Nubo Set De Voyage skincare review

Nubo has been a skincare itch of mine since I first read about it when it was launched just before Christmas 2008. It's available exclusively from Harrods, London. The hook of the line is that it is a high-tech, high performance line that is also paraben, SLS and petrochemical free. The Nubo Cell-Dynamic Technology claims to optimise the skin cells' repair mechanisms, so the skin doesn't get 'used' to the products and stop responding to them over time.

If expensive skincare makes you feel queasy, look away now, because this trio of 10ml products costs £100. No, that wasn't a typo, and it's actually a reasonably economical way of trying the line out; the full size Essence costs a staggering £200, and the day cream and night cream are £100 each (the full sizes are 30ml each.) I bought this myself, because I was intrigued by all the very positive write-ups in magazines for it. I sacrificed making some colour purchases in November/December in order to budget for this set, so, the question is, was it worth it?

The Essence is probably my favourite product out of the three; it's a very light fluid texture that's quite similar to Jurlique Herbal Recovery Gel. It sinks in well, doesn't feel silicone-y and smells pleasant. (Yes, I like the most expensive product in the line, how typical is that? )

The Day Performance spf 20 cream is a very nice product. It feels rich but light; my skin feels protected but not smothered and it's a good base for makeup.

If you like the texture of Dr Hauschka Rose Day Cream, you'd probably like the Nubo Overnight Recharge. It's very rich, and has a lot of lanolin in it, which gives a bit of a greasy after-feel until it absorbs into the skin. I don't particularly enjoy this type of texture, but it does leave my skin feeling nourished and very soft in the morning. I apply this using the rub, pat and press method; rub between fingertips to emulsify, pat onto skin and then press in with fingertips until absorbed. If you dot it onto the skin and then try to massage it in you will tug at your skin.

I've stuck to this routine (with my usual cleanser and Sarah Chapman eye cream) for about 6 weeks now. There's still a fair bit of Overnight Recharge and Essence left (I only use the Essence at night) and I'm nearly out of the Day Performance. My skin is clear and looks bright and well-rested, but I can't honestly say I've noticed a massive difference than with my usual (still expensive, but) less costly skincare routine.  Perhaps if I were to use it for longer I'd be more convinced, but I am not personally prepared to give such a big chunk of my fripperies fund up to skincare in the long term.

If you already use very high end skincare (like Creme De La Mer, La Prairie or Sisley) and you are looking for an alternative that is paraben and petrochemical free without compromising on performance and luxury, Nubo is a good choice for you. Personally, I don't feel like my skin (or life!) will be ruined when I return to my usual Dr Alkaitis/Sarah Chapman Skinesis routine. If it was more along the price lines of those lines, or if money was absolutely no object (darn that lottery for never picking our stupid numbers) I'd repurchase the Essence and the Day Performance spf 20.

I can no longer see the Set De Voyage on the Harrods website, so it may have sold out. I hope that this set will be available again, because it is a good way to try the line, as well as being useful for travel.