No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick

RRP: £9.95
# of shades available: 35

--What does the promo say?--
"Nourish your lips with No7 Moisture Drench Lipstick, this moisturising formulation keeps your lips smooth and soft. Hypo-allergenic. Fragrance free. SPF 15. Intense lip colour. Satin finish."

--Packaging--
An ergonomic tapered design whose lid closes securely. The No7 embossed logo, as well as the black casing, is equally elegant, and the lipstick itself is cut to a curve that sits well on the lips during application.

--Application--
Use the stick itself, or a lip brush to apply colour directly to the lips, taking extra care around the Cupid's bow to ensure neatness.

--Scent--
Fragrance free, as mentioned in the promotional materials. Not overly chemical or waxy either.

--Appearance--
As promised, the finish is satin-like: mostly matte with a slight shine. New shades have also been added for autumn: Honey Bloom, Caramel Silk, and Tawny Rose, which I was sent to test by No7's PR. These new shades are dusky and flattering in appearance; even those that on first glance might appear too dark or bright look far more naturally flushed on the skin.

--Texture and consistency--
As promised, these lipsticks moisturise impressively, making them perfect for autumn and winter, when the colder weather begins to dry out skin.

--Longevity--
Lasts impressively, especially given the product's moisturisation qualities (which can make lipstick fade more quickly). You can eat and drink with this on and still not need to reapply for a while.

--Value for money--
This delivers function and form - i.e., luxury and utility. It's also inexpensive, with value increased further thanks to Boots' frequent special offers on No7 products. Would recommend!

perfect partners
Match Made Concealer, £7.50
Natural Blush Tint Powder, £8.00

No7 Gel-Look Shine Nail Colour

RRP: £7
# of shades available: 21

--What does the promo say?--

"Our patented technology makes the polish tough and flexible to help prevent chipping and improve ease of application to help achieve a streak-free finish. Complete coverage in just one stroke, with outstanding and durable gel look shine. Helps to smooth and plump nails so natural ridges can't be seen, for best results use in combination with the top coat. Rich colour pay off in one coat. Plumps and volumises in 2 coats."

--Packaging--

Sophisticated and minimalist with a pleasing and ergonomic curve on the lid for easy handling. The No7 logo is centre stage on the bottle, clearly demarcating it as one of Boots' own. The lack of unnecessarily massive stickers is equally pleasing, allowing you to always see how much you have left. The brush is a bit big for my liking, though, although I suppose this does mean you have a greater chance of covering the nail in one stroke.

--Application--

Apply a base coat and allow this to dry thoroughly before painting one stroke down the centre of your nail. Add a further stroke down each side if necessary, so that the entire nail is covered in colour. Leave this coat to dry before attempting to apply a second coat. Finally, finish with a top coat once the colour is dry.

--Appearance--

The shade I was sent by Boots' PR (thanks guys!) was the rose gold shade, which I really love - perfect for both summer and Christmas, it adds a bit of shimmer to any outfit and goes with basically everything, whether you're wearing silver jewellery or gold. I tend to go for metallic nail colours for this reason and this is a great one to have in the kit alongside the classic silver, gold, copper and bronze.

--Texture and consistency--

Perhaps a little thick for my liking, but this is easily sorted by putting a couple of drops of nail varnish remover into the bottle and giving it a good shake.

--Longevity--

To be honest, I didn't find this polish to be any more robust than others I've tried. A shame, as this whole 'gel-nail-a-like' concept really appeals to me (I find that real gel nails are often too damaging).

--Value for money--

At £7 this is about standard for nail polish. Truthfully, without the longevity claims stacking up, I wouldn't want to pay any more for it, regardless of how much I love the colour. However, you can buy nail polish from other brands that specialise in nails for the same or less money, such as Sally Hansen or Mavala, so I can understand why you'd go for this option instead. It would be great if Boots could maybe go back to the drawing board on this one so I could feel that I could get the longevity they promise without having to spend more on their gel-a-like line of base coats and top coats.

perfect partners

Stay Perfect Base Coat, £6

Stay Perfect Top Coat, £6

Nourishing Nail and Cuticle Care, £6

Strength and Growth Treatment, £8

No7 Beautiful Eyebrows Kit

RRP: £12.50

--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Beautiful Eyebrow Kit lets you create perfectly defined brows for face-framing flattery. The combination of wax, powder and highlighter means goodbye to unruly brows. Top Tip- Try mixing the brow colours together to create your most natural shade."

--Packaging--
The ovular black compact is a little bulky, but nonetheless sophisticated in its simplicity. You are also rewarded by a generously-sized mirror, good quantities of product, and two brushes that are convenient for travel.

--Application--
My PR version arrived with no instructions, so I had to work out for myself that clumsily poking the brow brush into the wax would be an error. I resorted to applying the colour with the angled brush before smearing the wax on with my finger and using the brow brush to tidy. The highlighter seemed a little redundant for a few days, but is also easy enough to apply should you have the inclination: again, use a brush or your finger.

