May 7, 2009

Boots Original Beauty Formula Review

Well slap me happy the Boots Original Beauty Formula is at Target! Back to basics is where it’s at with Boots Original Beauty Formula. The Muse heard about Boots Original Beauty Formula about a month ago when she popped across it on the Boots UK site but little did she know she’d find it at her local Target so quickly.


Well, whoa. Awesome Target! Well done.

I honestly didn’t expect to see this arrive at Target so quickly and it was shocking to see the display sitting there all happy like and awaiting me to haul from it. The Muse hearts you Target.


Jump ahead for the raves.

Back to basics is where it’s at with the Boots Original Beauty Formula. Think your grandmother’s skincare regime and you’ll pretty much get the idea. Heavy glass jars, rose scented products, and just a very basic concept. Loves it. The Muse happens to love the C.O. Bigelow Rose line so she of course is totally digging all over everything in the Boots Original Beauty Formula as many of the skincare items are rose scented.

I only indulged in the facial line but there is an entire body line available as well. Sadly, my Target was sold out of alot of the items available but I still managed to haul three prime pieces.

It deserves to be mentioned that these items are no way going to take over my normal skincare regime but regardless they are decently priced and fun for those days I’m just hurrying to do a quick clean up at the end of the night.

I hauled the following items:

  • Boots Original Beauty Formula Cold Cream ($9.99 USD)
  • Boots Original Beauty Formula Overnight Skin Cream ($12.99 USD)
  • Boots Original Beauty Formula Skin Tonic Damask Rose ($9.99 USD)

Before I get into my review I will mention that with the conversion rate as it is right now, the prices of the products are around the same as what you’d get in the UK minus $1-$4 at most. I picture little old English ladies running to their newest Boots to stock up on all these items.

As I mentioned this is very basic skincare, simplicity at it’s best in my humble opinion. The Boots Original Beauty Formula Cold Cream has a light rose scent that’s very pretty but could prove too much for those sensitive to smell. It comes housed in a heavy vintage glass style jar and is an extra thick, cold cream meant for removing makeup. Now it’s not going to get off waterproof mascara but it does a fine job of removing everything else and washing cleanly away while making your face feeling very moist and dewy. To use simply rub onto dry skin and remove with a wet wash cloth, rinse and done, simple!


Boots Original Formula Overnight Skin Cream is a bergamot scented night cream, sigh I sure did wish for rose but that’s ok it smells lovely none the less. It’s quick absorbing and leaves skin feeling very moisturized however it could possibly be a bit too much for oily or even normal skin types. It’s not thick mind you and has a gel-like feel but it’s just a tad heavy. almost but not quite greasy. I find it does an good job as an overnight cream and leaves my dry skin nice and moist but it does make my forehead a tiny shiny. Not bad though and I’m sure I’ll be thankful for it in the Winter. Again, it also comes housed in a heavy vintage style jar. I’m quite partial to the packaging of all of the line as it’s so retro and vanity worthy.


Lastly I hauled the Boots Original Beauty Formula Skin Tonic which is also rose scented. This contains a combination of rose oil and hydrating glycerin. I’m no stranger to these ingredients as I use them quite often in the Winter to get my face prepped and primed for moisturizer! I was in high debate with myself over the price however since it’s a 5oz size for $9.99 and I can get an 8oz of Burts Bees Rosewater & Glycerin Toner for $9-$12. I’ve since forgiven it for the price since it comes in such a cute glass bottle. It feels a tad more moisturizing compared to what I normally use and honestly rose oil and glycerin in any form is a gift from the gods the Muse thinks. It works amazing at removing flaky skin and prepping your skin so whether you try this one or just any glycerin toner, know that your skin will thank you every so kindly for the extra moisture.


I’m unsure whether I deem the items expensive. It seems like very large jars that will last a while so I lean towards saying they are quite nicely priced. I’m quite pleased that Target imported them so quickly as I really thought we’d possibly never see them or it would be months before they reached our shores. If you’re looking for a nice, simple skincare regime I recommend checking these out. I’m quite happy with all three and the entire line seems quite wonderful. Boots never really fails to make me smile. Well done Boots and Target the Muse Approves.


16 Comments

About the Muse

Isabella MuseIsabella is just an average everyday geeky girl who doesn’t blend her eyeshadow correctly, wears too much blush, and hopes she never finds her holy grail products because she likes the thrill of the chase so much. Her mission is to bring you super honest reviews on makeup, skincare, fragrance and all things beauty. She’s in no way an expert on the topic and she sure as hell isn’t a super model. But she’s passionate about makeup and is seeking like-minded individuals that like pina coladas, getting caught in the rain, and ones that enjoy spending hundreds of dollars at Sephora without feeling buyer’s remorse. If you’re that person feel free to reach out and leave a comment or follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Bloglovin‘.

