toiletries in the U.K.
 

Okay, this is a great time to ask this question, given the current restrictions on packing for the U.K. Where can you find travel-sized toiletries in Britain? I've shopped at Boots many times, and I haven't seen them there. I have seen (and bought) a few things at Superdrug. Can any of the British board regulars help us with this?

TTT

Other than Superdrug I would suggest you try the supermarkets - I've had success in Tescos and Sainburys.

Or try Body Shop.

Happy hunting :-)

Think you must have been unlucky with Boots, all the larger branches near me stock all sorts of travel sized versions of toiletries.

Body shop normally has small versions of most of its range (sometimes buying a gift set works out cheaper than individual items)and John Lewis stocks a small range of cosmetic travel kits, I think the last time I looked it was Burts Bees plus one other that I can't remember.

If you have access to a Debenhams with a decent costmetic department Aveda do travel sized versions of their shampoos etc though they are a bit pricier.

You could also make a trip to Muji, a Japanese shop with a number of branches in the UK. It sells, among other things, a fabulous array of travel-size containers in plastic and acrylic, as well as a few travel size products (toothpaste, etc).

Pick up some of its "school supplies" while you're there. Nifty notebooks, sleek pens, pencils, artists' crayons in kits, business card holders, file folders, organisers, photo albums. All in a very minimalist (brushed metal, Kraft paper, translucent acrylic) style.

Another option for travel-size products is Molton Brown. (Molton Brown toiletries are included in British Airways washbags handed out to Club World and First Class passengers - at least up until last Thursday ...)

Tesco and Sainsbury's....I never thought of them! And Molton Brown...I've been there just once I think. I'll keep an eye out at Boots, maybe I just missed them. I've never heard of the Muji stores, but I'll look them up. Thank you! :)

You could try Crabtree and Evelyn.

Tescos definitely have them.

If you want to go a bit more upmarket, Space NK has some travel size items, as does Penhaligon.
I imagine that if the new restrictions become permanent, many of the top brands will rush out travel kits.

Definitely larger Boots has them and Superdrug has a great selection. Good luck!

I'm a fan of the Body Shop products.

On the fancy side, Molton Brown and Jo Malone both sell fabulous travel-size toiletries. Also I've seen small-ish travel size sets from Clarins at both department stores and Boots. For basic facial things, Ren brand is available from space NK. On the other hand, I'll just get a miniature mouthwash from Superdrug.

I'd head for the absolute closest place - without toothpaste, deodorant, and makeup none of us are going to look/smell too good :-) Someone could make a small fortune selling cosmetics just outside immigration at the airports at this time. Lets just hope the no makeup rule does not last too long, not all of us are sweet young things who look great with no makeup!! :-) I wonder if the British Airways Flight Attendants will be allowed their makeup .. just a thought there.

Thank you all for the nice replies. Some of these upscale brands might be nice for gifts to take home, too.

I know the locals will laugh, but *why hasn't anyone told me about Tesco*?? I looked it up on the web, and it appears to be more than a grocery store. I was most amazed to discover that several of their London stores are open till late, and the Charing Cross store is open 24 hours! Since when is *any* store in Britain open that late?

I've been to England several times, but never paid much attention to the Tesco stores. They sound like a good resource for travelers.

Merseyheart,
Tesco has many "Tesco Express" stores in central London. Most are open 7am-11pm, 7 days a week. They are more like convenience stores than regular supermarkets, so they carry more limited items. Yes, Tesco sells clothes, DVDs, books etc, but non-food items are usually stocked in superstores in the suburbs.

Hi Merseyheart :) i just filled up on travel bit's in superdrug but it took a few trips to get all i needed as the stand was never full!! (maybe that was just my luck or lack of it!);) i did notice that superdrug and boots do a range of small empty bottles to "decant" your own stuff in for travelling...they would be handy if you can't find anything better ;)think as someone else has said bodyshop always have little bottles of stuff and "Lush"are good as most of there things are in bars like soap i.e shampoo, shower/bath stuff :) Happy Hunting :)
XxEm

You're right. Boots does carry some small travel bottles, if I need to do that. I'll check the Body Shop, too (wouldn't you know it, we have those in the States now, so shopping there is no longer a special treat). I'm glad to know more about Tesco. There's one in city centre Liverpool, so I'll stroll through there on my next visit.