If there is one high street shop that reminds me of my mum, it’s Boots. Well, Boots and TK Maxx. But mainly Boots because I don’t remember one trip to our local town centre that didn’t have a walkthrough Boots to ‘pick up some bits’ scheduled in. And as we all know, a Boots trip wouldn’t be complete without at least a peruse of the No.7 stand. My mum’s dressing table was stacked with lotions and tubs and oils from a plethora of brands but there’s no doubt that No7 skincare was up there with her favourites.
From my teen years to my 30s I have been fortunate enough to try many of the Boots-owned brand’s bestsellers and over the years I’ve acquired plenty f favourites. The brand has been going since 1935 and has been an affordable access point for people that wanted nourishing skincare that felt luxe and actually worked, but without the expensive price tag. While there’s no denying that the brand’s makeup is good, the skincare is the real star of the show, with something for every type of skincare journey whether you’re a wash-and-moisturise kind of person or you have a minimum of seven steps in your morning regimen alone. No7 now has everything from award winning serums to a beloved retinol range and more.
The brand isn’s stopping anytime soon, either. No.7 recently launched a hit Menopause range and even has 900 specially trained No7 Boots Macmillan Beauty Advisors, who offer tailored beauty advice to help people being treated for cancer feel more like themselves again. The masterminds behind the brand are adept at thinking of every skincare eventuality and I genuinely recommend many of their products to people of all ages. So without further ado, here are the very best No7 products to make room for in your skincare regimen right now.
This day cream is pretty lightweight yet hydrating and thanks to the soft-focus particles it gives an instant glow. Long term, the hyaluronic acid and vitamin c complex will help skin stay hydrated and even-toned. Contains SPF 15 so if you’re outside you’ll need an actual SPF on top of this to give adequate UVA and UVB protection.
While I can’t attest to the claim that this serum can reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to 5 years, I can say that it does help with the elasticity of the skin. The Matrixyl 3000+ in the formula, which is No7’s peptide blend, helps to target the most common areas for lines and wrinkles such as the forehead, eye area smile lines and even lips. You can use this to target lines directly or mix it in with your favourite moisturiser, both ways are super effective.
This serum is similar in effect to the laboratories line but is for all over the face. It contains Matrixyl 3000+ as well, alongside pre-retinol, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants too. If you’ve been avoiding retinol because you’re worried about it irritating your sensitive skin, this is a good entry point as the formula is so gentle.
This is kind of like the finishing touch to a retinol sandwich if you compare it to the brand’s other retinol-specific skincare. It contains pure oil-encapsulated retinol so it is a gentle and slow-releasing formula that isn’t going to be too aggressive on sensitive skin.
With the step up in concentration, this mild retinol serum can actually be used alongside the Pure Retinol Night Cream to ramp up the benefits. The formula also includes a collagen peptide which helps skin appear plumper too.
I have to admit, eye cream is the step of my routine that I forget all the time and honestly for the most part you can bring face cream up to the eye area without consequence. However, this is an eye cream worth a separate step. The shea butter locks in moisture alongside the hyaluronic acid so if you suffer from a crepe-y, dry undereye area, this is just the ticket.
When brands started launching specific menopause ranges, I did roll my eyes. I didn’t think they could possibly need anything more. But, just like we have skincare suited to hormonal or teen skin, there are certain things we experience more in peri-menopause than we do beforehand. Boots did a lot of research into this before launching their Menopause range and the reception has been great, (including the praise of my older sister). This night cream focuses on deep hydration for dry and over-sensitised menopausal skin.
If you have super dry skin, this is a great weekly face mask that just drenches your skin in moisture and alleviated that tight, dry feeling that you can get especially in winter.
Such a classic No7 skincare product I think the earliest iteration of the cream was one of the first things I tried from the brand via stealing it from my mum’s dressing table. A really gentle but effective formula that includes an anti-oxidant complex, rice peptides and vitamins A, C and E.
This night cream has everything you need for a sweet beauty sleep. From Vitamins A, C and E to hibiscus peptides and hyaluronic acid it’s a formula packed with plumping and hydrating ingredients.
Another standout from the peri-menopause range but this is one that I’ve tried and loved for my non-menopausal skin. Hear me out. When you’re hungover do you ever feel hot and puffy in the morning? I normally reach for ice globes that are always in my fridge, but this is another hangover-friendly skincare pick. The lipids, ceramides, Soy Isoflavones and hydrating hyaluronic acid are amazing for depleted skin, but the method of delivery is the standout bit, the cooling roller tip is a gift for hot, sweaty skin.
This serum is for anyone that has used and loved the addition of retinol in skincare. It’s a pretty potent formula so it’s a good idea to gradually introduce it into your routine, and of course, while you’re using it you need to use an SPF throughout the day. Stick to it, and you’ll see a marked improvement in the look of fine lines and wrinkles.
Another one of my mum’s favourites thanks to the rich, creamy texture. Like most of their standout products, this includes the brand’s Matrixyl 3000+ complex to help firm and plump the skin.
This is a great all-around cleanser. It’s especially great for double cleansing in the evening if you want something slippy but you aren’t a fan of a thick, balmy cleanser.