--Appearance--
My brows are quite dark (contrarily to my naturally blonde hair), and both colours fill in brows effectively for a bolder, more defined look without seeming artificial. Those with lighter brows might want to stick with the lighter colour only, though (although of course you can mix both colours if you like). The wax is also handy for taming unruly hairs, and the highlighter gives a nice shimmery look that is great for a summer glow without making you look like an 80s reject.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible.

--Texture and consistency--
The brow colours blend nicely without sending powder everywhere and it's easy to pick up the colour on the brush. As mentioned, the wax does its job well without weighing brows down or making them look like you've decided to apply Brylcreem to them. The highlighter also has a delicate texture - again, not feeling weighed down is so important for summer skin.

--Longevity--
Holds well throughout the day, without smudging or fading.

--Value for money--
A little goes a long way with this kit, and it's a practical purchase that travels well too. Would recommend.

perfect partners
Perfect Light Pressed Powder, £11.50
Natural Blush Tint Powder, £8

No7 Instant Radiance Under Eye Concealer

 RRP: £13.50
# of shades available: 8

--What does the promo say?--
"Cheat your way to the appearance of bright, healthy and youthful eyes with our No7 Instant Radiance Under Eye Concealer. Blends seamlessly with you No7 Match Made foundation, covering dark circles all day long and reducing the appearance of puffiness and fine lines for up to 8 hours."

--Packaging--
The silver tube is elegant and sleek, so looks great in any bathroom and slips easily into any handbag. You don't have to stand there endlessly clicking the top like a loon while you wait for the first dose of the product to come out, either. Even once you've got started, the amount of product coming out of the pen is easy to control, too.

--Application--
If using as a concealer, apply over blemishes or discolorations once you've applied your primer and foundation. If using as a highlighter, dab onto brow bone and/or cheekbones at the same stage. Can also be used to deflect dark shadows by using sparingly around the under-eye area. All very simple.

--Appearance--
Definitely increases radiance in the areas applied, and doesn't act badly as a concealer either. The lightest shade worked perfectly for me, matching my skin tone very well. Beware the difference between this (which comes in 8 different shades) and the virtually indistinguishable Instant Radiance Concealer, which has exactly the same packaging but only comes in 3 shades.

--Scent--
Nothing discernible.

--Texture and consistency--
Smooth, light, and easy to blend. Top marks.

--Coverage and longevity--
I'd say coverage is medium to light, meaning it's probably not the best for hiding your acne. However, it seems to last well enough, meaning your new-found radiance should take you through the day with relative ease. Perhaps, though, No7 should consider renaming it as a highlighter (rather than concealer) to give consumers a better idea of what they can expect from the product.

--Value for money--
While it seems a little bonkers that this is £1 more than No7's Instant Radiance Foundation, as an alternative to YSL's Touche Eclat (which this is clearly intended to be) it's an excellent choice, particularly as it's around 50% less than the price of the original cult classic. Nobody will know the difference! Was sent mine for free by No7's lovely PR, but would buy it out of my own money and recommend it to others :)

perfect partners
Perfect Light Loose Powder, £10.50
Natural Blush Tint Powder, £8.00
Instant Radiance Foundation, £12.50
Instant Illusions Airbrush Away Primer, £19.50 

Boots No7 Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation

 RRP: £14.50
# of shades available: 14

--What does the promo say?--
"Stay Perfect Superlight Foundation offers non-stop complexion perfection with a barely there feel.
You can now achieve a naturally flawless look which will stay looking perfect for up to 24 hours, and with a texture so light you’ll forget you’re even wearing it."

--Packaging--
The brown square bottle is retro and original, meaning it should stand out on the shelf when it's released on January 22nd, 2014. The white text really pops out from the squeezy bottle and is kept minimal, meaning you get the information you need to know in seconds. Furthermore, the nozzle is nicely tapered, meaning it's user-friendly and leads to little wastage.

--Application--
A little goes a long way with this. Try a penny-sized amount for starters and then go from there, applying to clean dry skin using your fingers.

--Appearance--
The shade I was sent by No7's PR was unfortunately not a great match for me, so on that score it could have been a few shades lighter. However, with 14 available I'm confident I would find one to suit me. Coverage is medium, meaning that concealer and/or powder may be required afterwards for some people.

--Scent--
Nothing too strong, but slightly clay-like, if anything.

--Texture and consistency--
Dries powder-light - as promised, there's no heaviness or stickiness. It also blends well and doesn't seem to clog the skin. It is slightly runny, though, which may bother some people.

--Longevity--
Nothing remarkable to report; no better or worse than any other foundation.

