Superdrug is a treasure trove of affordable beauty buys. Founded well over 50 years ago in 1964, Superdrug [1] was the longtime place to go to stock up on basics like cheap shampoo, suntan lotion for your holidays, and razors. But, thanks to a 3-year stint sponsoring Love Island [2] (from 2015 to 2018), its decision to start offering Botox [3] to customers, and a host of new affordable brands, Superdrug [4] is high on people's beauty radar once again. And whether you agree with high-street injectables or not (POPSUGAR is firmly on team no), you can't argue that when it comes to skin care and makeup, us Brits love a good bargain.
Whether it's the £3 face serum or the incredible £10 eye palette, Superdrug's shelves are lined with beauty essentials and can't-not-buy-them treats. It can be a little overwhelming to know where to start, which is why we have pulled together an edit of 14 skin, makeup and body buys as a handy starting point.
Superdrug Vitamin E Skin Care Hot Cloth Cleanser
Not only does this Superdrug Vitamin E Skin Care Hot Cloth Cleanser [5] (£5) make light work of makeup and dirt, easily melting the day away, but it also comes with a muslin cloth for thorough cleansing and gentle exfoliating. And, all for £5.
Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serum
Beauty journalist and author Sali Hughes [6] is a big fan of this Superdrug Simply Pure Hydrating Serum [7] (£3). With ceramides, sodium hyaluronate, and glycerin, the hard-working formula hydrates parched complexions and supports a healthy skin barrier.
Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Tonic 5% Glycolic Acid
Packed with the potent exfoliating AHA glycolic acid [8], Superdrug Naturally Radiant Glycolic Tonic 5% Glycolic Acid [9] (£10) makes light work of dull, lacklustre skin. Expect a glowier complexion to be unveiled after the first use.
Superdrug Optimum Retinol Booster Drops
Retinol [10] is a potent, dermatologist-approved ingredient that speeds up cell turnover to tackle unwanted dark spots, smooth texture, and leave skin looking plump and radiant. Use this Superdrug Optimum Retinol Booster Drops [11] (£13) at night — starting with once or twice a week and working your way up to more depending on how well your skin can tolerate the ingredient — and you'll soon see a difference.
Superdrug CBD Skincare Facial Spritz
This cosseting Superdrug CBD Skincare Facial Spritz [12] (£7) combines cannabis sativa seed oil, with other skin-nourishing ingredients like niacinamide, glycerin, and urea. It's ideal for dehydrated or dry complexions that can struggle with the cold weather at this time of year.
B. Luminous Lipstick in Jeopardy
Packing a colour punch and being super comforting on the lips (thanks to jojoba oil) this B. Luminous Lipstick in Jeopardy [13] (£7) defies its affordable price tag.
Makeup Academy Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter
This crazy-affordable Makeup Academy Undress Your Skin Shimmer Highlighter [14] (£3) has very impressive online reviews; you just have to make sure to buff at the highlighter when you first use it to break through the protective coating. It's also worth dabbing this onto the skin with fingers or a small compact brush for a seriously impressive-looking glow
Sanctuary Spa Salt Scrub
Sanctuary Spa Salt Scrub [15] (£13) is densely-packed with skin smoothing oils and exfoliating Dead Sea salts. It makes light work of dry patches to leave your skin silky smooth and glowing. The Kilner-style jar will look great in the bathroom, too.
OGX Kukui Oil Shampoo
OGX Kukui Oil Shampoo [16] (£7) is sulfate free, making it an ideal choice for anyone with coloured hair as it won't strip strands. What this gentle cleanser does contain is kukui oil, which helps banish frizz and leave hair soft and shiny.
B. Bronzing Golden Mist
Shot through with shimmer, B. Bronzing Golden Mist, [17] (£10) intensifies a fake (or real) tan and can be used on bare skin to ramp up the glow in seconds.
Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Set
If you're looking for great quality, yet affordable brushes, you can't go wrong with this Real Techniques Everyday Essentials Set [18] (£20). It has everything you need to create a pro-looking makeup look every morning, plus the brushes are 100-percent vegan.
I Heart Revolution Tasty Palette Avocado
With a combination of mattes and shimmers, this green-hued I Heart Revolution Tasty Palette Avocado [19] (£10) is a little different. It's packed with 18 shadows, so the day and night looks you can create with it are pretty endless.
Skin Republic Retinol Hand Mask
Retinol isn't just for your face: this Skin Republic Retinol Hand Mask [20] (£6) has funnelled all that skin rejuvenating retinol [21] goodness into sheet masks for your hands.
Diva Cup
Not only are tampons an expense you literally throw away, they're also not great for the environment. The Diva Cup [22] (£22) on the other hand, is reusable. It takes a bit of getting used to [23], but is definitely worth a try.