Hello, lovely readers!
Let’s have a chat about our makeup routines. How much time do you have in the morning? If you’re anything like me, it’s not a lot. Between making a cuppa, getting everyone out the door, and tackling the day, spending an hour on a full face of makeup just isn’t realistic.
But here’s the thing: I still want to look good. I want my skin to look healthy, even, and glowing. I want products that work quickly but don’t cost a fortune.
Sound familiar? This is exactly the problem that Westmore Beauty claims to solve.
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You might have seen their products on the shelves at Boots or online. The brand was created by Victoria Beckham’s longtime makeup artist, Wendy Rowe, and it promises “professional results” with “skincare benefits” that you can achieve in minutes.
But with so many brands out there, does it actually work? Or is it just another line of products making big promises?
I’ve been testing a whole range of Westmore Beauty products for the last two months. I put their quick-fix claims to the test during school runs, busy workdays, and even a few weekends away.
This is my completely honest, no-nonsense review. We’re going to look at what makes this brand special, which products are worth your money, and whether they can truly transform your skin.
Who is Westmore Beauty? It’s All About the Pro Behind the Products
Before we talk about the products, it’s important to understand the person behind them. This isn’t just a random celebrity putting their name on a box.
Wendy Rowe is a hugely respected British makeup artist. She’s worked with everyone from Sienna Miller to Burberry and, most famously, she’s the artist behind Victoria Beckham’s iconic, minimalist look. She knows what makes skin look good on and off camera.
Also Read: Effortless Glamour: Decoding the Victoria Beckham Beauty Aesthetic and How to Get It
Her philosophy is simple: great makeup starts with great skin. But she also understands that we don’t all have time for a 10-step skincare routine.
So, she created Westmore Beauty to bridge that gap. The products are designed to give you that professional, airbrushed finish while treating your skin with good ingredients. They’re also all cruelty-free and many are vegan-friendly.
And the best part? They’re priced for the high street, not a high-end department store. You can find them at Boots, which makes them easy to get hold of and try for yourself.
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The “Quick-Fix” Philosophy: How Can Makeup Be Skincare?
This is the brand’s biggest selling point. They call it “Speed-Luxe” – a combination of speed and luxury.
The idea is that each product is packed with active ingredients that you’d normally find in serums and moisturisers. Think things like Hyaluronic Acid for hydration, Vitamin C for brightening, and Niacinamide for calming the skin.
So, while you’re applying your makeup, you’re also giving your skin a treat. It’s a multi-tasking dream for anyone short on time.
But does this theory hold up in practice? Let’s get into the products I tested.
Putting the Products to the Test: My Honest Reviews
I picked a selection of Westmore’s hero products to try. Here’s what I thought of each one.
1. Skin Finish Foundation: The “Your Skin But Better” Base
What it is: A liquid foundation that promises a natural, skin-like finish with skincare benefits.
My Experience:
This was the first product I tried. The bottle is sleek and it has a handy pump, which I always appreciate. The texture is light and fluid, not thick or heavy at all.
I applied it with my fingers (as Wendy often recommends for a natural finish) and it blended like a dream. It didn’t sit in my fine lines or cling to dry patches. It evened out my redness and gave me a really uniform, healthy complexion.
It’s not a full-coverage foundation. If you have blemishes you want to hide, you’ll need a concealer. But for a natural, everyday look, it’s perfect. My skin looked like my skin, just more refreshed and awake.
The “Skincare” Part: It contains Hyaluronic Acid, and I could genuinely feel that my skin stayed hydrated throughout the day. It didn’t feel tight or look cakey.
Verdict: 9/10. A fantastic everyday foundation for those who hate the feeling of heavy makeup.
Also Read: Meaningful Beauty: Can Cindy Crawford’s Anti-Aging System Really Deliver Younger-Looking Skin?
Where to buy it in the UK: Boots
2. Velvetizer Mix-In Medium: The Magic Powder
What it is: This is probably Westmore’s most famous product. It’s a white powder you can mix with any foundation or moisturiser to turn it into a velvety, matte finish. It also helps control shine.
My Experience:
I was sceptical about this. How could a powder mixed with liquid not go clumpy? But I was amazed. I poured a tiny amount of the powder into a blob of my foundation on the back of my hand, mixed it for two seconds, and applied it.
The transformation was instant. My dewy foundation became a soft, velvety matte. It looked incredible—smooth and poreless. It’s perfect for days when I want a more polished look or if my skin is feeling oilier.
You can also use it on its own as a setting powder. It’s seriously versatile.