--Value for money--
I was sent mine for free by No7's PR, so didn't pay, but in truth, I'd be hesitant to pay £14.50. While the texture once applied is pleasing, it doesn't provide enough coverage for me. I can also never resist comparing brand price points and I can't help but wonder who would pay £14.50 for a No7 foundation when you can get BareMinerals or Amie mineral foundation for the same price. In fairness, No7 is not the only high street makeup brand guilty of this price inflation - others, such as L'Oréal, are also at it. In my view, they need to be less cocky with their pricing, otherwise consumers will just walk away from what is otherwise a perfectly reasonable product.

perfect partners
No7 Perfect Light Loose Powder, £10.50
No7 Beautifully Matte Makeup Base, £10.50 (basically this, rebranded: http://tinyurl.com/kyha79c)
No7 Match Made Concealer, £7.50 
No7 Natural Blush Tint Powder, £8  

No7 Match Made Concealer

RRP: £7.50
# of shades available: 17

--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Match Made Concealer hides everything from blemishes to age spots, uniquely matched to your skin tone using No7 Match Made. Find your perfect concealer match with our new Match Made Concealer Sticks. Flaws, blemishes and age spots are erased in an instant, leaving you with a beautifully even skin tone. The easy-to-apply formulation lasts all day to keep your skin shine free and flawless. Up to 16 hours' wear. Now available in 17 skin-true shades."

--Packaging--
The ergonomically-designed tube incorporates a slight curvature, and its cool white colour evokes peace and snow on the approach to Christmas. The lid stays on securely, which is always handy. However, it could do with coming with a small concealer brush, as there is quite a lot left in the tube even when you can't twist up any more.

--Application--
Apply straight from the tube, or use a concealer brush (or even your fingers!) if preferred. I'd recommend applying after foundation, but before powder, to maximise coverage.

--Appearance--
Even though I hadn't been able to get to a Boots store to try the Match Made service (which scans an area of your face using a machine to match your skin tone to the best concealer shade for you), the shade I was sent worked brilliantly for me. It's really excellent to see that Boots are finally beginning to widen the number of shades they offer in order to appeal to as many people as possible. Coverage is quite good, too.

--Texture and consistency--
Creamy, blendable and soft, but still durable. While not quite as heavy-duty as something like Benefit's Boi-ing for example, it's still reliable and puts in a good performance.

--Longevity--
It lasts quite a long time on the face, so repeated applications throughout the day are not required. However, its soft consistency does mean that a fair amount of concealer does come off the stick with each application, so one tube itself does not last long (although that probably depends on the number of blemishes you're looking to cover, too).

--Value for money--
This is a good concealer that comes in an encouraging number of shades. However, my tube only lasted about a month, and for £7.50 I might have hoped that it would last a bit longer - after all, £90 a year on concealer is quite a lot.

perfect partners
Beautifully Matte Makeup Base, £10.50
Stay Perfect Eyeshadow Trio, £9.50
Stay Perfect Mascara, £12.95
Beautifully Matte Foundation, £12.95 

No7 Youthful CC Cream

# of shades: 2
RRP: £14.95

--What does the promo say?--
"The 'CC' in CC Cream can stand for different things for example Colour Corrector, Complete Correction or Complexion Correction. The key benefit that all CC Creams deliver is a beautifully even Complexion by correcting uneven skin colour and pigmentation. Our new No7 Youthful CC Cream is a Complexion Corrector- it's a great multi-tasking product which combines giving you a beautifully even skin tone with anti-aging benefits. Just like our BB Creams it's great for those lighter coverage days or as an additional beautifier alongside your normal foundation/ skincare routine."

--Packaging--
The white and silver combination provides a futuristic finish and the squeezy tube and screw-top lid are both practical.

--Application--
Apply to clean dry skin. Theoretically, concealer, powder and moisturiser shouldn't be necessary, but a primer may be necessary due to its sheer coverage (more of which below).

--Appearance and coverage--
Unfortunately, as this only comes in two shades, the fact that the lighter of the two shades does suit me is probably down to luck. As mentioned, the coverage is quite sheer, meaning that a) you may need a primer to prevent it from sliding off, and b) if you have blemishes, concealer and powder may still be necessary for you. However, it does add radiance, which is important for deflecting attention away from blemishes and fine lines.

--Scent--
Nothing discernibly bothersome.

--Texture and consistency--
This product has a smooth consistency that blends well. As it does only provide light coverage, I tend to apply two coats, and the product stands up to this very well, with this not leading to a sticky or caked-on feeling in the least.

--Longevity--
As mentioned, it depends what you wish to apply before or afterwards. On its own, I suspect this wouldn't do too well.

--Effects on the skin--
A non-irritating product, but it doesn't seem to have any especial healing qualities either.

--Value for money--
Tricky one. It's not a terrible product in itself, but I struggle to see what additional purpose or gap in the market this serves beyond what's already done by tinted moisturisers. My research earlier this year showed that CC creams should specifically not only do the work of BB creams in terms of actively healing blemishes, but should also 'correct' (hence the C in the name) by way of having different tints available for different purposes, such as green to neutralize redness, pink to counteract dullness, and so on. Unfortunately, as with many Western BB creams, this perfectly serviceable product has just jumped on the latest fashionable bandwagon by slapping a new label on what is essentially just a tinted moisturiser, and using it as an excuse to hike up the price tag*: I wouldn't mind, but No7's tinted moisturiser is over £3 cheaper. My advice? Buy that instead (it even comes in 3 shades instead of the CC cream's mere two).

