Boots • No7 Stay Perfect Compact Foundation • Crème

Where To Buy?

haikusamurai on 9/21/2010 8:23:00 PM more reviews by haikusamurai

Age: 30-35   Skin: Acne-prone, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

As a woman of middle eastern descent with olive skin and acne prone complexion, my makeup holy grail is a MATCHING medium coverage foundation. This was it, in shade #40 Caramel.

Lovely coverage. Great shade!!!!

THEN MY SHADE WAS DISCONTINUED! WHY???

The hunt begins....AGAIN!

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jaybe on 9/4/2010 7:52:00 PM more reviews by jaybe

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I couldn't get along with this foundation at first. Like others who have reviewed it I found it patchy. Then I discovered the best way to apply and that made a huge difference. If you use the sponge to apply the sponge just soaks up all the foundation and you'll go through it no time. I apply the foundation with my fingers. A small amount goes a long way. I smooth the foundation over my face. At this point it looks a little thick and shiny. Then I use the sponge, thoroughly dampened with water, and blend the foundation. I use a patting motion rather than wiping it. This gets a really good, long lasting smooth finish. Then powder and it lasts all day. I usually need to blot every couple of hours because I have oily t-zone. I have had no problems with breakouts using this foundation.

I do think No7 products are overpriced in the UK and I only ever buy them when there is a voucher offer. Having said that, the packaging on this foundation is really nice. I love the twist and open mechanism of the compact and it is still in good shape and I have nearly used all the foundation up.

Since I discovered the method of using a damp sponge as described above, I have tried it on other foundations with great results.

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sunniedaiis on 4/17/2010 11:49:00 AM more reviews by sunniedaiis

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Brown    

I lurrvve this foundation!!! This is really really good but there are plenty of faults. It's really slick and you can just pop it in your handbag, but the catch on mine broke, so it couldn't shut anymore, it covered everything in my make up bag with foundation! Also it ran out quickly and it's really expensive so I didn't bother to buy it again. Furthermore the sponge it came with is really good but it used up loads of product. I'd deffinatly consider buying it again though.

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roodswing on 10/19/2009 4:41:00 PM more reviews by roodswing

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I had a very hard time rating this product.

This was yet another impulse buy that I randomly picked up at the drugstore one day. I'd never even heard of the Boots.

Firstly, the packaging is very strange. It looks like a standard compact from the outside but when you open it up you see that instead of a full size round application sponge there is a little cresent moon shaped one with actual foundation in the other half of the moon. It was very annoying to try to apply and blend the foundation with such a small application sponge. As I used the product I noticed that although it looks like it's a smaller amount of foundation it is actually deeper so probably has the same about of product as other drugstore cream foundations.

The actual product is fine...not extrordinary by any means but pretty much what I expected from the other cream foundations I've used...slightly heavy, opaque texture, but easily blended out for lighter coverage.

HOWEVER

While I find this to be a mediocre foundation, I find this an EXCELLENT travelling concealor for those longer days where you can't get home to touch up/re-apply.

Because it's opaque it covers dark circles/blemishes very well and as mentioned above it blends out to sheer quite easily. I tossed out the silly little cresent sponge and started carrying a 217se, which I find blends this prodcut out very well. I can just apply my Stuidio Fix over the concealer and I look good as new.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

RoxieFoxie on 6/27/2009 6:40:00 PM more reviews by RoxieFoxie

Age: 19-24   Skin: Sensitive, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

I have just finished my first No.7 Stay Perfect Compact and, even though I was reluctant about it when I first bought it , I have to admit that Im sold.


Havent been a fan of creme Foundations , after trying a few, and continued using liquid ... but I picked this up on a whim one day ... and Im glad I did. I like the texture , it has medium converage ( for someone like me that has a few pimples and acne scars , I really recommend it , does a decent job , especially after layering it on ) .


The compact has a Mirror and a pretty good sponge , which I like. I have fair skin and I think I was recommended a shade a bit too dark for me ( Blonde ) , but I usually use a darker shade in foundation in the summer, anyway. Next time I'll get a lighter shade tough , hope it wont make me too pale.


