I’m a shopping expert – five things to always buy at Boots and why you should avoid cosmetics | The Sun
BOOTS fans know the chain offers a whole host of toiletries and cosmetic essentials, but are some better value than others?
From skincare to gift sets, the health and beauty retailer really does have a huge selection both online and in store.
It offers various popular lines like Benefit and Simple, and more affordable ranges too, such as Revolution.
Luckily for shoppers, Boots has a huge online offering and stocks thousands of products.
This means you can head into your local branch or get your haul delivered without leaving the house.
But what should you always be picking up from Boots and what should you leave on the shelf?
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We spoke to Joyce Connor, a make-up artist of 27 years, to find out what you should be adding to your basket.
Travel toiletries
If you haven't been on your summer holiday yet, then you might want to consider stopping off at Boots before you go.
Joyce says she picks up travel essentials from the chemist and makes the most of their three for two offers.
This means you could pick up a mini shampoo, conditioner and body wash – and get the cheapest free.
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But if you prefer to buy full-sized toiletries and decant them into smaller travel bottles, you can still save cash at Boots.
For example, you can pick up a set of six cabin bottles from Boots for £9 at the moment in its summer sale.
Joyce added: "A good tip for travellers who prefer full sized items but don't want to pay for hold luggage, is to order your toiletries to be delivered airside and pick them up once you're through security at the airport.
"The liquid rules don't apply once you've gone through security."
Tuesday offers
As part of Boots' £10 Tuesday promotion, shoppers can pick up a range of skincare, make-up and health favourites for just a tenner – but only for 24 hours.
The weekly discount is the perfect opportunity to stock up for beauty fans on a budget, as every week there is a new offer.
Joyce said: "Sign up to Boots email and every Tuesday they do £10 Tuesday where cosmetics and other items are reduced to £10 just for that day.
"Sometimes you can get products for less than half price."
They are available to shop both online and in store, but some offers may only be available to shop exclusively online.
In previous commotions, Boots included a White Collection Dressing Gown for £10 instead of £30 and a Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleanser Wash, down from £16.
Plus, Boots shoppers armed with a Boots Advantage card can actually earn points while they shop.
You just have to download the app on iPhone or Android phones, then can start using it in-store or online.
You get three points for every £1 spent, which equates to 3p, as well as an extra 10% off on over 6,000 own-brand products.
Electricals
"Boots always has offers on electricals such as hairdryers, electric toothbrushes, and hair clippers," Joyce said.
"I recently paid £36 for an £80 set of electrical hair clippers – saving over 50% on the usual price.
"If they don’t have it in store always check online. The real bargains are sometimes just a click away."
At the moment, Boots shoppers can get a Philips Sonicare Series 3100 Toothbrush for £44.99 down from £89.99 – a saving of £45.
And shoppers can save the same amount of cash when buying a George Foreman Medium Steel Grill after it was reduced from £89.99.
Of course, you should always shop around when buying a product like this.
Even if it has been heavily discounted, that doesn't mean you won't find it cheaper elsewhere.
You can use websites like Price Runner and Price Spy to compare prices on thousands of products.
You can use the Google Shopping tab and do a quick scan of other similar products on sale online as well.
Boots No7
Being a health and beauty retailer, it stands to reason that Boots shoppers love buying products from its No7 range.
Joyce said: "Boots has spent a lot of time and money researching cosmetic innovation.
"Its own brand No7 is right up there with the big boys when it comes to advanced skincare ingredient products.
"Boots often gives away No7 discount or money off vouchers at the checkout."
Boots No7 Intense Volume Waterproof Mascara is just £7.96 and has more than 200 four-star reviews.
Meanwhile, shoppers can fork out up to £20 for a mascara from Benefit or £26 for a Nars extreme black mascara.
Christmas beauty
It's still a bit early for Christmas, but it's always worth checking out Boots for its decent festive deals.
Joyce said: "Boots always has three for two offers on Christmas beauty sets.
"But post-Christmas the sets get reduced to a fraction of the price.
"So, if you're organised and savvy you can stock up for the following Christmas."
In the past, there have been hundreds of savings on best-selling products from Fenty Beauty, Oral-B, No7, Remington, Philips and more.
Whether you're looking for a treat for your loved ones, or snap up that special something you have had your eyes on for some time – the Boots January sale is the prime time to shop for bargains.
Items to avoid
While shoppers are often spoilt for choice when they pop into a Boots store, not everything is worth your money.
Joyce says Boots isn't the place to buy high-end cosmetics because they are often more expensive than elsewhere.
She said: "It's best to shop around for these items.
"You check online only stores such as lookfantastic or justmylook, which are often cheaper."
Just remember to compare prices, and if you order online, factor in any delivery costs that may be added.
You may also want to stay away from things like shower gel and soap, according to Joyce.
She said: "They have a good selection but it's less cost effective than say the supermarket or Superdrug.
"Dove body wash 450ml is £2.50 in Boots and Superdrug has a 720ml Dove body wash for £3.49."
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Of course, whether you want to spend on something will depend on your personal taste so it's always worth checking it out before you opt not to buy.
Meanwhile, we reveal six things to always buy at Primark – and four items to avoid.
Do you have a money problem that needs sorting? Get in touch by emailing [email protected].
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