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Comments

  • melaniekaras

    yeah it does smell good. i like the cleansing milk and the tonic. i want to try the overnight cream. i used on jar of ponds and felt is was irritating though my skin did ‘nt show side effects. (mineral oil) i did’nt notice any mineral oil in this line. is the cold cream anygood?

    • the Muse

      prob the mineral oil melanie that really kills stuff sometimes! I like the cold cream alot actually, I’m a sucker for rose scented stuff 🙂

  • melaniekaras

    i want eat it when i wash my face. it smells like ponds but a little better.

  • melaniekaras

    hmm… i want to try the vanishing cream do you think the ingredients are pretty safe. I am pregnant so i really gotta watch it with some ingredients. I really like the cleansing milk and tonic. I love night creams too. The smell is awsome from this line it inspires me to wash my face at night and take care of my skin am/pm. THANK YOU FOR THIS AWSOME REVIEW AND REPLYING BACK!! i should had read my little comments before posting. thanks again. I am curious whats your favorite product from this line?… some herbal lines i should be weary of so this seems perfect!

    • the Muse

      mmmm melanie I dunno hun. I’m not sure what would be considered harmful to a pregnant woman so to be careful dear. I like the tonic alot too 😀 I don’t have the cleansing milk but I’m excited about it now after hearing your rave 😀 Aww my pleasure!!!!!!!!!! Oh not from the original line but from the boots line I LOVE the gel eye cream! That stuff is AWESOME on my puffy eyes 😀 Be aware of Lush as well as I hear it’s not good for pregnant women!

    • Gemma

      @Melanie, first Congrats on the pregnancy! Here’s some info regarding topical incredients in skin care products for acne while pregnant.

      The American Pregnancy Association reports that products that contain benzoyl peroxide as the active ingredient are safe acne treatment for pregnant women, while products that contain salicylic acid should be avoided.

      I realize acne is not your issue but after looking at the ingredients in the vanishing cream you want to try it appears tame in comparison to benzoyl peroxide….so I say treat yourself and get some vanishing cream ..lol….Congrats again!

  • jerseygrrrl78

    Love, love, love the skin tonic! Been trying to find a toner that cleans well but doesn’t leave my face feeling like the Sahara. Tried Clinique Clarifying Lotion #2 for dry combination skin and not only did it leave my face dry, tight and screaming for moisture but it made my eyes burn! Boots’ tonic is just what my skin needed after suffering the ravages of Clinique’s toner. My skin was soft, refreshed and clean. Gentle but effective, I highly recommend for anyone with dry and/or sensitive skin. Another great skin treat is Fresh’s Soy Face Cleanser/Makeup Remover. Very gentle and does a good job at removing makeup. You will still need to use eye makeup remover though if you wear waterproof mascara.

    • the Muse

      aw good to hear jerseygrrrl this was a nice collection when released. You should try out the body shop cucumber toner as well, it’s so gentle and refreshing 😀 I don’t use it to remover waterproof mascara or makeup but simply to tone 🙂

  • Christina

    Hey Musers, I totally agree that Boots rocks, I was really happy to see it go into Targets. It’s nice to see a trustworthy luxury brand be priced right.

    • the Muse

      I concur christina 😀 it’s def nice to see boots at target, wish they’d pick up some of the LE stuff!

  • Stephanie

    Just bought the Cold Cream at my local Boots here in Dubai – they are selling them for Dhs15 (USD4.08) and it was buy one free one! Gave it a go in the shower – it’s magic!

  • Margaret

    Please tell me where I can get the original formula night cream. I understand target is is not carrying it any more. Found it one place on line for 20.00. What is happening
    Thanks Margaret

  • Gemma

    In my search for perfect skincare for my ever changing skin needs I ran across a great study. It was done December 2012, lasted 18 months, consisted of 820 women over the age of 35 all with different types of skin, complexions, etc…all looking for the best eye cream, cleanser, toner, serum, night cream etc…. No 7 Boots won 2 categories competing against department store and other drugstore products. The two categories won were Best serum and Best Eye Cream. Protect and Perfect Serum and Protect and Perfect eye cream, both around $20. wThis thrilled me since I’m a product junkie period plus I have spent too much money and am now trying to be more practical. Other products that did well were Oil of Olay Regenerist, RoC, and Neutrogena…