Meet the people behind Boots. From advising on your family’s health to sharing the latest beauty & wellness trends, Boots experts are here for you. They reveal what spring has in store…
Boots is the home of expertise. Most of us live only 10 minutes away from a Boots store, making it our go-to for health advice, beauty tips or simply a ‘thinking of you’ gift. It’s a community hub, offering unparalleled support and guidance all under one roof. This is why we’re shining a light on some of the fantastic experts who call Boots home, from the local pharmacist and beauty specialist to the online GP, as they give us their take on what spring brings in their field of expertise.
The Pharmacist
Whitney Lodovica
A Boots Pharmacist based in the Covent Garden store, Whitney Lodovica talks to us about spring issues that your local Boots pharmacist can help you with.
“Spring is a time when lots of us want to move more and to get outside with friends and family. One thing that might hold us back is joint pain. The first thing I’d advise is to see a GP to rule out any underlying causes. Following that, we would normally go for pain relief like paracetamol or ibuprofen, if suitable. Ibuprofen can also help with inflammation.
“If you’re feeling tired, it could be down to a lack of iron, so we would suggest patients see their GP to understand the underlying cause. If it’s down to low iron, we can help with advice around diet and iron supplements available to purchase over the counter.
“We also get asked about vitamin D, which is made by the sun, but isn’t strong enough during winter, so it is worth considering taking a daily vitamin D 10mcg supplement. During summer, most of us can make all the vitamin D we need through sunlight, though children under four and all babies (unless they’re having more than 500ml of infant formula a day) should take a daily supplement throughout the year.
“Another common issue for spring is seasonal allergies like hay fever, so patients will come in for nasal sprays, eye drops and antihistamines, as well as for creams for insect bites.”
The Boots Beauty Specialists
Allison Kersey
Allison Kersey, a Boots Beauty Specialist who’s based in the Chelmsford store, specialises in skincare and shares how to make sunscreen an easy part of your routine.
“I’m often asked about sunscreens that sit well under make-up. I recommend mineral-based sunscreens, as they’re lightweight and won’t clog pores. Water-based sunscreens are less likely to pill under make-up, which is what I like about the No7 Future Renew Damage Protection Defence Shield SPF50. It’s lightweight, hydrating and is a great primer under make-up. Something many of us forget to do in the warmer weather is reapply our sunscreen throughout the day. Spray formulas like La Roche-Posay Anthelios Anti-Shine Invisible Fresh Mist Spray SPF50, make it easy as they can be spritzed over make-up.
“If your skin needs a bit more brightness come spring, incorporate vitamin C into your routine. A serum like Ole Henriksen Truth Serum is a great choice.”
Ruvimbo Marongwe
Boots Beauty Specialist, Ruvimbo Marongwe who’s based in the Leeds White Rose store, shares the springtime make-up looks she’s recommending to customers.
“At this time of year, a lot of customers want to embrace the ‘no make-up make-up’ look. Tinted moisturisers are the perfect way to achieve this and my personal favourite is the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Skin Tint.
“Another beauty trend making a resurgence is sun-kissed blusher. For a subtle glow across cheeks, I love Benefit blushers. For darker skin tones, use a berry-toned shade like Benefit Moone Rich Berry Blush, or for lighter skin tones try Benefit Starlaa Blush.
“For lips, glossy, mocha-toned shades are here to stay: you can’t beat the Lancôme Juicy Tubes which have had a major revival, while Fenty Beauty Trace’d Out Pencil Lip Liner in Brown’d Out is perfect for adding definition or to avoid feathering in any fine lines around the lips.
“Worried about the weather heating up and your make-up not lasting the distance? Try Fenty Beauty You Mist Makeup-Extending Setting Spray. A new launch this year, it’s transfer- and sweat-proof, making it perfect for warmer days.”
The Nutritionist
Emily Solman
Emily Solman is a Registered Nutritionist (@_emilysworld) who believes you “can’t live your fullest life on empty”. She gives us tips for eating well this season…
“If you don’t already, spring is the perfect time to start diversifying your diet and adding colour to your meals. I always tell people: add, don’t subtract. Instead of restricting things on your plate, try adding more variety, more colour and more wholegrains. There are some great fruit and vegetables in season this time of year, such as rhubarb, strawberries, cherries, carrots, potatoes and asparagus.
“One of my favourite spring recipes is a smoothie. I start with a banana, which adds creaminess, thickness and is a good source of potassium. I then add oats for fibre and a scoop of protein powder for muscle maintenance. I like a vanilla vegan one. I add a plant-based milk as I’m lactose intolerant. They also tend to be fortified with vitamins, although cow’s milk is also a great source of calcium and B vitamins. I’ll then add a spoonful of peanut butter, such as Pip & Nut Smooth Peanut Butter for some healthy fat, and finally a good handful of spinach, which is in season in spring. Frozen spinach works just as well as fresh and adds thickness to the smoothie (I promise you can’t taste it).