*Should probably say that No7 is not the only brand guilty of this. Most Western CC creams are just overpriced tinted moisturisers with a different name. Buy Asian instead to get the genuine article.

perfect partners
Lift and Luminate Dark Spot Corrector, £19.50
Lift and Luminate Day and Night Serum, £24.95
Lift and Luminate Mask, £18 
Lift and Luminate Foundation, £16.50
Lift and Luminate Day Cream, £23
Lift and Luminate Night Cream, £24
Lift and Luminate Eye Cream, £16
Youthful Glycolic Peel Kit, £24.95

Real women

In the face of an increasingly Photoshopped and Botoxed society, many brands (such as Dove) have capitalised on the idea of using 'real women' to front their products, usually with the aim of making the general public feel less insecure and more like the brand's products are really for them, not just for celebrities. 

One such campaign has Boots' No7 products at its forefront, and it's just hitting the airwaves. In the video featuring Yasmin (see right), what appears to be a real woman (as opposed to an actress) is shown being frank about her insecurities and what makeup means to her. She's then pampered and given a new look which seems to really boost her confidence.

What I really like about this campaign is that specific products from the No7 range are not pushed, implying that we should choose products that are right for us as people, not products that a specific person (celebrity or no!) has worn. I especially like the slogan - "a brighter shade of me" - as this, to me, emphasises what makeup is about. You don't put makeup on necessarily to be a completely different person, but rather to enhance the very best bits of you. And by making yourself feel better on the outside, this can be a step to making yourself feel better inside too.

So go on - experiment with new looks, shake up your routine, and start feeling good today :)

No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream (Normal/Oily)

RRP: £12.95/40ml
# of shades available: 2 (Fair/Medium)
Other variants: Normal/Dry, Dry/Very Dry

--What does the promo say?--
"Take off those winter layers and reveal your outer beauty this spring with new No7 Beautiful Skin BB Cream. Its unique 3-in-1 formula evens and enhances skin tone and disguises imperfections, while the nutrient-enriched formula helps to banish blemishes. And with the added protective power of SPF 15 and 5 * UVA technology to help skin stay youthful, BB is the only way to wear this season’s must-have essential - perfectly-pared back, beautiful skin."

--Packaging--
The black and white squeezy tube adds to the arsenal of colour schemes permeating the BB cream market: I've already seen BB cream packages that are peach and hot pink before this one, so it's always good to differentiate. I'm not such a fan of the shape, though: not for any practical reason, but only because it doesn't look like the rest of its No7 brothers and sisters (primers, foundations etc). This tube is squatter than the other similar products made by No7.


--Application--
Apply to clean dry skin, over primer if required. Nothing tricky about that.


--Appearance--
This product promises light coverage, and that is exactly what you get. If you have blemishes and were hoping that this product alone would cover them up completely before you went outside, you can forget it - you WILL need to use a concealer with this. Another thing you may wish to use, depending on your skin, is face powder: I found that this product did not deliver a mattifying effect (skin began to look shiny within an hour), so I needed to apply face powder to compensate. The colour match, however, was perfect for me (I was sent Fair), so I would definitely be happy to use it on days when I wasn't too concerned about covering up blemishes.


--Scent--
While I have heard other complaints about the scent of this product, I have not personally found this. I would in fact go as far as saying that the No7 BB Cream is scentless. Perhaps others just got a bad batch.


--Texture and consistency--
This BB cream has the nicest texture of any I have tried. It's creamy without being too thick, blends beautifully, and is definitely not sticky. Nice one!


--Effects on the skin--
In terms of what this BB cream offers I have difficulty in seeing how it will clear up my blemishes or offer any other benefit beyond sun protection (which in its turn is a form of anti-ageing benefit), given that the SPF seems to be the cream's main selling point. I don't doubt that it does protect skin from the sun, but BB creams are surely supposed to be more than a tinted moisturiser or glorified sun cream. I haven't been able to use the product for long enough yet to say if this does help my acne, though, so the jury's still out on that one.


--Value for money--
I have to admit that £12.95 is about the most I would pay for this cream, given that I would expect a genuine BB cream to offer more than mere sun protection and light coverage. That, to me, is what a tinted moisturiser does. BB creams have historically (read: in Asia, where they originated) offered whitening properties, which is clearly never going to fly in the UK, so I wouldn't expect them to offer that, but I would expect No7 to offer something extra in their product, such as an active blemish-fighting ingredient (BB does stand for "blemish balm", after all!) or something to reduce scars. Admittedly, Garnier's version does not do much in this regard either, but it is still early days for BB creams in Europe and theirs at least has "inspired by BB creams" in its promotional material, which helps to distance their products from the genuine article. Still, BB cream or no, I'll be continuing to use this product as we get closer to summer (my least favourite season - boo hiss).


perfect partner
Airbrush Away Primer, £19.50/30ml

No7 Stay Perfect Matte Top Coat

--What does the promo say?--

"This year, we're unveiling the amazing matte coat that leaves nails looking like they just stepped off a catwalk. The sans-shine look popped up at a show after show and with this clear miracle, you can add edge to any base shade.

