore and Renew serum. I really do not enjoy this sort of texture at all, as it makes my skin feel smothered and somewhat greasy/glassy. My skin is naturally on the dry side of normal. The tint is very sheer, and I can hardly see it when applied.

Mr London, when pressed to give an opinion said that it does add a glow and make my skin look "angelic." Miss London, who I tend to believe is more honest in her opinion in appearance matters, said in her sing song voice "It's doesn't look like you are wearing anything. Nothing at all, Mummy." I personally think it does have subtle brightening and illuminating qualities.

Maybe I'm just not the target audience; I don't have many wrinkles to blur, and I have pretty even skintone already. However, I did not see a discernable difference on the wrinkles I do have (fine lines around my eyes and deeper frown lines on my forehead.) Perhaps this would be suited to an extremely dry skin, or someone who was looking for a primer to give better slip underneath a foundation. It might also be good for someone who had been ill and was suffering from dull/rough skin. The name of the product ("Voile') is in itself indicative of a very sheer material, so I think it does what it says, but it just isn't a must have for me.

It didn't do anything horrible to my skin, but I don't enjoy the feel of it enough to wear on a daily basis in order to see if there is a cumulative effect. If I'm looking for a very light base for subtly evening out my skintones and giving a glow to my skin, I reach for my SKII air touch base instead. I think my skincare regime is such that I just don't need Nubo Voile.

At £40 for 10ml, if I did wear it on a daily basis I'd go through the tube very quickly. It's probably a good thing I don't adore it!