This post is in response to a request from a commenter, Nina, who wants to send her daughter to London armed with a bit of a shopping list of interesting but not too expensive things to pick up. I heartily approve of child labour (Miss London is still too young to make me tea, apparently) so I'm happy to oblige.
The big Boots on Oxford Street (half way between Oxford Street and Bond Street Tube Stations) is the first spot to hit.
As well as the basics like Sudocrem and the Vaseline tins, you can also get my favourite cuticle treatment, Flexitol Cuticle & Nail Cream (Flexitol do a good balm for very dry heels too) and Lanolips Ointment.
Cosmetics wise, the Boots sells Models Own (the nail polishes get a lot of love) and Orly mini polishes, Bourjois and their organic sister-line Une, Soap & Glory and Max Factor (the fabled Fantasy Fire nail polish should be back in stock now, and they have some other nice multi-chromes in the line - I like Meteorite.)
Superdrug (I like the one in the Bond Street Tube Station shopping complex) is also worth a visit. As well as Sleek, they sell Bloom Cosmetics and Gosh (the long wear Velvet Touch Eyeliners are very good indeed). The Optimum range of anti-ageing skincare gets good reviews, although I can't remember reading any by anyone who has used it for any length of time, and I'm somewhat sceptical of magazine and newspaper skincare rave write-ups.
The Garden Pharmacy (Covent Garden tube). Sells Art Deco cosmetics (the eye primer is good, but smells oddly of washing up liquid). Also sells a good range of La Roche Posay skincare and suncare, including my favourite spot treatment, Effaclar A.I., Klorane haircare and Kneipp bath products.
Charles Fox (Covent Garden, other side of the plaza from the tube) sells theatrical make-up. Worth a visit for the Kryolan alone.
Top Shop (Oxford Square tube) be warned, this place is usually heaving by 11am. The make up is well worth a look though.
Are there any other gems I've missed?
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Am trying to remember which street Pixi is in (near Cov Garden) but they have such cute things in there that it's well worth a look.
ReplyDeleteHi Anna - Pixi is another good recommendation (it's by Oxford Circus, near the back of Liberty) and they do have some lovely stuff too. They also have a few bits of Pop makeup in there - the glitter nail polishes are very fun.
DeleteInglot in Westfield (shepherds bush) is barely more expensive than drugstore pricing and has some really exciting colour cosmetics.
ReplyDeleteI really need to get to Westfield. Would love to have a look at Inglot.
DeleteThe Kiko cosmetics store in both Westfields has some lovely, very reasonable priced products.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness! Thank you so much!! I have never heard of Flexitol - sounds wonderful! We are also on the hunt for the Korres balms in the tubes, which are not available in the U.S. - we only have the ones in pots. Thank you again - I'm going to send this link to my daughter straight away!
ReplyDeleteHi Nina - you're very welcome :) I think House of Fraser (Oxford Street) or Selfridges (also Oxford Street) are your best bets for the Korres. I can't swear that Selfridges still stocks it, so try House of Fraser first.
DeleteI can't tell if my previous comment went through - so thank you so much! Flexitol sounds very interesting. Wish I could go myself!
ReplyDeleteI like the Illamasqua store on Beak Street (near Carnaby Street). The staff are very helpful.
ReplyDeleteConny
I would also definitely recommed Kiko and Inglot, both at Westfield!
ReplyDeleteIt's not make-up, but Lush! They have stores all over, including Covent Garden and Westfield Shepherd's Bush (maybe Westfield Stratford, but I haven't been yet)
ReplyDeleteBookmarked! Am heading to London in Sept...
ReplyDeletesuperdrug is a great one for getting things that are usually in boots for cheaper
ReplyDeletei always try and get my make up from there if they've got what i want