CONS: It only lasts for a few weeks for the price you pay ( £ 12 or £ 14 in the UK, dont remember well ). I will probably repurchase though.

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apricotmuffins on 6/24/2009 8:33:00 AM more reviews by apricotmuffins

Age: 19-24   Skin: Normal, Medium   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Green    

I first bought this when my skin was still fairly oily, and i liked it because of the coveage you could achieve (almost total) but it does have a tendency to look heavy. I stayed off it but I've recently come back to it and OH MY, i have discovered an amazing way to apply this.

First of all, My skin has changed from combnination to mostly dry (but not too dry). I've taken to using moisturising foundations much more now, but right now i'm big on The Body Shop's vitamin E tinted moisturising lotion as my skin is looking fairly good for the summer. This is what I do:

Any tinted or non-tinted moisturiser will do, but APPLY IT WITH A FOUNDATION BRUSH. Then, work this foundation on to the SAME brush, and apply it where you need it. the moisturiser helps the foundation to glide on to your skin and blends in perfectly, allowing you to build up the awesome coverage this foundation gives in the areas you need it, and a sheerer, lighter coverage where you dont. Then, powder lightly to fix (important!)
I have some break outs around my jaw which I can cover much better with this technique than with any other foundation or concealer.

If you've had some trouble with this foundation compact, I thoroughly recommend this application before you write it off as lost. (unless you have oily skin, in which case this product really isnt for you)

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PriTzOoO on 5/27/2009 8:55:00 AM more reviews by PriTzOoO

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Oily, Olive   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Hmm...i bought this thinking it would cover my acne scars and occasional breakouts. However when i use it my face looks like a mask is on it and become even more oily. This is bad as it promised a matte-look "for hours". Also it cakes up under the eyes, really unattractive :(

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Bride949 on 3/1/2009 1:01:00 AM more reviews by Bride949

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

this is probably the worst foundation i've ever tried... i purchased this in a panic situation after i ran out of my MAC full coverage foudation and couldn't make it to the pro store... i know i shouldn't be comparing a drug store product expecting it to rival MAC, but this stuff is bad compared to ANYTHING...

YUCK! it streaks, leaves dry patches some places oil slicks in others, gets all over my cell phone- its just literally the worst.

go back to the drawing board boots because this stuff SUCKS!

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mssash0816 on 12/10/2008 2:13:00 PM more reviews by mssash0816

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

Someone I know highly recommended this foundation to me and swore it was her HG. However, after trying it myself I found it's definitely not for me. The coverage is pretty good, does an alright job of covering my redness around my nose and on my chin. And New Ivory was a great color match for my skin. I just hate the finish of the product. It's very obvious that I'm wearing makeup, as it flaked in some places right away even on my oily skin. And I exfoliate every other day, so it wasn't dead skin buildup. Plus it made my skin look VERY shiny. I might try putting this on with a foundation brush instead of fingers or sponge to see if a lighter layer will help, but I doubt it.

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Kitschiegoth on 9/29/2008 3:09:00 PM more reviews by Kitschiegoth

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Other   Eyes: Hazel    

This product doesn't give very good coverage which defeats the object of buying it for days when quick make up is required.

On the plus side it doesn't dry skin out and would be good for someone who likes the natural look.

Full price is it is pretty pricy for a drugstore foundation (£13) but I got mine off E Bay.

The packaging is ok but could do with a seperate compartment for the sponge.

