Beauty products have been big news over the past few weeks. Nottingham founded firm Boots released its No7 Future Renew range, which was hailed a 'first-of-a-kind' anti-ageing line, while the healthcare firm has also promoted a Spring Skincare Beauty Box. Now at a reduced price (with a code) of £20, it is understood to contain around £98-worth of products, including a £45 anti-ageing serum from No7 which is described as 'Botox in a bottle'.
So, with all the hype, a fashion and beauty editor at one of Nottinghamshire Live's sister publication's Manchester Evening News, decided to put the contents of the beauty box to the test. Here's what she discovered
Beauty journalist Rachel Pugh said that since it was released a few weeks ago, Boots' £20 Spring Skincare Beauty Box has been incredibly popular. The box is usually £25 on the Boots website but is down to £20 as part of its 20% off everything offer. Inside, are eleven of Boots' most popular products, with a particular emphasis on anti-ageing and skincare. Rachel discovered No7, Weleda, Nivea, and new brands Mario Badescu and Byoma.
She said: "Having tried everything in the box myself, my favourite product was without doubt the No7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum 25ml. On its own the serum costs £44.95 - more than double the price of the entire box".
The product has been hailed 'Botox in a bottle', and promises to take five years off without needles.
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"As somebody who is nearing the age of considering getting Botox as a preventative measure, rather than as something to eradicate lines, the idea of no needle anti-ageing filled me with joy, and I was excited to give it a go myself. After a week of using the Booster Serum, my skin definitely feels a lot smoother. I can't comment on how well it erases fine lines as I'm lucky enough not to have any yet, but what I will say is that my skin definitely looks smoother, and my foundation is going on better with less creasing after using it - so it's made my self-confidence go up, which is always a good thing."
Some reviews that Rachel found from women posting that they had used No7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum, included: "Omg, this serum has been life changing. I'd been trying to save up for Botox but with the cost of living crisis it was impossible so thought I'd give the booster serum a try. I had low expectation to be honest as my forehead wrinkles were quite stubborn, but wow, I've only been using it 10 days, morning and night and already seen that the lines are less noticeable which in turn has really boosted my self-confidence. Thank you No.7."
Another wrote: "I am 79 in July but I get complimented constantly on my youthful skin. All down to No7." "very good results with this serum, fine lines disappear," said somebody else.
Moving on to the next product, NIVEA Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Face Cream, Rachel said that this also had a hydrating effect on her face. She said: "It has made my neck feel noticeably firmer after a week of use. Aside from its firming properties, the cream also grabbed my attention as it contains SPF15 - meaning I don't need to put on any SPF separately, and can integrate it into my beauty routine much easier. It contains Q10, a powerful antioxidant and natural ageing defence, and is combined with Creatine to work effectively against wrinkles. The cream also promises to fight against premature ageing - a feature which is right up my street.
"I used the cream when I woke up and before bed for a week, and my skin is feeling significantly more hydrated. As with other Nivea products, this melted into my skin like butter - though I can only vouch for my own skin type on this. As someone who is more acclimatized to using premium brands, I've never really considered something like Nivea, but I was pleasantly surprised. I'm not sure I'll ditch my high-end products altogether, but I will definitely be incorporating this into my beauty routine to save a bit of cash".
"Another of my top picks inside the Beauty Box is the Boots Glow Hydrogel Lip Mask. Before I started using lip masks, in all honesty, I thought they sounded a bit ridiculous. But keeping your lips soft and hydrated, especially in the run up to Summer, where the warm weather can dry them out, is really important. I found the Lip Mask so easy to use after a shower, and actually, it was quite relaxing.
"I treated it in the same way I would a face mask, and put it on in front of the TV, so I could kick back and watch The Real Housewives of Jersey while giving my lips a much-needed rejuvenation. After using the Boots Glow Hydrogel Lip Mask my lips definitely looked more plumped, and they felt gorgeously soft. I'll be buying more of these (they're only £2.50 each) to use before doing my makeup for a night out. If you, like me, want juicy lips with added va va voom, I definitely recommend this. I have lip filler, and if you don't have this, I imagine the results would be even more drastic.
"After using the Boots Glow Hydrogel Lip Mask, I applied some of the Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Vanilla Bean - which is also included in the £20 Boots Spring Skincare Edit Beauty Box. I've been using Burt's Bees lip balms for years, and I can honestly say they're one of my favourites. My hands on experience of the brand is that it's soothing, and gives just the right level of nourishment. The Burt's Bees lip balms also have a really gorgeous scent - which is strong enough to be able to smell it, but not overpowering. It's a really handy little stick to keep in your handbag.
