The Best Duty-Free Beauty Bargains

By 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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
-
-
The Queen cuts a poignant figure sitting alone, as she bids a final farewell to husband Prince Philip
The Monarch occupied a row to herself due to Covid-19 restrictions at the funeral of her husband of 73 years, the Duke of Edinburgh
By Lauren Hughes •
-
The Duchess of Cambridge's subtle tribute to the Queen at Prince Philip's funeral
The Royal Family bid an emotional farewell to the Duke of Edinburgh today
By Lauren Hughes •
-
Time for a purchase: Lady Gaga's makeup artist made a cosmetic storage collection that's practical and adorable
We have our eyes on the brush holders
By Danielle Valente •
-
Viola Davis' beauty routine is the perfect form of self-care
Viola Davis shared her beauty secrets and how she used it as a form of self-care
By Rylee Johnston •
-
Here’s how to wash your face properly for healthier skin, according to dermatologists
Learn how to wash your face the correct way to encourage cleaner, healthier, glowing skin, no matter your skin type
By Miriam Herst-Stein •
-
Magnetic eyelashes: why both beginners and experts love this fun, "user-friendly" innovation, plus our best picks
Lash glue? So over. See why magnetic eyelashes, the latest trend in false eyelashes, are winning over both beginners and lash experts alike
By Courtney Leiva •
-
8 easy hairstyles you can do to look instantly pulled together
Low-effort yet high-impact? Yes, please: All these easy hairstyles get you perfectly coiffed up in less than 5 minutes
By Brittany Leitner •
-
Double cleansing 101: We dish the details on this “transformative” skincare step
Just how much of a difference does double cleansing make? We take a deep dive into this fundamental Korean skincare step, plus give a quick guide on a proper double cleanse regimen
By Eunice Lucero-Lee •
-
The Curly Girl Method: Everything you need to know about this groundbreaking curl care technique
The Curly Girl Method is the viral haircare approach at the center of the curl community. Here's how to master it
By Keeks Reid •
-
Anne Hathaway once borrowed this texturizing hair spray from a set (it’s THAT good)
Want hair like Anne Hathaway? Using her favorite haircare products is a pretty good place to start
By Lucy Abbersteen •