The Best Duty-Free Beauty Bargains

Fiona McKim

Going on holiday? Treat yourself to one of these exclusive duty-free beauty sets

Do you just love a beauty bargain? Well, who doesn’t!

Airports aren’t exactly known to be arenas of enjoyment, but in between the long slog at bag drop, removing your shoes at security and overpriced snacks in departures there lies one nugget of fun – duty free! 

There’s nothing like kicking off your holiday with a bright new lipstick, summery perfume or even a cheeky bottle of gin without having to tip the tax man into the bargain. But did you know as well as saving money, you can also pick up exclusive beauty gift sets, products and perfumes that you won’t find anywhere else? So your summer signature scent will stay that – yours. 
World Duty Free stores are now in 23 UK airports, selling brands that rarely discount, like Chanel and Benefit, without VAT added.  As this currently stands at 20%, you’re looking at a pretty tasty saving! But that’s not all, you should also look out for free treatments in many counters – brands like Elemis, Dr Sebagh and Decleor offer 15-minute facials in selected airports, and Jo Malone London invite customers to enjoy complimentary hand and arm massages using their fabulous scented body products. 
As well as this, if you’re planning a big duty free spree, but don’t want the hassle of carrying everything onto your plane with you, you can use the World Duty Free Shop & Collect service. Buy as much as you like (or you can!) before you fly, then when you get back from your holiday, your purchases will be waiting for you after you’ve claimed your luggage and cleared customs. 
Sounds pretty tempting doesn’t it? If you’re heading off somewhere sunny this season, don’t set a foot inside the airport until you’ve discovered our pick of the best duty free bargains to be had this summer…
Extremely YSL For Lips, £49.70 Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Extremely YSL For Lips, £49.70

8 summery lip shades in a beautiful fuchsia wallet - we'll be taking it out at night and inviting compliments for our 'YSL clutch bag!'

OPI Hawaii Travel Set, £15.35 Click or tap to zoom into this image
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OPI Hawaii Travel Set, £15.35

You might not actually be going to Hawaii, but you can bring a bit of tropical sun to your fingers and toes with this cute kit - fiery red Go With The Lava Flow is the ultimate holiday pedi shade. 

La Nuit Tresor EDP, £50.70 Click or tap to zoom into this image
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La Nuit Tresor EDP, £50.70

With Tahitian vanilla, black rose and incense, you won't find this gorgeous fragrance on the high street until September - get in there before your friends do!

Clinique Cleanse Purify Glow Set, £81.60 Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Clinique Cleanse Purify Glow Set, £81.60

For super skin come the end of summer, now's your chance to try Clinique's famed 3 steps with an extra boost from the sonic brush - perfect for cleansing SPF-clogged skin. 

Bobbi Brown Instant Pretty Eye and Cheek Palette, £33.45 Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Bobbi Brown Instant Pretty Eye and Cheek Palette, £33.45

This does exactly what it says - makes you instantly prettier! Typically for Bobbi Brown, the colours are all super wearable and flattering. 

Givenchy Jardin Precieux EDT, £39 Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Givenchy Jardin Precieux EDT, £39

Another duty free exclusive scent, this is as pretty as the packaging suggests with rose, jasmine, tea and peach notes. 

Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Travellers Kit, £29.60 Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Elizabeth Arden Eight Hour Cream Travellers Kit, £29.60

No holiday should be undertaken without eight hour cream and this set has everything you need to stay soft and supple in the sun, including a hand treatment, lip balm and all-purpose skin protectant. 

Benefit First Class flirts, £20.80 Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Benefit First Class flirts, £20.80

So cute! This is pretty holiday skin in a set, cover shine with the Porefessional, nourish skin with Total moisturiser then add a rosy glow with Dandelion blush. 

Marc Jacobs Daisy Sorbet Minis, £40 Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Marc Jacobs Daisy Sorbet Minis, £40

Why have one Marc Jacobs perfume when you can have four? These dinky bottles have every eventuality covered, try Daisy Sorbet for day and the original Daisy EDT on balmy evenings. 

Estee Lauder Expert Colour Palette, £41 Click or tap to zoom into this image
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Estee Lauder Expert Colour Palette, £41

Not that we want to tempt fate, but if you did lose your luggage, this little kit would have your cosmetics covered. There's something for eyes, lips cheek and skin here with shades that work day or night.