Simply apply over dry polish, just one coat is enough to achieve knock out nails."

 --Packaging--

Fairly standard stuff from No7 here. Whether that's dull and boring or classic and sophisticated really depends on you. The gold writing on the bottle is not only pretty and festive but is also readable and provides the essential information in few words.

--Application--

Apply the nail colour of your choice first and then leave it to dry. Once dry, apply this top coat. One go-round should suffice.

--Appearance--

Inside the bottle, the varnish looks weird - part white and part clear - with the parts clearly separated, as if the varnish is old and doesn't mix properly. However, this is no worry when actually applying the top coat as application is clear and cohesive. Not only this, but the visual effect delivers as promised: the result is a near-instant mattifying of your chosen colour for a modern, funky look that is seriously impressive.

--Scent--

You want that traditional nail-varnish pear drop anaesthetic type smell? You got it.

--Texture and consistency--

In spite of the initially worrying appearance of the product inside the bottle, as described above, this does not translate into stickiness or difficulties in application. The polish glides on smoothly and is quick to dry.

--Longevity--

While the promised effects are there, what we need to remember is that the primary purpose of a top coat is to protect your colour and make it last longer. Sadly, this product does not really do this - I noticed chips within a day or two.

--Value for money--

At £6.75, this is not horrifically expensive, but lamentably it's not the perfect product yet. I'd say it needs to go back to the drawing board so that it will make your colour last longer before it can really help you 'stay perfect' and thus merit its price tag.

perfect partners

No7 Stay Perfect Nail Polish, £6.75

No7 Stay Perfect Eye Shadow, £7.50

No7 Stay Perfect Foundation Compact, £13.50

No7 Stay Perfect Lipstick, £9.50

No7 Stay Perfect Nail Tip Whitener, £6.75

No7 Stay Perfect Smoothening and Brightening Eye Base, £7.50

No7 Stay Perfect Eye Mousse, £8.75

No7 Colour Calming Makeup Base

RRP: £9.75

--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Colour Calming Make-Up Base calms and neutralises rosy skin tones. Calm overly-rosy complexions with this clever colour corrector. Cool, sea-green tones neutralise unwanted blushes all day long, leaving your skin looking beautifully even. With caring, conditioning ingredients to help build skin's natural defences against the elements without blocking pores. Hypo-allergenic."

--Packaging--
Virtually identical to its anti-shine cousin: slim tube with the No7 logo and product name gracing the front in metallic writing. The tube itself is a suitably zen-like pale green colour, and it has a plastic screw-top lid that clicks closed.

--Application--
After moisturising, rub a small amount all over the face, avoiding the eye area.

--Appearance--
The lotion is exactly the same colour as the bottle, but luckily the skin absorbs it perfectly and no green residue is left on the face. Skin appears more matte, softer, and redness is visibly reduced.

--Texture/consistency--
It's quite runny, which I was a little disappointed about when I first bought it (having used No7's anti-shine equivalent, which is stiffer, I was expecting it to be more like that), and it took me a long time to get used to it. However, it's still relatively controllable and easy to use. Skin feels softer after use.

--How does it feel on the skin?--
That lotion feels like it's full of good stuff (though you'll have to wait until I can get home and look at mine before I can tell you exactly what - the Boots website is useless), with the skin feeling soothed and calmed all day as a result of use.

--Value for money--
It is a tad expensive, but it's still affordable, it works, and one tube lasts ages. Top.

No7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick

RRP: £9.50
no. of shades available: 6

--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Sheer Temptation Lipstick provides sheer, glossy, moisturising colour with SPF15. Hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free."

--Packaging--
A sleek, silver, slightly curvy package, with the No7 logo at the top of the lid in black. It's discreet, subtle and chic, and at 3-4 inches tall, a convenient size too.

--Application--
Apply to the lips straight from the stick. You can use a brush if you so desire, but the consistency of the lipstick (see below) means that this is probably unnecessary.

--Texture/consistency--
To me, this lipstick is the Holy Grail of both a lipstick and a gloss in one easy stick. I think that No7's marketing executives have missed a trick there, with there being no mention of this lipstick's unique consistency in its promotional material. It has the colour and intensity of a lipstick, but with the high shine and the smoothness of a gloss, which is just an absolute joy to wear.

--Appearance--
Shiny, but with a depth of colour not usually seen in lipglosses. There is also a very fine shimmer to this product.

--Longevity--
Sadly not great - it is this product's one downfall.

--Value for money--
I would buy this again in an instance for its amazing texture and natural wetness and colour, especially as part of one of No7's deals.

