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11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots sale

01 May 2024 , 17:32
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The Boots sale is underway (Image: Bethan Shufflebotham)
The Boots sale is underway (Image: Bethan Shufflebotham)

We’re beauty writers, of course we’re shopping the Boots Advantage Card Sale. This week, the high street retailer has launched a major sale - and with it having only recently been payday, our team of shopping experts couldn’t think of a better excuse to do a bit of pre-Bank Holiday retail therapy.

Running from May 1-7, Boots is running a series of daily deals and discounts which will change every 24 hours. Kicking off the week-long event, today shoppers can snap up a selection of £10 deals, as well as save up to 20 per cent, three for two and exclusive Advantage Card offers. Plus, beauty lovers will be able to get an extra 5 per cent on selected premium beauty and fragrance with code BEAUTY5 between 7pm - 11pm today only.

But where to start? Luckily, 11 members of The Mirror’s shopping team have picked out some of their top products to shop in the sale. From cult-favourite skincare essentials to makeup must-haves and fragrance favourites, there couldn’t be a better time to indulge a little, with a chance to save on more than 1,000 beauty products over the course of the week.

The sale rivals the likes of LookFantastic, who has also launched their 'big beauty weekender', running daily offers from May 1-8. Today's offer is up to 40 per cent off brands like La Roche Posay, Elemis and more.

Whether you're restocking your everyday essentials or treating yourself to some luxury beauty treats, there's something for everyone. Let's dive in to some of the steals and deals you won't want to miss.

Shoppers can get buy one get one free on supplements and vitamins at Boots today eiqkiqkkikdprwShoppers can get buy one get one free on supplements and vitamins at Boots today

11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots saleThe No7 Future Renew SPF moisturiser launched on April 10 (Bethan Shufflebotham)

Senior fashion and beauty writer, Bethan Shufflebotham, has nearly finished her first bottle of the newly launched No7 Future Renew UV Defence Shield SPF 50 and plans to use the sale as an opportunity to restock. She said: “The was the retailer’s bestselling product when it launched last month, promising to protect against visible signs of ageing, including dryness, uneven skin tone and texture, as well as wrinkles.

“Unlike other facial SPFs I’ve tried, the with a fluid-like 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 gives is the ideal base for my regular beauty routine, working well with makeup without pilling.”

What’s the deal? The currently has ‘up to 20 per cent off’ which takes it down from £24.95 to £23.70. Shoppers can use the code REVERSE10 for an extra £10 off, knocking it down to £13.70, and selected No7 is also on three for two.

11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots saleThis mascara is a favourite with beauty editors (Laura Mulley)

Eve Rowlands, senior fashion and beauty writer, is obsessed with the , which is now less than £10 in the sale. She said: “I was not blessed with long, luscious, camel-length eyelashes, and for years and years I struggled finding a mascara that would lift them, lengthen them and make them look flutter-worthy without the dreaded clumping or spidery finish. I was heavily influenced by TikTok to buy and there's a reason this mascara went completely interstellar when it launched: it works. And amazingly so.

“Coming with a Flex Tower brush that bends to reach each and every lash - from root to tip - you know you're getting full coverage. Plus, the formula is super lightweight- which is great for those, like me, with sensitive eyes! Having been from £11.99 to £9.59, it's a good excuse to stock up - I know I will! I can always count on it to give my lashes a 'false lash' effect without the need for eyelash curlers and that lasts all day long. From 8am til 8pm. It's insane.”

What’s the deal? Shoppers can save up to 20 per cent on selected beauty products, taking From 7pm to 11pm on May 1, beauty buffs can get an additional 5 per cent off with the code BEAUTY5.

11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots saleUrban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray

Our lifestyle writer Lucy Addicott swears by the cult-loved Urban Decay All Nighter Setting Spray for keeping her makeup in place all day, every day - and it’s currently got £10 off. She said: “I’ve tried a fair few settings sprays over the years but I always come back to the trusty Urban Decay All Nighter. It’s a cult classic and has truly earned its status.

“From rainy weather to sweaty summer days and nights out, my makeup doesn’t budge after using the spray. I love how light and non-sticky the mist is, plus, the because you can just pop it in your bag. It also doesn’t clog my pores or cause any breakouts. I apply it most days, spritzing my face once before my makeup and once after, so I’ll be stocking up my supply while it’s £10 cheaper.”

What’s the deal? Makeup enthusiasts can save £10 on selected makeup icons across Armani, IT Cosmetics, Lancome, Urban Decay, YSL, which means you can get this for £18.50.

