“Stays on so smooth and doesn’t sink into lines and wrinkles.”
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Max Factor’s formula’s have been loved by mature shoppers, with many saying how it’s ‘perfect for older skin’ and ‘wrinkles’ (Image: Getty images )
With more consistent warmer days on the horizon – thank you heatwave – now is the perfect time to refresh our makeup bags with lightweight, heat-proof formulas that can go the distance. For affordable beauty buys that deliver impressive results, Max Factor continues to be a go-to for shoppers looking to update their routine without overspending.
A long-standing favourite on the high street, the brand has earned its reputation for its reliable foundations, cult mascaras and trend-led launches that often rival far more expensive products. And as summer rolls around, the brand has introduced several standout additions to its range that have caught my attention – and they’re too good not to share.
Boasting a budget-friendly cost, each product below comes in at under £16, including a serum foundation hailed as a dream for mature skin, and a lipstick loved by Sophie Habboo for recreating the viral ‘Nana Park makeup’ look that’s been everywhere since awards season. There’s also a shine-banishing powder that rivals the iconic Laura Mercier setting powder, alongside a handbag-friendly blush perfect for quick touch-ups throughout the day.
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The joy doesn’t just stop there either as Boots is currently running a promotion where shoppers who spend £14 on Max Factor products will receive a free Max Factor 2000 Calorie Volume Mascara 9ml.
Normally retailing at £9.99, the legendary mascara has been a professional favourite for over 30 years, promising up to three times the volume.
Shop the Max Factor Serum Foundation here
£15.99
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The Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Reset Serum Foundation is available at Boots.
Here are four of my top Max Factor picks for summer as a beauty writer:
Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Reset Serum Foundation – £15.99
Before and after using the Max Factor Miracle Pure Skin Reset Serum Foundation(Image: Boots)
Foundation is typically the first product I swap out when summer arrives, as thick, heavy formulas can quickly begin to feel as though someone has smeared melted wax crayons across my face. Max Factor’s Miracle Pure Skin Reset Serum Foundation feels considerably lighter than conventional bases, thanks to its serum-inspired formula, while still delivering sufficient coverage to balance out skin tone and redness.
Formulated with 2% niacinamide and bisabolol, the foundation bridges the gap between skincare and makeup, promising a brighter-looking complexion in 28 days. Its satin matte finish makes it particularly well-suited to summer, lending skin a healthy radiance without appearing overly shiny come midday.
Shoppers have been particularly taken with how natural it looks on more mature skin. One reviewer described it as “perfect for older skin as it gives good coverage but doesn’t look heavy,” while another enthused: “Stays on so smooth and doesn’t sink into lines and wrinkles.”
Others were won over by its staying power, with one customer writing: “I just saw the product and decided to buy it out of curiosity. Never used Max Factor before. I must say I was amazed at the noticeable finish and difference. It gave a smooth, clean finish with just a few drops. My colleagues at work have gone to buy theirs. It was simply a super finish. Nice product.”
Although one reviewer wasn’t keen on the dropper style applicator, commenting: “Dislike using the dropper, find foundation comes out too quickly, I seem to waste a lot of it.”
The foundation comes in 14 shades, which seems relatively limited for a complexion product in 2026, reports the Mirror.
However, the brand claims the shades are ‘stretchable’, meaning they naturally adapt and blend to suit a wide range of skin tones. Another shopper added: “Great colour match, lasts all day, does not transfer on to clothes, easy to use, not too thick.”
Max Factor 2000 Calorie Mellow Blur Lipstick – £9.99
The lipsticks are designed to suit a range of skin tones(Image: Boots)
Blurred lips have emerged as one of this year’s most sought-after beauty trends, largely thanks to celebrity makeup artist Nina Park’s standout presence throughout awards season. Max Factor’s new 2000 Calorie Mellow Blur Lipstick is crafted to replicate that coveted look with next to no effort.
Having launched earlier this year, the lipstick has already made waves online, with shades including Mochi Mauve and Brown Butter reportedly flying off the shelves at Superdrug shortly after its debut. Fortunately, both are back in stock at Boots.
Reality star Sophie Habboo has also revealed it’s become one of her go-to lip products. Back in January, she posted a series of snaps on Instagram wearing the shade Mochi Mauve, captioned: “Mellow blur obsessed xxx.”
The creamy, lightweight formula delivers a soft, blurred finish — ideal for summer, when nobody wants the hassle of constant touch-ups. For a comparable alternative, Glossier’s Generation G is a sheer matte, fragrance-free lipstick, priced at £20. It’s designed to deliver a beautifully diffused wash of colour, drawing inspiration from the makeup artist technique of blotting lipstick post-application. While Max Factor offers six shades, this option boasts nine, providing slightly more choice.
Max Factor Facefinity Pro Blur Longwear Setting Powder – £10.99
The Max Factor Facefinity Pro Blur Longwear Setting Powder makes ‘makeup looks flawless'(Image: Boots)
A reliable setting powder proves indispensable for controlling shine during warmer months, and Max Factor’s Facefinity Pro Blur Longwear Setting Powder delivers precisely that. The featherlight formula is said to bake, set and blur while managing shine all day long.
Enriched with Airblur Technology, it aims to minimise the look of pores and create a soft-focus finish without appearing heavy or cakey. It comes in two adaptable shades suitable for setting, brightening, or neutralising – ideal for a range of skin tones and undertones.
Reviewers appear particularly taken with its performance given the price point. One shopper wrote: “This is great! Set my foundation in place all day/night, and I love the blurring effect! I’ve used more expensive versions of this, and this is just as good! I’m impressed.”
Another added: “So so impressed with this setting powder. Easy to apply and keeps my makeup in place for the whole day and night. My makeup looks flawless, and it makes the shine of the foundation nonexistent. Definitely a new staple in my makeup bag.” Not every review was entirely positive, however. One customer said: “Great coverage when newly applied, but I didn’t think it was really ‘long lasting’, I found patches after only a couple of hours. The colour match was very accurate for my skin tone.”
The price point could well tempt me to make the switch from my go-to Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder, which retails at £38.50 (although it’s currently on sale at Lookfantastic for £29.95). Available in four shades, it’s an ultra, finely-milled formula that absorbs oil and keeps shine at bay for 24 hours, while delivering a flawless, matte finish with no photo flashback.
Max Factor 2000 Calorie Pop Art Cheek Paint Blush – £9.99
The Max Factor 2000 Calorie Pop Art Cheek Paint Blush comes in a range of shades(Image: Max Factor)
Cream blush truly comes into its own during the summer months, lending skin a fresh, healthy sunkissed radiance as opposed to looking overly powdery or heavy. Max Factor’s new Pop Art Cheek Paint Blush marries a cream texture with a matte powder finish, making it a particularly attractive option for warmer weather.
Available in four shades, the buildable formula allows users to keep things understated during the day or build up the colour for evenings out. The handy compact mirror also makes it perfect for touch-ups while on the move.
One fan of the formula said: “Love this, easy to apply and colour is beautiful. It is a buildable formula, but also subtle. Love this and would use again. Highly recommend to anyone looking for a new blusher.”
Another added: “I love this blush. Comes in a cute compact packaging, is easy to take everywhere you go, and the smooth cream texture applies effortlessly to your skin. It gave my skin just the right rosy glow without looking too bold.”
Although one person shared how they felt the packaging ‘looked a bit cheap’, they added: “The actual blush is quite nice though, easy to blend and is buildable. Would like to try a different colour so as an everyday blush this is a good one.”