2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No

*TOP REVIEWER* AnnKB on 6/28/2008 8:04:00 AM more reviews by AnnKB

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium, Warm   Hair: Brunette, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I tried this as I had a £5 voucher AND there was a 3 for 2 offer. For some reason I picked the compact, I think it was because I was looking at the colour match, saw one and just picked it up. I chose New Ivory which is a good match for my light/med skin with yellow undertones. previously I couldn't find any Boots foundations that were right. Those with very light skins will struggle with this line.
I have oily/combination skin so was a bit concerned that this was probably for dry skin. However it seems to be OK except that it won't adhere to my nose for some reason! And makes pores look huge. I applied a tiny bit with a foundation brush which seems to be the best approach. I will just stick to using this on the worst bits of my face. It goes well on eyelids too without stinging my eyes.
haven't used it long enough to see if it causes breakouts but I suspect it will be a pore clogger. Will try the liquid version next as the colour match is great but not sure i would bother with the range long term as there are better ones out there. Packaging has improved slightly with 10g of product and a separate round sponge. Black plastic packaging is a little bulky for the amount of product you get

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krys on 4/19/2008 12:10:00 AM more reviews by krys

Age: 36-43   Skin: Combination, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

I like this foundation quite a bit, though it's not a HG for me.

Though slightly on the dry side, it is a cream, meaning it probably won't work too well for those with oily skin. And I did notice that I had breakthrough oiliness in my T-zone after a long day of wear.

However, I do find it very nice as an evening foundation, especially when I want a really polished look. The cream applies smoothly and gives good coverage without looking piled-on. And you don't really need powder to keep it in place, meaning you can avoid that ultra-matte "look Ma, I'm wearing makeup" look. I'm NC25; I found Shade #10, New Ivory, to be pretty close if not a little light. Unfortunately, that means TRULY pale girls are going to be out of luck with this line, at least in the United States.

Like many cream foundations, it's often easier to apply cream blush rather than powder when wearing this. The foundation is pretty "grabby" with powder blush, especially if you try to apply blush before the foundation has had time to settle.

I do have a few complaints about the packaging. The compact is pretty enough - it looks black, but actually has deep, deep blue shimmers - and has a generously sized mirror. But the included, half-moon shaped sponge is pretty much worthless. I have to carry a separate sponge if I want to carry this in my purse for touchups, and I've found that the compact has a strong tendency to spring open in my purse.

As for price, I originally paid (I think) around $12, but bought a few more when Target put this on clearance.

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*TOP REVIEWER* redheadjane on 3/17/2008 8:10:00 AM more reviews by redheadjane

Age: 30-35   Skin: Other, Fair, Warm   Hair: Red, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I just threw this away. One of the worst foundations I've used. Looked streaky within a few hours and I'm sure this was a contributor to my major breakouts. It's pore clogging like nothing else. I'm straying away from Boots products. I think they are cheap and crappy. If your gonna spend money, spend it on a really good foundation and go cheap elsewear.

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yanyan262 on 10/9/2007 7:11:00 PM more reviews by yanyan262

Age: 30-35   Skin: Dry, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

Listen up, girls. Before you pick a brand, a product, first pick the right foundation type for you. If you have oily skin, use minerals or powder. If you combo or dry skin, use liquid. Cream foundation is for people with very dry skin, like myself. I observed most professionals use cream foundation. I looked around and there are not that many for cosumers. It was a pleasant surprise to find that in Target. (The sample counter is a very good idea even for drug store brand. Otherwise I would never have found it.)

Like other users, I was a bit taken back by small quantity. As you use only a little, it's actually not bad. It keeps my face moist throughput the day and doesn't turn pasty. I would suggest to use a small foundation brush if you build coverage and to reach the corners. You can almost skip the concealer if you do that. I have similar experience as another user that the powder applied on top becomes cakey. I am still working on adjusting the amount to dust.

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celiasmom on 8/24/2007 3:31:00 PM more reviews by celiasmom

Age: 36-43   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Blue    

I am nearing 40 and this is the only longwear foundation I can use without it settling and looking dried out. Younger ones with oily skin will not like this. The bottle version is for oilier types. The creme is for drier skin. If you are in this category I recommend it.

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*TOP REVIEWER* charchy on 7/3/2007 3:02:00 PM more reviews by charchy

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Hmm...my HG foundation is its sister: No7 stay perfect foundation (liquid). I left a review there...I finally got this one hoping I will like it more..It turned me down completely. I feel oily, skin not breathing....Anyway, I am still in love with the liquid version and will stick to it..

