Boots • No7 Shine Free Make-Up Base • Primer/ Corrector

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sufferingfromvertigo on 5/5/2013 more reviews by sufferingfromvertigo

Age: 19-24   Skin: Combination, Fair, Cool   Hair: Red, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

For the price, I actually like this primer. I've had bad experiences with drugstore primers but I wanted to try one again, so I gave this a go. It's definitely a weird, thick texture, but I blend quickly over small areas and it does fine. I don't have problems with white streaks or it balling up under makeup. It's fine for what I need, which is to make my makeup stay on and look smooth. I have oily skin and when it's hot out makeup just slides right off. I think this is a good buy and I'd repurchase if I ran out and couldn't find something else I like more.

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Lms526 on 5/4/2013 8:12:00 PM more reviews by Lms526

Age: 36-43   Skin: Sensitive, Fair-Medium, Cool   Hair: Blond, Wavy   Eyes: Grey    

Quite honestly, I am puzzled by all the negative reviews of this product. I got a sample of some foundation at Sephora, and was told that a using a primer will help control shine. She recommended one, but I didn't want to pay $36 for a primer. So went to Target to look for a primer. I have been very happy with other Boots products that I have tried, so I thought I would give it a shot. And for only $10, I figured I really didn't have anything to lose. Other reviewers have mentioned that this product is hard to blend and balls up on the skin. I haven't experienced this. Some days, I do notices some white patches coming through my foundation. I apply moisturizer and then use very small amount of this product on my forehead, nose, and cheeks (where I am the most oily) I love that it dries really quickly. Then I apply my foundation. Since I've started using this primer, I haven't had any problems whatsover with my foundation disappearing on my nose or cheeks. That has never happened to me before. If it does wear off, it's very minor, compared to what I used to experience. I also like that you get a decent sized tube for the price. I'm considering trying a foundation that already contains a primer. But that won't be for awhile, since I just recently bought a new creme foundation. I would probably repurchase this product, but I would also like to give the Rimmel primer a try.

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prettypollyperkins on 5/3/2013 9:28:00 AM more reviews by prettypollyperkins

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

An update on my review left a few days ago: I'm wondering if what I bought is old stock as I just tried a tester in Boots and the texture was slightly lighter and easier to blend. I still wouldn't re-purchase this primer but I'm now doing what another reviewer suggested and I'm mixing it with liquid foundation and using it on very hot days as the finish is very matte. So not a total disaster!

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ontheglam on 1/30/2013 10:04:00 AM more reviews by ontheglam

Age: 25-29   Skin: Combination, Fair, Neutral   Hair: Blond, Straight, Medium   Eyes: Blue    

In my opinion, this is a "meh" primer. The best thing that it has going for it is that it really REALLY stays matte. All day. And since I'm being honest here, I fell asleep before taking my makeup off last night and it was STILL matte when I woke up. It also makes my foundation last just as long. That's all good!
What I do not like about it is the texture. It doesn't go on as smoothly as other primers I've tried before, it's hard to blend because it dries really quickly, and I think that it might be drying out my skin (although, it could be my new complexion soap which I started using at the same time as this, so don't quote me). I've also noticed that it doesn't fill in my pores as well as other primers, which is pretty much why I use primer in the first place. Others have said it looks chalky and white- I haven't noticed this because I'm super pale to begin with and it just doesn't really matter for me.
I bought this simply because it was on clearance at Target and I was out of primer, but I won't be buying again. My favorite primer to this day is Avon's Magix Face Perfector, and I will be returning to that shortly.

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Ravenn on 10/16/2012 1:50:00 AM more reviews by Ravenn

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive, Olive, Neutral   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I have normal skin that isn't oily or dry (but that is pretty sensitive) and this is one of the worst primers I have ever tried. It doesn't go on properly and goes all cakey and flakes off when trying to apply. I tried it over my moisturizer and that did not help either. Unless you have really oily skin, I wouldn't recommend this!

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cheljo01 on 10/4/2012 11:13:00 AM more reviews by cheljo01

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

I bought this because I needed something to matte my face (oily/combo skin). If you don't use it moderately and rub it in well, it will leave white streaks. It feels super dry, which i want my face matte, but not desert-like dry. It's not bad for a quick fix. I did notice this summer that even though i had used it well, my make up would still run on my forehead (gross and embarrassing!). I honestly probably won't buy it again. I have recently bought and tried Monistat Anti-Chafing Powder/Gel and it works soo much better AND it's cheaper. Overall, the Boots No. 7 brand is great, just not for me.

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micky887 on 8/30/2012 3:17:00 PM more reviews by micky887

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Medium   Hair: Red   Eyes: Brown    

I have super oily skin and this primer does the trick it keeps me matte free for a while my first tube lasted me for well over a year as you only need a small amount however it's not easily blend able and if you put too much on you can see it and can look pasty that's my gripe with this product however I have yet to find a better primer than this one

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macadelic on 6/21/2012 11:38:00 PM more reviews by macadelic

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brunette, Curly, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

This is seriously SHINE FREE. It feels like you're putting clay on your face. The texture is a little weird, and if you don't blend it in all the way, it shows up under your foundation. But if you really want a shine free base, then use this!