“Kombucha will continue to be a big trend this year as we prioritise gut health and cut back on our sugar intake. Kombucha is a great alternative to a fizzy drink for social occasions and comes in lots of flavours. I like No.1 Living Ginger Kombucha with Turmeric.”
The Beauty Director
Alice Rafferty
Alice Rafferty works in Boots’ head office as Director of Premium Beauty and Cosmetics and has overseen the launch of cult beauty brands including Fenty, Laneige and Huda Beauty into Boots. She shares her insider’s guide to what’s trending now in beauty.
“When it comes to fragrance, this spring and summer season is all about florals. A great example that’s worth trying is Kayali Fleur Majesty Rose Royale 31 Eau De Parfum. It’s a tender bouquet of royal rose and pink peony with a warm base of sweet vetiver and sensual musk.
“My personal favourite is Maison Margiela Replica From the Garden Eau de Toilette. The green, earthy notes evoke the joyful feeling of a sunny afternoon spent in the garden.
“K-beauty remains a top trend, with Google searches for Korean skincare increasing by 68% in 2024. One Korean skincare product sells every 30 seconds at Boots*! Expect to see more glass skin, collagen masks and Korean-inspired ingredients, such as PDRN (polynucleotides) – a therapy that can be used to stimulate collagen production for brighter, hydrated, more youthful-looking skin. We’ll see this in products from June.
“Sleeping beauty is another big trend as customers demand more from their night-time routines. The #MorningShed trend on TikTok has amassed over 30 million views, proving we’re willing to put the work in for the ultimate overnight glow-up. Being a mum of two, I’m a fan of a glow-up while I sleep as I don’t always find the time during the day. My favourites are Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronized Multi-Recovery Complex, Aveda Botanical Repair Strengthening Overnight Serum and Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask.
“For cosmetics, I am loving a jelly texture right now. Milk Makeup Cooling Water Jelly Tint Stick is a beautiful blusher, with great colour pay off. It’s also lightweight, so looks great over foundation or a tinted moisturiser as something softer for hotter weather.”
The Fitness Expert
Hannah Frankson
Hannah Frankson is a Fitness Expert and Peloton instructor (@hannahfrankson). She tells us why spring is a good time to kickstart our fitness goals.
“I always associate spring with things starting again. It’s a season of newness and it feels good to align ourselves with this. Plus, the days are getting longer and the weather is getting warmer, which is why many people prefer spring than the depths of winter to reassess their fitness goals. It’s much easier to stay motivated in spring as outdoor activities start up again. This might be a solo activity or an opportunity for getting active with others if that’s your thing – be it heading to your local tennis or padel court, a running club, a community fitness class, or a long walk with some friends. Signing up to a fitness class or outdoor bootcamp with friends can also make the whole thing feel more sociable and less like a workout.
“If you’re wanting to up your fitness routine, start small and pick something you can do consistently, which will be easier to keep up than something you will only do once or twice and never again. Sometimes, we can get quite overwhelmed when it comes to exercise, but starting small can create lasting change.
“But it’s important to always give yourself grace or just admit that you don’t enjoy something. You don’t need to be doing what everyone else is doing.”
The Boots Online Doctor
Dr Megha Pancholi
One of our cover stars, Dr Megha Pancholi is a GP and Clinical Lead at Boots Online Doctor, specialising in mental health. She shares how to look after our minds and bodies as the weather improves.
“The shift in seasons from winter to spring can be uplifting for many – the longer days and brighter mornings can encourage us to get outside and move more, making us feel more energised or motivated. But for some, seasonal transitions can feel overwhelming, particularly when it comes to mental health. Social pressure may increase – feelings of ‘I should be doing more’ or ‘making the most’ of the season can lead to fears of missing out or inadequacy. The expectation to be productive, active or social may cause feelings of stress for some.
“My advice is to take just five minutes in the morning to check in with yourself – a few moments of mindful awareness of how you’re feeling or what you’d like for the day. This self-reflection can set the tone for the day ahead. You can also try journalling, deep breathing or a short walk.
“Spending time outside has proven mental and physical health benefits, so a walk is a great way to start your morning or to break up your workday. In some parts of the country, GPs now ‘nature prescribe’ outdoor activities, such as community gardening, to support a patient’s emotional and physical health. With lighter days, being in sunlight (while properly protected) also gives your vitamin D levels a boost, helps regulate your circadian rhythms and can help your mood.
“And speak to your GP if you are struggling to cope with your mental health or if you are showing signs of more serious symptoms of depression or chronic stress like neglecting basic self-care, or you’re experiencing a loss of interest in your favourite outdoor activities. This spring, it’s about feeling good, not keeping up. Embrace the season in a way that works for you.”