"Another cult item which I've been using for years and was delighted to find in the Boots Spring Skincare Edit Beauty Box, was the Pixi Rose Cream Cleanser. My only criticism of this is that it's a tester size version of the product, rather than the full 135ml tube - which is currently reduced down from £18 to £12 on the Boots website.
"Pixi, for me, is one of those brands that you can rely on, and it never lets you down. So if you did want to give the Pixi Rose Cream Cleanser a go before trying it, this is a great introduction to the product. It smells gorgeous, and it's a brilliant choice for people struggling with dry skin. The soothing, gentle cleanser has been made with mineral rich mud to cleanse skin as well as strengthening and softening. It's also a great cleanser if you have sensitive skin. I'd go so far as to call it a 'holy grail' product.
"For the dry skin brigade, the Byoma Balancing Face Mist 100ml, which retails at £11.99 on the Boots website, is well worth trying. I always keep a face mist in my handbag, because it's one of the easiest and most refreshing ways to keep your skin hydrated and stop yourself from looking tired during the working day.
"After trying the Byoma Balancing Face Mist, it's found its way straight into my handbag - which is praise indeed. The Byoma Balancing Face Mist, uses boosting Tri-Ceramide Complex (ceramides, cholesterol, fatty acids) to mimic your skin's natural barrier function, with an ultra-fine mist that can be used anytime to tone and refresh skin without sticky residue.
"I have to admit, I wasn't quite sure what to expect out of the Boots Spring Skincare Edit Beauty Box, but I was pleasantly surprised with the level of products I received for such a small price. It compares well to beauty boxes from the likes of Glossybox and LookFantastic."
It seems as though the Boots Spring Skincare Edit Beauty Box has had the same effect on others, and it has seen glowing five-star reviews on the Boots website.
One five-star reviewer wrote: "I didn’t really think about what to expect but I’m thrilled with what I received! It’s made my week! My skin has been so dry lately and having used the cleaner, toner mist and skin food moisturiser it feels so much more hydrated. I don’t know yet whether any of the products are right for my skin but I’m excited to find out. I’m really really happy that boots can offer a product like this where I can try so many products for a cheap price (and yes I probably will buy the products I like again!)"
A second said: "I purchased 2 of these skincare bags as they were terrific value I buy the no7 line corrector 25ml on its own which is £44.95 so to get this size plus loads of other great products for £25. All are really good brands and apart from about 3 products they are full sizes."
"This was absolutely fantastic. Such great value, so many good brands in it ,I was amazed by how much I got. I have subscribed to a lot of beauty boxes, not any way near the standard of this," said another Boots customer.
Another skincare lover wrote of the £25 Boots Spring beauty box: "I saw this on tiktok and I had to have it. I did the maths myself and everything came to the total of just over £97 as promised. Only a few products are not full size which is not bad at all for the price. The No7 serum costs £44.95 by itself and to get it full sized for only £25 is incredible. Hoping for a summer edition because this is such a great price for everything you receive. The bag it came in is also such great quality and massive. Wish I could give this more than 5 stars!" said somebody else.
Here's everything you get inside Boots' £25 (now £20) Spring Skincare Edit Beauty Box worth £98:
- NIVEA Q10 Power Anti-Wrinkle + Firming Face Cream 50ml (Full Size)
- Weleda Skin Food Light face & body cream 30ml (Full Size)
- Boots Glow Hydrogel Lip Mask (Full Size)
- No7 LABORATORIES LINE CORRECTING Booster Serum 25ml (Full Size)
- Bioderma Sensibio FG 45ML
- CeraVe Blemish Control Cleanser 5ml
- Byoma Balancing Face Mist 100ml (Full Size)
- Burt’s Bees Lip Balm Vanilla Bean 4.25g (Full Size)
- Pixi Rose Cream Cleanser 15ml
- Aveeno Daily Moisturizing Lotion 200ml (Full Size)
- Mario Badescu drying patches sachet
The Boots Spring Skincare Edit Beauty Box worth £98 is currently reduced down from £25 to £20 on the Boots website as part of its 20% off everything offer. It's available online only, so you can't find it in Boots stores.
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