14 brilliant beauty brands you (maybe) didn’t know Boots stocked
Rachael Martin
Beauty & skincare
Reading time: 10 minutes
From Drunk Elephant to Kylie Cosmetics, CeraVe, Philip Kingsley & The Ordinary, we have your top-to-toe needs covered
You’ve always known we were good. But did you know just how good? Boots is home to more beauty brands than anywhere else on the high street. And whether you’re looking for affordable everyday basics and make-up bag essentials, or have a penchant for luxurious, global beauty icons, our brand-filled halls have made beauty more accessible than ever. In the past 24 months alone, Boots has launched a whopping 68 brands. We’re talking Bobbi Brown, Fenty Skin, and MAC Cosmetics to name just a few.
And the best news? We’ve got next-day Click and Collect available at over 1,600 stores, meaning you can order your favourites from the comfort of your home and pick them up for free* the next day. Visit www.boots.com/click-and-collect for full details.
With new launches springing up regularly, we’ve rounded up 14 need-to-know beauty brands you might not have realised you can pick up at Boots, along with their most famous products and future classics to inspire your next shop. Baskets at the ready.
1. The Ordinary
Did you know Boots stock The Ordinary? Known for their ingredient-first formulas, the brand creates pick-and-mix style products that really work, without the expert price tag.
Best known for
Try: The Ordinary 10% Niacinamide and Zinc 1%
• Size: 30ml
• Oil-free
• Silicone-free
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
If you struggle with uneven skin tone and large pores, then this handy little serum could be worth incorporating into your skincare routine. The potent formulation contains zinc and niacinamide, two ingredients that help to regulate excess oil and minimise congestion.
Need to try
Try: The Ordinary Buffet Serum
• Size: 30ml
• Oil-free
• Silicone-free
• Vegan-friendly
• Cruelty-free
Buffet by name, buffet by nature, as this wonder serum feeds the skin with a whole array of complexion-nourishing goodness. We’re talking some seriously fancy technologies and a base of 11 amino acids and multiple hyaluronic acid complexes. Good skin day, here we come.
2. Laura Mercier
Laura Mercier’s range of skincare and make-up bag essentials are highly sought-after the globe over. Founded by world-renowned make-up artist Laura Mercier, you can expect innovative formulas and luxe aesthetics. Her philosophy? "What makes you unique makes you beautiful." We love.
Best known for
Try: Laura Mercier Translucent Loose Setting Powder
• Size: 29g
• Contains vitamin C + E
• Dermatologically-tested
• Non-comedogenic
Combining make-up with skincare, this loose setting powder is a staple among make-up artists. Enriched with skin loving vitamin C, it’s silky and incredibly fine making it ideal for blurring the look of pores and absorbing excess oil.
Need to try
Try: Laura Mercier Caviar Stick Eye Colour
• Size: 1.64g
• 34 shades
Easy application and intense, buildable colour? Count us in. These handy eyeshadow sticks are our go-to for a minimal effort make-up look that creates serious impact. Available in a creamy shimmer, matte or chrome finish, they glide seamlessly onto the lids for a foolproof eye look. Simple, and oh so effective.
3. CeraVe
Founded in 2005, CeraVe has become a firm favourite among beauty insiders. Developed with dermatologists, the brand offers a complete line of skincare products that contain three essential ceramides to help improve skin health. Plus, they’re known for their affordability.
Best known for
Try: CeraVe Hydrating Cleanser for Normal to Dry Skin
• Size: 236ml
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance- free
This non-foaming gel formula has garnered a reputation for its expert cleansing. Just a pump is enough to gently remove excess make-up and grime, while its infusion of ceramides and hyaluronic acid ensures skin doesn’t feel stripped.
Need to try
Try: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF50 for Normal to Dry Skin
• Size: 50ml
• Non-comedogenic
• Fragrance- free
After soothed, hydrated skin? Not only is this moisturising lotion bursting with vitamin E and niacinamide, but it also contains SPF50 – a must when it comes to protecting skin from daily aggressors.
4. UOMA Beauty
Founded by the Nigerian-born Sharon Chuter (consider her the ultimate boss babe), UOMA Beauty is an inclusive make-up brand that oozes rebellion. We’re talking vibrant hues and unexpected textures galore. The best part? It was created with absolutely everyone in mind. We love an inclusive Queen.
Best known for
Try: UOMA Beauty Say What?! Foundation
• Size: 30ml
• 51 shades
• Matte finish
Proving they really are a brand with inclusivity at its core, UOMA’s hero foundation is available in an impressive 51 shades. Made to feel like a second skin, this full coverage, yet buildable base comes in six custom formulas designed to minimise skin imperfections, reduce the appearance of pores and improve the appearance of hyperpigmentation. A triple threat, if we ever saw one.
Need to try
Try: UOMA Beauty Badass Icon Matte Lipstick
• Size: 3.5g
• 23 shades
• Matte finish
If you think the ultimate statement lip doesn’t exist then you’d be mistaken. Enter this dreamy lipstick that’s beautifully concentrated, highly pigmented and super lightweight. Just a stroke of its soft, silky bullet glides on the lips and leaves behind a stunning veil of colour. Our favourite shade? It’s got to be ‘Whitney’.
