Lest you think me nothing but scathing, spilling vitriol here, there, and everywhere given I've yet to be positively glowing, verily, I plead in my defence, non-performing products really puts the fire in my belly.
Nothing displeases, irritates, nay, infuriates me more than shoddy products and brands getting off scotch-free, whether they're the 'big daddy' companies that have the mega $'s for double-paged spreads, or the nobody, small brands that you, foolishly, decide to buy in to. Why? Because it's niche. Because it's rated (who are are these people exactly?). Because you want to be different. And because you want to make a bloody statement. But, alas, it happens you're wrong. The truth is, as with the old GMO vs. organic potato test, natural/organic ain't always best. Nope, no taste difference, but you know, yes in your deepest depths, that one is safer, doing hearty goodness to the body-cum-temple.
In fact, however demoralising, natural/organic cosmetics can be so bad. So very, very bad, as we natural beauty flies know. Conversely, there are winners but they're pricey, limited and requires a day's trek across town to your nearest counter unlike your local Boots that's a stone's throw away (though you secretly like this). So for those not quite minted, budgeting everything from Tom's toothpaste to the daily Imedeen (Whoa! Pricey much?), what are the options in between?
I lament, not much, and I scoff, a wasteland of mistakes to be had.
Making beauty mistakes seems to be a women's rite (nothing wrong there, what's more joyful than woman-to-woman confessions over a frothy latte or a cheeky cocktail?), but golly, it's no thrilling day at the summer sales on a budget.
So this brings me on to the object of my downright objection: Nvey Eco's Erase concealer. A blatant rip-off of Benefit's Boing corrector, I should have stuck to my guns and 'gone chemical'. Maybe if I was on LSD (Never, I promise, Mum!), I wouldn't have noticed?
Nay, I ought to have done battle with my ethics brandishing the loofah because I'd have been better off using off-white shoe polish under my panda eyes. Simply enough for one to lose will, this has tested my organic strength. There's nothing to Nvey here. Nought to see here, move on people, move on.
So what's my problem?
Okay, I concede, 'tis a nice, decent chunky thing, oh-so-pretty in the pan, say the size of a tot's palm, something to whip out the Primark leatherette bag on the tube to check for spinach between the gnashers. But you'll be even more dazzled by its 'erase' effect (read: greasy) under those already unforgiving fluoro lights.
And yeah, I do hear you, there must be some redeeming features for 15 wholesome UK pounds, right?
Nope, except for the Australian certified-organic ingredients. Skimming your eye over the lengthy ingredients list, (it's all Greek to me! Actually it's Latin) it appears impressive but it's no more advanced than other offerings on the natural market that's simply powder and a few emollients chucked in, despite its boastful claims of antioxidants. I see not.
And most importantly, the finish? Glossy thanks to the organic oils of safflower, jojoba, and beeswax, etc. Think poor Judy (no, not that daytime Judy Finnigan, but she of the duo Punch 'n' Judy) slapping on the Tippex as a concealer. It's beyond me how this won a 2008 Natural Beauty Award...? Scratches head.
They say: "ECO Erase ensures an even and soothing coverage" for all manner of blemishes. Well, soothing though it may be (lavender, goldenseal, marjoram, and more), 'even coverage' is something to be desired. Solified hard in the pan, as hard as cement, gentle finger-patting becomes harsh dragging, and using a brush is impossible I tell you. The finish is glassy opaque. So wrong.
Now it may be I opted for the wrong colour, you soothe, but as a pretty fair laydee (or according to my darling sister, "pasty as shortcrust") and with only 2 universal colour choices on offer, I don't think Neutral (lightest) was much of a gamble on my part. There's Medium though, for all other womenkind.
I have no beef with Nvey Eco in general, for they're only bravely trying to put their breezy aussie stamp on the organic map, but for concealer, stick with trusty names I say, that have a long-standing reputation. Gratis Dr Hauschka's Concealer, I won't be dipping my toe bravely in new waters any time soon. Now that is a serious winner for £15, not perfect but does the trick nicely for now, and with a decent finish, i.e. human-like. Nvey Eco's Erase is nothing but a magnet for passers bys' weird looks. Avoid.
For you brazen daredevils despite my honest critique, I've even froogled it for you, and the best price is at www.greenglamour.co.uk for £13.70. But, pray, don't make my mistake without testing the shade instore. Tsk tsk, and not on the back of your hand either ladies!
Others rave about the foundation, but I guestimate they're partly sold on the Bobbi Brown-esque packaging that oozes glamour and sophistication. And if it's anything like the mediocrity that's Erase, no thanks, not for me!
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