Maybe not perfect, but vastly better! (Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum)

Member Name: song_of_calliope

Product:	Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum
Date:	09/11/09 (69 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: This really does make your skin smoother

Disadvantages: Slightly expensive, you do need to use moisturiser with it

Like so many women, I started using Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Serum when the news broke that scientists had found this serum is actually effective against fine lines and wrinkles. Actually, around that time, my mother bought me this as a Christmas present - and I know how to take a hint! I have been using it ever since, so that makes about two years now. But about a year ago, I switched from the regular serum to this intense version.

Boots No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Beauty Serum comes in a pump dispenser that pumps this serum from a glass bottle onto your fingertip. You smooth this on your face and, since it is quite viscous and not really runny, I am able to concentrate this on the fine lines in my skin, applying a bit more on my forehead and around my eyes than I do on my cheeks and chin, for example.

After applying, you are meant to let it dry before applying moisturiser. For me, as my skin is very dry, this sinks in very quickly and about a minute after putting it on I'm able to apply my night cream. For someone with oily skin you will need to wait longer for this to dry, I would imagine. But I think everyone, or almost everyone at least, needs to wear moisturiser over this as it is a very drying product. In fact, I have read some negative reviews of this product that state it doesn't moisturise very well. But it isn't meant to moisturise! It is meant to smooth out fine lines. And it does this very well.

I have definitely noticed a change in my skin in the two years since I have been using Protect and Perfect. My fine lines are still there but, whereas they used to be fairly pronounced, they are now barely visible. I am 37 but honestly lately I have been mistaken for being in my late 20s. This wouldn't have happened two years ago when I actually looked older than I do now. I would definitely say this product has turned back the clock when it comes to my skin. I know that sounds impossible and I also know that we women are so used to hearing false claims from skin creams promising the moon. But I truly believe this serum delivers.

The only bad thing I can say about it is that the pump dispenser doesn't pump the entire bottle of serum out and there is about 1/10th of the serum at the bottom when the pump stops working. What I do about this is to unscrew the pump and use a cotton bud each morning to scoop some out and then I apply it to my face and rub it in. If anyone has a better solution I would love to hear it but this works quite well and avoids wasting this serum, which is fairly expensive.

Now, about the price. One bottle of this serum costs £19.75 from Boots. Now, I know that sounds like a lot, however you don't need to pay full price for this. There are a couple of ways you can save. First is the fact that Boots very often put out a voucher for £5 off No7 products. So keep checking to see if this voucher is available before you buy. Secondly, they very often have promotions of 3 for 2 on No7. I recently stocked up on this during the 3 for 2 sale and paid 39.50 for 3 bottles of this stuff. That's just a fraction over £13 a bottle which really isn't so bad.

I also save by only applying this once a day instead of the recommended morning and night. I personally just put this on at night and this has proven sufficient for improving my skin. Therefore a bottle lasts me about 2 months, and at £6.50 per month for smoother skin, I really cannot complain at all.

Summary: I'm so glad I found out about this product