5. Drunk Elephant
Brimming with active ingredients for a healthy complexion, Drunk Elephant is a skincare brand that’s all about results. From retinol serums to vitamin C cleansers, there’s something for all skin types and concerns.
Best known for
Try: Drunk Elephant Protini Polypeptide Cream
• Size: 50ml
• Free of essential oils, silicones and fragrance
• Cruelty- free
• Vegan-friendly
Not to be dramatic, but we simply can’t live without this protein-rich moisturiser. Nourishing peptides and amino acids combine to help improve the look of skin tone, texture and firmness. And it’s even suitable for those with more sensitive complexions.
Need to try
Try: Drunk Elephant Slaai Makeup-Melting Butter Cleanser
• Size: 110g
• Free of essential oils, silicones, and fragrances
• Cruelty-free
• Vegan-friendly
Just a sweep of this luxurious cleansing balm will melt even the most stubborn of make-up away in seconds. Designed to be used on dry skin, it transforms to a creamy milk with water to remove excess oil and grime and leave behind a bright, dewy glow.
6. Shiseido
Japanese skincare and make-up has a reputation for being pioneering, so it comes as no surprise that we’re always reaching for Shiseido, a brand that prides itself on quality formulas that provide the goods for all skin types. And no flight to Japan required, as you can get your fix delivered straight to your door from boots.com.
Best known for
Try: Shiseido Ultimune Power Infusing Concentrate
• Size: 30ml
Spenny, yes. But absolutely worth the investment. This hydrating serum contains all sorts of skincare goodness like rosella extract and reishi mushroom for a more resilient complexion. Take extra time to massage it into the skin for better circulation and a plumped up finish.
Need to try
Try: Shiseido Eyelash Curler
• Silicon pad curls from base to tip
• Includes one replacement pad
Looking to upgrade your old lash curler? Having long been a go-to of industry insiders, this wonder curler from Shiseido promises dazzling curves for all eye shapes. Expect incredible lift in a single squeeze that’ll have you fluttering your lashes all night long.
7. Dr.Jart+
Meet Dr Jart+, the Korean skincare brand of the moment taking TikTok by storm. Powerful combinations of effective ingredients and boundary-pushing technology all housed in seriously ‘grammable packaging make it definitely worth the buzz in our book.
Best known for
Try: Dr.Jart+ Cicapair Tiger Grass Colour Correcting Treatment
• Size: 50ml
• Dermatologically-tested
Green-to-beige cream anyone? Ideal if your skin is partial to blotchiness – just a pea-sized amount applied across the complexion adapts to skin’s natural colour to help neutralise redness and even-out tone. And if you need even more of an excuse to purchase, it improves the look of skin in the long run too, thanks to its skin-boosting blend of herbs and minerals.
Need to try
Try: Dr.Jart+ Ceramidin Cream
• Size: 50ml
• Dermatologically-tested
If you’re suffering with dull, dry skin, then listen up. This smooth, nourishing cream locks in moisture to provide immediate nourishment and hydration for tired skin. Press the cream into your complexion with warm hands after cleansing and let the transformative concoction of ceramides get to work.
8. Anastasia Beverly Hills
Created by Anastasia Soare (more commonly referred to as ‘The Brow Queen’), this brand specialises in all the brow tools you could ever dream of. But it doesn’t stop there – have a browse online to discover the full collection, from luxe lippies to flawless foundations.
Best known for
Try: Anastasia Beverly Hills Brow Wiz
• Size: 0.08g
• 11 shades
For brilliant brows, give this ultra-slim, retractable pencil a go. It’s ideal for creating delicate, hair-like strokes, plus the wax formula adds texture and fullness to areas of sparseness. Finesse your arches by brushing through with the spoolie end for a natural-looking finish.
Need to try
Try: Anastasia Beverly Hills Modern Renaissance Eyeshadow Palette
• 14 shades
• Matte and metallic finishes
Inspired by Renaissance art, this romantic eyeshadow palette contains an array of beautiful shades ranging from neutral to berry tones in matte and metallic finishes. We love the fluffy, double-ended brush that blends the pigment seamlessly. Oh hey, eyes to mesmerise.
9. Emma Hardie
British-born skincare brand Emma Hardie is perfect for when you want to indulge in a bit of ‘me time.’ Their cruelty-free skincare uses blends of natural ingredients and botanicals to help boost skin searching for a dose of radiance when it needs it most.
Best known for
Try: Emma Hardie Moringa Cleansing Balm With Dual Action Cleansing Cloth
• Size: 100ml
• Suitable for vegetarians
• Cruelty-free
This purifying botanical cleansing balm is ideal for removing all traces of make-up with just a sweep. Formulated with moringa seed extract, wild sea fennel and vitamin C, it hydrates and adds radiance. We like to remove it with the super gentle cleansing cloth, beginning with the microfibre side then following with the exfoliating muslin side for soft, supple skin.