No7 Instant Radiance Foundation

RRP: £13.75
no. of shades available: 6

--What does the promo say?--
"Brighter, glowing skin...
If the dark days of winter aren't going away fast enough, your skin might need a little pick-me-up. Introducing No7 Instant Radiance Brush Foundation - a unique energising complex with vitamins C and E to help protect and revitalise dull-looking skin. The silky moisturising formula has light reflecting particles that boost your skin's appearance, making it look luminous and naturally flawless. Plus the clever brush pack helps your achieve make-up artist results, everyday. SPF 15. Hypo-allergenic."

--Packaging--
I don't pretend to be an expert on this site - I'm still learning all the time and still make mistakes, and I made one here, by not asking to see the packaging before I bought (it was boxed). Even looking at this, I got the impression I'd got bad value for money, as half the pack size is taken up by the brush mechanism, with the bit containing the foundation being pitifully small. It's a nice looking thing, sure, and it's easy enough to operate, but when you're disappointed by a thing before you even use it, that can't be good news.

--Application--
Pull off the lid, twist the brush to the clearly marked 'on' position, and gently squeeze the tube before wiping directly onto the face or wiping the excess onto your hand and working from there. Upward strokes are best when applying foundation with a brush as it gives the most even and natural finish, using a little foundation at a time.

--Texture/consistency--
Pretty good, but I prefer my foundation a little creamier.

--Appearance--
Despite having the palest shade available, I wouldn't want to wear this foundation in the winter. It's fine as I have a slight tan at the moment, and in summer it looks more acceptable to have a slightly more tanned foundation, but in the winter I might look a bit odd wearing this. It does give you that dewy, wide-awake look though, so I can't argue with that side of things.

--Longevity--
Not perfect, but not awful. Average.

--Coverage--
Very good, although by evening you may need to touch up, and when you apply it it certainly does deliver on its promise of flawlessness.

--Value for money--
Shockingly bad. I would buy my normal No7 or Rimmel over this any day (even though this does contain an SPF, which many foundations don't). It's overpackaged and the effects are no different to using a foundation brush normally. You may as well buy a decent foundation that actually IS full-size (rather than giving the illusion of being so. The picture on the Boots website is extremely misleading - actually go into a shop and look), and a separate foundation brush to go with it.

perfect partner
No7 Instant Radiance Concealer, £12

No7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes

RRP: £6.50

--What does the promo say?--
"Speedy Skincare with No7 Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes. Be good to your skin, even when you're short of time with these gentle, fragrance-free wipes. Specially created for your busiest days, they sweep away impurities, tone your skin, remove waterproof eye make-up and moisturise, quick as a flash. With pro vitamin B5 to moisturise and soften, plus natural extracts of witch hazel and fennel to clear pores and leave your skin feeling smooth and fresh. Fragrance free and hypo-allergenic. This product is best used in conjunction with any No7 Moisturiser."

--Packaging--
A cool blue, nicely sized rectangular plastic package with a white lid made from hard plastic. The white lid bears the No7 logo and product information in black and gold, so all very simplistic and in keeping with the No7 brand. You then lift the lid and peel back the protective film to reach the face wipes. The lid seems unnecessary: I didn't find it kept the wipes any more moist than usual and I'm sure that given the extra materials used it must drive the price up, so I'm not really too impressed with that.

--Usage--
Take out one wipe from the packet, close the lid, and sweep over your face, neck and eyelids to wipe away impurities and remove makeup. This product claims to cleanse, tone, moisturise and remove makeup simultaneously, so you shouldn't need to do anything else before or after. I'd only recommend moisturising afterwards as the Boots website tells you to if you have really dry skin.

--Scent--
The scent was just really clean and clear. Reminded me of freshly laundered towels.

--How does it feel on the skin?--
The wipes are cool and refreshing and the stuff they're soaked in isn't at all harsh or abrasive.

--Does it do what it says it will?/How does your skin feel afterwards?--
It removes makeup perfectly and you really feel like your face has been cleansed, toned and moisturised. Your face feels clean and smooth and it really gets rid of excess sweat after a workout too. The only thing I didn't notice was any improvement in my skin, which was slightly surprising given the presence of witch hazel in the product.

--Value for money--
While this product was pleasant to use, it's a LOT more than I would normally spend on face wipes. You only get 25 wipes or so in the pack and that's not really very much for the money paid. One good thing this product did was introduce me to the concept of 4-in-1 wipes, and I will definitely be on the lookout for other 4-in-1 wipes that do the same thing just as well for a nicer price.

perfect partners
No7 Smooth and Soothed Gentle Cleanser, £7
No7 Beautifully Balanced Purifying Toner, £7
No7 Intelligent Balance Day Fluid, £9.25
No7 Intelligent Balance Night Fluid, £9.25

No7 Calm and Conceal Dual Ended Blemish Stick

RRP: £8.25
no. of shades available: 1

--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Calm & Conceal Dual Ended Blemish Stick soothes troubled skin with its dual-action blemish treatment. One end helps stop blemishes in their tracks, the other hides them away. As soon as you feel a blemish, roll on the clear solution. Let it dry, then add a little concealer. Hypo-allergenic and fragrance free. Best used in conjunction with any No7 foundation."

