Student beauty & essentials

Your London beauty & self-care guide

Practical, budget-friendly tips for international students (18+) settling into London: what changes with the water and weather, where to shop, and how to look after yourself in your first weeks.

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Basics

Skincare for London's hard water and cold weather

Most of London has hard water, and winters are cold, damp and windy with central heating indoors. Many newcomers notice their skin and hair feel different. Keep it simple.

Gentle cleanser

Hard water can leave skin feeling tight. A mild, non-foaming or low-foam cleanser is a sensible starting point.

Moisturiser

Heating and cold wind dry the air. A basic moisturiser morning and night, plus a lip balm and hand cream, goes a long way.

Sunscreen, even in winter

UK daylight is weaker in winter, but SPF is still worth wearing on your face, especially in spring and summer.

Haircare for hard water

If hair feels dull or squeaky, try a conditioner every wash. Some people use a clarifying shampoo occasionally.

Patch test new products

Your skin is adjusting to a new climate. Introduce one new product at a time so you know what suits you.

Ask a pharmacist

For skin that's irritated or not improving, UK pharmacists give free advice in store. See a GP if it persists.

Where to shop

Where to buy beauty and toiletries

A quick guide to the shops students use most and what each one is good for.

Boots

High-street staple with stores across London. Good for skincare basics, toiletries, pharmacy items and travel sizes.

Superdrug

Budget-friendly own-brand ranges and drugstore makeup. Handy for everyday essentials.

LOOKFANTASTIC

Online beauty retailer with a wide range of skincare and haircare brands, delivered to your door.

Beauty Bay

Online shop known for makeup, skincare and K-beauty brands. Good for trying newer or niche brands.

Glossybox

Monthly beauty subscription box. A way to sample products before committing to full sizes.

Notino

Online retailer strong on fragrance and branded cosmetics.

ASOS

Fashion site with a Face + Body section. Useful if you're already ordering clothes.

Save money

Student discounts

Many UK retailers offer student pricing. Verify your student status once and check before you pay.

Student Beans

Free sign-up with your university email. Lists student codes for lots of beauty and fashion retailers.

UNiDAYS

Another free student verification app with codes and offers across many brands.

Loyalty cards

Store loyalty schemes such as the Boots Advantage Card and Superdrug Health & Beautycard are free to join and collect points on everyday buys.

Offers change often and terms vary by retailer, so always check the current details on the retailer's or app's own site.

First week

Your first-week starter kit

Arriving with a light suitcase? These are the things worth picking up in your first few days.

Bathroom

  • Shower gel, shampoo and conditioner
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste and floss
  • Deodorant
  • Towel and flip-flops for shared bathrooms

Skin & weather

  • Gentle cleanser and moisturiser
  • Lip balm and hand cream
  • SPF for your face
  • Compact umbrella

Health & home

  • Basic first-aid items (plasters, painkillers as directed on the pack)
  • Tissues and hand sanitiser
  • Laundry detergent
  • UK plug adapter or UK chargers
Self-care

Wellbeing in a new city

Feeling good isn't just about products. These habits help you settle in.

Protect your sleep

Short winter days and a new routine can throw you off. Try to keep regular sleep and wake times and get outside in daylight.

Stay social

Join university societies, say yes to flatmate plans and use our Facebook community to meet people. Reach out to your university's student support if you're struggling.

This guide is general information for adults aged 18+, not medical advice. Speak to a pharmacist or GP about any health concerns.

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