When it comes to reliable, high-performing and accessible beauty products, Boots own brand No7 has cemented its reputation as one of the best. Whether it’s affordable, everyday makeup staples or powerful anti-ageing skincare formulas, the high street brand always seems to provide products that are easy to use while delivering effective results.
Launched in 1935, the range initially included a selection of eleven skincare products, expanding into selected colour cosmetics two years later. Now, nearly 90 years later, the search term No7 generates more than 300 results on the Boots website.
A go-to for dedicated beauty fans and casual users alike, No7 is one of the most popular brands in our beauty arsenal. But with so many to choose from, it can be difficult to know exactly which products are worth adding to your makeup bag or skincare routine.
READ MORE: I asked 16 celebrities what their must-have beauty product is and this is what they told me
READ MORE: It’s our job to test beauty products and these are our 12 standout launches of 2024
Thankfully, our team of shopping writers have tried several of the brand’s offerings over the years, some of which have even become firm favourites, rivaling high end brands without the hefty price tag.
And while there are plenty of older No7 products we adore, most of our current hits are some of the brand’s latest innovations, proving that they still continue to impress with new launches, from their 2018 Laboratories line correcting booster serum, to their 2024 Pro Artist makeup collection. Here are our top beauty writer-approved products from No7:
Bethan loves the No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF 50
Since UV rays are responsible for around 80 per cent of visible sun damage, including fine lines, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, it means SPF is a non-negotiable in my skincare routine. I’ve tried dozens of brands designed to be used on the face and under makeup, but nothing I’ve used previously — or, in fact, since — lives up to the No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF 50 .
The relatively newly-launched formula, released in April 2024, promises to protect against visible signs of ageing, including dryness, uneven skin tone and texture, as well as wrinkles. The product has been designed to work in conjunction with the existing Future Renew range – targeted to reversing visible signs of sun damage and ageing – to protect it against everyday sun damage in the future, too.
Unlike other facial SPFs I’ve tried, the formula is incredibly lightweight with a fairly runny texture that glides effortlessly onto the skin. It absorbs quickly, leaving an invisible layer of protection and most importantly, no white cast, making it skin tone friendly, too. I love that without makeup on, it gives a glowy, plumped appearance thanks to the inclusion of sodium hyaluronate, without feeling sticky or greasy. The hydration this product gives is the ideal base for my regular beauty routine, working well with makeup without pilling.
Costing £24.95, the SPF fluid brings the best of everything to the table, including being suitable for a variety of skin tones and textures, hydrating, makeup-friendly, affordable and effective. It really is a game changer.
Lauren loves the Pro Artist Soft Glow Cream Bronzer
As a fair-skinned gal, I have to be mindful about the amount of bronzer I use. Over the years, I’ve mostly been prone to powdered bronzer, switching between The Body Shop’s Matte Bronzing Powder and this nifty Rimmel highlighter/blush/bronzer combo.
But No7’s cream version, from the brand’s new Pro Artist range, is a revelation. It sweeps across my face effortlessly and is simple to build up if I want more radiance. I particularly appreciate how it blends flawlessly into my skin to create a subtle finish — perfect for ensuring my pale complexion doesn’t end up resembling a poor fake tan attempt.
It feels nourishing, hydrating, and long-lasting — I can’t recall a time when I’ve had to reapply it during the day. Additionally, it’s versatile; it can be used as a contour and could even serve as eyeshadow.
Plus, for just £19.95, this formula is fantastic value. Just look at the size of that tin! I imagine it’ll last me six months, meaning I won’t need to splash out on a new one for ages.
Eve loves the No7 Pro Artist Matte Muse Lipstick
Red lipstick – and a bright one at that – has always been a staple in my handbag, make-up bag and any other bag I’m carrying, just in case. Always my choice over a pink or nude, having tried and tested many, many over the years, I like to think I’m pretty well versed in what makes a decent quality, bold red lip.
Now, I’ve been using Charlotte Tilbury’s moisturising and powerful Hollywood Vixen religiously since its release at the start of the year but I have to say it has met its match in No7’s new cool-toned Red Carpet Ready Matte Muse Lipstick.