--Packaging--
I was attracted to this because it's like no other concealer I've seen before, even though I expect other brands will soon follow suit if it's successful. With concealer at one end and a clear blemish treatment at the other, it's perfect for when you're on the go. Both canisters are transparent so that you can see how much is left, and the middle part is gold, with the No7 logo and product information written on it in black. The blemish treatment end is a rollerball while the concealer comes with its own sponge applicator stick attached to the middle part of the outfit that holds the whole business together. All very nice to look at, and as I said, very different and perfect for travelling.

--Application--
Unscrew the blemish treatment side and roll the solution onto any blemishes that are troubling you. The solution is quite quick to dry (I'd say less than 2 minutes) and you can then apply the concealer on top before blending in.

--Appearance--
The blemish solution is clear and leaves no visible residue on the face. In the tube the concealer actually looks quite pale, so I thought it would be fine. So far, so fabulous. And when you've applied foundation and things on top of it, it looks fine. However, when you've just applied the concealer it all goes a bit wrong. I always think that a good concealer is one you can wear on its own as well as when part of a full face of makeup. I should have known that going for a product that's only available in one shade would be a bad idea, but in the tube it honestly looks pale enough for me. On my skin, though, it's a bit of a disaster. It looks patchy and orange and there's no way I'd consider going out wearing the concealer by itself like I would with my Clinique, L'Oreal or even my Collection 2000 concealer. As I said, once you've applied other makeup it looks fine, but you may be disappointed if you've bought this to wear on its own. Saying that, though, my skin is ridiculously pale. If you've got slightly darker skin you will possibly be fine. Perhaps wheedle a demonstration out of the Boots staff first before buying.

--Coverage--
It would be OK if the colour wasn't so wrong for me. With other makeup, as I said, it's fine.

--Longevity--
Again, fine. It holds well with other makeup and you don't find yourself reapplying it during the day.

--Effectiveness--
This one's tricky as I tend to use an anti-blemish gel anyway, so I've not noticed any difference in my skin. However, if you don't already use one I expect you'll see a difference in your blemishes.

--Value for money--
I wouldn't recommend this product, which is a shame as I normally worship No7 (this is only the second product of theirs I've been disappointed in and I'd say I've tried 10+ products from the brand). It's expensive for what it is and to only have one shade available is really poor. My advice? Buy a decent blemish gel (Clinique's is good), and a decent concealer (and there really are many out there no matter how much or little you want to spend), and use them instead.

No7 Quick Cover Blemish Stick

RRP: £7.00
no. of shades available: 4

--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Quick Cover Blemish Stick is a high performance non-pore blocking concealer to hide everything from blemishes and age spots to uneven skin tone. What's more, its unique oil-absorbing light and creamy formula smoothes on easily to control shine for up to 12 hours. Hypo-allergenic and fragrance free."

--Packaging--
All very grown-up in a light gold, slim but curvy lipstick-style tube, meaning it probably hits the target audiences of older acne sufferers and of older women wanting to cover age spots, but probably won't appeal to younger girls. The No7 logo graces the top of the lid in black. The lid pulls off, and while it's easy to open and close, it does close securely.

--Application--
Apply to the areas of your face that want covering, either by using a brush or by applying direct to your face from the stick, and then blend, either before or after foundation, but definitely before powder or any other facial makeup.

--Appearance--
I was pleased with the shade even from the moment of choosing it as it seemed such a good match for my skin, and once it had been applied I wasn't wrong - it blended beautifully with my skin tone. Funnily enough, despite there only being 4 shades available, it seems to me like these would cover the needs of most people. The concealer also adapts well to any brand of foundation and powder.

--Coverage--
Excellent - barely shifts all day.

--Consistency--
Creamy, but light as well, and the stick feels gentle on the skin.

--Does it do what it says on the label?--
Can't comment on the age spots claim, but on every other claim, I'd say yes. It doesn't irritate the skin, is most definitely fragrance free, covers everything you want it to cover and doesn't turn your face into an oil slick.

--Value for money--
£7 seems a bit steep, especially since it doesn't appear to contain any tea-tree oil or other similarly beneficial ingredients. However, it does an excellent job with the coverage, it does what it promises to do, and one stick seems to last a very long time, even with everyday use (and it will go even further if you use a brush). Top stuff.

No7 Essential Moisture Foundation

RRP: £10.00 for 40ml
No. of shades available: 6

--What does the promo say?--
"Beauty made simple. Keep your skin feeling comfortably moisturised all day long with this easy to wear medium coverage foundation. The rich creamy formula blends easily to cover minor imperfections, giving an even, dewy finish with a wonderfully lightweight feel. Enriched with vitamins A & E and SPF12 to care and protect for your skin. It is hypo-allergenic and fragrance-free."

--Packaging--
It's a squeezy black plastic flip-top bottle which stands on its lid and has the No7 logo and all product information written in a metallic gold, easy-to-read font. However, from the Boots website picture, it now appears that they no longer place the sticker detailing the shade on the front of the bottle. It is a shame if this is the case as it enables you to see the shade clearly and the skin-coloured sticker really stands out from the otherwise plain design. However, it could be that they've merely removed this for the purposes of the picture. The flip top is secure and easy to open and close.

