Trip to the USA, what to buy?

[rocketupbum]

I have a child free break in Washington dc at the end of the month. I don't want to spend bags of time shopping but I am mildly excited about shopping without a time constraint and a child chewing my leg!
I would love some new/better cosmetics.
Any ideas international crew?

[GrendelsMum]

Don't forget that sales tax is added on at the till, so you will probably pay another 6% on top of the ticket price.

[starfleet]

For cosmetics Sephora is always a good place to start. They do lots of upmarket brands but also their own range which is good. Their nail varnishes are by OPI and cheaper. Duane Reade drugstores are also handy for cheaper items - maybelline mascara etc. Mac is slightly cheaper in the US but not by loads and department stores always seem to have good offers on. Have a good trip!

[Fairypants]

...shamelessly listening in for own trip next week...

[hermioneweasley]

Levi's, J Crew, Old Navy, browse in Macy's, bath and body works, Victoria secret. Finish off with flavours of m&ms you can't get here. Done.

[hermioneweasley]

Have you done your ESTA?

Also lots of small bills required for constant tipping.

[rocketupbum]

Thanks for all those tips o far.
Just getting the paperwork done, only booked flights at the back end of last week!
Yes good point about tipping everyone that moves.

[TastesLikePanda]

Burts bees stuff is way cheaper in the states than here, if you like it.

[GrendelsMum]

They've recently made heavy cuts to the number of staff in immigration at US airports, so you can be unfortunate and hit a time when you have to wait for between one and two hours to get through immigration, without access to seats or water or food. (Quite seriously, I nearly fainted, and there was a very small and British riot at one point.) Just in case, I recommend having a bottle of water, a magazine and an energy bar reserved for going through immigration.