Not just because of its finish and quality but its price too. At £14.95, it’s a bit of a steal compared to Charlotte Tilbury’s £27.
It applies like a dream and is silky and doesn’t tug on your lips. It has more of a matte finish – which is always my preference – and is creamy, intense and hydrating. Some matte lipsticks can leave your lips flaky and looking very unkissable, but this formula is nourishing and isn’t at all sticky (and only has a teeny bit of transfer onto glasses).
The cool undertone in the lipstick shade is beautiful too and immediately brightened my complexion. It also seems to compliments whatever eye colour you have – as you can see with our team here. I’ve worn it throughout the festive season and will certainly be popping it on on New Year’s Eve.
Harriet’s new favourite blush is the No7 Pro Artist Luxe Liquid
Blush is a must-have for me, no matter what I always find a tiny dab helps lift the face, and make any dreary complexion look ten times brighter. Blush blindness is certainly a thing. We’ve all had those days where we pile too much on, and it’s been the one reason that’s stopped me from using liquid blushes until now.
I’ve eyed up the popular Rare Beauty and Charlotte Tilbury cream products before but never used a liquid yet until I was sent the Boots’ No7 The Ultimate 25-Day Beauty Advent Calendar. And the Pro Artist Luxe Liquid Blush quickly became one of my go-to products.
A tiny dap of this taupe blush certainly goes a long way, and it can be blended out using a fluffy cheekbone brush, and if I ever want a longer-lasting mix, I’ll set it with my favourite powder blush from Benefit – the Shellie, which I’ve bought on repeat for years.
The one thing I’d say is don’t let the strong pigmented colour put you off, a tiny spot of this blends out smoothy, doesn’t clog up after a few hours of wear, and can be buffed into a subtle hint of colour – no rosy red cheeks over here. The only thing I will say is I have found it to be too harsh for my pale complexion when I’m not wearing a full face, I personally think you need eye makeup, lips, and bronzer to balance it out…maybe not one for natural look lovers.
Rachel swears by the No7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum
Since discovering the No7 Laboratories Line Correcting Booster Serum one fateful £10 Tuesday, my confidence has increased no-end. I would dread seeing pictures from days out, only for my eyes to be drawn straight to my prominent forehead lines. Claiming to be “clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles by up to five years”, I was skeptical to say the least. The product promises to intensively target six key wrinkle zones: forehead, brow, feet, lip, between brows, under eyes and nasolabial folds by boosting the skin’s elasticity.
The serum absorbs well and sits nicely under make up. I usually apply before my Vitamin C serum and day or night cream.
So far I have only used it to tackle the problem areas of my forehead, but having seen promising results after a couple of months’ use, I’m already considering targeting other areas preventatively in a bid to delay other issues developing. Usually retailing at £34.95, I couldn’t be happier with my £10 Tuesday bargain.
Tiffany swears by the No7 Define & Enhance Mascara
I wear makeup most days when I’m out; sometimes with mascara, sometimes without. And when my friends told me ‘you look different today’ and I knew it’s the power of mascara. I came across the No7 Define & Enhance mascara during my usual Boots visit and this lengthening wand has done miracles to my eyes.
The No7 beauty technician told me the Define & Enhance mascara can reach inner and outer corners, adding: “You won’t need any eyelash curler for this. This is great if you want to use it on the go as well. Just pop it in your handbag and use it to touch up if you need.”
In just three wipes, my lashes were lifted and curled like a pair of wipes on screens. The new formula is weightless and safe for sensitive peepers. It’s also easy to wash off with warm water. Looking at the ingredients, the No7 Define & Enhance Mascara is a tubing mascara thanks to the polymer ingredient glyceryl stearate.
The mascara retails at £15.95, and if you spend £40 or more on selected No7 products, you can save £10 in total.
Aside from No7, there are plenty of other beauty brands our beauty writers use on the daily, such as Charlotte Tilbury. You can find our top picks from the Hollywood-loved brand here. But if you’re interested in the best launches of 2024, you can see which products impressed beauty editor Laura Mulley here.