The “Skincare” Part: It has Australian Willow Herb to help soothe the skin and control oil production.
Verdict: 10/10. A truly unique product that does exactly what it says. A game-changer.
Where to buy it in the UK: Boots
3. Liquid Lip Velour: The Non-Drying Liquid Lipstick
What it is: A liquid lipstick that promises high-shine colour without drying out your lips.
My Experience:
I’m very picky about liquid lipsticks. So many of them are drying and make my lips look like a desert within an hour.
This one is different. The applicator is a nice shape that makes it easy to outline your lips. The colour glides on smoothly and has a beautiful, glossy finish. It’s not sticky, and it feels comfortable to wear.
It’s not a 12-hour, transfer-proof lipstick. You will need to reapply after eating and drinking. But I’d much rather that than have painfully dry lips. The colour I tried (a nude shade) was gorgeous and pigmented.
The “Skincare” Part: It’s infused with Jojoba Oil to condition and moisturise the lips.
Verdict: 8/10. A comfortable, shiny lip colour that feels good on.
Where to buy it in the UK: Boots
4. BB Perfector: The All-in-One Wonder
What it is: A BB cream that primes, conceals, corrects, and protects the skin with SPF 25.
My Experience:
This is the ultimate quick-fix product. On those “no makeup” days, this is all I use. It has a light, creamy texture that gives a tiny bit of coverage—just enough to take the edge off redness and tiredness.
It leaves a dewy, fresh finish that looks like you’re not really wearing makeup. The SPF 25 is a brilliant addition, making it a perfect first step in your routine. I use it instead of a moisturiser on busy mornings.
The “Skincare” Part: It has Vitamin E to protect and moisturise the skin.
Verdict: 9/10. The perfect product for a minimalist, your-skin-but-better look.
Where to buy it in the UK: Boots
My Before and After: Did My Skin Transform?
So, after two months of using these products, did my skin change?
The short answer is yes, but not in the way I initially expected.
I didn’t wake up with completely new skin. But what I noticed was that my skin was healthier and happier because of these products.
- Less Irritation: Because the formulas are packed with good ingredients and lack harsh chemicals, my skin felt calmer. I had less redness and fewer breakouts.
- Better Hydration: My skin no longer felt tight or dry at the end of the day. The hyaluronic acid in the foundation made a real difference.
- Simpler Routine: Because the products multi-task, I was using fewer layers on my skin. This reduced congestion and allowed my skin to breathe.
The “transformation” was more about the health of my skin improving over time because my makeup was treating it well, not attacking it. And that, for me, is a huge win.
Final Thoughts: Should You Try Westmore Beauty?
If you’re looking for a miracle cream that will make you look 20 years younger overnight, this isn’t it. But if you’re a busy person who wants effective, multi-tasking makeup that simplifies your routine and actually improves your skin health over time, then yes, you absolutely should try Westmore Beauty.
The products deliver on their quick-fix promises. They are easy to use, feel lovely on the skin, and give a beautiful, professional finish. The fact that they are easy to find at Boots and won’t break the bank is the icing on the cake.
For me, the transformation was real. It was a transformation from a complicated routine that sometimes stressed my skin to a simple, enjoyable one that made my skin look and feel better. And that, in my book, is a huge success.
Have you tried any Westmore Beauty products? What did you think? Let me know your thoughts in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions: Your Westmore Beauty Queries Answered
I’ve received so many brilliant questions about Westmore Beauty since publishing my review. It’s clear many of you are intrigued by the brand’s promises! Here, I’ve answered the most common queries in depth to help you decide if these products are right for you.
Q1: The term “transform your skin” is a big promise. What kind of transformation can I realistically expect?
A: This is the most important question. It’s crucial to set realistic expectations. Westmore Beauty is not a prescription skincare line; it’s makeup with skincare benefits. The “transformation” isn’t about erasing deep wrinkles or curing acne overnight. Instead, it’s a two-fold change:
- Immediate Transformation: You get an immediate improvement in the appearance of your skin. Products like the Skin Finish Foundation even out tone and texture, giving you a healthier, more radiant look instantly.
- Long-Term Transformation: With consistent use, the active ingredients (like Hyaluronic Acid, Niacinamide, and vitamins) work to improve your skin’s health. You may notice your skin feels more hydrated, less irritated, and calmer over weeks of use. The transformation is from skin that is stressed by makeup to skin that is cared for by it.
Q2: I have very oily skin. Will the creamy and dewy products (like the BB Perfector) make me look greasy?