Need to try
Try: Emma Hardie Brilliance Facial Oil
• Size: 30ml
• Suitable for vegans
• Cruelty-free
Nothing says luxury quite like this facial oil. Bursting with sweet-smelling essential oils, including palman rose, mint and orange, we suggest warming a few drops between your hands and smoothing over a cleansed face both morning and evening.
10. Strivectin
Not only does the packaging suggest that this is a brand that means business, but the high potency formulas do too. Offering smart solutions for ageing and changing skin, we consider these products bathroom cabinet must-haves.
Best known for
Try: Strivectin TL Advanced Tightening Neck Cream Plus
• Size: 50ml
You cleanse and moisturise your face every day, but do you pay attention to your neck? If not, then we have just the product for you. Apply in upwards sweeping motions to help improve the appearance of crepey texture and uneven tone.
Need to try
Try: StriVectin Multi-Action Super-C Retinol Brighten & Correcting Vitamin C Serum
• Size: 30ml
Vitamin C and retinol, combined? Consider this the ultimate wonder duo. Simply shake then apply one to three drops to a clean face in the morning and evening. You’ll notice restored radiance, a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and an improvement in texture. What’s not to love?
11. Kiehl’s
Inspired by apothecary medicine, Kiehl’s combines pharmaceutical, herbal and dermatologist expertise to meet skin's needs. Plus, so many of the formulas smell absolutely amazing. A total beauty treat!
Best known for
Try: Kiehl's Ultra Facial Cream
• Size: 50ml
We’re yet to meet a make-up artist who doesn’t have this moisturiser in their kit. Light yet effective, it leaves skin beautifully hydrated, all day long. Infused with skin-friendly ingredients such as squalane, vitamin A and vitamin E, it can be worn underneath make-up for the perfect base.
Need to try
Try: Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate
• Size: 30ml
Once you’ve purchased your first bottle of Midnight Recovery Concentrate, we predict you’ll never go back. Just a few drops applied before bed leads to fresher-looking skin come morning thanks to key ingredients of lavender and primrose oil alongside Kiehl’s-signature ingredient squalane, derived from olives. And that's not all – it's made from a recyclable glass bottle.
12. Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner
The youngest in the Kardashian-Jenner clan has made a serious name for herself in the beauty industry. Kylie Cosmetics boasts high quality formulas that last from day to night. The brand’s products make as much of an impression on Instagram as they do in our make-up routines.
Best known for
Try: Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner Matte Lip Kit
• 21 shades
• Contains one full-size matte liquid lipstick (3ml) and one full-size lip pencil (1.1g)
• Vegan-friendly
For a long-lasting matte lip look, this kit won’t let you down. Containing a liquid lipstick and lip liner, each set helps to carve out the perfect pout in shades that suit all skin tones. Think a creamy colour payoff in subtle nudes and bold shades of red, plum, and coral. Mwah!
Need to try
Try: Kylie Cosmetics by Kylie Jenner Mauve Kyshadow Pressed Powder Palette
• 10 shades
• Vegan-friendly
• Fragrance-free
Fancy some serious matte and metallic magic? These deliciously smooth, easy-to-blend shadows glide on effortlessly, making them ideal for make-up novices. Opt for cool, rosy tones during the day, and switch it up with darkers mauves for a smokey evening look. If it’s good enough for Kylie, it’s good enough for us.
13. Philip Kingsley
Philip Kingsley has long been cited as a true pioneer in the haircare industry, so it comes as no surprise that his eponymous line would have earned a reputation as being among the best of the best. Not only is each product designed to improve your hair’s appearance, but to improve its long-term health too.
Best known for
Try: Philip Kingsley Elasticizer Deep-Conditioning Treatment
• Size: 150ml
Bouncy, beautiful lengths can be yours with this cult classic. Apply to wet hair as a pre-shampoo treatment and leave it in for at least 20 minutes. We like to use at least once a week for happier, healthier strands.
Need to try
Try: Philip Kingsley Flaky/Itchy Scalp Anti-Dandruff Shampoo
• Size: 250ml
A flaky, itchy scalp is undeniably unpleasant. Try reaching for this shampoo, which may just help to provide the relief you’re looking for. Extremely soothing and scented with a fresh apple fragrance, it helps relieve scalp irritation while leaving your head beautifully flake free. A game-changer!
14. Elemis
British skincare brand Elemis are worth the hype. Think a combination of cutting-edge technology and nature’s finest active ingredients. The results? Luxe textures that really deliver. No wonder they’ve won so many industry awards!
Best known for
Try: ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm
• Size: 100g
Luxurious and oh so rich, this cleansing balm is a total treat for skin that needs some TLC. Formulated with rose and mimosa waxes alongside elderberry and starflower oils, your complexion will be left feeling beautifully soft. And we can let you in on some insider knowledge – it can also be used as a nourishing face mask.
Need to try
Try: ELEMIS Pro-Collagen Marine Cream SPF30
• Size: 50ml
• SPF30
Love a gel meets cream texture? Us too, which is why we’re never without our trusty Marine Cream. Formulated with marine and plant actives, this dreamy lotion helps minimise the appearance of fine lines and improve the feeling of firmness and elasticity. Gorgeous, glowing skin? Yes please.