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11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots saleMylee Mighty Mani Gel Polish Kit (Boots)

Innovations Editor and manicure enthusiast Narin Flanders has in the past year, and says it’s the ultimate at-home alternative to regular salon visits. She said: “I bought this over Black Friday and I loved it so much when I started using it I ended up buying two more for friends and family for Christmas. If you've ever thought about taking your manicure to next level but don't have the time or money to regularly go to a salon this is the perfect set.

“It gives you everything you need not just to get started but also for removing the gels when you're done. The colours offered are a good mixture, with a couple of subtle shades for day to day and then two more impactful options.

“As someone who is a bit clumsy at the best of times it took a couple of goes to get the process right, but . What’s more, a gel manicure - even done by me at home - lasts a minimum of two weeks which is way better than my previous efforts and just looks much nicer.

“My nails have also seem to have become stronger through the process, although I do make sure to give them a day or two 'airing' between taking off one manicure and doing another one.”

What’s the deal? There’s currently 20 per cent off selected Mylee, which takes

11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots saleLaura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder (Boots)

Our senior consumer writer Harriet Morphy-Morris is a big fan of the Laura Mercier translucent setting powder, which is perfect for creating that blurring effect with ‘no flashback’. She said: “I contemplated whether to splurge on this product for months, put off by its pricey cost. In December last year, I finally caved by 'splurging' on the mini travel pot, and I still use the exact same pot on my face everyday. It's not cakey, doesn't crease, and doesn't show any flashback in photos - all while giving a flawless matte finish to cover up any oily spots. I also use a tiny bit under my eyes to help soften the dark circles.

“Compared to other brands it is expensive, although I personally don't think the 'dupes' we hear about like Elf live up to the same quality, having used its powder before too. The main winning factors for me have to be that it doesn't leave any residue and the pots are super generous with the product - and a little goes a long way.”

What’s the deal? Shoppers can save 20 per cent on selected premium beauty, taking this from £36.50 to £29.20. You’ll be able to get an extra 5 per cent off with the code BEAUTY5 between 7pm and 11pm on May 1.

11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots saleCurél's Deep Moisture Spray (Curél)

Jada Jones, our content commercialisation editor, suffers with dry skin but says she doesn’t go anywhere without this . She said: "When I first tried the Curél spray it was a complete game changer. Sometimes when I'm out and about I'll get a little patch of dry skin on my face and I don't carry a full skincare routine in my bag so I just have to accept there will be some flakes, especially if I'm wearing makeup. That's not the case anymore.

"The spray is so easy to use, leaves my skin moisturised and can even be used over makeup. I wouldn't be without it now. I'm even planning to order it ahead to pick up at the airport for my next trip as I am such a big fan. It's a bargain at the Advantage Card price and I'd definitely recommend picking up a bottle or two."

What’s the deal? The was £19.50, but is now £14.50 for Advantage Card holders.

11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots saleThe perfume mist is loved for its summery scent (Sol de Janeiro)

Weekend editor and fashion and beauty lead Shani Cohen is obsessed with perfume and has tipped this as the perfect long-lasting holiday spray. She said: “I’d go as far as to say I’m a fragrance addict, and I’m particularly into mists that I can pop inside my handbag for a quick on-the-go spritz.

“If you’re missing the sunshine, one of my go-to holiday inspired scents so far this spring is the viral inspired by the sultry beaches of Rio de Janeiro. For the sweet scented lovers out there, this deliciously scented fragrance is bursting with notes of pistachio (my favourite nut), vanilla and salted caramel - think of it as a sweet snack in the form of a lightweight fragrance mist.

“Now I’ve tried my fair share of mists in the past, but none have had the staying power quite like . I can still smell it on my clothes two days after spraying it and have never received so many compliments on a scent before.”

What’s the deal? Shoppers can save 20 per cent on selected premium beauty, taking this from £38 to £34.20. You’ll be able to get an extra 5 per cent off with the code BEAUTY5 between 7pm and 11pm on May 1.

11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots saleHuda Beauty Easy Bake Brightening & Setting Powder (Boots)

Rachel Pugh, regional fashion and beauty lead, says that the is the one product in her makeup bag she ‘can’t live without’. She said: “If you were to ask me to choose one thing in my makeup bag I can't live without, it would hands down be my , every time. Whenever I use it, people ask if I've had my makeup done professionally - it's really that good.