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VBaricelli on 6/7/2012 3:21:00 PM more reviews by VBaricelli

Age: 30-35   Skin: Very Oily, Medium, Neutral   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Brown    

I didn't like this primer. I agree with others that you do need to pat it on instead of trying to rub it in. Working quickly in small areas worked best for me. I didn't like the consistency though and it tended to leave my skin a little chalky/white looking, which wasn't what I was going for. (I don't wear foundation). The price IS great though! I wish someone would come up with a mattifyer at a drugstore price.

I also didn't find it held back shine any better than the other products I've tried. So far, the best mattifyer for me is Clinique's Pore Refining Solutions Instant Perfector. It works the best for me. I will use a oil free moisturizer on top if I notice any dryness (which most mattifyers seems to magnify for me...but I can deal with dryness if I don't end up greasy later).

Like everything...what works for one, doesn't for others. I'm always so happy to get a sample if I can, and I've lucked out over the years in trying different things. Other primers/mattifyers that didn't work so great (or at all) for me - Murad, Urban Decay, Fresh, Korres and Benefit.

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twirlingswirlin on 5/28/2012 11:24:00 PM more reviews by twirlingswirlin

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

I have very oily skin, particularly my t-zone. I have tried blotting sheets, mattefying powder, and Urban Decay De Slick spray under and over my foundation all to no avail. I’ve been wanting to try Murad’s oil-control mattifier or Mac’s mattyfing gel, however I found the price tags on these items discouraging. I decided to try the Boots shine free make up base because it’s only $10 at Target. So far this product has been the most successful at keeping the shine at bay, there is still some oil, but my face stays rather matte for at least 3 -4 hours and even when the oil starts peeking through it is a lot less prominent. Another plus is that it has not broken me out, and my skin is very prone to breakouts. I find that applying this with a flat kabuki brush gives me a smooth application. Will repurchase.

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xAllDolledUp on 3/22/2012 10:26:00 AM more reviews by xAllDolledUp

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Combination, Fair-Medium   Hair: Black   Eyes: Brown    

So I got one of them £5 off No7 vouchers from Boots so I picked up their Shine Free Primer, which normally retails at £11. This even without the voucher is a really great price for the amount of product you get when you compare the size to other brands.


There is some controversy over this product, so I guess it does depend on your skin type on whether it will work for you. I would say I have combination skin and find this works well for me. I do moisturise before applying the product, not because I feel it's necessary, but because it's my normal routine and didn't alter this when using the product.

I find that the primer does help my make-up stay in place. I find that the product is a little drying but that's fine because my skin can become oily, which is why my make-up does budge. I don't know if there's a lot to say about a primer really - there's no smell and it does it's job. Plus I find it a great value for money product.

Overall, I like this product and I will be repurchasing it, but I feel if you have a problem with products usually, maybe read some more reviews from people with similar skin to you, or definitely buy it with the voucher to avoid the feeling of wasted money!

I often review on my blog - www.xAllDolledUp.blogspot.co.uk

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OverTheHill on 3/19/2012 1:11:00 PM more reviews by OverTheHill

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Fair   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

By jove I think I've got it!! Well at least, it works for me. What I do is mix my oil free moisturiser with a blob of this in the palm of my hand, and apply the mixture as I would just moisturiser. No streaks, no chalkiness, and no bobbles of foundation whichever method I use to apply. I don't know if it would still emphasise dry bits doing it this way, cos I don't HAVE any dry bits!
My go-to foundation is Bourjois Healthy Mix (not that it stops me trying everything new that comes out :( ) which is supposed to give 16 hours wear. Well I've never got that much out of it even when my skin was at its best, but lately it's been going patchy after only a very few hours. No other foundation did any better so I thought I'd better give a primer a go, but I know that silicone primers are a disaster on me which is why I decided to try this one. As others have said, it's not perfect, but it's good. My skin looks smoother and the make up lasts a lot longer.
I wonder if it just doesn't mix well with oil based moisturisers and foundations? It's water based, so remembering basic chemistry - oil and water don't mix - maybe I get a good result because everything I use is oil free?

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smeghani on 3/19/2012 11:35:00 AM more reviews by smeghani

Age: 19-24   Skin: Other   Hair: Other   Eyes: Other    

I decided to get this product while I was just browsing at Target and needed a face primer. By far, this is one of the best face primers I have used to this age, and I have used a lot of them. This primer does a great job of giving your makeup the staying power and it also keeps that shine at bay. I will def be buying this primer again!

