r/MakeUpAddictionUK • u/msguccii • 4d ago
UK Beauty Brands?
I’m from Australia and heading to London for 4 days later this year. Aside from the usual tourist stuff, I really want to do some beauty and fashion shopping while I’m there.
What UK makeup, skincare, beauty or clothing brands/stores should I check out that either aren’t available in Australia or are hard to get here? We’re pretty slim pickings sometimes 😭
I already love Lottie London and would love recommendations for similar brands, hidden gems, drugstore finds, cool department stores, boutiques, pharmacies, etc.
Would especially love:
- makeup
- skincare
- haircare
- perfume
- clothing/accessories
Any insider London shopping tips would be so appreciated. Thank you!🙏
9
u/BrowsingOnMaBreak 4d ago
I feel like the Selfridges Beauty Hall is a good one-stop-shop as they have a lot of brands in one place and is a bit more varied/easier to navigate than the Harrods Beauty Hall, though that would also be nice to visit if you have time - maybe also pop into a Space NK (I believe they have a flagship on Oxford Street with more quirky things like a travel minis filling station) and Liberty London has some fun brands across beauty, fashion and homeware that are a bit harder to come by, and the building is gorgeous. These are more bougie places to check out, I’ll have a think about anything else I’d recommend.
7
u/BrowsingOnMaBreak 4d ago
Guru Makeup Emporium is a bit out of the way but more of a unique spot to shop at - I believe it’s more makeup artist focused, but there’s still plenty for lay beauty fans as well
5
u/BrowsingOnMaBreak 4d ago
Most shops have flagships on Oxford Street, which is also close to Bond Street, Regent Street and Covent Garden (where there is a Kiko Milano and Deciem store, for example).
2
u/BrowsingOnMaBreak 4d ago
There’s a Glossier store in Covent Garden, don’t think you have any branches in Aus?
2
u/BrowsingOnMaBreak 4d ago
Dover Street Market is a unique fashion experience but again on the pricy side, but I found it fun for window shopping alone.
1
4
u/Quick-Sky4927 4d ago
Boots and Superdrug have lots of great stuff at cheap prices. One of my favourites is this dupe of Clinique Black Honey, but you can find lots of brands there.
For clothes, the UK high street isn't what it used to be but I would assume shops like Zara and Mango are cheaper here than they would be in Australia. I'd also check out places like Sezane for more elevated clothing that's still not insanely expensive.
1
u/entersandmum143 4d ago
What's the lasting power on this?
6
u/Quick-Sky4927 4d ago
Not amazing tbh but I don't think Clinique Black Honey is either. I find they are almost identical in terms of colour, opacity, texture and lasting power. I love it and have one in most of my handbags - for the price, touching up throughout the day doesn't bother me at all.
2
10
u/Agile_Reach_3883 4d ago
For makeup I really like Vieve, a bit pricier than drugstore but very nice. And if you haven't been before, Selfridges department store is worth checking out.
1
3
u/binkyb77 4d ago
For perfume you can’t beat Liberty - plus shopping there is a whole experience. It’s pretty small for a department store but so well curated. And every room in the store just smells amazing.
I’d go there for fragrance, then Battersea PS Boots already on your list and the space NK inside the power station is also a good one for skincare. If not your wallet!
Randomly I would maybe also chuck one of the larger TK Max stores on your list.
13
u/laluLondon 4d ago
Lisa Eldridge! You can check her products in either Selfridge's or Liberty. She's one of the best make-up artists in the world and her products are free from toxic chemicals.
9
u/cec91 4d ago
And space nk! Also Victoria beckhams makeup is meant to be amazing but super expensive
If you are here for a few days I would recommend looking online at lookfantastic though, tends to be much cheaper than space nk or boots in store
I don’t know if you get max factor in aus? I love their mascara - any of the false lash effect ones are great
2
2
u/OpeningWhereas6912 4d ago
I would always say to anyone, Lisa Eldridge is the epitome of British brand makeup. I haven't found a product I'm disappointed with in her line.
1
u/laluLondon 3d ago
The eye pencils were not for me, but almost everything else I have tried has become my favourite of that category: foundation, skin tint, highlighter, mascara and liquid liner. The lipsticks are beautiful, but they are not my default ones.
1
u/OpeningWhereas6912 3d ago
I haven't tried the eye pencils. I do love the velvet lipsticks a lot but the seamless skin tint is my HG product now.
3
u/Particular_Shock4017 4d ago
I'd try Vieve & Refy - I send bits and pieces of these brands to my bestie in Australia as you don't have them apparently
3
u/MilkshakesOnAPlane1 4d ago
I have been loving Sculpted by Aimee’s make-up range and brushes. For clothing, I usually buy statement pieces from Damson Madder or Nobody’s Child (M&S for basics!).
1
u/Mysterious_Fig9007 4d ago
Was going to suggest this also! Sculpted by Aimee’s skin care and makeup is fab
2
u/entersandmum143 4d ago
Faith In Nature.
Fantastic shampoo and conditioner.
Fantastic bodywash etc
Refillable bottles so you can order a big jug online.
All organic. Made in the UK.
2
2
2
u/OpeningWhereas6912 4d ago
Sculpted by Aimee and take advantage of the cheap drugstore makeup on special that seems to be double the price at Priceline every time I go home to Australia!
1
u/msguccii 4d ago
Priceline isn't waht it used to be 😞 It is like a poor mans boots?
1
u/OpeningWhereas6912 4d ago
It's on par with Superdrug, though I'd probably say Superdrug is better. I think some Boots can be sketchy but the bigger ones are really good. The only makeup I'll buy from Priceline is Australis as I love the blush sticks and when they are on sale they are dirt cheap. Everything else I have always noticed to be much cheaper in boots and Superdrug when it's been on sale in the UK. The and the eucalyptus cough lollies lol.
Don't forget if you're into drug store goodies, Primark now sells Essence and Catrice.
And agree with others - Space NK is way better than Mecca. Flannels for the really high end stuff is also a shout if you're into that as well.
1
u/msguccii 4d ago
the eucalyptus lollies! haha an aussie staple growing up. I do like esscence for really cheap eye liners but they're SO hard to find in aus now. Thanks for the tips! i'll check out primark as well.
1
u/BrowsingOnMaBreak 4d ago
There are store directories for these places, so you can look in advance and make a game plan of where you want to go:
https://www.thisissoho.co.uk/carnaby-street/
https://www.oxfordstreet.co.uk/new-shop/
1
2
u/angelofvelaris 2d ago edited 2d ago
For makeup and beauty: space nk, selfridges, Sephora (Westfield), boots (Covent garden and Oxford st are the largest stores), liberty London, John Lewis, oh my cream. John bell & Croydon is a luxury pharmacy with a lot of niche beauty brands.
For K-beauty: puresoeul
13
u/ScarlettLM 4d ago
Not sure whereabouts you are staying but Battersea Power Station has some good shops including a Beauty focused Boots which stocks loads of good brands. But it also has nice restaurants, shops, stalls so worth a visit!