What I Buy at Target and CVS
Products that you can't get in the UK...
Since me and my family appeared on Channel 4’s Escape to Florida, I’ve been asked the same question again and again: “What should I actually buy when I visit the States?”
It’s a question I love, and have been asked many times before, but even I find the beauty aisles overwhelming. When I moved from London to St. Pete Beach back in 2021, I was thrilled to have a CVS and Walgreens at the top of my road. And having spent decades writing beauty for titles like The Daily Mail and Cosmopolitan, and serving as the Beauty Editor for Boots back home, I thought I knew every product on the planet.
But the American drugstore is a different beast entirely. They are packed full of products that I have never even heard of. And the walls of mascaras and lip glosses are overwhelming! But now that I’m properly “boots on the ground” in Florida, I’ve spent the last few years exploring the shelves at Target, CVS and Walgreens to find the US exclusives that are actually worth your suitcase space for the flight back home to Blighty.
So this is why in this week's episode of Smiling Gives You Wrinkles®, I’m sharing the products that me and my British friends love to buy.
The Beauty Ed® Approved Shopping List
1. The Target Cult Favorites
Vacation® Sun Care: The Classic Whip SPF 30 is a mousse that is fun to use and feels gorgeous too. My British friend Bridgette bought a can of this the last time she visited me in Florida, and now she is obsessed. I always stock up on the Classic Spray SPF50 - it smells like holiday ☀️ Also, look for the Chardonnay Lip Oil and the Original Scent Candle.
Odele Haircare: I swear by the Air Dry Styler. It controls the frizz in my wavy hair and manages the Florida humidity without any stickiness or crunch.
Pixi & e.l.f. Exclusives: The e.l.f and Pixi US selections are often months ahead of the UK. Look for the Pixi Hello Kitty limited editions and the full range of e.l.f. Halo Glow shades.
2. The Skincare Staples (CVS, Walgreens & Walmart)
CeraVe US-Only Formulas: You can’t always find the SA Body Wash (the “chicken skin” smoother) or the Skin Renewing Retinol Serum (purple label) in the UK. Stock up here.
Olay Body Wash & Body Lotion: Jumbo sizes with skincare-first ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid.
Maybelline Baby Lips: This is one my best friend Leah buys all the time. Specifically, the cherry shade in the orange and red packaging. They are tinted lip balms that leave a really lovely wash of color on the lips.
Secret Deodorant: This is one Leah bulk-buys too. And she got me addicted. We love the Powder Fresh version.
Aquaphor Ointment Body Spray: Listen to my podcast for the full story on why I love this. It’s a touch-free way to soothe dry skin and grazes. It’s antibacterial too.
Neutrogena Glow Perfect Pen: A fantastic, budget-friendly dupe for the YSL Touche Éclat.
3. The “Boring” But Brilliant Essentials
Welly Band-Aids: I’m obsessed with these and get all my British friends to buy them. They come in the cutest tins and actually stay put.
Tide To Go Pens: I’m clumsy, my kids are clumsy - these pens are handbag essentials for instant stain removal.
Advil PM & Melatonin: My secret weapon for the flight back to London to beat the jet lag.
Which of these are you most excited to try? Or did I miss your favorite US find? Let me know in the comments!