Certain beauty buys have the powerful ability to conjure up many a memory, transporting us back to a particular time in our lives. Whether it’s the iconic Dream Matte Mousse (concealer lips, anyone?) or a slick of Heather Shimmer (who doesn’t want to sport a purple pout?) there’s still at least something to be said for the beauty brands of our youth. Take the 2022 relaunch of 17 for starters, which mixed the allure of nostalgia with more modern (and frankly, better) formulations. The reception was positive, and TikTok creators waxed lyrical about the new, better iterations of the products. Perhaps, then, it was the success of 17 that led Boots to bring back another of their much-loved own brands– the iconic Natural Collection.
If you’re anything like me, Natural Collection may conjure memories of foundation stuffed into pencil cases, and creamy, shimmery lipsticks hastily applied on the school bus. The formulations? Well, let’s be real. They weren’t great. But they were cheap. Good news though, as while the products have been reinvented since their launch in 1988, the price point is still very much intact - everything is £5 and under, which, in an industry where hefty price tags are very much the norm, is rather refreshing stuff. And where things get really good? In the products themselves.
Firstly, this new, souped-up Natural Collection is a vast one – there’s over 100 new cosmetics lines, including glow-giving complexion products, dewy lip balms and glosses, and wearable eye shadows and mascaras. In a ‘renewed commitment to make beauty simple, sustainable and affordable,' every single product is eco-conscious. Not only is all product packaging fully recyclable and made from a minimum of 30% recycled materials, but its all vegan and cruelty-free too. Ingredient transparency is also at the forefront of its new formulations – each product features a decoded list of ingredients with a description and outline of its function allowing customers to shop more knowledgeably and confidently.
Of course, on paper, this is all impressive stuff. But how is it really? Can a full face of the new Natural Collection really impress a beauty editor? Here, I've put some of the range to the test.
Shop: The New Boots Natural Collection
A light, barely there hint of coverage
www.boots.com
'To be clear, I love a good skin tint. I'll look for formulations that improve my skin-tone in a barely there way - typically Glossier's is a favourite. I was surprised how much this new Natural Collection offering impressed me. I remember using the brand's OG tinted moisturiser and how it caused considerable pilling - but trust me when I say this iteration isn't to be sniffed at. Just a sweep removed redness and actually soothed my skin too - there's the infusion of chamomile to thank for that. It also applied beautifully and felt silky smooth, without a hint of stickiness. My only criticism is that I did need to top it up around my t-zone as the day went on, despite having teamed it with a dose of setting powder. Either way, for £5, I don't consider that a deal breaker. At the end of the day my skin looked better and felt comfortable, so I'd recommend.'
Pros
- Applies beautifully
- Provided a subtle, skin perfecting wash of colour
- Suited to sensitive skin
Cons
- I did need to top up throughout the day
To soak up excess oil and set foundation
www.boots.com
'I'm not fussy when it comes to setting powders, provided they don't leave behind a caky finish. Luckily, this one didn't, so consider me sold - it really is lightweight with a soft, silky texture. I'll sweep a fluffy brush through the pan, tap away any excess power, then apply to oilier areas. For me, this is usually around the sides of the nose. It's perfect for popping in your handbag for top-ups on the go.'
Pros
- Made with natural mica
- Ideal for blurring the look of enlarged pores
Cons
- Would benefit from more shades - there's currently only three
For a natural flush
www.boots.com
'This blush is lightweight but beautifully buildable. Just a swirl applied to the apples of my cheeks left me with a natural flush that really flattered my complexion. And although its a powder formula (where I'd typically opt for a balm or liquid) it's far from dulling. The infusion of meadowfoam seed oil and natural mica add a touch of radiance. I teamed it with the Natural Collection Bronzer'
Pros
- Beautifully pigmented
- Buildable
- Vegan
Cons
- Would benefit from more shades - currently only three
- It's very delicate and has the potential to smash easily
For a fluttery lash
www.boots.com
'When it comes to mascara I take a more-is-more approach- I want length and I want volume. I'll admit I didn't have high hopes here. I thought a Natural Collection mascara would equate to natural results but this wasn't the case. One glimpse at the curved wand and blacker-than-black formula reminded me of Benefit's Roller Lash Mascara, so I was pretty sure the results would be impressive. And they were. Not only were my lashes longer and more voluminous (impressively so) but there was no flaking throughout the day. I'll absolutely be repurchasing.'
Pros
- Ideal for both volume and length
- Made with chamomile extract to nourish lashes
Cons
- Some reviewers have said they preferred the original wand
- If natural lashes is your MO then this won't be for you
For a nourishing lip tint
www.boots.com
'I do love a good lipstick, but for day-to-day I'll still reach for a nourishing balm - bonus points if it's infused with a hint of colour. While this one may look vibrant, the pay-off is actually extremely subtle - think a peach meets pink flush. The infusion of coconut, olive and plant oil keep my lips feeling soft an smoothed. Again, for just £3.50, it's difficult to be disappointed.'
Pros
- Brimming with nourishing ingredients
- Subtle peach flavour
- Vegan
Cons
- Needs regular application
Overall rating
I’ve applied a full face of Natural Collection for the past two days. Admittedly, my make-up did need regular top-ups but if that's not something that bothers you then consider this eco-conscious range an satisfying option - especially when you consider its affordability.
Rachael Martin is Grazia’s Junior Beauty Editor. Originally from Northern Ireland, she studied English Literature at Queen’s University Belfast, before moving to London to pursue a career in magazine journalism.