“Not only does it lift and brighten the area under my eyes, but it also sets my foundation and concealer in place within seconds. Unlike some other baking powders, this one doesn't seem to crease. It glides on beautifully, and smooths over the skin with very little buffing required. I've worn it to grime raves before, which can get VERY sweaty, and my makeup has remained in place all night.

“It's also a great little hero product to have going into the warmer summer months, or if you're jetting off on holiday as it will stop foundation from sweating off or cracking. Because it's a compact powder, it won't go everywhere when you open it either, so no worries of it causing mayhem in your handbag or hand luggage. I definitely recommend this if you want to give your makeup an MUA finish, but don't quite have the skills to enter the BBCs Glow Up.”

What’s the deal? Shoppers can save 20 per cent on selected premium beauty, taking this from £32 to £28.80. You’ll be able to get an extra 5 per cent off with the code BEAUTY5 between 7pm and 11pm on May 1.

11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots saleGIVENCHY Prisme Libre Skin-Caring Glow Foundation (Boots)

One product Harriet Morphy-Morris has her eye on in the sale is the . She said: “A product I'll be looking at for myself in the sale that I'm keen to try out. It's not everyday I splurge on high-end make-up brands as usually a mixture of Revolution glow drops and the tiniest bit of Charlotte Tilbury foundation is enough for me. However, there's something about this 'skin-caring' foundation from that intrigues me.

“The selling point for me, as someone who's desperately trying everything to reduce acne scares and breakouts, is that it's filled with skincare, as Boots says it's a '90% skincare formula'. Now I can't be certain but to me that means it could do my skin good while wearing a full face of glam?”

What’s the deal? Shoppers can save 20 per cent on selected premium beauty, taking this from £45 to £38.25. You’ll be able to get an extra 5 per cent off with the code BEAUTY5 between 7pm and 11pm on May 1.

11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots sale

Melisha Kaur, fashion and beauty content editor for The Mirror, says ‘one swipe’ of this is enough for the perfect pout. She said: “As someone who wears lip gloss pretty much every day, I'm always trying out new ones, but nothing beats this bad boy from Rihanna's Fenty Beauty line. I love it for its non-sticky, buildable formula and long-lasting wear.

“Just one swipe of the product amps up lip volume. Thanks to its conditioning ingredients like shea butter, your pout will be left super-hydrated as well. My favourite shades are RIRI, the perfect pink hue, and Fenty Glow which offers a shimmering rose nude colour. Both are universally-flattering and absolutely gorgeous.”

What’s the deal? Shoppers can save 20 per cent on selected premium beauty, taking this from £19 to £15.20. You’ll be able to get an extra 5 per cent off with the code BEAUTY5 between 7pm and 11pm on May 1.

11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots sale (Vichy Deodorant)

Tiffany Lo, who is a shopping expert on our sister site Daily Star will be stocking up on her usual . She said: “This has been my go-to deodorant for years and what sets the Vichy one apart from other major brands is the non-sticky formula and last-lasting results.

“It won't leave yellow stains or powdery marks on my tops and I like the light floral scent that won't overpower my day-to-day fragrance. The Vichy 48 Hour Intensive Anti-Perspirant is quite pricey and I generally stock up when there's an offer.”

What’s the deal? Boots is offering up to 25 per cent off on , taking the price down from £9.95 to £7.46, plus you can get a free gift when you spend over £40 on the brand.

Collection Cosmetics Cream Bronzer

11 shopping writers share what they're buying in the Boots saleCollection Cosmetics Cream Bronzer, £8.99

Reviews Editor Stacey Dutton has tried dozens of products over the years, and recently pitted a Charlotte Tilbury Cream Bronzer against Collection Cosmetics’ Cream Bronzer, and reckons Collection Cosmetics wins hands down. She said: “I was wearing the Charlotte Tilbury religiously throughout the summer, but felt myself constantly reaching for less and less product because the consistency was very thick and felt quite heavy on the skin.

“The sheer finish that the Collection Cosmetics cream bronzer gives is more suitable for my skin- I enjoy the fact that I can build up more colour with blush and conceal the areas that need a little more tending to without needing to apply too much bronze to finish the overall look.”

What’s the deal? There’s 20 per cent off selected beauty, which takes this Collection Cosmetics Cream Bronzer from £8.99 to £7.19.

More beauty deals can be found at Lookfantastic, where the online retailer is offering up to 40% off in a huge sale.

Bethan Shufflebotham

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