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*TOP REVIEWER* sweetascocoa on 3/6/2012 1:11:00 PM more reviews by sweetascocoa

Age: 25-29   Skin: Very Oily, Dark, Warm   Hair: Black, Relaxed, Coarse   Eyes: Brown    

I like this product, but I don't use it too often. The only reason why I don't reach for it more often, is because I'm able to control my oil with Milk of Magnesia, pretty well.
However, this product lasts a really long time ( I've had mine for almost two years), because you don't need much. I wouldn't recommend this if you have dry or combination skin. The consistency is so thick and dry, it will probably only really work on oily skin, because it will really accentuate any dry spots.
Sometimes I mix this with my Smashbox primer, and it gives me a pretty nice makeup base.
By itself, I wouldn't really use it as a "base," but more of an oil control product only.

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beyondtheskyline on 3/6/2012 12:48:00 PM more reviews by beyondtheskyline

Age: 18 & Under   Skin: Normal, Fair   Hair: Blond   Eyes: Green    

I've read many reviews on this saying how its too think a consistency however I found mines and thought I'd have a little go. What i found worked was after using your moisturiser i applied a small amount of primer on my index finger applied it to parts of face which is more oily ( mines seems to be my cheeks, nose, and forehead- i have a fringe) after i gently rubbed it in and waited for a couple of minutes, then i used a liquid foundation ( True match-L'oreal) and applied it using a stippling brush( real techniques) and buffed it in. I think by using this method of applying foundation doesn't cause the primer to clump, stretch, or look horrible as your not spreading the foundation over your face, you're buffing it in which makes such a difference. Also i bought That Gal by benefit and i would say this wins hands down, half the price and i can see the difference.

Hope this helped and invest in a stippling brush...!
xx

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amber92 on 2/19/2012 8:18:00 AM more reviews by amber92

Age: 19-24   Skin: Very Oily, Fair-Medium   Hair: Brown   Eyes: Green    

As everyone else says on here, yes it is hard to blend in.
ive found a way to make it work though. even if you have oily skin use an oil free moisturiser and then put the primer on bit by bit on the most oily parts of your face. eg, nose, forehead etc. dont put it on your cheeks because then it is hard to blend and will look patchy.
but i do recommend it because it does keep shine at bay for like 2-3hours for me anyway!

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YCH on 2/17/2012 9:58:00 AM more reviews by YCH

Age: 44-55   Skin: Oily, Fair-Medium, Neutral   Hair: Red, Straight, Fine   Eyes: Green    

I bought this some time ago when I had a No7 voucher and put it to one side for the odd day when I need foundation to last for ages in the heat, but was put off it by other reviewers.
HOWEVER, I'm currently acting in a local panto and used it last night for several hours under stage lights and my (old and slightly too dark) foundation looked fantastic at the end of the evening. I applied it about half an hour before my make-up, did not use moisturiser as my skin is so oily already. It is of a thick consistency and I have no experience of other primers, but that foundation would definitely have oxidised and gone shiny without it, so I'm happy.

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*TOP REVIEWER* mirageangelhope on 2/16/2012 2:18:00 AM more reviews by mirageangelhope

Age: 25-29   Skin: Sensitive   Hair: Brunette   Eyes: Brown    

problem one It literally has the consistency of toothpaste and feels like it on my skin.I found that it wasn't even able to give an even constancy going on my face so it my foundation application impossible.It was really matifying when you could get it on thin enough but it just wasn't worth the price or the trouble.

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SFlove89 on 2/12/2012 11:30:00 PM more reviews by SFlove89

Age: 19-24   Skin: Acne-prone, Fair, Cool   Hair: Black, Straight, Coarse   Eyes: Hazel    

I really wanted to like this product, but it simply does not sit well on the skin (well at least it doesn't on mine). It has amazing staying power and looks great when first applied, but after two or three hours I end up blotting my face... AND after doing so, my skin looks cracked and looks like it has a bunch of dry patches! I do suffer from severe acne, but now that I am taking medication for it my skin is almost crystal clear. I exfoliate two to three times a week so I don't understand why my face ends up looking cracked and dry with this primer. I've used many primers and have never had this problem up until now. This primer has a very tacky consistency so don't expect it to glide on smoothly.. even with moisturizer. I've tried applying moisturizer right before applying the primer and that didn't help.. So I tried waiting thirty minutes then applying the primer and that didn't help either. Either way, you have to work extremely quick because it dries up in seconds. Not working it quickly into the skin, it will clump up and start rubbing off when touched. I wouldn't recommend this primer but it can be used as a eye shadow primer.

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CatrionaShadowleaf on 1/13/2012 5:41:00 AM more reviews by CatrionaShadowleaf

Age: 25-29   Skin: Oily, Fair, Cool   Hair: Brunette, Wavy, Medium   Eyes: Green    

Agree with other reviews in that it's not a great face primer - and it smells AWFUL - but it works fairly well for eyeshadow, though it does leave a slight white colour if you miss applying any shadow to it. Honestly I didn't expect much as it's really cheap, and I didn't get it.

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