There are few beauty launches that will see shoppers queue up outside stores to ensure they get their hands on the latest must-have. They are particularly rare in a post-Covid, digitally driven era when you can restock your makeup bag at the click of a button from the comfort of your sofa. But Boots has impressively managed to do it not once, but twice in the space of 12 months.
First time around, it was for the launch of the No7 Future Renew range, which took the world by storm when it launched in April 2023, becoming the UK’s biggest ever beauty launch with more than 500,000 transactions within the first four weeks. Exactly one year on, it seems customers still can’t get enough with one No7 Future Renew product selling every more than one every second as the latest addition to the line up - the No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50 - launched on Wednesday, with shoppers in London, Manchester, Nottingham, Bristol and Milton Keynes generating queues before store opening. READ MORE: ' A 39-year-old who looks 25 recommended a skin firming cream to me - it hasn't disappointed' READ MORE: 'I ditched my Chanel perfume for an £18 Elizabeth Arden scent - it didn't disappoint' The SPF must-have quickly became the top-selling product on the Boots website on its launch day, and I would have no doubt been first in the queue if I hadn’t already been using it every day for the last three weeks.
As someone who loves to share their favourite beauty finds, it’s truly been one of the hardest secrets to keep - but now that the cat is out of the bag, let me tell you about my new favourite facial SPF. Despite being fair skinned, red-headed and having skin cancer run in the family, I was guilty of not wearing SPF on my face every day, but after reading in research published by No7 that the sun is responsible for up to 80 per cent of premature skin ageing such as hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, I have been religious in my application each morning. The added benefit of this is that it’s really encouraged me to make sure I cleanse, tone and moisturise even on the days I’m not leaving the house and don’t intend to apply makeup - because skincare is all about consistency.
The No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50 promises to protect against visible signs of ageing, including dryness, uneven skin tone and texture, as well as wrinkles. The product has been designed to work in conjunction with the existing Future Renew range - targeted to reversing visible signs of sun damage and ageing - to protect it against everyday sun damage in the future, too. My initial question when I started using this SPF50 from the range was ‘do I still need to use the Future Renew Day Cream?’, which is a SPF40 formula.
And the answer really comes down to personal preference - you can use one or the other, or layer them to reap the benefits of both anti-ageing peptides and sun protection. The launch of the No7 Future Renew range took the world by storm (Image: Boots) The main mistake people make when applying sun protection to their face is that they simply don’t use enough of it, so by using multiple products featuring SPF, you’re increasing your chances of good coverage and therefore better protection. More is more, in this case, and you almost can’t overdo it.
After cleansing and toning, I have been using the No7 Future Renew serum and eye cream - a powerhouse combo if ever there was one - before applying my No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50. Generally the rule of thumb is to use half a teaspoon, or two fingers worth of sunscreen to cover your face, which seems generous but is necessary to get the full effect. Some formulas I’ve used in the past have felt far too heavy for this, which would lead to a ‘white cast’ or not absorbing properly, but this No7 formula has been designed to combat all of the issues that have traditionally come with sunscreens.
First and foremost, the formula is incredibly lightweight with a fluid-like texture that glides effortlessly onto the skin. Rubbing it in, there was an initial fear I may have used too much, but it absorbs quickly, leaving an invisible layer of protection and most importantly, no white cast, making it skin tone friendly, too. It offers a subtle sun cream scent that isn’t overpowering, but does give you that feeling of getting ready for the summer months.
On the skin, instead of feeling sticky or greasy like other previously used products, it felt hydrating and smooth . I love that without makeup on, it gives a glowy, plumped appearance thanks to the inclusion of sodium hyaluronate - a derivative of hyaluronic acid. The No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50 launched on Wednesday (Image: Reach) But the real test for me would be how this SPF works under makeup, as the downfall of many an SPF has been pilling at this stage, but the No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50 has passed the test time and time again.
The hydration this product gives is the ideal base for my regular beauty routine, and while I have had a refresh of the products in my day-to-day kit in recent weeks, too (thanks to Milk launching at Boots), my makeup has never looked better. For me, it didn’t feel like a chore having to put on sun protection anymore, instead feeling like I was applying a moisturiser with the added benefit of keeping me safe in the sun. I actually think this SPF may be my new secret weapon because it really does tick every box.
And I’m not the only one who loves it either - in user trials, 93% of people agreed it has a lightweight, invisible application , while it’s already received high praise from shoppers, with Claudia Winkleman among the famous faces who are backing the science-led formula. At the London launch event on Tuesday night, she said: “What a brilliant evening! I’m so excited to be partnering with No7 again to celebrate the first anniversary of the incredible Future Renew range. It really is a game-changer when it comes to skincare and damage reversal.
The evening has been filled with chatting all things skincare and some of our skincare regrets – it's great to know that No7 can help us reverse some of those faux-pas now!” Shoppers have been highly impressed with the new formula, already racking up a 4.6 star rating , with no reviews below three stars. One said: “This is super lightweight for a SPF 50.
Great consistency, applies easily and absorbs well. Doesn't have the usual sun protection smell is feels pleasant. Skin feels protected and moisturised.
I really enjoy using it and would purchase again.” Claudia Winkleman attending the one-year anniversary of No7’s breakthrough skincare range, Future Renew, whilst unveiling the brand-new Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50 to the line-up (Image: Supplied) Another added: “I really have never liked wearing sun protection on my face and always preferred to have a moisturiser and foundation with spf. I am often concerned this isn't high enough though and should be using an spf 50 for very hot days to avoid skin damage and burning.
I was so surprised when using this as its nothing like an spf 50 sun cream, it's so light and easily absorbed. It feels more like your putting on a serum and is so light weight you don't notice it's there. I am so pleased to be able to find something that so easily can be added to a daily skin care routine and look forward to feeling confident in summer.
” However some shoppers have experienced some oiliness, especially if they already have oily skin, with one penning: “Works very well under makeup. Without makeup, I do need to powder my face and I notice my face gets a little more oily. But overall, for a product with SPF 50, this is minimal.
” Launched April 10 the No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50 is currently priced at £23.70 , however, the health and beauty retailer is currently running stackable deals which could see shoppers get it for ‘free’. In celebration of the launch, shoppers can save £10 on the Future Renew collection with the code REVERSE10, which makes this new beauty must-have £14.
95, which is already a great saving. But, there’s also a three for two deal running on selected No7, meaning that if you want to try out more of the Future Renew range if you haven’t already, or want to restock on the serum that continues to be the retailer’s most sold product, then you can essentially get the new No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50 for free. Shoppers could pick up the Future Renew day cream (£34.
95) and the Future Renew eye cream (£24.95) and add the No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF5 0 to their basket at no extra cost, use the code REVERSE10 to take the total to £49.50 for almost £85 worth of products.
Elsewhere, the highly rated La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Sun Protection Invisible SPF50+ Face Mist has been slashed in price at LookFantastic. For a limited time, shoppers can pick it up for £14.32 down from £17.
90. Or you can pick up the Preen Screen SPF 50+ Reapplication Mist from Ultra Violette for £32 at Cult Beauty..