--Application--
Simple really - open the lid, squeeze some foundation onto your fingertips, a brush or a sponge, and apply all over your face.

--Texture--
Creamy, with an absolutely perfect consistency - not too runny and not too hard. On the face it feels smooth and light.

--Appearance--
On the skin the effects are obvious without you looking like you've plastered the foundation on with a trowel. The overall effect is dewy and matte with exactly the right amount of coverage.

--Longevity--
This foundation doesn't rub or slide off as the day goes on, though I'd say that dry patches and blemishes become more obvious, so you may benefit from regular touch-ups throughout the day (though of course if you have perfect skin then this will be irrelevant!).

--Coverage--
Pretty good - I'm happy with it so far at least.

--Value for money--
For an own-brand range, I've always found No7 to be of excellent quality (even though I think 6 available shades of this foundation is quite a paltry selection). It is cheaper than brands of similar quality and I'd say it's even better than brands that are widely perceived to be of higher quality, such as Max Factor. One tube of this also lasts quite well, even if you wear makeup every day, so for this price, I'd definitely recommend it.

No 7 Stay Perfect Foundation Compact

RRP: £11.50/12g
no. of shades available: 6

--What does the promo say?--
"Stay Perfect Foundation Compact for a long-lasting, flawless finish. Help your skin stay beautiful from morning till night, with this incredibly silky long-lasting foundation. Easy to apply wherever you are, it's flattering in any light, keeping you picture perfect all day long.
* Hypo-allergenic Fragrance free
* with SPF 15
* Vitamins A and E"

--Packaging--
It's a good-looking black plastic flip-top container, in an oval shape, with the No7 logo on the lid in gold. A sponge and mirror is included and the foundation and sponge compartments sort of curve into one another, making up an oval shape together. The opening of said compact, however, is a little deceptive - there's a little ridge that looks like you should grab hold of and lift from, when in reality this is only the spring. You actually need to grab the side of the lid, using the flat of your finger or thumb rather than the tip, and lift up. Even then it doesn't always open on the first go.

--Application--
Wipe the sponge onto the foundation and then apply directly to your face. However, this is not as easy as it sounds as it's easy to apply unevenly, particularly around the eyes, mouth and nostrils, so make sure you check your work before doing the rest of your makeup.

--Texture--
Quite smooth to start with, but my face felt greasier as the day went on. However, I wore it on quite a hot day, so on a cooler day it may fare better.

--Appearance--
It does give pretty impressive coverage, and I find myself nodding at No7's claim that the foundation helps towards a flawless appearance. However, just make sure to check for uneven patches on application. I found that the shade of foundation was very compatible with my skin, though I'm not sure if there are enough shades available for darker skins.

--Coverage--
Even with my bad skin, I found one layer enough for decent coverage. I don't know whether this means it's too thick for people with good skin to use happily.

--Value for money--
It's perhaps a touch more expensive than I was expecting, though it contains an SPF and additional vitamins. You also get less foundation than this size of the compact would make it appear, perhaps owing to the inclusion of the sponge. However, the coverage is excellent and as a foundation I would heartily recommend it.

No7 Shine-Free Makeup Base

RRP: £9.25/40ml
--What does the promo say?--
"No7 Shine Free Make-Up Base stops shine for a matte finish. All day matte... keep shiny skin under control all day long, with this mattifying oil-free base. Light-reflecting particles help disguise fine lines and flaws, while oil-absorbing Biopol helps minimise blemishes and blot away shine without blocking pores. With watermelon and cucumber extracts to help soothe and cool your skin. Hypo-allergenic."

--Packaging--
Comes in a white, square-ish tube with the No7 logo and basic product information on the front in silver font. Doesn't stand up on the base as the lid is quite slender. Nice simple packaging.

--Application--
Squeeze the tube gently until a small amount of the product appears at the tip of the tube. Apply all over face (though I don't know that I'd recommend putting it on your eyelids - there are more specialist eyelid primers available that are probably more sensitive) and rub in.

--Appearance--
The primer is a white lotion with a vaguely pearlised appearance. On the face, it blends perfectly with the skin, leaving no residue. It does exactly what it says on the tube, combatting shine before applying makeup. I've even used this when I'm not even going to wear any makeup at all as it does its job so well.

--Texture--
It is a lotion, but it errs more on the side of stiff than runny. It might sound a bit strange but it really does work very well.

--How does it feel on the skin?--
Light and refreshing. Doesn't weigh your skin down at all or make you feel like you're wearing more makeup than you actually are.

--Value for money--
It is perhaps a little on the expensive side - there are probably other primers out there that are cheaper while being just as good. However, Boots do good deals on their No7 stuff quite often (3 for 2 etc) so you may be able to save some money. I'm open to experimentation, though, for the purposes of comparison if nothing else.