‘I attempted 10 Boots merchandise to spice up my confidence – right here’s what actually labored’
OPINION: Daily Star reporter Carly Hacon puts Boots’ 10 confidence-boosting beauty and wellbeing products to the test to see which little everyday treats can help her feel her best
Psychologist and broadcaster Dr Linda Papadopoulos(Image: Boots)
I like to think I’m a confident person, but even I have my wobbly moments. So, I put Boots’ 10 confidence-boosting beauty and wellbeing products to the test to see if a few little treats could help me feel my best.
It turns out I’m far from alone, with new Boots research revealing that 49% of UK adults appear confident to others while privately struggling with self-doubt. The same proportion admit to putting on a brave face at least once a week, while 83% say everyday pressures have affected their confidence and resilience. Even more sobering, 71% wish they felt more confident than they do today. So, naturally, I decided the only sensible thing to do was put the research to the test.
Psychologist and broadcaster Dr Linda Papadopoulos(Image: Boots)
Boots’ new ‘Give It Some Boots’ campaign is all about finding small, everyday ways to feel more like yourself and stretching your comfort zone. Psychologist and broadcaster Dr Linda Papadopoulos, who helped work on the campaign, recommends consciously putting something small into your day that changes how you feel and asking yourself ‘What’s draining my confidence at the moment, and what’s one small thing I can change?’ Here are the ten beauty and wellbeing categories Brits turn to for a confidence boost, ranked by the percentage of people who said they rely on each one and my very personal verdict.
Perfume
Prada Paradoxe Eau De Parfum (Image: Boots)
Perfume was the top confidence-boosting category, with 32% of Brits saying they turn to fragrance to help them feel good. I started with Prada Paradoxe Eau de Parfum because if smelling expensive doesn’t make you feel confident, what will? One spritz and suddenly I was walking around like I had somewhere important to be. The floral amber fragrance became my little pre-leaving-the-house ritual, and I quickly understood why fragrance topped the Boots list.
Body care
Fussy Refillable Natural Deodorant Coconut Milk(Image: Boots)
Body care came a close second, with 30% of Brits saying products in this category help boost their confidence. Next up to try was Fussy Refillable Natural Deodorant in Coconut Milk. There is something reassuring about knowing you smell fresh, particularly when your day involves squeezing onto public transport next to a stranger who has clearly given up. The coconut milk scent was a cheerful addition to my morning routine, proving that feeling fresh can be a simple confidence boost.
Oral care
Daily Star’s Carly Hacon feels much more confident with a brighter smile(Image: Carly Hacon)
A quarter of Brits (25%) said oral care, including products that help improve their smile, plays a part in feeling more confident. I tried the White Beaconsfield Strip and Paste Bundle and discovered that a fresh smile can make you feel a little more prepared to face the world. It is also a useful confidence trick if, like me, you occasionally panic before a meeting and wonder whether your teeth have been betrayed by your morning coffee.
Skincare
Aveeno Calm+Restore moisturising lotion SPF50 (Image: Boots)
Facial skincare was another popular choice, with 24% of Brits saying products such as moisturisers help them feel more confident. The Aveeno Calm + Restore Moisturising Lotion SPF50 was my reminder that looking after yourself doesn’t have to involve a 27-step routine. It became one of those quiet moments in the morning when I actually stopped rushing and did something for myself. And that is exactly the kind of small ritual Dr Linda is talking about.
Haircare
Nothing beats working a red carpet with salon-worthy locks(Image: Carly Hacon)
More than one in five Brits (21%) said haircare and styling products help them feel more confident. I tested the Nature Spell Bond Repair Shampoo and Conditioner and discovered the ancient beauty truth that a good hair day can make you feel like you could probably solve all your problems. Could I? Absolutely not. Did I feel like I could? Definitely. Sometimes, a little extra effort with your hair is enough to make you feel ready to take on the day.
Wellness
Phd Diet Plant Powder Belgian Chocolate(Image: Boots)
One in five Brits (20%) said vitamins, supplements and wellness products are among the things they turn to for a confidence boost. Next came PhD Diet Plant Powder in Belgian Chocolate, which I mixed with my breakfast to make the perfect overnight oats. This will help me build muscle and aid with my recovery in the gym. Boots also found that 50% of Brits say lack of sleep or low energy affects their confidence, so having a little ritual around looking after yourself makes sense.
Hair removal
Veet Pure Hair Removal Cream Legs & Body Sensitive (Image: Boots)
Hair removal products were chosen by 19% of Brits, showing that personal grooming is another way some people like to feel more confident. I tried Veet Hair Removal Cream with Aloe Vera and Vitamin E. There is something oddly satisfying about feeling polished and ready to go – even if nobody else knows you have made the effort. Sometimes confidence really is about doing something for yourself rather than anyone else.
Hydration
HABI Just Peachy Electrolyte Powder(Image: Boots)
Hydration, energy and functional drinks were named by 17% of Brits as a confidence-boosting category. The Habi Just Peachy Electrolyte Powder was next. And yes, drinking something peachy does make hydration feel considerably more glamorous. With low energy one of the biggest confidence drains, it was a simple reminder that sometimes feeling better starts with looking after the basics.
Eye make-up
Max Factor Masterpiece Nude Eyeshadow Palette Rose Nudes(Image: Boots)
Eye and brow make-up made the list for 15% of Brits, who said these products can help them feel more confident. I reached for the Max Factor Masterpiece Nude Eyeshadow Palette in Rose Nudes. This was where the experiment became dangerous because I started believing I could actually do my own make-up. There is something confidence-boosting about experimenting rather than trying to make yourself look ‘perfect’.
Complexion make-up
Carly feels the most confident when she’s bronzed!(Image: Carly Hacon)
Complexion make-up was also chosen by 15% of Brits as a way to give their confidence a lift. Finally came the Benefit Hoola Bronzer, my ultimate make-up bag essential. A little sweep and suddenly I looked like I had spent the weekend somewhere considerably warmer than the British Isles. It was the perfect finishing touch, although sadly it did nothing to hide the fact I still had emails to answer. After trying all ten products, I’ve discovered that a confidence boost doesn’t have to mean a dramatic makeover or a complete life overhaul. My standouts were the Prada perfume, which made me feel confident enough to walk into any room, the Nature Spell haircare duo for a good hair day, and Max Factor’s eyeshadow palette, which reminded me that make-up should be fun rather than perfect. Of course, no beauty product can magically fix a bad day but sometimes, taking a little time for yourself can make all the difference. Whether it’s a spritz of your favourite fragrance or a touch of bronzer, the best confidence booster is whatever makes you feel good in your own skin. And if a few Boots treats can help me face the day feeling a little more fabulous, I’m not complaining!
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