A: This is a common concern, and the brand has a specific solution for it: the Velvetizer. While products like the BB Perfector offer a hydrating, dewy finish, you can easily tailor them to your skin type.
- The Power of the Velvetizer: Mix a little of this powder with your foundation or BB cream to instantly transform the finish to a soft, velvety matte. This helps control shine throughout the day without compromising the skincare benefits.
- Strategic Application: If you prefer not to use the Velvetizer, simply apply the dewier products only to the drier areas of your face (like the cheeks) and avoid your oilier T-zone, or set that area with a light dusting of translucent powder.
Q3: Are these products suitable for sensitive skin that is prone to redness and reactivity?
A: Generally, yes. Wendy Rowe formulated the line with skin health in mind, so the products are free from many common irritants like parabens and synthetic fragrances. The inclusion of calming ingredients like Niacinamide (in many of their bases) is specifically beneficial for reducing redness and strengthening the skin’s barrier.
- Always Patch Test: However, “sensitive skin” means different things to different people. If you have known allergies or extreme sensitivity, always check the ingredient list carefully. I recommend doing a patch test behind your ear or on your inner arm for 24 hours before applying a new product to your entire face.
Q4: Where can I physically swatch or see the shades in person here in the UK?
A: Your best bet is a large Boots store that has a dedicated Westmore Beauty display. However, availability can vary. The most reliable way to see the shades is online:
- Boots Website: The product pages on Boots.com often have swatch photos and sometimes even user-generated photos, which can be incredibly helpful.
- Online Reviews: Search for “Westmore Beauty swatch” on YouTube or beauty blogs. Seeing the products on someone with a similar skin tone to yours is the next best thing to trying it yourself.
Q5: How does Westmore Beauty compare to other “skincare-makeup” hybrids like IT Cosmetics or BareMinerals?
A: Great question. While all three brands bridge the gap between makeup and skincare, their philosophies differ.
- IT Cosmetics: Focuses on higher, more full coverage and problem-solving (e.g., for rosacea). Their products often feel more like traditional makeup.
- BareMinerals: Famous for its mineral-based, powder-first formulations that are great for sensitive skin.
- Westmore Beauty: The focus is on lightweight, skin-like coverage and multi-tasking “quick fixes.” The textures are often more fluid and creamy. The Velvetizer, in particular, is a completely unique product that sets them apart. It’s more about creating a professional, perfected finish quickly.
Q6: What is the one product you would recommend as the best introduction to the brand?
A: Without a doubt, the Velvetizer Mix-In Medium. It’s utterly unique—there’s nothing else like it on the high street. You can use it with any foundation or moisturiser you already own, so it’s a low-risk way to experience the brand’s innovative approach. It demonstrates the “quick-fix” promise perfectly and delivers immediate, noticeable results.
Q7: For someone with mature skin, will these products settle into fine lines and wrinkles?
A: The formulations are actually excellent for mature skin. The key is their lightweight, hydrating nature.
- Heavy, dry, or powdery products accentuate lines. Westmore’s products, like the Skin Finish Foundation, are infused with hydrating Hyaluronic Acid, which helps plump the skin.
- They provide light coverage that evens out tone without creating a mask-like effect that can age the skin. The result is a fresher, more hydrated appearance that doesn’t settle into lines like heavier foundations can.
Q8: How long does a product like the Skin Finish Foundation typically last with daily use?
A: The 30ml bottle is standard for foundations, but because the coverage is buildable and the formula is pigmented, you need less product per application than you might with a heavier foundation. Most users find a bottle lasts 2-3 months with daily use. A little truly goes a long way, making it good value for money.
Q9: Is the brand truly cruelty-free and vegan?
A: Yes, Westmore Beauty is certified cruelty-free by PETA. This means they do not test on animals anywhere in the world. Not all products are vegan, as some contain beeswax or other animal-derived ingredients. However, many of their products are vegan-friendly. Always check the product description on the Boots website for the “Vegan” label.
Q10: Can I build the coverage of the BB Perfector or Skin Finish Foundation to a medium coverage?
A: Yes, you can. Both products are designed to be buildable.
- For the BB Perfector: Apply a first thin layer all over for a unified tone. Then, take a small amount more and gently pat it onto areas where you need more coverage (e.g., under eyes, around the nose). Patting, rather than rubbing, helps layer the product without moving the layer underneath.
- For the Skin Finish Foundation: The same technique applies. It won’t become full coverage, but you can easily build it to a solid medium coverage by layering sparingly in specific areas.
