Best Beauty & Skincare Buys in England: A London Shopping Tour

I have a special place in my heart for London since the beauty shopping can't be beat. Every time I hop across the pond I find more and more European lines that haven't made their way to the U.S. yet, and I love the humor and cheekiness of many of the U.K.-based brands. I've spent quite a bit of time strolling the streets of London searching for unique shops and products, and stumbled upon countless department stores and apothecaries, and, of course, I always manage to come home with a few extra bags stocked with goodies. Here are some insider tips to shop London neighborhoods like a pro and find the top beauty destinations and products. Use this list to create a skincare and beauty tour for the ultimate shopping binge, or simply select your favorite shopping neighborhoods for exploring London.

Chelsea: Kings Road & Beyond

Start with the original Liz Earle skincare shop on Duke of York Square on the Kings Road. The beauty of this line is that it offers simple, natural skincare solutions from head to toe. Also on Kings Road is The Shop at Bluebird. You’ll be tempted by the clothes, but be sure to stock up on products from Kai, Malin+Goetz and Ole Henricksen. And if you have time (and the need), book an appointment at the Blink Brow Bar.

For perfumes, candles, and other scent-driven products, check out Les Scenteurs on Elizabeth Street. Their fragrances can’t be beat, and they're a bit hard to find back in the States

See more Chelsea shopping

Kensington High Street

A hotspot for natural beauty lovers is the giant Whole Foods Market on Kensington High Street. You’ll find many upscale yet natural and organic brands not available at the chain's U.S. stores, such as the new new Snowberry range from New Zealand and Nude Skincare, which is packed with probiotics.

See more South Kensington shopping.

Mayfair: Regent Street & Beyond

Just off shopping-centric Regent Street, The Organic Pharmacy is worth dropping into if you love natural beauty products, and it’s directly across Great Marlborough Street from the Liberty department store. Don't miss their fabulous beauty hall where you can find chic brands like Ellis Faas makeup, luxurious ReVive skincare and the Hungarian line, Omorovicza, which features mineral-rich spring water.
Nearby on Regent Street is Molton Brown, which has been getting better and better as of late. It's worth a stop for beautifully packaged soaps, body lotions, and home fragrances.
Elsewhere in elegant Mayfair, head to the Miller Harris shop on Bruton Street for great fragrance-oriented gifts for loved ones back home.

See more Mayfair shopping.

Primrose Hill

Instead of the tourist-packed Camden markets, head to nearby Primrose Hill to shop like a true London lady. Pop into Lost in Beauty where you’ll find gems like Phyto, Environ, Shu Uemura, Becca makeup, Butter London nail polish and an amazing selection of vintage jewelry.

Soho: Carnaby Street

On pedestrian-only Carnaby Street, you’ll find POP Beauty on Flouberts Place, which is one of Britain’s most popular makeup brands. The line features unique products and fun shades for eyes, nails, and beyond. Also on this stretch is the new Make Up Store, which is like a Swedish version of M.A.C.

See more Soho shopping.

Multiple London Locations

And of course no trip to London is complete without a stop at the big Boots on Oxford Street near the Bond Street tube station (or one of the 100 other locations around the city). Target carries some of their star products in the U.S., but the London mega-pharmacies carry much more plus other. At this location, you’ll find affordable brands like Nip & Fab, a new line from the founders of Rodial, and Soap & Glory from Marcia Kilgore, the woman who started Bliss spas.

When you come across one of the 10 Topshop locations in London, check out their new makeup if you can make it past the on-trend yet affordable clothes. And while your exploring the city, keep an eye out for hot British brands like Balance Me, Saaf, Pai, Jo Wood, Medik8, and Neal’s Yard. These have yet to take off in the United States, so I recommend stocking up, or you’ll find yourself booking another trip to London!

Plan Your London Trip

• London Destination Guide
  
• London Hotels
  
• Fodor's Choice London Shopping