I’m a shopping expert – four things to always buy at Superdrug and two to avoid

SUPERDRUG 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 Maybelline and Simple and more affordable ranges too, such as Revolution.

Luckily for shoppers, Superdrug's online offering stocks thousands of products too, so 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 Superdrug and what should you leave on the shelf?

We spoke to Joyce Connor, a make-up artist of 26 years, to find out what you should be adding to your basket.

Beauty dupes

Of course, something Superdrug shoppers will always return to the retailer for is make-up.

Joyce said: "The retailer is always one of my go to places for make-up.

"It has three-for-two offers frequently and they have some amazing brands that have great dupes for more expensive make-up."

Joyce recommends checking out the Revolution beauty stand in your local Superdrug.

She added: "Revolution make-up literally has a dupe within weeks of big brand launches.

"You should also look out for brands like E.L.F, Milani and NYX."

Among Joyce's dupes to try is the Revolution Super Base Vitamin Primer, which is £8 for 25ml, or £32 for 100ml.

It's an affordable alternative to the Bobbi Brown Vitamin Enriched Face Base which will set you back a whopping £78 for a 100ml jar direct from its website.

This is a £46 saving and Joyce says Revolution's version feels just as rush as the Bobbi Brown primer.

You can also pick up a Maybelline colour sensational lipstick for £7.99, which is a dupe for the £26 Charlotte Tilbury Pillow Talk lipstick.

Cosmetic essentials

True make-up fans will know how important it is to have all the tools you need for your beauty regime.

Superdrug has a huge array of essentials on offer like make-up wipes, nail polish remover and cotton wool.

And with its regular offers and sales it means shoppers can get them at knock-down prices.

Joyce said: " Cosmetic accessories are always good from Superdrug.

"Get the packs of five cotton pads and cotton buds. Look out for the offers of three for two on mix and match items."

Hair styling products

Being a health and beauty retailer, it stands to reason that Superdrug shoppers love buying their hair care there.

There's a wide range on offer from shampoos and conditioners to hair masks and dye.

Joyse said: "Superdrug have a good range of brands for all hair textures, and big names like Got to be Glued and Elnett."

Like with make-up, Joyce says it's worth checking out what hair care dupes Superdrug has in store.

Joyce recommends the £14.99 L’Oréal Paris Elvive Bond Repair which is a dupe for Olaplex. 

But Superdrug members can pick up the L’Oréal treatment for half price at £7.49.

While other shoppers have praised the £8.66 Knight and Wilson PurePlex Revolutionary hair repair system as another affordable Olaplex dupe.

Shoppers who are signed up to the loyalty scheme can make the most of member prices.

Signing up is free and you can do this via the Superdrug website.

You just need to fill in a quick few details and then you'll be sent a Health and Beauty card through the post to scan at the till and build up points and discounts.

Own-brand products

"For super budget, try the Superdrug own brand products," Joyce said.

"All the products are cruelty free and if you want a basic cleanser or moisturiser for your face or body, then this is the range for you."

For example, Superdrug sells a 100ml tub of its own-brand vitamin E face cream for £4.99 but Boots.

While Boots own brand cream is £5 for just 50ml, or £10 per 100ml.

It always pays to compare prices through before you make a purchase.

You can use tools like Google shopping to check if you're getting the best deal.

Items to avoid

While shoppers are often spoilt for choice when they pop into a Superdrug store, not everything is worth your money.

Joyce says she's never been impressed with the retailer's hypoallergenic range.

She said: "In my opinion, it's not as good as it states. You should stick to French pharmacy hypoallergenic brands."

Sometimes it can be worth forking out a little bit more for top brands, especially if buying a cheaper item is going to impact on your well being.

Superdrug does sell La Roche-Posay, a hypoallergenic French skincare brand, with prices start from just £11.99.

Or you can pick up Bioderma for sensitive skin from £10.99.

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 Superdrug's body puffs, according to Joyce.

She said: "The body puffs aren't very good quality. While they're cheap, they don't do very well and fall apart after a couple of uses."

Luckily, body puffs are pretty cheap elsewhere. You can pick one up for just 50p at B&M or you can get a set of three for £3 from Ikea.

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 money-sm@news.co.uk.

You can also join our new Sun Money to share stories and tips and engage with the consumer team and other group members.