The No7-th Wonder of the World ! (Boots No.7 Essential Moisture Cream)

Member Name: karimkha

Product:	Boots No.7 Essential Moisture Cream
Date:	14/04/08 (436 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Makes skin soft and hydrated; a little goes a long way; price

Disadvantages: Smell; easy to use too much.

As a woman, I am obviously addicted to beauty products and I have a strict daily routine; I have always wanted to look my best under every circumstance and am in constant search for the best products in the market to try. Like most women seeing so many products on the shelf confuses; even the same brand has so many different beauty products. Every company promises the best for the consumer and we (ladies) follow every ad on TV that guarantees us great results and a magic solution for all skin problems ( I wish it was that easy!).

I have to admit I was, and still am, one of these people; I can't resist trying until I find what I want!

Looking at these beauty products, especially face creams, I have noticed that some are very highly priced. Is this just to give the impression that it is working? And we (the female consumers) are paying extra just for the brand! In the first instance, I found that one daily moisturiser (under a very well known brand) was as expensive as £100/50ml. My friend works in Debenhams and she managed to get me a 3 days sample - believe me, it's not worth it at all; so girls, don't be deceived by the look of the package, the fake promises or a big brand in glossy magazines - sometimes, a simple, reasonably priced product can do miracles.

Speaking of good decent daily moisturisers, I can recommend for you the No7 day cream range. They have many products for all skin types, all with easy instructions. I'm going to review one of this range: '''No 7 Essential Moisture day cream'''. I can tell you honestly before I start the review this is a nice and easy to use cream which I have personally used for over a year now; the good news is that it won't break the bank, so it's a great value moisturiser as well!

How Did I First Get It?

As a BOOTS loyal customer I purchased beauty products for over £30 some time in 2006 and received a £5 voucher on any No7 products, plus a free cosmetic bag full of goodies up to the value of £33. When I got home I opened this bag and found few things, mascara, kohl pencil, lip gloss and a small jar of No7 Essential Moisture (Day Cream). It was about enough for several days, so I cleansed my face with 'No7 Soft and Soothed Cleanser' and applied this cream as a moisturiser. I'm not too fussy about face creams as I like trying new products; also I trust No7 brand anyway. I liked the results, so I rushed to BOOTS the next day, and using my £5 off voucher I bought it in the big jar.

===The packaging===

All No7 products have the same look, from the cheapest to the most expensive item; I guess they don't concentrate on looks. This is not a major thing to worry about - I don't think you will be worried about displaying it on your dressing table. If you are really embarrassed at the look, just keep it in your drawer! What inside the jar is what counts but for those who want a quick description of the product, here it is:

It is a slightly textured opaque white jar with a golden '''No7''' logo on the lid, without much fuss or being creative. It has the cream name on the front and the instructions on the back, plus a peel able sticker on the back with a very long list of ingredients which I normally don't read (and which l never actually read until this moment)! And with the double wall construction of the jar, the cream can last longer and stay fresh without changing colour or smell as some do even when they have a long expiry date. I have to mention that this product does not come in a box.

===The Smell===

Once I opened the jar, I found a protective plastic cover, which is good to keep in. It keeps the jar nicely clean and safely stored without customers putting their fingers in a new jar in front of everyone despite the tester pot being displayed clearly to use!

You might be asking, "Why mention the smell?" Well, for me it is very important. I like slightly perfumed face cream. It gives me confidence that in case someone kisses me, I won't smell like I've just come out from hospital. Sadly, in this case, '''No7 Essential Moisture''' smells like hospitals! I had another sniff, this time deeper and longer: it smells like eggs or fish! I promise you it's the truth! I was very disappointed and downhearted, so I put some on my hand and smelled my hand. Although not as powerful a scent as it smells in the jar, I did not think this was best to smell when you wake up! So I put this thought aside, and investigated more.

===Texture===

After this disappointment I looked at the cream. It was light PINK! This is a bit unusual for a moisturiser, but I liked the colour. In fact, this moisturiser is quite thick and has volume and body; it's like whipped cream which I really liked a lot more than a lotion. I shook the jar and held it upside-down, but nothing dripped. That was definitely positive.

==_The Moment of Truth_==

===* Applying the moisturiser: (how much do you need?)===

As a part of my daily routine, I cleanse my skin and prepare it. I always apply moisturiser generously, covering every corner of my face. When I followed the same technique with No7 Essential Moisture, I was surprised to discover I had put on too much, making my face very greasy! I started to massage it thoroughly into my face and neck for quite few minutes until it was completely dissolved.

The first lesson to learn then is not to apply too much. It is a quite thick and rich cream, so the best way to apply is to put a few drops with your finger tip on the forehead, cheeks, chin and neck, massaging softly in a circular motion, making sure that the cream has completely penetrated into the skin. For best results use it after having a hot shower so that the skin pores are widely open.

===* After first application: (how did my skin feel?)===

'''Straight after the application''' my skin felt velvety soft and looked instantly brighter and healthier. I have normal to dry skin depending on the weather, and I noticed that some parts of my face were a bit oilier than others. _Keep that in mind if you will be applying make up._

'''After 15 minutes of application''', I touched my skin, still very soft and moisturised. I could feel it on my face; it was working as if it were storing the moisture.

'''A few hours later''' I found out that my skin was still the same, and the greasy parts also still the same. I wiped my forehead with a tissue and it was oily! This moisturiser is quite heavy; suitable for very dry skin, giving it instant moisture and brightness.

===* After 4 weeks of regular application===

'''I can confirm the following results.'''

* My skin is much softer and hydrated, with daily usage.
* With '''vitamin E''' the skin is firmer, supple, nourished.
*It is enriched with '''vitamin F''' (fatty acids) - good for skin wellbeing and vitality.
*I can see a real difference regarding the touch and the hydration.

'''I didn't read any info on the pot regarding SPF''' so I can't confirm that it has any!

.

==Recommendation==

It is a well known fact that keeping your skin moisturised and hydrated will keep it looking good for longer. Our skin is the only organ directly and constantly open to pollution and the heat and cold of nature. Our skin acts as a filter, absorbing all the harmful rays and dirt, so that it can show the signs of aging and tiring faster than any other part of our body.

I have to mention that this is not an anti-aging or anti-wrinkle cream so it's suitable for a certain age group - possibly between 20 to 35 years of age.

It's good value for money and does the job perfectly.


==Price and Availability==

The price is only £7.75 for 50ml and these days BOOTS are often offering 3 for 2 , very good value and the jar can last between 6-8 weeks, that is less than £1 per week depending on how much you use, in my experience don't use too much.

It is available in Boots the Chemist shops or online at www.boots.com with free delivery when you spend more than £40.

'''Summary'''
* Day cream comes in 50ml pot.
* Suitable for normal/skin.
* Fragrance free good for sensitive skin.
* Reasonably priced £7.75 and you can buy it in special offer. (3 for 2)
* can be used under make up but if you have some oily part on your face make sure to apply a little less to avoid make up smudging.
* It's not been tested on animals.

I can rate it 9/10

Thank you for reading
©Karimkha........April 2008

Summary: It's nice, economic and reasonably priced moisturiser