NUDE's pretty packaging

It’s only a recent phenomena, but skincare, like food, is now peppered with buzzwords like antioxidants, peptides and both pre and probiotics. One of the pioneers of this movement is NUDE Skincare, the British brand climbing the ladder of eco-skincare.

Bryan Meehan is the man behind Fresh and Wild stores; the chap who “made organic food sexy”. He quickly realised that his fellow followers of the organic movement would happily buy his food stocks but then head around the corner and buy skincare which pumped a host of chemicals into their bodies. With the help of  Ali Hewson (U2 frontman Bono’s other half), NUDE was launched with natural values and powerful results in mind. Wade through the mountain of information on the website and the basic idea is that NUDE eliminates all those chemicals normally found in skincare. As founders Ali and Bryan put it, “why do we feed our skin chemicals we would never consider eating?”

The inclusion of all these natural ingredients means the products work with the skin’s own natural biology, instead of competing with it. Alongside this commendable ethos, the packaging is entirely recyclable and some of it biodegradable. With a host of Ali’s famous chums on board (you can read testimonials from Helena Christensen) NUDE is ready to take the skincare world by storm. While these eco-friendly ideals are all very well, do the products actually work?

At a pricey £18 for the cheapest product in the range and rising to £54 for the most expensive, these aren’t at the budget basement end of the organic skincare spectrum. We tried out two of their top-selling products;the Miracle Mask and the Age Defence Moisturiser.

The Miraculous Miracle Mask

The Miracle Mask contains those aforementioned scientific ingredients, as well as mandarin extract and red ginseng to both exfoliate and stimulate skin for a radiant complexion. It’s to be used once a week for five minutes at a time, or for a revitalising boost before a Christmas party.

This mask, unlike most deep cleansers, is not thick and creamy in texture; it’s more like a gel and doesn’t dry out to leave a heavy shroud on the skin. It certainly feels like you’re lifting out impurities, rather than clogging your face with yet more product and nasty chemicals (although you might miss that luxurious feeling of a thick creamy mask). After washing off with a warm cloth, skin did feel instantly smoother and I noticed I was applying less heavy-duty concealer onto my usually tired skin. The results last for a couple of days too – a bonus as the bottle isn’t huge.

After applying the mask it’s recommended you finish with one of their moisturisers. I followed this routine for a few weeks (applying the Age Defence Moisturiser both after the mask once a week and on a daily basis). The ingredients of orchid, milk peptides and hyaluronic acid are meant to firm and tone skin as well as keeping wrinkles at bay whilst manketti moisturises for soft supple skin.

Although I’m a little too young to notice any sign of deep-set wrinkles my skin did indeed feel toned after use, meaning again like the mask I felt the need for less cover-up and I actually found myself skipping some of the steps of my usual skincare routine (such as my pre-makeup primer) as the moisturiser gave me a good base. Another bonus was the light texture (a gel, like the mask) which sank into my skin easily and absorbed quickly enough for me to apply my morning make-up without the chorus of my impatient foot-stamping waiting for my heavy-duty cream to settle in.

NUDE's Age Defence Moisturiser

Despite all this praise I did begin to miss my normal moisturiser after a few days. For me and my constant companion of dry skin there is just no substitute for a thick cream and the luxurious feeling of it laboriously sinking into my complexion. NUDE’s moisturiser got off to a promising start but after a week or so it was no match for the harsh winter weather and I found myself cheating by mixing it with my usual cream. For the hefty price tag I didn’t feel that this particular product in the range was worth it.

Overall NUDE has such an impressive motive behind the brand that it somehow feels a little rude to criticise it. I admire the brand’s attempt to raise its head above the parapet and take a stance on this eco issue. The big names behind NUDE mean that it’s sure to get the exposure it needs, but something just felt missing for me. However, I would say though that the Miracle Mask is worth dipping into your pocket for – counteract the guilt of that expense with the thought of all that goodness you’re pumping into your skin!

For more information, visit the NUDE website.