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princess3 on 6/19/2007 12:23:00 PM more reviews by princess3

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

This foundation did not work for me at all!! Applied ok but then when i went to put a powder over it (which is needed) it caked in places. Also it did not last well throughout the day, then to add insult to injury it broke me out!! will not be buying this product again!

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*TOP REVIEWER* niff524 on 11/16/2006 8:06:00 PM more reviews by niff524

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Black    

Bought this because I had a £5 off voucher so I got this for just over £5! I don't normally use compact creamy kind of foundation but I got this on the basis that it claims to offer medium-full coverage which is what I'm looking for as I have quite a lot of bad acne scars on my cheeks that I want covered. This foundation has a lovely texture and blends into the skin easily with the sponge given. *However* you have to be very careful what lighting you apply this in and be quite careful how you apply it too because once I was in a dimly lit room and was in a rush so I quickly slapped this on without blending it in evenly. In that lighting it looked alright but once I stepped out and looked at the mirror I was horrified!! It was my fault though I suppose...? =P It offers medium-full coverage but does not really look mask-like or thick. I still have to use concealer over my eyecircles and some acne scars but I wouldn't expect any foundation to cover them on its own anyway. It comes out a bit shiny on my T-zone but a bit of powder would easily fix that problem. The staying power is pretty amazing!! I think it easily stays put for 8 hrs+ (16 hrs is an exaggeration I'm afraid! I don't think any foundation should make that claim!!). It is reasonably flattering even under strong fluorescent light. As with all No.7 makeup, the packaging is great, very classy and portable. Yet the MOST important thing is that it doesn't cause my skin to break-out AT ALL and my skin is very very prone to acne so I'd only go on using a foundation if it doesn't cause any adverse reaction. I am very impressed with this foundation (and in fact other No. 7 foundations) in this respect because it really is very extremely important to me!!! Having said this, I'm not entirely sure whether I like it enough to re-purchase because I do feel like there are similar products out there, if not better ones. However I have no complaints about this at all and I do think it's definitely worth a try!!!!

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*TOP REVIEWER* Metalbabe1984 on 10/13/2006 5:53:00 AM more reviews by Metalbabe1984

Age: 19-24   Skin: Dry   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Hazel    

I stopped using this product before on the basis it made my skin look a tad ashy.

However, now that it's winter again, I am going back to a paler foundation after using mineral make up all summer (which is just drying my skin out now).

I am prone to break outs but this never caused a problem before.

Everyone is commenting on how little you get in the package of the actual product but actually, you'd be surprised, the first time I bought it I thought i'd been totally ripped off and that it would run out in about a month, but i never finished it!
You don't seem to get much, but there is plenty there and it goes on well so you don't need layers of the stuff - the packaging is gorgeous and although the sponge is a tad small it's really useful. Perfect put in your bag and go make up and for me being in a rush all the time it's also perfect for that.

I'd say my skin is fairly dry/normal type and after my moisturiser has sunk in I don't get any greasy afterfeel, the moisturising properties of this foundation also mean that it doesn't dry my skin out.

For people with oily skin, this is not the foundation for you, it's more for mature or dry skins I think - although i'm only 22.
No.7 have just bought out a mousse foundation for oily skin, try that instead, the texture is like satin and better than maybelline.

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angel290385 on 4/12/2006 4:20:00 PM more reviews by angel290385

Age: 19-24   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Blue    

I have oily skin but this product makes it look oily as soon as it goes on. It must the be light reflecting particles or something. I tried to blot of the excess oil i saw on my face but it wasn't coming off...it was the foundation itself. The coverage isn't that great i would say its light-medium. You get a ridiculously tiny amount of product and the moon shaped sponge is really inconvenient anf fiddly to use. Ive only used it once so i will update if i see any changes although im doubtful.

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.     Was this review helpful to you? Yes   No